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

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL), as well as Senators Cramer (R-ND) and Klobuchar (D-MN) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Second Chance Month Resolution. 

“In West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. Recognizing April as Second Chance Month gives hope to those who are reentering the workforce after serving their time incarcerated. When we invest in our communities and put in place resources and support for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities. This resolution will bring more visibility to Second Chance programs that are instrumental in helping people across the nation get back on the right path as they reenter their communities,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“This is a nation of second chances. Offering incarcerated Americans the opportunity to succeed by reducing barriers preventing them from establishing good-paying jobs and earning sought-after respect is a critical key to reducing recidivism rates. By investing in these individuals who have proven to be committed to rectifying their mistakes, we are investing in the future success and safety of our communities. I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize April as Second Chance Month. This piece of legislation champions second chances while highlighting the importance of restoring hope to individuals looking to reintegrate back into their communities with dignity,” said Congressman Westerman.

“There are millions of individuals in our country who have civil and criminal records that serve as barriers to obtaining education, technical skills, training, jobs, and government benefits. Second chances – and especially the Second Chance Act – help to reduce and remove these barriers.  Therefore, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Second Chance Month.  Second Chance Month honors the work of non-profit organizations, faith-based entities, communities, governments, employers, and individuals that help those with records gain the skills, education, and employment needed to thrive, thereby strengthening individuals, rebuilding families, and growing our economy,” said Congressman Davis.

“As Prison Fellowship marks its 50th anniversary, the Second Chance Month resolution reflects our longstanding commitment to justice that restores. We know that when unnecessary barriers to reentry are removed, people are better equipped to succeed, making our neighborhoods safer and stronger for everyone,” said Scott Peyton, Director of Government Affairs for Prison Fellowship.

Read the full resolution text here.

Background:

• This resolution recognizes April as Second Chance Month, raising awareness for unlocking opportunities for successful reentry into society following incarceration that ultimately reduces recidivism rates.
• Millions of American adults with a criminal record face enormous obstacles to successfully re-enter society upon release. When legal and social barriers prohibit a formerly incarcerated person from finding well-paying jobs, this not only negatively impacts them, but also has lasting negative effects for their families. Beyond that, securing gainful employment and being accepted in society has been proven to reduce the likelihood of these individuals returning to prison in the future, ultimately decreasing crime and improving public safety.
• This resolution is supported by Prison Fellowship, American Correctional Association, Brennan Center for Justice, CPAC, Due Process Institute, FAMM, Major County Sheriffs of America, Modern Fortis, National District Attorneys Association, Niskanen Center, Right on Crime, and Unify.US.

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

Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, April 14,  2026, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Joe Courtney (CT-02),Scott Peters (CA-50) along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Corey Booker (D-NJ), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced a Congressional Review Act. Legislation to prevent the executive branch from limiting eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program beyond the statutes that have been outlined by Congress. 

The bill, led by Rep. Courtney, comes amidst efforts from President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to limit PSLF eligibility based on subjective criteria. 

“The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a lifeline for countless Americans who have chosen careers in teaching, nursing, social work, and other vital roles in public service,” said Adams, Ranking Member of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee. “In North Carolina, 1 in every 14 classrooms lacks a teacher with proper licensure and 13 percent of nursing positions sit unfilled. Easing the financial burden of education for these careers is vital. Allowing the Trump Administration to weaponize this program for political purposes is a betrayal of the promise we made to these dedicated workers. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in defending PSLF and ensuring that our public servants receive the loan forgiveness they have earned.”

“The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created in 2007 as a nonpolitical program to lower the cost of college, reward careers in public service ranging from military service, nursing, teaching, and public safety, and help fill critical positions that our communities need. This new rule by President Trump and Secretary of Education McMahon would pick and choose which public servants are eligible for forgiveness based on the Trump Administration’s ideological agenda, which clearly goes against Congressional intent,” said Courtney. “I will continue to fight against the Trump Department of Education’s unlawful degradation of PSLF, and I will continue working to improve this patriotic program so that it lives up to the promise it makes to America’s hardworking public servants.”

“San Diego’s public servants, teachers, nurses, and doctors tirelessly serve our community and rely on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program’s promise that their student loans will eventually be forgiven. The PSLF program was created to reward those who choose to pursue careers in public service, yet the recent changes by the Trump Administration threaten to drive essential public servants out of these lines of work. We should strengthen this program, not undermine it. I am proud to co-lead this effort to protect the PSLF program for current and future public servants,” said Peters.

“Americans benefit from highly qualified teachers, firefighters, nonprofit hospital staff, social workers, and other critical public servants,” said Kaine. “But now the Department of Education wants to turn those incredible people into pawns in the Trump Administration’s ridiculous, politically motivated crusades. That’s unfair to the millions of Americans who have dedicated their careers to serving their fellow citizens and is a direct threat to the quality of the services our communities rely on. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading an effort to protect the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program from needless and dangerous politicization.”

“Student loan forgiveness should not be ripped away from public servants based on the president’s political agenda,” said Gillibrand. “Student borrowers who have chosen to serve their communities in the nonprofit or public sector, often for less pay than they could have otherwise earned, are counting on a promise from their government that their loans will ultimately be forgiven. The Trump administration’s move to retroactively deny student borrowers this benefit is disgraceful. I urge the Department of Education to focus on lowering costs for the constituents we all serve, not furthering Donald Trump’s partisan games.”

“Public Service Loan Forgiveness represents a promise we made to Americans who dedicate their careers to serving others,” said Booker. “Efforts to weaponize that promise for political purposes or to exclude eligible public servants undermines both the integrity of the program and our commitment to public service.”

A brief overview of the PSLF program:

Congress enacted the PSLF program with strong bipartisan support through legislation that was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The Trump Administration’s new rule would undermine the intent of the program. Specifically, the Trump Administration’s changes would:

• Politicize and destabilize the PSLF program, by allowing Secretary McMahon to limit eligibility based on a nonprofit’s mission or perceived ideological alignment, making the program vulnerable to shifting political priorities under any future administration.
• Grant overly broad and subjective discretion to the Department of Education, by permitting disqualification of employers deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose”—an undefined and subjective standard that invites arbitrary and inconsistent enforcement.
• Target marginalized communities and the nonprofits that serve them.
• Discourage public service careers and weaken the nonprofit workforce.

Read the full text of the Congressional Review Act here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF VIOLETTE ROACH BROWNE

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

Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Congresswoman  Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) introduced the Water Access and Affordability Act to establish the first-ever permanent, federal low-income water affordability program in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Access to clean water is a basic human right, but too many families struggle to cover the cost of their water bills,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This legislation provides much-needed support to help meet those basic needs, take on the cost of living crisis, and ensure no family has to go without clean water in their home.”

“Our families can’t live without access to water. We have a federal program for electricity and gas, but no permanent program for water. Millions of our neighbors across our country are having their water shut off simply because they cannot afford the rising bills,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “Safe, accessible, and affordable drinking water is essential to public health, and many water utilities cannot afford to maintain their infrastructure. I am proud to introduce this legislation to create a permanent water affordability program at the EPA.”

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) that Congresswomen Dingell and Tlaib helped establish in 2021 kept people’s water flowing during the pandemic and saved countless lives—but that money has now run out and Congress has failed to appropriate new funding. The federal government must rapidly increase water assistance to households and public water utilities so that every low-income household has the safe, reliable water they need to live and thrive. Thousands of Michigan families depend on water assistance, and thousands more are still waiting for help, as available support falls well short of the need.

The Water Access and Affordability Act amends part of the Safe Drinking Water Act to establish the Low-Income Drinking Water Assistance Program. The program will include drinking water access financial assistance to low-income households, technical assistance for community water systems, and data collection and reporting. $20 billion would be appropriated annually for the next 10 years to carry out the program. The program will promote universal access to drinking water for all low-income households.

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07).

The Water Access and Affordability Act is endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

A full copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) introduced the Concurrent Care for Comfort Act, legislation that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes for Americans on Medicare who receive dialysis treatment.

Currently, Americans living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are not permitted to continue their dialysis treatment under Medicare to enter palliative hospice care. This legislation would amend Medicare policy to allow for Americans to continue their treatment, enter hospice, and be with their family pain-free.

“The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act gives patients greater choice and accessibility to care while they receive their critical dialysis treatments,” said Rep. Kelly. “It’s a practical solution for both patients in what is often one of the most trying times of their life.”

“At the end-of-life, patients with kidney failure often have to choose between hospice care or continuing dialysis, making them half as likely to receive hospice care than patients with other end-stage diagnoses,” said Rep. DelBene. “Hospice care is meant to provide comfort and dignity for people nearing the end of life, but for patients in kidney failure this decision is much more complicated. Our bipartisan bill addresses this issue and ensures patients have access to therapies that improve comfort at the end of life.”

“Medicare patients with ESRD deserve a choice in all aspects of their care, including end-of-life”, said Monica Massaro, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance (NKCA). “NKCA is grateful to Representatives Kelly and DelBene for their leadership in sponsoring the Concurrent Care for Comfort Act, which will provide a dignified end-of-life experience for patients and their families.”

“Puget Sound Kidney Centers commends Representatives Kelly and DelBene for their leadership in introducing The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act,” said Tom DeBord, President & CEO of Puget Sound Kidney Centers. “We urge Congress to pass this important legislation to ensure dialysis patients have the choice to elect hospice with the knowledge that dialysis treatment, not “maintenance dialysis,” will be available as needed to address symptom management and provide comfort as they approach the end of life.”

“Currently, people receiving dialysis care, despite a strong clinical need for hospice, have limited access because they must make the excruciating decision to stop dialysis before they can receive hospice services. In Western Pennsylvania, we have piloted a concurrent hospice and dialysis program for eight years offering more individuals the opportunity to pass away in comfort with their family compared to most Medicare beneficiaries on dialysis. We applaud Rep. Kelly’s leadership on this important issue to allow all individuals on dialysis to make the choice that’s right for them,” said Doug Johnson, MD, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, Dialysis Clinic Inc.

BACKGROUND

The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act would clarify the policy for coverage under the Medicare program for palliative dialysis services, and clarify separate payment for such palliative dialysis services, furnished by renal dialysis facilities and providers of services to certain individuals electing hospice care.

Rep. Kelly is strong advocate on Capitol Hill for kidney and dialysis patients. He leads the RESTORE Act, which ensures that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare.

You can read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – On the 31^st anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:

“On April 19, 1995, the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history took place at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Today marks thirty-one years since that tragic and memorable day. However, even though the time has passed, as Oklahomans, the Oklahoma City bombing will forever be imprinted in our minds and hearts,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today, we first remember and grieve the 168 innocent lives that were cut short on that dark day. I will never forget the heartbreak, grief, and distress I felt as I witnessed mothers, fathers, children, and friends watch their loved ones be brutally taken from them,” said Congressman Cole.

“I will also never forget the way Oklahoma responded to such a tragedy. After being rattled and thrown onto the world stage without any warning, we could have panicked. Yet, we didn’t. Instead, our state responded strongly, quickly, and empathetically. To this day, I can truly say this is one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Oklahoman,” said Congressman Cole.

“In conclusion, today, on the 31^st anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, let us take the time to mourn the lives that were prematurely taken, grieve with those who lost a loved one that day, and thank our first responders and governing officials like Governor and First Lady Frank and Cathy Keating, Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, and Congressman Frank Lucas who responded with courage. We must ensure they are not forgotten,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Following Iran’s latest closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s illegal war is making us weaker and more vulnerable to our adversaries. Because of his reckless, unauthorized escalation, Iran can now open and close the Strait of Hormuz at will—rattling global markets and exposing how much damage a single chokepoint can do to our economy. His threats have escalated a crisis he has no plan to end. These erratic moves raise serious questions about insider trading—and whether profiteering is influencing decision-making inside the Trump Administration. We are worse off today than when this war started. The Trump Administration must negotiate an end to this war now.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.- This month, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) co-led a letter with Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09) to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, urging the release of federal funds from the Bureau of Reclamation to address the ongoing drought across the Colorado River Basin (Basin).

In 2022, Congress secured $4 billion in funding through fiscal year 2026 to support drought mitigation efforts in the Reclamation states and territories with priority given to Basin states. The release of these funds would help address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River, including expanded capacity at the Yuma Desalting Plant, long-term investments adding water to the Basin system, and vital resources to Lakes Mead and Powell for American energy requirements.

“One of the most critical issues Arizona faces is the future allocation of water from the Colorado River,” said Congressman Biggs. “Arizona stakeholders have long been leaders in conserving and managing their water allotments, and they are counting on these dollars to maintain our national-security and food-security industries. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support from Congressman Stanton for this effort, as we advocate for our constituents in our great state.” 

Read the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

This week, I was proud to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that recognizes April as Second Chance Month. This resolution raises awareness for unlocking opportunities for successful reentry into society following incarceration that ultimately reduces recidivism rates.

Arkansas’ ranking as the third highest for recidivism rates in the nation highlights the need for us to look at opportunities to enact real change and ultimately create a more prosperous future for our state. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, forty-six percent of those released from prison in the state are readmitted within three years.

Offering incarcerated Arkansans the opportunity to succeed by reducing the barriers that keep them from establishing good-paying jobs and earning sought-after respect after being released is proven to be a critical key to reducing recidivism rates. Investing in these individuals who have proven to be committed to rectifying their mistakes is ultimately an investment in the future success and safety of our communities.

While the true hope is that crimes are not committed, it remains an unfortunate reality. Over twenty years ago in his State of the Union Speech, President George W. Bush said, “We know from long experience that if [incarcerated individuals] can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison…. America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”

The United States of America stands apart from the rest of the world. Other countries and nations have centuries of history and stories to tell. But we are a young nation – only 250 years old – so what makes us so revered by the world?

There are many ways to answer this question, but there is one constant theme that has been woven like a thread into the fabric of our nation’s history: the hope of a second chance. The dream of starting over and building a new life that isn’t weighed down by past mistakes. We know this to be called the “American Dream.”

A concept first penned by James Truslow Adams in 1931, the term was described as, “not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”

We are the living legacies of men and women who desired a second chance and the opportunity to experience the American Dream. Because of that, giving a second chance to those who are committed to reconciling with society and looking to contribute positively to their communities after serving their sentence is one of the most American things we can do.

It’s a privilege to work in Congress on efforts that truly lead to the betterment of our communities. Getting down to the root of the issue and learning how we can apply real opportunities for real change is a great honor that I look forward to continuing to work toward.