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Congressman Bishop Opposes Funding Bill and Amendment that Undermines Diplomacy and Regional Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after voting against an amendment offered by Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment prohibited funds in the bill from being used for Israel as well as humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza.

“Today, I opposed the Fiscal Year 2027 funding bill that funds our State Department and provides the resources to implement American foreign policy. This bill will lead to the continued erosion of American diplomacy, a foreign policy that ignores our highest ideals, and compromises our national security.

“I also could not support the Massie Amendment. While it drew attention to how our support, including military aid, can be misused and abused, its broad language effectively cut off our nose to spite our face. I remain committed to supporting the rights, security, freedom, and self-determination of both Israelis and Palestinians. I remain opposed to expanding settlements and occupation.

“But this amendment does not limit its effects to just Israelis and Palestinians. It jeopardizes the investment we need in regional missile defense and our ability to counter other regional state and non-state groups that threaten the United States.

“This amendment did not enjoy bipartisan support and no Republicans, other than Congressman Massie, supported the measure. If we are going to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve a just and sustainable resolution, we need to work together to find a bipartisan solution.”

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DelBene, Kelly Celebrate Ways & Means Committee Unanimous Passage of Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act

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

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) released a joint statement after the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, their legislation to reform and modernize prior authorization for seniors on Medicare Advantage, unanimously passed the Ways & Means Committee.

The bill, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives,” the members said. “This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today’s vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law.”

Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.

Prior authorization continues to be the top administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75%of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules

Health plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.

More than 35 million American seniors, including nearly 800,000 Washingtonians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

The bill would:

  • Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
  • Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.
  • Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
  • Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
  • Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

DelBene led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The bill text can be found here and a section-by-section can be found here.

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Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Votes Against Taking Benefits Away from South Texas Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

The proposed largest cut to veterans’ benefits in a generation is a stark turn from when Congress delivered the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in a bipartisan manner through the Honoring Our PACT Act nearly 4 years ago.

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) stood with South Texas veterans and rejected House Republicans’ legislative package, H.R. 9237, the so-called “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,” which would significantly reduce disability benefits for 1.5 million future veterans, raise health care and homeownership costs for veterans, create a slush fund to enrich the President’s allies, and more.

“When a veteran returns from service, our government has a responsibility to provide them with the resources and support they’ve rightfully earned,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Instead, extreme Republicans in Washington weaponized meaningful legislation, like the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act, to provide themselves political cover as they egregiously loaded up a nearly 600-page package with harmful provisions to implement the largest cut to veterans’ benefits in history and raise costs for military families. South Texas is home to more than 50,000 veterans, and nearly half live with service-connected disabilities. Voting for this package in its current form would have meant turning my back on those who proudly served.”

Congressional Republicans falsely claim that the Major Richard Star Act—a bill to restore veterans’ military retirement and disability compensation to disabled veterans—can only be advanced through this larger package. By doing so, the VA benefits that are being cut by H.R. 9237 would be used to pay for costs that the Department of Defense (DOD) should be responsible for, not the VA. These expenses could easily be funded through the annual Defense spending bill. Notably, there is strong bipartisan support for a House discharge petition to force a standalone vote on the Major Richard Star Act, thereby avoiding the diversion of funds from other veteran benefits and services. Congressman Gonzalez and 214 Members have joined the discharge petition, and it only needs three more Members to reach the required 218 signatures. 

After being introduced on June 10, 2026, Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership forced H.R. 9237 through the House of Representatives without any input from veteran service organizations (VSOs). Specifically, this legislation would:

  • Cut more than $57 billion in disability benefits for 1.5 million future veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea, many of whom require treatments like hearing aids and CPAP devices to live a healthy life;
  • Increase VA home loan refinancing fees by $4 billion, nearly tripling fees from 0.5% to 1.42%. For a South Texas veteran refinancing a $250,000 mortgage, the fee would rise from about $1,250 to $3,550; 
  • Include a $500 million IT slush fund that the Administration will use to enrich contractors and reward the well-connected;
  • Establish a dangerous precedent by statutorily reducing VA disability ratings, undermining a thorough medical process that evaluates impairment of earning capacity, public comment, and clinical evidence;
  • Accelerate the privatization of veterans’ health care, creating new grant programs for private providers and diverting resources from VA mental health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) programs. This could increase reliance on community-based by diverting resources from existing VA medical programs.
  • Direct GI bill funding toward low-quality, for-profit and unaccredited online programs. This would weaken educational benefits for veterans as they make the transition to civilian life. It also strips VA psychologists of collective bargaining rights, weakening mental health services at the VA at a time when these services are more important than ever.
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Reps Schrier, Langworthy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Access to Biosimilars

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

The Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act Will Give Americans Access to Cutting Edge Medications at Lower Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) recently introduced the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) biosimilar approval process, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and help bring lower-cost prescription drugs to patients faster.

 “As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, I have seen firsthand how skyrocketing insulin prices have threatened access to lifesaving medication for too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is past time the Food and Drug Administration improve the approval process for biosimilars, which are lower-cost, lifesaving, and effective treatments. I am glad to introduce this legislation to streamline the FDA’s process, lower drug prices, and make medicine more accessible for patients across the country.”

BACKGROUND: Biologics are among the most advanced medicines available, treating serious conditions including cancer, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Because of the extensive research and development costs that are associated with these cutting-edge treatments, they are among the most expensive drugs on the market. However, once the patent on a biologic expires, manufacturers can develop a biosimilar, which the FDA must determine has no clinically meaningful differences from the original medicine in terms of safety or effectiveness. Biosimilars create competition in the marketplace and typically cost 15 to 35 percent less than their brand-name counterparts.

Although the FDA already requires extensive scientific evidence before approving a biosimilar, manufacturers are often expected to conduct additional clinical studies even when existing evidence demonstrates the biosimilar is just as safe and effective as the original product. Those unnecessary studies can cost millions of dollars, delay competition, and keep lower-cost treatment options out of patients’ hands.

The Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act eliminates unnecessary regulatory hurdles while preserving the FDA’s authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are scientifically warranted.

“Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and more affordable prescription drugs, and one of the best ways to lower costs is by encouraging competition,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Today, biosimilar manufacturers are often forced to complete duplicative clinical studies even when the science already demonstrates their products are just as safe and effective as the original biologic. Our bipartisan bill cuts unnecessary red tape, provides greater regulatory certainty, and helps bring lower-cost treatment options to patients faster without compromising the FDA’s rigorous safety standards. This is a commonsense reform that will increase competition, expand patient choice, and help reduce prescription drug costs for families.”

The legislation would:

  • Clarify that additional clinical studies are not automatically required before the FDA may approve a biosimilar when existing scientific evidence is sufficient.
  • Preserve the FDA’s authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are necessary to ensure a biosimilar is safe and effective.
  • Require the FDA to notify manufacturers early in the review process if additional clinical studies will be required, providing greater certainty and helping avoid unnecessary delays.

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of healthcare providers, patient advocates, employers, insurers, and biosimilar manufacturers, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP), the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and Americans for Prosperity (AFP).

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Griffith Leads Fight to End Birthright Citizenship in U.S. Territories

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

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act. This new measure comes in response to the Trump v. Barbara decision, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States to aliens who enter the country illegally have automatic access to constitutional protections as granted by the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

However, the Barbara decision does not address the birthright citizenship process in the U.S. territories, which differs from that of the 50 U.S. States and Washington, D.C. Currently, any child born in a U.S. territory (minus American Samoa) accesses U.S. citizenship automatically. But in the territories, citizenship rights must be granted by Congress and therefore are subject to Congressional scrutiny. Unlike in the States and Washington, D.C. where the Supreme Court has made clear that a Constitutional Amendment is needed to affect birthright citizenship laws, a simple change in statute can limit birthright citizenship in the territories.

Accordingly, Congressman Griffith’s End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act is a statutory fix that clarifies U.S. birthright citizenship laws for those born in the territories. This bill expressly reserves birthright citizenship for those in the territories born to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. This bill helps fight against the “birth tourism” industry, which empowers foreign nationals to exploit U.S. citizenship laws. 

Following bill introduction, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“The Barbara decision leaves open the door for Congressional action on citizenship in the American territories. Because of the current birthright laws in place in the territories, any child born in a U.S. territory (minus American Samoa), regardless of a parent’s nationality, accesses U.S. citizenship automatically. I am leading a bill to crack down on birthright citizenship in the territories and combat foreign nationals who are exploiting loopholes in our citizenship laws to take advantage of U.S. generosity. This way, you have to be born to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to have American citizenship in the territories! While this change is limited to the territories, it is the only step we can currently take to protect U.S. citizenship.”

BACKGROUND

Under Congressman Griffith’s bill, natives of the territories who are U.S. citizens will still be able to extend U.S. citizenship to their children. This bill only affects those who are not U.S. citizens that give birth to children in the territories starting in January 2027.

Currently, four of the five inhabited U.S. territories have been granted U.S. citizenship by laws passed in Congress. These are Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

These four territories exercise these powers because Congress extended such rights in statute through laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The Northern Mariana Islands have acquired such rights through a different statutory mechanism.

The U.S. territory of American Samoa is the lone exception. Those born in this territory are considered American nationals but have not been granted citizenship status by Congress.

Accordingly, birthright citizenship does not apply currently in American Samoa.

The application under the Barbara case of birthright citizenship in the U.S. territories differs from what is established in the 50 U.S. States and Washington, D.C. according to Supreme Court cases.

The birthright discrepancy between the territories and the States dates to legal cases beginning in the early 20th century known as the Insular Cases.

Generally, these cases governed which constitutional protections apply in U.S. territories.

Additionally, since 2010, two federal courts of appeals cases have rejected the notion that those born in the U.S. territories access the same automatic rights by virtue of the Constitution as those in the U.S. states and Washington, D.C.

A copy of the text for Congressman Griffith’s bill can be found here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL STRONGLY OPPOSE THE GOP’S AMERICA LAST BUDGET RESOLUTION”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while House Republicans are ignoring the needs of everyday Americans, House Democrats remain committed to driving down the high cost of living and making life better for the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: A few moments ago, yet again, another reckless Republican bill went down to defeat on the Floor of the House of Representatives. House Democrats are in the minority but continue to control the Floor as if we were in the majority, making progress on behalf of the American people, including by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits earlier this year to protect the healthcare of more than 20 million Americans, by passing successfully a War Powers Resolution as part of our continuing effort to stop Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East. No more stupid wars that make life more expensive for the American people. And then, of course, this week, perhaps for the first time in the history of the United States of America, the majority party was forced to pull a bill relating to veterans because House Democrats, led by Mark Takano, have made clear all week that this bill doesn’t benefit hard-working veterans in the United States of America. It would actually hurt them.

In advance of Donald Trump’s speech, let me also be clear about one thing: Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. Something’s really wrong with this guy. I think he actually needs to be checked out. Why does he continue to focus on a conspiracy theory related to a 2020 presidential election that every rational person in the United States of America knows he lost? And yet, instead of focusing on actually driving down the high cost of living in an economy where hardworking American taxpayers are suffocating from the affordability crisis, Donald Trump continues to peddle election conspiracy theories. 

House Democrats are committed to making sure that we have a free and fair election in November. And when that occurs, we’re confident that we’re going to take back control of the United States House of Representatives. What Republicans are doing, since they were once again neutered on the Floor of the House of Representatives, is to advance an America Last budget resolution that will actually provide $60 billion in additional taxpayer money for Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East that has left Iran in a stronger position than they were in before this reckless war started and the American people in a weaker position economically as a result of high gas prices. And yet, Republicans continue to double and triple down on Operation Epic Failure. The war in Iran has been a disaster for the American people, and House Democrats will strongly oppose their America Last budget resolution and fight to actually restore the devastating cuts to Medicaid and to nutritional assistance that Republicans jammed down the throats of the American people with their One Big Ugly Bill last year.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Dangerous Michigan Air Quality

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Michigan experiencing the worst air quality in the world today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement: 

“Today, families across Michigan woke up to some of the worst air quality in the world as wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota settled over southeast Michigan. To all Michiganders, we will get through this. I encourage everyone to follow public health guidance: stay indoors when possible, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

“This is a reminder that climate change is real, and its impacts are being felt here in Michigan. We must continue investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and the resources our communities need to protect public health and prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

“Please stay informed by checking local air quality updates and following guidance from public health authorities. Stay safe, Michigan.”

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Rep. Stevens Leads New Bill to Refund Michigan Families for Trump’s Erratic Tariffs

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) announced the Tariff Refund Act, new legislation to return up to $1,700 to American households to offset higher prices over the past year from Trump’s erratic tariffs.

Throughout the first year of the second Trump Administration, Donald Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad and unpredictable tariffs on our allies, raising costs for American families here at home. In February of 2026, the Supreme Court blocked Trump from abusing IEEPA in the service of his political whims. Under court orders, the Trump Administration must now start refunding tariff revenues to businesses that apply for relief; however, no mechanisms exist to pay back the hardworking families who lost out on an estimated $231.35 billion as a result of Trump’s illegal tariffs.

Stevens’ Tariff Refund Act would return that money to Michigan families who paid the price for Trump’s reckless and unlawful trade agenda all last year.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs have cost Michiganders in every aspect of their lives, from groceries to school supplies to home appliances,” said Rep. Stevens. “We must lower costs for hardworking families and give them relief from Trump’s out-of-control economy.”

The bill creates a formula for refunding the roughly $231 billion in tariff revenue to American families through direct checks valuing:

  • $1,700 for married couples making less than $400,000 annually

  • $1,275 for heads of households making less than $300,000 annually

  • $850 for individuals making less than $200,000 annually 

 

Rep. Stevens has been leading the fight in Congress to push back against Trump’s reckless tariffs and lower costs. Stevens introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to stop Trump’s ability to raise grocery costs for Michigan families. She has repeatedly voted against his illegal war in Iran and slammed its impacts on skyrocketing gas prices. She also introduced the Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act to lower electricity bills and hold utility companies accountable to Michigan consumers.

 

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Casten Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency for Proxy Voting, Support Shareholder Rights

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

July 16, 2026

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act, legislation that directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to improve the transparency of the voting results at multi-class companies and strengthen the quality of information available to investors.

“The Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act would help American retirement savers, pension funds, and university endowments better understand exactly how multi-class stock structures are impacting their rights as shareholders,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Investors deserve to know whether the board’s response to the outcome of a proposal reflects the preferences of the majority of shareholders—or whether super vote shareholders swayed the results.”

Shareholder proposals are an important mechanism for promoting good governance, corporate accountability, and transparency at public companies. The shareholder proposal process enables investors to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the companies that they own and offer their perspectives on important, financially material issues.

About 75% of publicly traded companies have shares with equal voting rights, where one share represents one vote on the shareholder proposals that are presented at a company’s annual meeting. The remaining 25% of companies sell shares with differential voting rights, which are known as multi-class or dual-class structures. For example, a company may offer Class A shares that are in line with the ‘one share, one vote’ principle to the general public. Class B shares that represent 10 votes per share may be reserved for founders, executives, and industry insiders. This provides them with significantly more voting power, and, therefore, they can significantly influence the voting outcomes of shareholder proposals.

Current SEC rules require that all public companies disclose the aggregate vote tallies for each shareholder proposal and whether each proposal passed or failed. The Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act directs the SEC to conduct a rulemaking to require that multi-class companies also disclose the total number of votes cast for, against, or withheld on by Class A shareholders and Class B shareholders on each proposal, alongside other required disclosure information.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Council of Institutional Investors (CII).

Text of the legislation can be found here.

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Case Introduces Bipartisan Measure To Boost Affordable Housing Nationwide In Areas Designated For Transit Oriented Development

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), joined by Delegate James Moylan (Guam), has co-introduced his bipartisan Transit Oriented Development Act to drive greater development of affordable housing in areas designated for transit oriented development such as along the Honolulu Skyline.

“The affordable housing shortage remains one of the most significant drivers of the unacceptably high cost of living facing most Americans”, said Case. “In my home state of Hawaiʻi, this crisis is particularly acute. Housing costs consume an outsized share of household income, forcing working families to make impossible choices between rent, groceries and health care.

“Far too many of our keiki and kamaʻāina find themselves priced out of the communities they call home. To truly address affordability, we must not only increase the supply of housing but do so in ways that reflect the unique economic realities of our communities and lower overall living costs for families. That means building housing that is attainable, affordable, well-located and connected to jobs and services.”

Case added: “One of the most important federal tools we have to do that is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which has long been one of our nation’s most successful programs for financing affordable rental housing. Yet the current allocation structure does not always reflect the significant differences in housing costs and development challenges that exist across the country. Because allocations are based principally on population, communities facing exceptionally high housing costs—including Hawaiʻi and other non-contiguous jurisdictions—often face greater difficulty producing affordable housing despite having substantial need.”

“For families on Guam, the challenge isn’t just finding affordable housing—it’s finding housing that keeps them connected to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services,” said Delegate Moylan. “As America’s westernmost territory, we face unique development constraints and higher construction costs. This bipartisan legislation recognizes those realities by strengthening incentives to build affordable housing in communities where transportation and opportunity come together. I’m proud to co-lead this effort because it helps ensure federal housing policy works not only for the mainland, but for Guam and all of our island communities as well.”

“Increasing the TOD basis boost would significantly improve project feasibility around our lands in East Kapolei, including next to the Ka Makana Aliʻi Shopping Center, as well as in Moanalua Kai,” said Kali Watson, director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. “The additional 25% basis boost would generate approximately $38,000 to $58,000 in additional equity per housing unit, or roughly $3.8 to $5.8 million for a 100-unit project. This would substantially reduce the financing gap and allow more housing for beneficiaries and further revenue-generating opportunities to advance the mission of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.”

“I am pleased to support the reintroduction of the TOD legislation that I originally introduced in the 117th Congress in collaboration with Congressman Case,” said Kaialiʻi Kahele, Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and former U.S. Congressman for the Second District of Hawaiʻi.

“The enhanced basis adjustment aligns with OHA’s strategic presence within the Iwilei–Kapālama Transit-Oriented Development area, including the proposed Kūwili Skyline Station, and provides an incentive for OHA’s future mixed-use development plans that integrate cultural revitalization, community services, and sustainable revenue generation.”

“The City is laying the foundation for one of Hawaiʻi’s largest transit-oriented redevelopment efforts through the master planning of the Iwilei-Kūwili district, where our long-term vision includes more than 2,500 affordable homes surrounding the future Kūwili Skyline Station,” said Kevin D. Auger, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management.

“Delivering projects of this scale requires strategic land assembly, strong public-private partnerships, and financing tools that reflect the realities of building affordable housing in high-cost communities like Honolulu. Legislation that strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for transit-oriented development would provide another important tool to help communities advance these critical housing initiatives and create more affordable homes near transit.”

“Congressman Case’s Transit-Oriented Development Act recognizes that affordable housing and high-quality public transportation go hand in hand,” said Roger Morton, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. “For Honolulu, this legislation complements our investment in Skyline by encouraging more affordable housing near transit, reducing transportation costs for working families, and creating more connected, sustainable communities. We appreciate Congressman Case’s leadership in advancing this practical approach for Hawaiʻi.”

“The Transit Oriented Development Act will help create a safer, more resilient, equitable, reliable, and efficient transportation system, said Mark Garrity, Executive Director of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Oahu MPO).  “OahuMPO strongly supports this critical legislation.”

“This is simple and smart legislation that will stimulate affordable housing development along side of the transportation infrastructure that the government has invested in,” said Craig Watase, Chief Executive Officer of Mark Development, a developer of affordable housing in Hawaiʻi. “This will be a major factor in project feasibility of many affordable housing projects.”

Case continued: “Our Transit Oriented Development Act takes a targeted approach to addressing that challenge. The bill provides an enhanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit incentive for affordable housing developments located within designated transit oriented development areas. This includes places that are already served by rail, bus, harbor or waterway transportation and are zoned for higher-density development.

“By encouraging affordable housing near existing transportation infrastructure, we can help reduce transportation costs for residents, improve access to jobs and essential services and support more efficient and sustainable community growth.”

Text of the Transit Oriented Development Act of 2026 is here

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