MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11 May 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán Leads Bicameral Opposition to New EPA Rule Along with Senators Blunt Rochester, Booker, and Rep. DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10) led 38 members from both chambers in opposition of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule. The Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention rule would weaken 2024 protections enacted to keep workers, emergency responders, and communities safe from chemical disasters.

“[This] proposal would undo core preventive measures and unnecessarily threaten the lives and health of workers, emergency responders, and fenceline communities, including the one in three children who go to school in a chemical danger zone,” the Members wrote in a letter to Administrator Zeldin. “Recent chemical emergencies and disasters such as the deadly explosions at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma and at Koch foods in Fairfield, Ohio—along with the recent findings of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board—highlight the shortcomings of the proposed rule and demonstrate the risk these rollbacks pose to the workers at RMP facilities and to the communities near them.”

“All communities deserve to live their daily lives free from toxic exposure,” the Members continued. “We call on you to fully implement, not undo, the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule and we look forward to working with you to ensure that the communities we represent, and those across the country, are protected from the danger of chemical disasters by a truly preventative Risk Management Program.”

In addition to Congresswoman Barragán, Senator Blunt Rochester, Senator Booker, and Rep. DeSaulnier, the letter was signed by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), as well as Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-Del.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), Betty McCollum (D-Minn-04), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Madeline Dean (D-Penn.-04), Julia Brownley (D-Calif-26), Dwight Evans (D-Penn.-03), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.-08), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.-04), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07).

The full text of the letter can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11 May 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Nanette Barragán Urges HHS Secretary RFK Jr. to Expand Access to Life-Saving Glucose Monitoring Technology

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) called on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to take immediate action and work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for the millions of Americans living with diabetes.

In a letter sent following Secretary Kennedy’s testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, Rep. Barragán highlighted how current policies limit coverage for glucose monitors for millions of seniors and vulnerable populations across the country. During the hearing on April 21st, Rep. Barragán had shared her own mother’s experience navigating Medicare and Medicaid, through which access to the glucose monitoring technology was limited until her condition worsened. Currently, Medicare coverage of CGMs is limited to individuals with diabetes who use insulin or individuals who can document severe hypoglycemic events— criteria that exclude the majority of Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes.

“Our healthcare system is failing patients by waiting until it is too late to act,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “We should be investing in prevention, not just treatment. Continuous glucose monitors give patients the ability to manage their health in real time and avoid life-threatening complications. Expanding access to CGMs is a commonsense step that will save lives and reduce long-term health care costs. I thank Secretary Kennedy for his willingness to work with Congress and solve this problem. We have the tools and the evidence—now we need the policy to match.”

Diabetes affects more than 38 million Americans, including approximately one in three Medicare beneficiaries, and costs the U.S. healthcare system over $400 billion annually. Individuals with diabetes face medical expenses more than twice as high as those without the condition, largely due to preventable complications. CGMs are a major advancement in diabetes care, which allow patients to track glucose in real time, reduce dangerous hypoglycemic events, and lowers hospitalizations and emergency room visits—key drivers of Medicare spending.

In her letter, Rep. Barragán called on HHS and CMS to:

• Use its existing regulatory authority to expand Medicare coverage of CGMs to all beneficiaries with diabetes; and
• Provide a detailed update on steps being taken to improve access to glucose monitoring technologies for Medicare and Medicaid patients.

To view the full letter, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 May 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán Holds Community Conversation to Talk About Trump and Republicans’ Harmful Policies 

San Pedro, CA –Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) hosted over 250 constituents at a community conversation in direct response to Trump and Republicans’ harmful policies. Constituents gathered from neighborhoods all over the district, including San Pedro, Wilmington, Long Beach, Carson, Harbor City, and Harbor Gateway. Rep. Barragán took questions, listened to their concerns, and talked about how House Democrats are fighting for Americans in Washington. 

The Congresswoman shared how House Democrats are fighting to lower costs for working families, even as Trump and Republicans made billions of dollars in cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, Americans continue to have to pay Trump’s tariffs, and Trump’s reckless war of choice in Iran hikes up the cost of gas. She also provided updates on the controversial FISA surveillance bill, Republicans’ attempts to give ICE and Border Patrol another $70 billion to continue terrorizing communities, and the redistricting challenges triggered by the Supreme Court’s recent weakening of the Voting Rights Act. 

“Community conversations like today are more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “When Trump and Republicans are doing everything they can to silence people’s voices, make life more expensive, take their hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and brutalize their loved ones, our community needs to come together to learn how their representatives in Congress are fighting for them. And it’s the job of those of us in Congress to listen to their fears and worries so we know exactly what and how to fight for what they need, when we go up against the Administration.” 

For footage of the event and photos: 

ALBUM 1: HERE

ALBUM 2: HERE

FOOTAGE: HERE

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington D.C. (May 22, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following the introduction of H.Res. 1314: America 250 Commemorative Flag Act. This Act would allow the 250 commemorative flag to fly on all federal buildings, along with our official U.S. flag and the POW/MIA flag.

“As the United States celebrates our Semiquincentennial, officially recognizing the America 250 ‘Betsy Ross’ flag would publicly honor the courage and sacrifice of our founding, and remind all Americans of the principles upon which our Republic was built. Displaying this historic flag across federal properties would serve as a lasting tribute to our nation’s heritage and reaffirm our shared commitment to preserving the ideals of freedom, unity, and self-governance for generations to come.”

Original Co-Sponsor Support:
“This year, we honor 250 years of freedom and independence preserved by millions of patriots and by the sacrifices they made to protect our liberties. Our flag represents far more than our united nation. It stands as a symbol of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that built this country and defended our freedoms for generations.  As a veteran myself, I am proud to support this legislation recognizing the America 250 Flag as an official flag of the United States.” – Congressman Clay Fuller (R-GA)

“America’s strength has always come from our commitment to freedom, self-government, and the constitutional principles that make this nation exceptional. The American flag reflects that legacy and the sacrifice of generations who defended it. I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution recognizing the America 250 flag as we commemorate this historic milestone.” – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY)

“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we honor the generations of Americans who sacrificed to build, protect, and strengthen our democracy,” said Congressman Suozzi (D-NY). “Our flag has always stood as a symbol of freedom and opportunity, not just here at home, but around the world. At a time when our nation can feel deeply divided, this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our shared values, recommit ourselves to the Constitution and the rule of law, and remember that there is more that unites us than divides us.”

“I’m proud to support Congressman Loudermilk’s resolution to allow for the historic America 250 ‘Betsy Ross’ flag to fly over every federal building for the remainder of 2026,” said Congressman Nehls (R-TX). “This flag will serve as a beautiful reminder for every American of the principles that our nation was built on and pay tribute to the freedoms we all enjoy today.”

Dan Newhouse [R-WA], Pat Harrigan [R-NC], Michael Lawler [R-NY], Brian Babin [R-TX], Ryan K. Zinke [R-MT], John R. Carter [R-TX], Earl L. “Buddy” Carter [R-GA], Ralph Norman [R-SC], Andy Biggs [R-AZ], Randy K. Weber Sr. [R-TX], Scott Fitzgerald [R-WI], Mike Collins [R-GA], Michael K. Simpson [R-ID], Pete Sessions [R-TX], Michael Cloud [R-TX], Mark Harris [R-NC], W. Gregory Steube [R-FL], Juan Vargas [D-CA], Gary J. Palmer [R-AL], David P. Joyce [R-OH], H. Morgan Griffith [R-VA], Sheri Biggs [R-SC], Marlin A. Stutzman [R-IN], Guy Reschenthaler [R-PA]

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Announces HHS Grants Worth $6.65 Million to SWVA Health Centers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), alongside Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), today introduced a House resolution condemning President Trump’s April 22 Truth Social amplification of a racist post by radio host Michael Savage attacking birthright citizenship. The post used derogatory language about India and China, questioned immigrants’ loyalty, and trafficked in harmful stereotypes targeting Indian Americans and Chinese Americans. The resolution also reaffirms that immigrants of all backgrounds are vital to the strength and future of the United States. The resolution comes amid rising anti-Asian hate and follows growing concern from civil rights advocates that rhetoric targeting people based on national origin or ethnicity reinforces harmful stereotypes and fuels discrimination and violence. The resolution is also cosponsored by Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA).

“When President Trump amplifies racist rhetoric targeting Indian Americans and Chinese Americans, it sends a dangerous message at a time when both communities already face hate and discrimination. The President of the United States should be condemning racism, not fueling it,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “For generations, Indian Americans and Chinese Americans have strengthened our communities, grown our economy, served our nation in uniform, and helped carry forward the promise of America. The President of the United States should honor those contributions and recognize that the people he demonized are every bit as American as he is.”

“From the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II to a sitting president amplifying claims that Indian and Chinese immigrants have ‘no loyalty’ to this country, the message has too often been the same: Asian Americans have been treated as perpetual foreigners, no matter where we were born, how long we’ve lived here, or how deeply we’ve contributed to this nation,” said Rep. Ted Lieu. “I came to the United States when I was three years old and have dedicated my life to serving my community and my country. Racist, xenophobic rhetoric has no place in America. Immigrants strengthen this nation every single day, and no amount of hateful rhetoric from a racist president will ever change that.”

“Trump, his administration, and Republicans in Congress have turned towards racism and xenophobia as a distraction from the fact that they are failing Americans, who cannot afford to put gas in their cars or food on their tables,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Disgusting, hateful rhetoric like this being promoted by the President of the United States will only add fuel to the fire as anti-Asian hate is already on the rise.”

The resolution condemns racist language targeting Indian Americans and Chinese Americans, calls on elected officials to reject rhetoric rooted in racial and ethnic stereotypes, reaffirms that attacks based on national origin or ethnicity are un-American, and affirms that immigrants are essential to the fabric of the United States. It is endorsed by organizations including STOP AAPI Hate, Chinese for Affirmative Action, South Asian Network, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. 

“For more than five decades, our organization has worked to protect and advance the civil rights of Chinese Americans and all Asian Americans. We know from our history that words matter. Language that demeans entire nationalities and communities fuels prejudice, discrimination, and violence,” said Vincent Pan, Co-Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action. “We condemn this racist rhetoric and reaffirm that birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our democracy.” 

“Anti-Asian hate-filled rhetoric has become a national pastime of President Trump. His ongoing racist tirade against Indian and Chinese Americans must stop now before more innocent people lose their lives,” said Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of South Asian Network. “South Asian Network calls on congressional leaders to support the House resolution condemning the President’s blatant racism toward Indian and Chinese Americans.” 

“We applaud this resolution for unequivocally condemning racist rhetoric targeting Asian American communities. At a time when hateful speech continues to fuel real-world harm, it is critical that our leaders speak out clearly and hold the line against discrimination in all forms,” said Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Director of Anti-Hate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. “We are proud to support this effort and stand ready to work with Congress to advance policies that protect our communities and uphold our shared values.”

“The U.S. is home to 24 million Asian Americans. When President Trump uses his platform to attack birthright citizenship, he sends a clear message: that our communities are perpetual foreigners who do not belong in his vision of America,” said Cynthia Choi, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate. “And when he singles out Chinese and Indian immigrants, he puts all Asian Americans at risk regardless of immigration status. Make no mistake, this is not about national security. It’s not about policy at all. It’s racism and xenophobia masquerading as law, and we refuse to let it stand.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC), is hailing House passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, H.R. 6047. Vice Chairman Amata is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, one of the 12 Members working together at introduction in December, followed by Committee passage in February. The bill must also be passed by the U.S. Senate to be signed into law.

Vice Chairman Amata  discussing Veterans’ issues in 2025 with VA Secretary Collins, HVAC Chairman Bost and other key Members

This legislation would increase the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly compensation benefit for service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans as well as the surviving family of 100% disabled or deceased veterans. This tax-free benefit, support for the loved ones for the loss of their disabled veteran, has not been increased in decades.

“This bill affects hundreds of thousands of our veterans’ families, including many of those most in need or who sacrificed the most,” said Vice Chairman Amata. “It is important in recognizing these veterans’ sacrifice, thanking Gold Star families, and showing honor to all who served.” 

The House-passed bill would make two key changes. It increases VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit, which currently provides $1,650 per month, by an additional 1 percent each year on top of inflation for the next five years — helping over 500,000 veterans’ families with their living expenses.

Secondly, the bill would also significantly raise the monthly benefits rate for catastrophically service-connected disabled veterans with a traumatic brain injury or other severe disabilities that require regular, round the clock, in-home medical care, offering an additional $10,000 annually to over 7,000 veterans requiring in-home care. This is the first significant increase for this cohort of veterans in decades, despite their great sacrifice. 

H.R. 6047 is supported by the two people for whom it is named: Sharri Briley, the surviving spouse of Army veteran CW3 Donovan ‘Bull’ Briley; and catastrophically disabled Army veteran, Sergeant Eric Edmundson.

Sharri Briley is the surviving spouse of CWO3 Donovan Lee ‘Bull’ Briley, an Army Special Operations Blackhawk helicopter pilot who tragically lost his life in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent (commonly known as the Black Hawk Down incident) in 1993. 

Army veteran Sergeant Eric Edmundson’s Humvee was hit by an IED on October 2, 2005, in Iraq. He sustained lifechanging injuries, including an anoxic brain injury, which changed the course of his life by ending his ability to speak or walk. Despite these challenges, Eric continues to lead a full life through enhanced medical technology and therapy. 

H.R. 6047 has widespread support from numerous veteran service organizations (VSOs) including the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart USA, Independence Fund, National Military Family Association, Gold Star Wives, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Quality of Life Foundation, and Veterans MS Alliance.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), alongside Reps. Mike Thompson, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (CA-04), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02), introduced the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act, legislation to stop the United States Postal Service from moving forward with a proposed rule to expand handgun shipments through the mail.

“Michigan families are tired of watching Washington move in the wrong direction on gun safety,” said Rep. Stevens. “The last thing we should be doing is making it easier for handguns to move through the mail. My bill draws a clear line: no backdoor expansion of handgun access through USPS. From Oakland County to communities across our state, Michiganders want common-sense safeguards that protect public safety. Allowing anyone to ship handguns by mail creates unnecessary risks for postal workers, law enforcement, and families.”

“Reversing a sensible 99-year-old law against mailing handguns is flat out dangerous,” said Rep. Thompson. “Families, postal workers, and law enforcement want more safety measures in place, not fewer. Instead of focusing on lowering costs or protecting our democracy, Republicans are carrying out the whims of the gun lobby and reversing popular safety measures at the cost of Americans’ lives.”

“The mail is how families receive medicine, paychecks, birthday cards, and ballots. By dismantling nearly a century of public safety protections, USPS risks opening a dangerous pipeline for illegal handgun trafficking that threatens law enforcement, postal workers, and families across the country,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Hawaiʻi, like many states, is already seeing rising gun violence tied to untraceable and unregistered firearms, and the cost is measured in lives cut short and families forever changed. I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Representatives Stevens and Thompson because we must not allow the Postal Service to become a backdoor for deadly weapons to flood our communities.”

Current federal law generally prohibits private individuals from mailing handguns through USPS, with narrow exceptions for licensed dealers and government entities. But under the Trump Administration’s proposal, USPS is cracking open the door to allow anyone with access to a mailbox to send and receive handguns through the mail. No background checks, no recordkeeping, and no involvement by a licensed dealer.

Stevens’ legislation would stop the Trump proposal and preserve longstanding federal law regarding mail access for handguns.

The Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act:

• Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the proposed rule “Revised Mailing Standards for Firearms,” published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2026 (91 Fed. Reg. 16601).
• Blocks any substantially similar rule, preventing USPS from reissuing the proposal under a different title or with cosmetic changes.
• Preserves 18 U.S.C. § 1715 as the operative federal law governing handgun mailing restrictions.
• Protects state background check laws by preventing unsupervised private handgun transfers through the mail.

This bill is endorsed by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety, Newtown Action Alliance, the Community Justice Action Fund, and the League of Women Voters of the United States.

“The proposed rule that would allow the private mailing of firearms through the Postal Service is a recipe for disaster. This attempt by the Trump Administration would weaken our background check system, endanger USPS workers, and interfere with gun tracing for violent crimes,” said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government and Political Affairs at Giffords. “ This administration’s goal is to cozy up to the gun lobby and neglect public safety. We want to thank Rep. Stevens for swiftly fighting back against this rule, and urge all members to join her in this fight.”

“America’s USPS postal workers provide an essential service transporting goods to households across the nation, but they are not properly equipped to handle and transport handguns across the country,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “The Trump administration’s proposal allowing individuals to mail handguns through USPS will undermine state law and create dangerous opportunities for gun theft and trafficking, jeopardizing Americans’ safety. Brady thanks Representatives Haley Stevens and Mike Thompson for introducing this legislation and standing up for America’s postal workers and public safety.”

The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-6), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (C0-7), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-7), and Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26).

The bill continues Stevens’ efforts to strengthen public safety and keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) recently marked the 5,000th completed constituent case since entering Congress, showing how intentional and effective his office has been throughout his five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

One of the primary responsibilities of a Member of Congress is to assist constituents with issues they have with the federal government. Members of Congress routinely help to clear away the bureaucracy with federal agencies, obtaining answers for constituents when they appear to reach dead ends. While congressional inquiries do not always yield positive results for constituents, these cases often receive favorable outcomes.

“Since I took office, my team and I have embraced the importance of serving the men and women of our district,”said Congressman Biggs. “Every day, we walk into the office with a mindset to serve and to help our constituents receive answers when they have questions or issues with a federal agency. I am grateful for the members of my team (especially in the District Office), who are dedicated to helping me achieve this purpose. We are thankful and honored to serve the great people of Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District.”

One of these cases occurred when a constituent recently contacted Congressman Biggs’s office for assistance with his daughter’s immigration visa application. After Team Biggs worked with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the man’s daughter had her embassy interview scheduled in short order. When he received the positive news, the dad said, “As a father, the joy and relief I feel at the opportunity to reunify with my minor daughter is beyond words. I will forever speak of the importance of the work you do as the Congressman for Arizona, and I will encourage others facing difficult circumstances to reach out to your esteemed office for guidance and support.”

Since Congressman Biggs first took office in January 2017, his office has helped recover more than $10 million for constituents of Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District.

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