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

EVANSTON, IL — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined leaders from the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, along with local teachers and parents, to highlight the impact of the Trump administration’s blanket freeze of federal child care and family support funding and to announce the Kids Before Cuts Act, legislation to end the freeze and prevent any administration from unilaterally withholding congressionally approved funding. The event featured remarks from Stephen Vick, Executive Director of the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston; Pamela Staples, Senior Director of the organization; and local parents and educators whose families and classrooms depend on these programs.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration froze $10 billion in funding for programs that support low-income families, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and the Social Services Block Grant. In Illinois alone, the freeze threatens access to child care assistance for approximately 100,000 families and more than 150,000 children.

“This freeze is already hurting kids and families here in Illinois,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “When child care disappears, parents can’t work and families fall behind. I know how much programs like these matter because my own family relied on them when my dad lost his job. Cutting off this funding without evidence isn’t oversight. It’s punishing families who are doing their best. That’s why I’m introducing the Kids Before Cuts Act, to make sure no president can pull the rug out from under children and working families.”

Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services has provided evidence of widespread fraud in Illinois to justify the funding freeze. Illinois maintains established oversight, auditing, and compliance systems to ensure responsible use of federal funds.

The Kids Before Cuts Act would prohibit the withholding of federal funds for TANF, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and the Social Services Block Grant without explicit authorization from Congress, reaffirming congressional authority over federal spending and protecting children and families from unilateral executive action.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement in response to a shooting in Portland involving federal immigration enforcement personnel:

“Only a day after the shooting in South Minneapolis, the country saw another incident tied to DHS’s militarized immigration enforcement in Portland—underscoring a dangerous national pattern. In Chicago, operations like the so-called ‘Midway Blitz’ have already shown how these tactics escalate risk and erode trust in our communities. Secretary Kristi Noem and the Trump administration must fully account for why this approach continues and how it is putting civilians in harm’s way. I will use my position on the Oversight Committee to demand accountability, transparency, and testimony from Secretary Noem for the abuse and misconduct that have flourished on her watch.”

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) voted this evening to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits and spoke on the House floor about the immediate harm Illinois families are facing after the credits expired. During debate, Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlighted the story of a Chicago constituent confronting an impossible choice:

“I met Shadene Butchart in Chicago. She has ALS. Because the ACA tax credits have expired, her health insurance premium consumes the entirety of her husband’s Social Security check. She will not be able to afford any health insurance to cover this incredibly distressing disease. I rise strongly in support, and I urge my colleagues to support as well.”

More than 550,000 Illinois residents relied on ACA marketplace coverage last year, with Cook County accounting for over 360,000 enrollees, nearly 90 percent of whom receive premium tax credits. The congressman warned that without action, average monthly premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, putting coverage out of reach for many families. Congressman Krishnamoorthi now urges the Senate to take up the successful Democratic discharge petition and vote to extend these ACA tax credits.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Secures More Funding for Michigan Communities

Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation that included funding for six community projects in Michigan’s Second Congressional District.

“The funding I secured will bring much-needed support for projects throughout Michigan’s Second District,” said Moolenaar. “These projects, which range from water system improvements to dredging a harbor, were requested by local leaders to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely. I will continue to ensure rural areas in our district are never left behind and necessary projects, that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for families, are funded.” 

The legislation is expected to considered quickly in the Senate and go to President Trump’s desk. 

The community projects include:  

1. Lake Mitchell Sewer Authority Sewer Pump Improvement Project. The bill provides $1,500,000 to rehabilitate 60 existing grinder pump stations by installing new pumps, piping, valves, controls, and related repairs to improve system reliability in Wexford County.
2. City of Cadillac Water Distribution Project. The bill provides $1,460,000 to connect 150 PFAS-impacted properties currently relying on private wells to the City of Cadillac’s municipal water system, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water in Wexford County.
3. City of Lowell Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project. The bill provides $1,250,000 to expand water and wastewater treatment facilities that are nearing capacity and unable to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth in Kent County.
4. Charter Township of Caledonia Water Trunkline Project. The bill provides $2,000,000 to rehabilitate a two-mile watermain trunkline along Kraft Avenue, improving water system reliability for residents and businesses in Kent County.
5. Central Michigan University Rural Critical Materials Alliance. The bill provides $3,559,529 to strengthen academic and industry partnerships focused on critical materials development in rural Michigan, located in Isabella County.
6. Pentwater Harbor Dredging Project. The bill provides $1,666,000 to dredge the Pentwater Harbor channel, maintaining safe access for boating, fishing, and charter vessels that support local tourism and small businesses in Oceana County.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement after she introduced a resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A–18 E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis and the 30 years of distinguished service of the F/A–18E/F Super Hornet:

“History was made thirty years ago when the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet first departed Lambert Field in St. Louis.  In the following three decades, the Super Hornets have played a critical role in keeping the United States the most powerful country in the world by saving lives and protecting freedoms worldwide.  The Super Hornets were made by your neighbors right here in St. Louis, fostering a robust local economy powered by groundbreaking defense companies like Boeing and McDonnell Douglas and maintaining our region’s critical role in supporting our national security.  I am proud of the dedicated Missourians who build these fighter jets and help ensure we maintain naval supremacy and freedom of the seas.  You do incredible work for our country and for that we thank you.”

Click here to read the full resolution.

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

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement calling for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a masked ICE agent during ICE’s siege of Minneapolis.

“I am appalled at the video of a masked ICE agent fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and the abhorrent, inhumane response by the Trump administration,” said Congresswoman Adams. “When Charlotte was under siege by Border Patrol last year, my greatest fear was that the brutal tactics employed by federal agents would leave one or more of my constituents dead. For Minneapolis, that unthinkable tragedy has happened and it’s clear that no community is safe while ICE is present. I’m calling for an independent investigation into this incident—separate from administration officials who have responded only with lies and misinformation—so the American people can get answers and justice can be served. We cannot let this be the new normal.”

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

Partial government funding package announced this week includes nearly $6 million to support water and sewer infrastructure and public safety in New Hampshire’s First District

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued the following statement after helping pass an extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the House of Representatives: 

“Eight days ago, millions of Americans saw their health care premiums double or even triple, if they were able to continue with their coverage at all. I’m encouraged that our efforts in the House have finally paid off, and that this legislation was successfully discharged and passed through the House – marking a critical step forward for families and small businesses who are struggling to afford health care for 2026.

“We know that there is still work to be done to get this across the finish line, and I will keep pushing until we see legislation to ensure that hard working Americans can maintain their coverage and protect their financial security signed into law.”

Background: 

Pappas supports legislation that would have prevented extreme increases in health care premiums by extending the enhanced premium tax credits that keep health insurance affordable for Granite Staters and small businesses. 

In November Pappas led the call for the Trump administration to extend the ACA open enrollment period and subsequently introduced the Right to Enroll Act, which would require the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the enrollment period through May 1, 2026. As negotiations to extend these critical cost savings continue, Pappas’s legislation would ensure families aren’t forced to make decisions about their health care coverage for next year without sufficient time to consider their changing options. 

In December, he helped introduce the bipartisan CommonGround 2025 framework, which includes a two-year extension of health insurance premium savings for American families. The Members backing the framework also co-signed a letter urging House and Senate leadership to meet with them to discuss the framework and a constructive pathway forward in both chambers. Pappas also leads the Protecting Access to Affordable Coverage Act, legislation to assist Americans in alleviating paperwork burdens and making informed enrollment decisions by extending the 2026 Open Enrollment period, restoring auto-reenrollment and the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), and funding the Navigator Program.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

“If we don’t take this step, trust me, no town is safe. No county is safe. No state is safe from political retaliation by the administration.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Scientific frontier has outgrown decades-old model for funding medical research and discovery

New “X-Labs” Initiative brings high-risk, high-reward research model to NIH for first time ever

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new landmark legislation to supercharge medical breakthroughs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by transforming how the world’s top science agency invests in research. Led with Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Harder’s Launching X-Labs for Breakthrough Science Act brings a proven startup model of high-risk, high-reward scientific exploration to NIH for the first time ever, unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars for ambitious medical research.

American science is key to our productivity and success. NIH pioneered the polio vaccine, chemotherapy, and the Human Genome Project and has saved countless lives while ensuring America is the world leader in science and health care. But America is now falling behind – breakthroughs are slowing down and foreign competitors like China and Australia are speeding up because NIH is still using the same processes it’s used for 75 years. The vast majority of NIH grants are awarded to small, low-risk, university-based investigators with little collaboration and minimal equipment. Moreover, our top scientists are spending more than half their time filling out paperwork instead of developing science in a lab. 

“American science is losing its edge because we don’t invest in the risks necessary for modern breakthroughs,” said Rep. Harder. “We have to reinvent how we do innovation. We should learn from the proven startup science model and start giving higher-risk, higher-reward efforts the backing they need. Our families and our economy are depending on us.”

Alternative scientific funding models have shown that models that fund teams, not projects can produce groundbreaking results. Likewise, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is actively experimenting with this approach right now. Harder’s Launching X-Labs for Breakthrough Science Act helps the NIH take advantage of these innovations and will cut the red tape holding back American science while strengthening our scientific leadership and accelerating discoveries. The bill establishes the “X-Labs” Initiative, a four-part funding series at NIH:

1. Foundational Discovery (XL01) – Funding independent research organizations that produce new and major scientific discoveries.
2. Toolbuilding (XL02) – Research focused on identifying gaps in tools and infrastructure used in scientific discovery.
3. Biomedical Regranting (XL03) – Empowering scientific scouts to spot promising biomedical research.
4. New Institutions (XL04) – Seeding new institutions at the forefront of future scientific research.

Grants under XL01 through XL03 would receive $10-50 million every year for seven years, and grants under XL04 would seed new institutions with $1-5 million for up to three years. Here’s what the “X-Labs” Initiative would look like in practice:

• Discovering not just hundreds of thousands of potentially new materials, but identifying the manufacturing needs of the future right now.
• Unlocking the best-performing microbes for testing new medical theories that have been locked behind decades of research requirements.
• Supercharging the search for the next ten most promising solutions to biomedical bottlenecks.
• Building the runway that a future research team will use to develop new cancer therapies.

“Innovation thrives when researchers have the long-term support they need to explore groundbreaking ideas,” said Rep. Obernolte. “The X-Labs Initiative will empower institutions across the country to take on high-risk, high-reward projects that can transform human health. I’m proud to co-lead this effort to strengthen America’s scientific leadership and accelerate discoveries that will improve lives for generations to come.”

The Institute for Progress strongly endorses the Launching X-Labs for Breakthrough Science Act as an investment in institutional innovation for American science that will help ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in scientific discovery.

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