MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

First Place winner Shelby Wheaton (left) and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (right).

Washington D.C. (April 21, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. Shelby Wheaton, who attends Mount Paran Christian School, won First Place for her entry entitled, One With the Trenches.

“Each year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition because it is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptionally talented young people in our district. With this year coinciding with the 250th birthday of America, many of our participants used their skills to create works that encapsulate the excellence of both our country and its exceptional citizens. Having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is a tremendous honor; and I look forward to seeing our winner’s artwork as I walk through the Cannon tunnel to the House floor for votes each day.

“For this year’s competition, a total of thirty-four entries were submitted from eleven schools across Georgia’s 11th Congressional District; and I appreciate the students, teachers, and parents who came together to ensure this year’s art competition was one to remember. I also appreciate the Downtown Gallery in Bartow County for allowing us to display our student’s art pieces and hold our ceremony.”

2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

First Place
Shelby Wheaton
Art Piece: One With the Trenches
School: Mount Paran Christian School
Teacher: Kelly Tarver

Second Place
Leilah Bedford
Art Piece: America’s Favorite Pastime
School: Woodland High School
Teacher: Abigail Hennington

Third Place
Teagan O’Connell
Art Piece: Stillness on Main
School: River Ridge High School
Teacher: Chris Akins

Honorable Mention
Alexis Addis
Art Piece: A King’s Contemplation
School: River Ridge High School
Teacher: MaryJo Mulvey

Honorable Mention
William Foreman
Art Piece: Emotion of a Soldier
School: Cherokee High School
Teacher: Morgan Clifton

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

Rep. Gomez on What Comes Next Following Passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act, bipartisan legislation to create a federal framework for how the United States governs artificial intelligence. The discussion draft was released with Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09).
“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day. This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation. It protects workers, establishes real accountability for the most powerful frontier systems, and positions the United States to set the global standard on AI,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This discussion draft is the product of ongoing bipartisan conversations, which we hope to build upon with input from workers, researchers, stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom have an interest in getting this right.”
“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI. We are releasing this draft to hear from stakeholders, experts, and the public so we can strengthen the legislation before it is formally introduced.”
The discussion draft is intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced. It is the result of bipartisan collaboration between the two members to ensure the United States can govern AI effectively, protect Americans from emerging risks, and continue to lead the world in AI innovation.
Stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public are encouraged to submit feedback on the discussion draft to GAAIA@mail.house.gov.
“AI is already changing how we work, live, and learn. We need a plan to protect our national security and workforce. I want the United States to continue to be a leader in AI race but develop this technology in a responsible manner that protects people and communities. To do so, we must get a bipartisan conversation started and work faster to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI,” said Congressman Subramanyam.
“Artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy, our national security and the way Americans live and work,” said Congressman Franklin. “Congress has a responsibility to establish clear rules of the road that encourage innovation while ensuring this technology is developed responsibly. The Great American AI Act builds on the bipartisan House AI Task Force and represents an important step toward greater transparency and accountability for advanced AI systems. This discussion draft will help gather feedback from relevant stakeholders as we work toward a practical legislative framework that keeps America at the forefront of AI innovation. I’ve already begun laying the groundwork through efforts like securing additional funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation through the FY27 Appropriations process, ensuring the federal government has the tools and expertise needed to keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. I appreciate Policy Chair Obernolte’s leadership and look forward to introducing this bill in the House.”
“I am thankful to Rep. Trahan and Rep. Obernolte for their leadership on this critical issue,” said Congressman Peters. “This discussion draft will not address all of the issues our businesses and families will face, but it is an encouraging first step toward the bipartisan legislation needed to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI. I really want to hear how the people affected feel about it.”
“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, not regulate ourselves into falling behind China through a patchwork of fifty different state laws,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “That approach would make it harder for American companies to innovate and compete while doing little to improve consumer protections. This bill creates a clear national standard for how AI models are developed while preserving the ability of states and parents to protect children. It strikes the right balance between innovation and consumer protection and ensures Congress remains engaged as this technology continues to evolve.”
Text of the discussion draft can be accessed HERE.
A section-by-section summary can be accessed HERE.
A frequently asked questions document prepared by the Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan can be accessed HERE.
Stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public are encouraged to submit feedback on the discussion draft to GAAIA@mail.house.gov.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) led 21 House colleagues on Wednesday in sending a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow and FBI Director Kash Patel raising concerns about reports that USCIS has instituted broad adjudication holds tied to new “enhanced security checks” for immigration benefit applicants, potentially affecting millions of pending cases.

In the letter, the lawmakers warned that the reported policy could significantly worsen an already historic immigration backlog and leave applicants waiting indefinitely for decisions affecting their ability to work, travel, and remain lawfully in the United States.

“It is imperative to thoroughly screen and vet all applicants seeking immigration benefits, but such vetting should not serve as the basis for an indefinite moratorium on adjudications for any class of immigrants,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers requested detailed information about the scope of the reported holds, including how many cases are affected, what categories of immigration benefits are impacted, how long delays are expected to last, and whether USCIS and the FBI have the capacity to process expanded background checks without creating further backlogs.

The letter also raises concerns about whether applicants are being notified that their cases have been paused, how USCIS intends to comply with statutory processing requirements, and whether premium processing fees will be refunded in cases where guaranteed timelines are missed because of the reported holds.

“Security vetting is essential, but it must be narrowly tailored, lawful, and consistent with USCIS’s obligation to adjudicate cases on an individualized basis,” the lawmakers wrote.

In addition to Krishnamoorthi and Subramanyam, the letter was signed by Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Adam Smith (D-WA), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Becca Balint (D-VT), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Donald Beyer (D-VA), André Carson (D-IN), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Judy Chu (D-CA).

The text of the letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore announced that all nine of the Community Project Funding requests he is championing for West Virginia’s Second Congressional District passed out of the House Appropriations Committee last night as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

The legislation was approved by the Appropriations Committee yesterday and will now move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Rep. Moore’s slate of Community Project Funding supports critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects across West Virginia’s Second Congressional district, helping ensure West Virginians have access to safe, clean, and reliable water while strengthening public health, supporting economic development, and modernizing aging infrastructure.

The projects represent a significant investment in communities throughout the district and reflect Congressman Moore’s commitment to delivering tangible results for constituents of the Second Congressional District through the appropriations process.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Access to safe, clean, and reliable water is one of the most basic responsibilities of the government, and I’m proud to have secured committee approval for these critical investments in communities across West Virginia’s Second District. These projects will help modernize aging water systems, improve public health, support economic growth, and ensure families have dependable infrastructure they can count on. While there is still work to do before these projects become law, this is an important step forward for our state, and I will continue fighting to deliver these resources for the people of West Virginia.”

Major Water Infrastructure Investments Advancing for West Virginia:

The House Appropriations Committee’s approval of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill advances several Community Project Funding requests championed by Congressman Riley M. Moore, including:

• $1,400,000 for Moundsville Water Systems Improvements. Moundsville supports 4,250 customers with a distribution system that has significant water loss. This funding would replace deteriorating water lines and add a new water storage tank to ensure reliable service for current customers. Currently, the system is below the minimum storage capacity of a system of this size. The additional water tank will get them over that threshold so that disruptions in plant operations do not result in water outages for customers. 
• $1,150,000 for Buckhannon Water Treatment Plant & Distribution. Buckhannon’s existing plant suffers several major deficiencies and violations including potential flooding at the raw water pump station, inadequate waste water and sludge disposal, and risk of inadvertent and excessive chemical release from the 1-ton chlorine cylinders. This funding is part of a $47M project to construct a new facility and place distribution lines. 
• $1,000,000 for Union Williams PSD Water System. Union Williams PSD serves 3,272 customers and utilizes four source water wells. These groundwater supply wells have consistently elevated levels of PFAS. This funding will allow the PSD to upgrade its water treatment plant and distribution system, including the installation of a new pretreatment system to remove PFAS. 
• $1,000,000 for Town of Bath / Berkeley Springs Water Works. The Berkeley Springs Water Works currently services 1,526 customers and is approaching facility run times of 20 hours per day. As Morgan County begins to absorb growth like the rest of the Eastern Panhandle, updates to the aging infrastructure are necessary to maintain reliable operations and support a reasonable amount of population growth.
• $1,000,000 for Greater Marion PSD Sanitary Sewer. Greater Marion PSD has updated all of its sewer system to a gravity system except a two-mile vacuum system portion that ties into the Worthington vacuum sewer system. Residents along this system experience chronic sewage overflows and have even been forced to utilize portable restrooms provided by the PSD. It also places an additional burden on Worthington’s failing system. This funding would eliminate all GMPSD vacuum sewer infrastructure and fully remove their dependence on Worthington’s system. 
• $1,000,000 for Baker / Hardy County PSD Secondary Water Source. Hardy County PSD serves 2,177 customers in Hardy County and operates a water treatment plant. Hardy County’s current water source is susceptible to algae blooms, some of which are toxic anabaena algae containing cyanotoxins. If one of these blooms occurs in the area of the water intake, PSD customers would not have access to a safe water supply. This project develops a secondary groundwater source adjacent to the Baker water treatment plant. This funding would pay for drilling up to three test wells, conversion of one or more wells to a production well, and the installation of the raw water line necessary for a complete and operable system.
• $1,000,000 for Worthington Sanitary Sewer. Worthington is seeking to replace its failing vacuum sewer infrastructure with a modern gravity collection system. Worthington’s 290 customers have unreliable sewer service which has resulted in backups into homes, discharges onto the ground, and operational strain. This project focuses on the neighborhoods with the most widespread failures that cannot be addressed with piecemeal repairs.
• $1,000,000 for Aerotech Park / City of Bridgeport Wastewater Extension. The project proposes to extend drinking water and wastewater facilities to the Aerotech Park located near CKB Airport. Installation of these facilities will provide commercial and industrial businesses access to clean drinking water and reliable sewer service provided by the City of Bridgeport. The needs and goals of the City of Bridgeport are to provide service to existing and new customers to allow for growth and development of the area, and this project accomplishes that.
• $1,040,000 for Grandview-Doolin / Wetzel County Interconnection. Hundred-Littleton PSD has significant challenges maintaining an adequate and reliable water supply for its residents. This funding will interconnect Hundred-Littleton PSD to the Grandview-Doolin PSD, enabling Grandview to provide water service. Grandview-Doolin PSD operates a reliable, relatively new water treatment plant that currently operates with excess production capacity beyond its existing customer base.

These projects will help improve water quality, increase system reliability, replace aging infrastructure, expand service capacity, and strengthen public health protections for communities throughout West Virginia.

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill will now be considered by the full House of Representatives as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss the issues she’s hearing most from Kansans: the rising cost of living and the need to focus on practical solutions rather than chaotic policies.

During the interview, Davids highlighted her work to lower costs for families, protect healthcare access, support Kansas agriculture, and ensure Kansans can make their voices heard at the ballot box. She also raised concerns about the impacts of Medicaid cuts, rural hospital closures, rising prices driven by tariffs, and the lack of a clear strategy in the escalating conflict with Iran.

Listen to Davids’ full interview HERE or read excerpts below:

On Johnson County Early Voting Site Closures

“Voting should be simple and accessible… There was one piece of the decision that I was glad to see, which is new locations in De Soto and Spring Hill, but closing early voting sites in busy parts of the county is going to make it harder for folks to participate… If voting location changes are going to happen, that’s something that needs to be done out in the open with clear data, with community input. And that is not what it looks like happened here. And that’s a huge concern.”

On Lowering Healthcare Costs

“Healthcare is one of the biggest pressures on families… I was so proud to be able to support and push for allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices… [and to cap] the cost of insulin at $35 for our seniors, putting real money back in people’s pockets… The ACA tax credits are one of the key pieces of helping Kansans afford coverage because after they expired, we saw a lot of premiums spike immediately.”

On Medicaid Cuts

“Right now, unfortunately, what we’re trying to do is stop all these cuts from taking place in Medicaid… Tons of people are getting ripped off of their healthcare. So, what I propose and what I am fighting for is that instead of trying to score political points by talking about ripping away healthcare from people, that we actually try to figure out how to make sure people can afford their prescription drugs.”

On Rural Hospital Closures

“Kansas is losing rural hospitals at an alarming rate. We need to be focused on improving things and not just tearing things down. And unfortunately, especially on this topic, the president and too many of my Republican colleagues have been focused on trying to destroy the Affordable Care Act… and it [has] real devastating impacts on people’s everyday lives.”

On the Farm Bill and Nutrition Assistance Cuts

“Kansas farmers and ranchers have been getting squeezed from every single direction… I supported the bipartisan farm bill that came out of the House… There are policies in there that are going to strengthen rural economies… and, at the same time, that does not mean that I am not livid about the cuts [in] the budget bill that the Republicans passed out of the House that made cuts to nutrition assistance.”

On Tariffs and Rising Costs

“We need America to be competitive on the global scale, and if we continue to see chaotic, reckless approaches to tariffs, that absolutely cuts against the goal of lowering costs. These tariffs have raised costs for hardworking families. It has forced businesses to close. It is putting more pressure again on the agricultural sector… And instead of prioritizing the families and the farmers, the president continues to enact policies that are going to benefit massive corporations and his billionaire buddies.”

On the Iran War

“Every single person in an elected position’s priority should be protecting American lives and our national security. And every bit of what we’re seeing right now, the president’s lack of strategy, the president’s lack of communication, the lack of congressional approval. Right now, decisions are being made without a clear strategy, and it has cost us service members’ lives… We need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And reckless escalation without a plan is not going to make Americans [safer].”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence: 

“As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I take seriously the responsibility of overseeing the agencies charged with keeping our country safe. 

“At a time when the United States faces serious threats around the world and is engaged in an active war with Iran, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte, someone with zero experience in intelligence or national security, as Acting Director of National Intelligence. 

“The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of 18 intelligence agencies, oversees some of our nation’s most sensitive intelligence operations, and is supposed to help inform decisions that can determine whether America goes to war. This is one of the most important positions in our government. 

“Bill Pulte’s background is in housing, not intelligence or national security, and the American people deserve confidence that the nation’s top intelligence official was selected because they are qualified for the job. Instead, President Trump has once again chosen loyalty over competence, placing a political ally in a position that he has no right to be in. At a moment when the stakes couldn’t be higher, loyalty to the President shouldn’t be the qualifying factor for a position responsible for keeping our families and the entire nation safe.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/4/26] – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in the House and Senate to repeal the Department of Education’s finalized rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system.

The final rule unnecessarily limits the definition of a professional degree for the purpose of establishing federal loan caps, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and many others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. It also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS program and creates new, more expensive loan repayment options for all borrowers. 

“We should be making it easier, not harder for people to enter essential professions like nursing, education, and social work,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Trump administration does not have the best interest of the people who want to go into these professions in mind. The shortsighted changes to the student loan program will make higher education more expensive and drive people away from the jobs our communities need. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to stop these unacceptable changes to the student loan program.”

“Nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers are dedicated public servants, and Congress must do everything it can to help recruit the next generation of these heroes,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “We’re already facing a shortage of these critical workers, and new limits on federal student loans for these professions and others threaten to further jeopardize the future of our workforce. Financial freedom and flexibility are essential to aspiring students, and I’m leading the charge with my colleagues to oppose these dangerous changes and stand up for affordable student loans so folks can continue to achieve their dreams and serve the public.”

“The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this shortsighted rule. We should be expanding access to educational opportunity, not creating new barriers to the workforce.”

“While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.” 

“The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.”

The final rule establishes an arbitrary list of 11 fields that are eligible for an aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000. Borrowers in programs excluded from the definition of “professional” – including nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and more – will have a $20,500 annual borrowing limit and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit. This will exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages and disincentivize students from entering high-need fields.

Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will also see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically adding to the affordability crisis. Changes to student loan repayment include significantly higher monthly loan payments and a mandated $50 minimum monthly payment under the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, rather than allowing for lower amounts when the lender and borrower agree. Together, these changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income students and families. 

The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by nearly 200 organizations including: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; Advanced Professionals Workforce Alliance, American Academy of Audiology; American Academy of Physician Associates; American Association for Marriage and Therapy (AAMFT); American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Counseling Association; American Institute of Architects; American Library Association; American Nurses Association (ANA); Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, National Art Education Association; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); National Career Development Association; National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); National Nurses United; National Rural Health Association; the PA Education Association; and National Rural Health Association.

“Students do better when educators have the training, support, and opportunities they need to grow in their professions,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “This administration rule is making it harder for teachers, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and other public service professionals to pursue advanced degrees by pushing many of them towards predatory high-interest loans and deeper debt. At a time when schools across the country are struggling with staffing shortages, we should be removing barriers to the profession, not creating new ones. Repealing this rule is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring aspiring educators are not priced out of serving their communities.”

“On behalf of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), we thank Representatives Bonamici, Mannion and Underwood and Senators Merkley and Alsobrooks for their efforts to introduce legislation that will overturn the recent final rule for the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Federal Student Loan Program,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “The final rule written by the Department of Education will have a devasting impact on our nation’s health care workforce. It is critical that we work together to ensure that nursing students have access to the necessary federal student loans to pursue their education and ultimately deliver care in their communities. It’s time we invest in our next generation of health care providers.”

Additional statements of support can be found here.

In the House, the CRA is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Madeline Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Llyod Doggett (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Summer Lee (D-PA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [06/3/26] – Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced legislation to offer LGBTQI+ specific services for older LGBTQI+ Americans and individuals living with HIV in rural communities.

LGBTQI+ older adults in rural communities often face greater barriers to receiving the support and resources they need because of geography, costs, insufficient broadband infrastructure, and lack of specialized providers. Stigma can also deter members of the LGBTQI+ community and people living with HIV from seeking help. The Elder Pride Act would update the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide funding to help rural Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve LGBTQI+ individuals and those living with HIV.

“It’s unacceptable that many elder Americans are unable to access the care they need simply because of who they love and where they live,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful to lead the Elder Pride Act with Representatives Pocan and Davids to help provide LGBTQI+ seniors and those who live with HIV in rural areas with the care they need to age with dignity.”

“LGBTQ+ older Americans deserve the protections their neighbors are afforded. After decades of exclusion from and discrimination in health care settings, workplaces, and local communities, queer and trans elders should be able to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by community. The Elder Pride Act will help ensure that all older adults are able to have access to the care and services they need,” said Senator Edward J. Markey.

“Many of our LGBTQI+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity,” said Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age.”

“Congress has a responsibility to ensure LGBTQI+ older adults and older people living with HIV in rural communities have the support they need to age with dignity,” said Rep Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “I’m honored to join Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Davids in introducing the Elder Pride Act to ensure meaningful investments in support services for these rural community members.”

The legislation is endorsed by SAGE, Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), InterACT, MAZON: a Jewish Response to Hunger, Justice in Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), The Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Grantmakers In Aging, Home Care Aide Council, Gerontological Society of America, Fenway Health, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, MassEquality, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, and National Women’s Law Center Action Fund.

“Every LGBTQ+ person in every community across the country deserves to thrive. The Elder Pride Act will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who live in more rural areas, which represent 29% of LGBTQ+ older Americans, and those living with HIV have access to the support and services they need to age with dignity,” said SAGE CEO Lynn Faria. “We’d like to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Lynn Faria, CEO, SAGE.

The Elder Pride Act would establish a rural grant program designed to fund programs that provide:

• cultural competency training for service providers;
• connections between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;
• expanded use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class;
• resources on sexual health and aging, including for individuals with HIV, for senior service providers; and
• care or services to LGBTQI+ and seniors of other protected classes.

In addition to Representatives Bonamici, Pocan, and Davids, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sean Casten (D-IL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

In addition to Senator Markey, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, spoke out against Republicans’ funding bill for the 2027 fiscal year during the Appropriations Committee’s markup today. In her opening remarks, Pingree condemned proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Park Service (NPS), and the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) and Humanities (NEH). At the same time, the Trump Administration is spending millions of taxpayer dollars on the President’s vanity projects in D.C., Pingree said—including a 250-foot Arch, a $1 billion ballroom, resurfacing the reflecting pool, the so-called “Garden of Heroes”, and more. 

“How is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities,” Pingree said.

Pingree also cited how Trump has destroyed the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months, and said the Committee must take steps to protect the institution. 

“I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image,” she said. “But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.”

A summary of the bill is available here.

Pingree’s full remarks as prepared for delivery are copied below.

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Thank you for yielding. 

I would like to thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and the staff on both sides of the aisle. 

Chairman Simpson, I appreciate our working relationship and that we were able to find common ground last year to enact a bipartisan full-year funding bill. 

Unfortunately, the bill before us reverts back to the same partisan playbook, with grossly insufficient funding and a surplus of poison pill riders. 

The bill cuts EPA by 20 percent. This agency has already lost one-fifth of its workforce since President Trump took office. The cuts in this bill would completely cripple EPA’s ability to fight climate change, respond to environmental disasters, and hold polluters accountable. Meanwhile, the administration continues to roll back regulations that protect public health and the environment, including a recent announcement that will increase exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

I’m disappointed that the bill further cuts funding to states for water infrastructure. This is the first year that states won’t have the additional funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I believe that it is critical that we don’t lose the momentum we built with those investments. 

I’m also very concerned by the cuts to the National Park Service facilities operation and maintenance. This is the funding the Park Service uses to maintain and repair its infrastructure. The bill cuts it by $163 million, or 17 percent. 

Meanwhile, in the Commerce, Justice, Science funding bill, Republicans have provided up to $152 million to renovate Alcatraz into a functioning prison.  

I find this completely outrageous. I won’t get into the many reasons why I think trying to reopen Alcatraz is a farce and a waste of money. But I have to say, when I look at that funding and then look at the bill before us today, it’s painfully obvious that the majority is prioritizing resurrecting a 19th century prison over today’s underfunded and understaffed parks.

At the same time, the President is diverting significant resources toward pet projects that most Americans oppose: his ridiculous $1 billion gilded ballroom (from which he dumped the toxic demolition debris on a National Park-owned golf course), approving a no-bid contract to resurface the reflecting pool, forging ahead on his so-called “Garden of Heroes” – all of which he handpicked – and his 20-story tall Triumphal Arch that veterans’ groups have literally sued to block … the list goes on and on.

How is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.

And speaking of vanity projects, I would be remiss not to mention the absolute mess that the President has made of the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months. I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image. But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.

So: the President and this administration have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to dictate exactly what it deems artistically and culturally worthy – and at the same time, it’s trying to rob our communities of funding for our own local museums, historical societies, and arts education programs by cutting the NEA and NEH. I am vehemently opposed to this bill slashing each endowment by 35%, $72 million.

The bill also cuts funding for cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution. Last year, we came to an agreement and beat back these cuts. We must do so again this year. 

While the administration is focused on building a gilded ballroom and a triumphal Arch to appease the president’s ego, Americans are facing soaring gas and energy prices. Yet this bill does nothing to reign in the administration’s assault on energy projects that states have been counting on. 

As the administration spends nearly 2 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay off companies for abandoning offshore wind projects, this bill piles on – adding additional fees for offshore wind companies and drastically cutting funding for renewable energy programs.

Finally, I have to express my opposition to the dozens of poison pill riders included in the bill. These riders aim to cripple environmental protection, undermine climate change policies, and override the Endangered Species Act. 

As written, I cannot support the bill before us today.

I oppose the bill, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back.

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