Pappas, Mann Introduce Bipartisan Distracted Driving Awareness Month Resolution

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April 2026 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Each year, over 3,000 people are killed in crashes involving distracted driving.

“Distracted driving kills over 3,000 people every year, and injures more than 300,000. These losses are preventable, and it’s up to all of us to make sure everyone traveling on our roads makes it to their destination safely,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Mann to mark Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and our resolution is a reminder that when we get behind the wheel, the only thing that deserves our full attention is the road.”

“Distracted driving is one of the most preventable dangers on our roads, yet it continues to take thousands of lives every year,” said Congressman Mann. “In the Big First District, with almost 84,000 miles of roadway, car travel is a part of our daily life. This resolution recognizes the work of law enforcement and transportation leaders while making clear that more must be done to keep drivers focused and families safe. Every time someone picks up their phone behind the wheel or becomes inattentive, they are putting lives at risk. This month and every month, we must recommit to keeping our eyes on the road and protecting our communities.”

Click here for the text of the resolution.

This resolution is supported by Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), LifeSaver Mobile, MADD, National Safety Council, Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment (SAFE), and stopdistractions.org. 

“Whether it’s a phone in hand or alcohol in the system, distraction behind the wheel leads to the same tragic outcome: preventable crashes,” said Brandy Nannini, board member of SAFE (Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment). “This Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a timely call to action for policymakers and motorists alike to eradicate all forms of dangerous distraction, including those caused by alcohol impairment.”

“Distracted driving is one of the most persistent and preventable threats on our roadways, taking an average of nine lives each day in 2024,” said Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council. “This month, and every month, NSC calls on all drivers to just drive — by making distraction-free driving the norm, not the exception.” 

“GHSA commends Congressman Mann for recognizing April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and for shining a much-needed spotlight on one of the most pervasive and preventable threats on our roads,” said Jonathan Adkins, CEO of GHSA. “Distracted driving claims thousands of lives each year and forever changes countless families. This resolution reinforces an urgent need to change driver behavior, strengthen education and enforcement, and remind every road user that attention behind the wheel saves lives.”

“Distracted driving remains one of the most preventable causes of roadway fatalities in the United States,” said Ted Chen, Co-Founder & CEO of LifeSaver Mobile. “As Congress recognizes Distracted Driving Awareness Month, LifeSaver Mobile supports practical, technology-driven solutions that help drivers stay focused and save lives, even as constant mobile notifications increasingly compete for drivers’ attention behind the wheel.”

Congressman Biggs Votes to Again Restore DHS Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) voted on a continuing resolution to restore funding to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for sixty days. The vote marked the fourth time the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a funding package for DHS.

Congressman Biggs issued the following statement: 

“In the middle of last night, the U.S. Senate cowered to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by passing a woefully inadequate resolution to restore funding to parts of DHS, which effectively defunded Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This package inexplicably withheld funding for operations combating child and sex trafficking, and it lacked funding for CBP agents and thousands of ICE staff.

“While I could take the easy way out and vote to fund most of DHS and hope everything turns out alright, that’s not what I came to Washington, D.C. to do. I will not allow my friends in CBP and ICE to wonder where their future payments might be, while the Members of Congress playing these political games receive theirs. These men and women on the front lines of our border and immigration enforcement deserve much more commitment and backing from their elected representatives. That is why I have voted for the fourth time to fund DHS- all of it. As part of the solution, President Trump has made sure TSA agents will be paid until the Democrats come to their senses and join us in fully funding DHS.

“The House has done its job. Now, the Senate must return to fulfill its responsibility.”

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Dingell, Simon, Pettersen Introduce Resolution Marking Care Workers Recognition Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, the Democratic Women’s Caucus Caregiving Task Force co-chairs Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced a resolution establishing April as Care Workers Recognition Month to honor the roles and contributions of care workers. 

“Caregiving is a core part of our economy,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “But we have a caregiving crisis in this country with millions on waiting lists to get the care they need, and an increasing number of people unable to afford it. And those who work as caregivers are not being paid fairly for their critical role. That is why it is important to recognize and honor care workers and the crucial work they do, because caregiving makes all other work is possible. When your loved ones are cared for, you can focus on the job that has to be done.”

“Care workers are the backbone of our nation, our economy, and our future. For FAR too long, they have been under recognized, undervalued, underpaid, underappreciated — the list goes on. That’s why my fellow Democratic Women’s Caucus Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs and I are joining together to introduce a Congressional resolution that recognizes April as Care Worker Month,” said Congresswoman Simon. “This is just a first step towards recognizing the importance of care workers and building a new world that properly values, gives dignity to, and adequately supports and protects care workers.”

“Our caregivers do some of the most important but underappreciated work in our country – everything from cooking meals, to providing early childhood enrichment programs, administering medications, paying bills, and driving loved ones to frequent medical appointments. But that care can take a toll. That is why I am joining my colleagues to introduce this resolution recognizing Care Worker Month, because recognition is a small first step we can take to make sure they get the appreciation they deserve. Recognition alone doesn’t pay the bills or lower costs — we have to keep working to ensure every caregiver can access the resources and the real support they need,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. 

In December, Dingell, Simon, and Petterson launched the Democratic Women’s Caucus Caregiving Task Force to address problems in the caregiving economy and protect and strengthen America’s care economy by advancing policies that uplift caregivers, those they care for, and their families.  

Dingell has long been a leader in Congress on expanding access to care for the elderly and the disability community, supporting the caregiving workforce, and investing in the care economy. She introduced the Better Care Better Jobs Act and HCBS Access Act to enhance federal funding for home care, strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for patients, provide respite for family caregivers, and create good-paying jobs. 

View the full text of the Care Worker Recognition Month resolution HERE.

Dingell, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve ICU Capacity and Patient Outcomes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce delays in care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen coordination between hospitals by requiring real-time reporting of intensive care unit (ICU) bed availability. 

The Improving Care Utilization Through Bed Exchange and Data Sharing Act of 2026, or ICU Bed Act of 2026 modernizes how hospitals share critical capacity data and coordinate patient care across regions, ensuring that no available ICU bed goes unseen when a patient is in need. 

“Better communication leads to better care, and that is why I am proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to improve patient outcomes,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “If you need to go to the ICU, you want to know if there will be a bed waiting for you when life and death can be a matter of minutes or miles. Every person has a role to play in supporting their own health, but this legislation ensures hospitals are playing their part by strengthening communications regarding their ICU capacity.”

“Patients shouldn’t face delays in critical care because hospitals can’t see available ICU beds just miles away, said Congressman. Obernolte. “We saw during COVID what happens when hospitals are operating in the dark. In rural communities especially, where hospitals are often many miles apart, coordination can mean the difference between life and death. This bill improves transparency, strengthens coordination, and helps ensure every patient gets timely, life-saving care.” 

At the height of the pandemic, hospitals across the country were pushed to their limits. In many cases, families and doctors were left calling hospital after hospital, searching for an available ICU bed while precious time slipped away. In some regions, facilities were completely overwhelmed, while others just miles away still had capacity but no reliable way to share that information in real time. 

Hospitals continue to face challenges managing ICU capacity during periods of high demand, whether from public health emergencies or seasonal surges. Without real-time visibility into available beds, critically ill patients can experience life threatening delays, and hospitals are left relying on outdated or manual processes to coordinate transfers. 

Specifically, the legislation requires the Department of Health & Human Services to build a platform that:

  • Requires hospitals participating in Medicare to report ICU bed availability in real time

  • Establishes regional data sharing systems so hospitals can view capacity across nearby facilities

  • Requires hospitals to develop coordinated strategies to facilitate timely patient transfers when facilities approach or reach capacity

This issue is especially urgent in rural communities, where long distances and limited resources can make access to care even more difficult. By improving coordination and transparency, this legislation helps ensure that patients, no matter where they live, can access the critical care they need when they need it most.

Rep. Garamendi, Wilson Introduce Bill to Strengthen America’s Transit Workforce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, joined Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) to introduce the Transit Workforce Development Act, a bill to expand workforce training and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the nation’s public transportation systems.  

The bill amends federal transit law to allow a greater portion of existing bus and bus facility grants to be used for workforce development, including training programs, registered apprenticeships, and labor-management partnerships.  

“For too long, our federal transit programs have treated workforce development as an afterthought when in reality, transit workers are the backbone of the system,” said Rep. Garamendi. “This legislation will help transit agencies build up a highly, skilled workforce to operate and maintain the next generation of transit. I’m grateful for Rep. Wilson’s leadership on this issue.” 

“Our transit systems cannot run without the people who power them,” said Rep. Frederica S. Wilson. “We are facing a workforce crisis. Experienced workers are retiring, technology is rapidly changing the job, and too many agencies do not have the resources to train the next generation. This bill is about investing in people, creating real career pathways, and making sure our transit workforce is ready for the future.”  

Public transportation agencies across the country are confronting significant workforce shortages, compounded by rapid technological changes such as the transition to zero-emission buses. These advancements require new technical skills, including expertise in high-voltage systems, electronic diagnostics, and advanced safety procedures. However, current training programs remain limited and underfunded.  

“Today’s transit buses are way different under the hood compared to twenty or even ten years ago. Battery electric buses require a different set of skills to not only repair and maintain, but to operate. Our Union has been a leader in developing transit workforce development programs to train our members with the skills and knowledge to have successful careers in public transit,” said John Costa, President of Amalgamated Transit Union International. “We commend Representative Wilson and the other 19 Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for introducing the Transit Workforce Development Act.  It is long overdue!”     

“Public transit is a service that so many working families rely on, and it is crucial that we are investing in the workforce training needed to keep these systems safe and reliable as transit vehicle technology advances,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “TTD strongly supports the Transit Workforce Development Act because it will help to solve some of the current challenges facing transit systems, and promote job quality, retention, and recruitment in the industry.”    

The Transit Workforce Development Act addresses these challenges by:  

The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  

Cosponsors of the bill also include Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Dina Titus (NV-01).  

View the full bill text here.  

View the bill summary here.  

Rep. Ro Khanna reintroduces Gasoline Export Ban Act prohibiting the exportation of gasoline while gasoline prices are high

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Today, Representative Ro Khanna reintroduced the Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026 to prohibit the exportation of gasoline during periods of high gasoline prices. The export ban begins when the average price for gasoline in the United States has been equal to or higher than $3.12 per gallon for seven consecutive days and would lower costs at the pump for struggling Americans.  

This legislation comes as Trump’s illegal and immoral war in Iran drives the U.S. average gas price to over $4 per gallona more than $1 increase over the past two months. The bill would quickly issue relief to the 69% of Americans who are concerned about higher gas prices as Trump continues to execute reckless foreign policy. 

“As the Trump administration continues to betray Americans and extend the war with Iran, Congress needs to step in and put the interests of our hard-working constituents first. I’m proud to re-introduce the Gasoline Export Ban of 2026 and take action to lower gas prices and put America first,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“As Trump-inspired chaos in the Middle East only deepens, America families are being fleeced at the pump by opportunistic oil companies seeking to boost domestic gasoline prices and keep them inflated indefinitely,” said Mitch Jones, managing director of policy and litigation at Food & Water Watch. “Rep. Khanna’s smart legislation to halt gasoline exports is suddenly more important than ever, as it would provide quick, substantive relief for everyday Americans who have been struggling with economy-wide inflation for years.”

Read the full text of the legislation here.

The bill seeks to:

  •  Ban the export of gasoline beginning on any day on which the average price for gasoline in the United States has been equal to or higher than $3.12 per gallon for each of the preceding 7 days.
  • End the export ban on the next day on which the average price for gasoline in the United States has been less than $3.12 per gallon for each of the preceding 7 days.

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DelBene, Steube Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employee Benefit Flexibility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Greg Steube (FL-17) introduced the Optimizing Participant Tax Incentives through Optional Noncash Selections (OPTIONS) Act, bipartisan legislation that would clarify existing gaps in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) rules governing employer contributions to employee benefit plans. 

In May 2024, the IRS allowed a single employer to implement a flexible benefits program allocating contributions to employee retirement accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and educational assistance programs. While this was a positive step, the fact that it granted unique permission for one specific employer has created uncertainty for others interested in adopting a similar flexible benefit package for their employees. The OPTIONS Act resolves this problem, extending the flexible benefits model to all employers. 

“Workers want more flexibility in their financial planning, but employer contributions are mostly limited to retirement accounts currently. With many employees wanting to prioritize student loans and health care bills, this legislation would let them direct their employer contributions to these needs. This commonsense bipartisan bill would give workers more options while ensuring those focused on retirement can continue to save,” said DelBene.

“American workers deserve more freedom and true financial security when it comes to their benefits,” said Steube. “Unfortunately, ongoing confusion and inconsistencies with IRS rules governing employer contributions to benefit plans have shortchanged millions of Americans of potential savings. That is why I am introducing the OPTIONS Act to ensure workers have more choices and better benefits at the workplace.” 

“American workers don’t all face the same financial challenges, so their benefits shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all,” said American Retirement Association (ARA) CEO Brian Graff. “The OPTIONS Act is a smart, forward-looking solution that empowers employees to direct employer contributions where they need them most, whether that’s retirement savings, healthcare, or paying down student debt. ARA applauds Representatives Steube and DelBene for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation, which strengthens financial security while preserving the integrity of our employer-sponsored system.”

Read the full bill text here.

Bennet, Crow Recognize 10th Anniversary of Columbine Day of Service, Remember Victims of Columbine High School Shooting

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

WASHINGTON — Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) have introduced a congressional resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service and remembering the victims of the Columbine High School shooting twenty-seven years ago. 

On the annual Columbine Day of Service, Americans are encouraged to honor and remember the lives lost at Columbine High School by doing good and giving back to their communities. In 2024, over 1,600 participants across six states and ten countries participated in sixty projects to better their communities.  

“Twenty-seven years ago, young lives were taken at Columbine High School and Colorado was forever changed,” said Senator Bennet. “Since then, entire generations have grown up with the fear that a mass shooting could touch their own lives. That cannot be our normal. Today is a time to honor those we lost, stand with those whose lives were forever changed, and renew our commitment to preventing such senseless violence across America.”

“April 20th remains a deeply painful day for Coloradans, especially for the community, survivors, and families of those we lost twenty-seven years ago. My heart is with them and every American who’s been impacted by gun violence,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m proud to represent a community that honors this day with service—embodying the best of Colorado and America—and I’m proud to join my friend Senator Michael Bennet in introducing this resolution. Today, Congress recognizes the resilience, strength, and service of Coloradans.”

Senator Bennet and Congressman Crow have consistently fought for lifesaving measures to end gun violence. Both leaders were champions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety reform package in nearly thirty years. Bennet and Crow have called to expand background checks on gun sales to help reduce gun violence across the country. 

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Casten, Castro, Van Hollen, Kaine Demand Transparency from Trump Administration on United States-Venezuela Energy Deal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

April 20, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) are demanding transparency from the Trump Administration on its energy deal with Venezuela, an unprecedented attempt in seizing control of a sovereign nation’s natural resources. The members are pressing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a full audit of this deal.

The lawmakers underscored that President Trump’s executive order gives his administration unprecedented authority over Venezuelan oil supply, writing, “This gives senior Trump Administration officials sweeping discretion over how the Venezuelan oil funds will be spent and it is unclear whether the appropriate anti-corruption and anti-money laundering controls exist to ensure that the funds are not enabling the illicit drug trade and other criminal activities in Venezuela.

The lawmakers criticized the lack of oversight of the deal, writing, “Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that no formal audit agreement was in place, but his agency plans to engage outside auditors to review future payments. This lack of a defined oversight mechanism, combined with the arrangement’s significant scale and its national security and foreign policy implications, warrants independent congressional oversight.”

They concluded by requesting a GAO audit and that the “scope of the review cover both the period of time that the funds were routed to accounts in Qatar, the current arrangement for funds to be routed to U.S. accounts controlled by the Treasury Department, and any other successor mechanism utilized by the Administration to facilitate the sale of Venezuelan oil, custody of these assets, and disbursement of these funds.”

In part, the lawmakers are requesting that the GAO audit include:

  • A full accounting of the agencies, employees, and contractors involved in the deal.

  • A full account of the financial structure of the arrangement, including how proceeds are dispersed and the financial executives who stand to benefit.

  • Potential areas for fraud, waste, abuse, and conflicts of interest.

Read the full details of the audit and the full letter here.

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Dingell Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Home Dialysis Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

 U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), alongside U.S. Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), introduced legislation to expand Medicare coverage for remote patient monitoring services furnished by nephrologists to individuals with end stage renal disease receiving home dialysis. The bipartisan legislation is called the Keeping Individuals with Dialysis Needs Equipped through Year-round Remote Monitoring Act, known as the KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act.

“Kidney disease remains a serious and widespread health concern across the United States and demands more innovative care solutions,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “This legislation will help patients stay healthier, reduce costly appointments, and ensure they receive the treatment they need at a price they can afford. It will modernize life-saving care and make it more affordable, accessible, and effective.” 

End stage renal disease (ESRD) affects hundreds of thousands of Americans, many of whom manage their condition through home dialysis. Research shows remote patient monitoring (RPM) meaningfully improves outcomes for these patients, including a 45 percent lower rate of all-cause mortality, a 51 percent lower rate of cardiovascular-related deaths, and a 69 percent lower rate of hospitalizations from fluid overload. RPM has also been shown to reduce one to two hospitalizations, and two to five emergency room visits per patient annually, producing roughly $23,000 in cost savings per patient.

Despite these benefits, a Medicare billing quirk discourages nephrologists from using RPM. Cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and other specialists can bill RPM through Medicare Part B for patients with chronic kidney disease. But when their disease progresses and they are diagnosed with ESRD, Medicare folds the cost of RPM into the Monthly Capitation Payment within the ESRD bundle, effectively limiting access to this technology. The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act corrects this disparity, allowing remote physiologic monitoring ordered by a nephrologist to be reimbursed outside the capitated payment bundle, ensuring better access to remote monitoring for patients with ESRD. 

“Home dialysis patients deserve access to the same tools other Medicare patients already benefit from,” Congressman Yakym said. “Right now, a cardiologist and a nephrologist can order the exact same remote monitoring service for the same patient, but only one of them gets reimbursed fairly for it. The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act is a commonsense fix that removes a bureaucratic barrier and better serves patients.”

“Expanding Medicare coverage for remote patient monitoring will strengthen kidney care to improve patient outcomes,” Congressman Schneider said. I am proud that companies like Vantive Health – headquartered right here in my district – are at the forefront of developing and delivering this cutting-edge remote monitoring technology. The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act will ensure Medicare coverage for device setup, patient education, and the secure transmission of health data to physicians, providing reliable care for patients from the safety and comfort of their homes.”

“As a physician, I’ve seen how early intervention can make all the difference for patients with complex conditions like ESRD,” Congresswoman Miller-Meeks said. “Remote monitoring allows providers to stay connected to patients in real time, improving care and reducing costly complications. This is a commonsense step to modernize care and support patients on home dialysis.”

Bill text can be found HERE.