MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05); Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Don Bacon (NE-02); and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) today issued the following statement on the passage of Ranking Member Meeks’ bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119^th Congress.

“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law.  It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us.  The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them.  But they cannot do it alone.  Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024.  It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,” said Rep. Hoyer. 

“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”

“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of America’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”

“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated.  We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum.  Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,” said Ranking Member Keating. “I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”

“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,” said Rep. Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”

“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negotiations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,” said Rep. Kiley.

###

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

Andrea Pedro-Francisco has been held in El Paso, where Rep. Craig visited her last month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Carol Miller (R-WV), and Don Bacon (R-NE) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.  

Between 500,000 and 600,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.  

“Despite roughly 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.”

“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.” 

“Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller.  

“Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.” 

“The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country’s leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.” 

“The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.” 

“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.” 

“The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation’s kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD,” said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. “It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community’s recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.” 

The PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology. 

Official text of the PKD Cures Act is available here.  

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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

Dingell Introduces Legislation to Address Safety Defects that Allow Firearms to Discharge Without Pulling the Trigger

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Valadao, Bonamici, Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

WASHINGTON – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joined Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reintroduce the Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to provide transportation for people in need of overdose prevention services, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, and other related supportive services.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Rep. Bacon. “The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I’m grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort.” 

“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Valadao. “Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care.”

“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Rep. Bonamici. “For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I’m working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk.”  

The CHIERS Act would:

• Create a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.
• Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities, including community health centers; Continuum of Care Program participants; opioid recovery centers; state, Tribal, and local governments; and nonprofit organizations.

Background:

Individuals seeking Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often must travel long distances to reach care, relying on friends or family members for transportation or forgoing treatment altogether due to cost and accessibility challenges. With only eight substance treatment centers serving the three-county region, many residents struggle to receive timely, life-saving services. Expanding grant support for affordable transportation options can help connect residents to critical treatment services—reducing barriers to recovery and improving public health outcomes.

Read the full bill here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement in response to Senate passage of Republican immigration enforcement bill: 

“In the dead of night, Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would hand Donald Trump another $70 billion to expand his mass deportation agenda and supercharge ICE and CBP without accountability or meaningful reform.

“I’ve been inside these detention facilities because I fought to get inside them. After the Trump administration illegally blocked Members of Congress from conducting oversight, I sued them and won in federal court so we could continue carrying out inspections and expose what is happening behind closed doors.

“What I’ve seen and heard has stayed with me. I’ve met with families torn apart by these policies, children separated from their parents, spouses terrified their loved ones will disappear into a detention system, and people being held in dangerous and inhumane conditions. As the son of immigrants, those conversations hit close to home. No one should fear that a trip to work, school, or church could end with their family being ripped apart.

“Instead of reforming a broken system, or investing in lowering the cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare for working families, this bill gives ICE and CBP billions more to expand Trump’s mass deportation operation with even less accountability.

“I will vote no, and I will continue fighting in Congress, in the courts, and on the ground to defend the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of every person.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary passed H.J. Res. 1, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices. Congressman Biggs, the sponsor of the resolution, issued the following statement:

“Our nation’s founders built a system of checks and balances to protect citizens from concentrated power – a central part being the U.S. Supreme Court, whose duty is to defend the rights and freedoms of every American, not to serve as a political tool for any party. The judiciary was designed to be the quiet guardian of liberty, insulated from the passions of the moment. Unfortunately, special interests have been increasing their attacks on the Court, threatening to pack this iconic American institution to ensure favorable outcomes for their causes. The goal is not ethics or protecting rights but gaining power and intimidating the Court.

“The ongoing and escalating assault on the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court must stop. That is why I have introduced this constitutional amendment to fix the number of justices at nine. This action will protect the Court’s legitimacy, preserve the checks and balances that safeguard our cherished freedoms, and ensure every American’s rights remain secure – no matter who holds political power. I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support of this amendment, and I look forward to its passage on the U.S. House floor.”

Read the resolution here. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Applauds House Passage of Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Secures Key Healthcare Funding for Central Washington 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027.This legislation passed by a vote of 213-210.  

“House Republicans are delivering for our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and producers,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continued, “By investing in agricultural research, loan programs for rural communities, and promotional efforts for specialty crops, we will help rural communities weather these hard times. But while we strengthen our domestic programs, we also provide key support for international food aid programs to help lift developing nations out of poverty and provide export markets for our farmers here at home. We are protecting American farmland from our adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, by keeping the Secretary of Agriculture on CFIUS. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can provide some certainty to the agriculture industry.”

Background

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $26.27 billion, which is $380 million (1.4%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. 
The act prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs. The legislation is fiscally responsible and refocuses programs on their core mission while putting the health, safety, and prosperity of American producers and consumers first.

This bill also cuts spending and saves taxpayer dollars by reining in harmful Biden-era regulations, reducing salaries and expenses to account for staffing reductions, and shrinks grant programs that housed canceled grants. Regarding investments in agriculture research, this bill funds rural development loan programs and animal and plant health programs, and provides funds to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices. This bill includes no funds for climate hubs or climate corps. 

Rep. Newhouse’s floor remarks can be found here.

Rep. Newhouse secured the following funding for projects in Central Washington. 

Adams County Public Hospital District No.3 d/b/a Othello Community Hospital

Amount: $1,863,900

Description: The Rural Labor and Delivery Capacity Expansion Project will increase the capacity of Othello Community Hospital to provide top-rate care for our families here locally where more than 400 babies are delivered annually. The project includes features that improve access to care, health and wellness outcomes, and hospital infrastructure. This project integrates critical technology directly into the labor and delivery suites. There will be dedicated triage beds, vital monitors, NICU systems, newborn warming stations, and diagnostic imaging machines for the obstetric unit. To address access, the project will also provide a new ambulance so that families do not have to worry about how they will get to the hospital when events – like precipitous labor – occur without planning. This project will dramatically expand the family birth care to meet the growing need for services at Othello Community Hospital, a rural hospital with a high volume of labor and delivery.

Public Hospital District No. 4 of Grant County d/b/a McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

Amount: $2,104,604

Description: Phase 1 of Grant County Public Hospital District McKay Healthcare’s senior living expansion will add 16 assisted living units and 16 memory care units, along with a community wellness center featuring meeting spaces, a salon, art classroom, fitness area, and landscaped outdoor spaces. This first-of-its-kind continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Central Washington allows seniors to age-in-place safely, transitioning from independent living to assisted living or memory care, and ultimately to skilled nursing if needed. This project addresses a critical gap in rural senior healthcare services in Grant County by expanding access to assisted living and memory care. Currently, comparable services are limited in the region, forcing many families to travel long distances to obtain care. The project will allow seniors to remain in their communities while receiving appropriate care, improve continuity with local healthcare providers.

###