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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

Fox News

Op-ed: REP MARIO DIAZ-BALART: We are stopping Cuba from trafficking doctors for profit

July 5, 2026

Read the full op-ed here:

A new law authored by me and passed by Congress in February 2026 punishes countries that are complicit in the human trafficking of Cuban doctors by way of the Castro regime’s medical missions abroad. The same law for the fiscal year 2027 is expected to be voted on in the House soon.

For decades, the Cuban dictatorship has made billions by coercing its medical professionals to work in places no one wants to go, under the worst labor conditions. 

But the doctors themselves see very little of that money. The regime on the island earns an estimated $4-8 billion per year from the program, and regime operatives keep 75-95% of what the doctors are paid.

The U.S. State Department says the regime confiscates the doctors’ passports, forces their families to stay in Cuba as leverage, assigns handlers to watch them and punishes families if a doctor defects. 

Since 2010, State Department reports have called the program exploitative. Appropriately, State labeled the practice “human trafficking” or “forced labor” run by the Cuban regime in 2020.

A new provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 targets countries that pay the authoritarian dictatorship for these exploited medical workers. The State Department must now list every country or group that pays for these personnel and notify them they’re on the list. 

If a country stays on the list for two years in a row, it loses all U.S. foreign aid. Foreign officials involved can be banned from entering the United States, and their finances and property here may also be frozen.

The law is already obtaining results. Guatemala, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay and Honduras are reducing or outright ending their use of Cuban doctors. 

Some, like the Bahamas, are changing terms by trying to pay doctors directly instead of paying the regime – something the dictatorship has rejected before. Consequently, the Trump administration has enforced this law by imposing visa restrictions on officials from Brazil, Grenada and some African countries tied to the program.

This legislation ensures accountability, something that past Democratic administrations were willing to overlook. It exposes those who benefit from the program and hits them with real punitive consequences: the loss of U.S. aid, travel bans and financial sanctions. The law also strongly supports the oppressed Cuban people by protecting Cuban doctors from exploitation and abuse, while cutting off a critical financial lifeline to the regime.

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs.

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

WASHINGTON, DC– As reported today in The New York Times, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) demanded immediate action to address a growing and preventable public health crisis: the rising rate of vitamin K refusal at birth and resulting vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) among newborns in a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.  

“The vaccine misinformation and confusion that RFK Jr. has championed for years has now created a ‘spillover effect’ that is causing parents to refuse the vitamin K shot and other routine care, putting their babies at risk of life-threatening hemorrhage,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “As a pediatrician and member of Congress, I am focused on doing all I can to hold RFK Jr. accountable for every preventable death and illness of our nation’s children. That is why I am proud to join Senator Alsobrooks in this effort to demand the CDC follow and publicly release data on the burden of vitamin K refusal rates.”

“RFK Jr. has spewed lies and dangerous rhetoric about vaccines, and now we are seeing the devastating consequences. Newborns are dying because their parents are refusing to give them a shot of vitamin K, an essential nutrient. We need leadership and action right now. Rep. Schrier and I are calling on the CDC to monitor and understand the burden of vitamin K refusal rates, and the related deaths – and then to make that information publicly available. This is objective information that the public deserves to see,” said Senator Alsobrooks.  

“More than 60 years ago, scientists discovered that a simple injection of vitamin K administered shortly after childbirth could protect newborn babies from potentially deadly bleeding disorders. This was a game changer and is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a vitamin K injection as part of a newborn “safety bundle” since the 1960s. But false and misleading claims have led to increased rates of refusal, putting the youngest and most vulnerable babies at unnecessary risk, and now we’re seeing the devastating impacts,” said AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. “I want to thank Representative Schrier and Senator Alsobrooks for bringing attention to this important issue and calling on HHS to take action to protect children, and I encourage parents with questions about vitamin K or any aspect of newborn care to speak with their child’s doctor.”

Read full text of the letter HERE.

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

Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Air Purifiers and Essential Supplies to Families Impacted by the Lineage Logistics Fire

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

NEW ORLEANS, La.—Last night, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News’s Hannity to discuss how the Democrat Party is increasingly nominating far-left candidates with out-of-touch policies. Leader Scalise also highlighted how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts are expanding opportunity for hardworking families through lower taxes, Trump accounts, and the first-ever nationwide school choice tax credit.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s interview:On the rise of Communism in the Democrat party:“It’s insane to see how far left the Democrat Party has moved to where now literally it’s a Bolshevik Revolution. I mean, the Communists have taken over. This is not your father’s Democrat Party, and it’s really the candidates that they’re nominating that are the far-left extremist lunatics. Many Democrats across America are not that far left. But this is a choice election. Voters are going to have to make some serious choices.”On the Democrat Party nominating radical far-left candidates:“If you’ve just been used to voting Democrat all your life because maybe you just support union candidates, those days are gone. And those candidates, by the way, are getting defeated. The pro-union Democrats are getting defeated by communists who hate this country. And some of the things that they stand for, I mean, we’ve got a candidate in Colorado who wants to tax eggs and milk. You’ve got a candidate in New York who wants to get rid of prisons and the police, not just defund the police, get rid of them and get rid of the prisons. Where are the criminals going to go? We all know how this ends up.“You had the great Brandon Gill on the show earlier talking about Graham Platner. I mean, no Democrat leader would denounce him after the first woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her, after the second woman, after the Nazi tattoo. They’re okay with these candidates because in many cases they’re endorsing them. The Democrat leaders are also out of touch with most voters in this country, but that’s on the ballot this November. Everybody needs to know what is on the ballot this November.”On the Working Families Tax Cuts delivering for American families:“We’re doing a lot for kids, and frankly, to give them more opportunity. That’s what President Trump’s been committed to. We just celebrated one year of that great bill, the Working Families Tax Cut, being signed into law on the Fourth of July. By the way, didn’t President Trump give a great speech? To inspire the nation. You know, those of us that still love this country, which by the way is most Americans. Forget about the Democrat Party leadership, most Americans still love this country. But there are a lot of good things. It’s not just the fact that if you’re an overtime worker, a police officer, or a shift worker, you don’t have to pay taxes on overtime or tips. Seniors get great benefits.” On House Republicans expanding opportunity for America’s kids:“Young people are benefiting tremendously from this bill. The Trump accounts, when you’re born, you get money in your name that you can manage. You look at the first ever school choice program. It’s opt-in, opt-out. Most states are opting in, but look at, look at California. You’ve got Gavin Newsom saying no to low-income kids having more opportunities. So call your governor if your governor is like Hochul or Pritzker or Gavin and is hurting those low-income kids. Remember, it’s only low-income kids that benefit. Every state can participate. Some states like California, New York, and Illinois said they don’t want to help their low-income kids, but it’s not too late.”

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

GILBERT, ARIZONA – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) announced the recovery of over $2,100,000 through 508 cases since January 1, 2026, for the people of Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District. 

“It is my honor to assist the hardworking men and women of the East Valley with their issues with federal agencies,” said Congressman Biggs. “I have a stellar team that is dedicated to serve this district’s interests every day. We will not rest until every dollar possible is recovered for our constituents.”

Over the course of Congressman Biggs’s 5-term tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, his office has recovered approximately $13.5 million for East Valley residents, comprising more than 5,100 cases. 

Recently, a constituent, whose family had no income, contacted Congressman Biggs’s office for assistance on an application with a federal agency. After Team Biggs made a congressional inquiry on his behalf, the man’s application was approved, and he was able to return to work. The constituent stated,“I am very grateful for your support and assistance during this process. Your office’s help provided reassurance and guidance during a difficult and uncertain time for my family. Please extend my appreciation to everyone involved in assisting with our case. Thank you again for your service to our community and for your help.”

If you have an issue with a federal agency and would like assistance navigating the bureaucracy, please do not hesitate to reach out to Congressman Biggs’s office.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

President Trump’s June 24, 2026, supplemental request included $67.1 billion for the Iran War, ignoring the $34 billion needed by CA and the billions more desperately needed by over 30 other States, Tribes, and Territories to rebuild their communities after natural disasters.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Norma Torres (CA-35), Brad Sherman (CA-32), and California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) led the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to congressional leadership urging that no supplemental funding package move forward until Congress passes long overdue federal disaster assistance for California communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and other communities across the country recovering from major disasters.

More than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the January 2025 wildfires, which destroyed more than 13,000 homes and properties, claimed more than two dozen lives, and caused an estimated $275 billion in economic damage. Despite the scale of the devastation, the Administration has not taken a single step to submit a supplemental disaster funding request to Congress. This inaction is on top of the Trump Administration delaying or denying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency aid, with FEMA’s own data showing that the Trump Administration is making it harder to access disaster aid and moving more slowly than previous Administrations to help disaster-hit communities.

In the letter, the members wrote:

“It is deeply disappointing that since January 2025, not a single step has been taken by the White House to submit a request for federal disaster aid, not just for California, but also for the over 30 States, Tribes, or Territories with major disaster declarations.”

“President Trump’s Administration is prioritizing the war in Iran over helping American communities recover from devastating disasters… Instead of taking up the June 24, 2026, Iran War supplemental request, we believe that Congress should immediately draft a federal disaster aid supplemental to help Americans rebuild their communities from the most deadly and costly wildfires in recent history.”

The letter notes that while the Administration requested more than $67 billion for military operations related to President Trump’s costly war of choice in Iran, it has failed to request the federal disaster assistance needed for California’s wildfire recovery, along with billions more needed by disaster-impacted states, Tribes, and territories across the country.

The California Democratic Congressional Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working on a bipartisan disaster relief package that ensures American families receive the support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities.

Read the full letter Here. 

Additional signers of the letter include Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

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

Trahan Statement on Mass General Brigham Nurses Strike

LOWELL, MA, July 8, 2026

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the Mass General Brigham nurses strike:
“Nurses are the unsung heroes in our broken healthcare system. The nurses and caregivers at Mass General Brigham have shown up for their patients through a pandemic, through staffing shortages, and through impossibly long shifts. They deserve a contract that respects their work and their commitment to families across our Commonwealth.”
“No one wants to see nurses on a picket line instead of at the bedside, least of all nurses themselves. It’s imperative that Mass General Brigham and the Massachusetts Nurses Association return to the table and negotiate in good faith until they reach a contract that honors the lifesaving work these nurses do day in and day out.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), introduced the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, which would ban the use of harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics. The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of the bill’s enactment. 

“PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, including cosmetics and personal care products. Too often these dangerous chemicals are not disclosed on packaging and labels, meaning most Americans don’t even know they’re using them,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, and we need a strong, bipartisan effort to address this crisis. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act takes important steps to protect consumers and prevent the continued proliferation of forever chemicals.”

“We know the risks posed by PFAS, and we have a responsibility to act wherever exposure can be prevented. Real progress means not only cleaning up contamination after the fact, but stopping unnecessary exposure before it happens. Americans deserve confidence in the products they bring into their homes and use every day. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is a practical, bipartisan step to protect consumers and continue moving these toxic forever chemicals out of our products and our communities,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.

“Americans shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to know if their shampoo and makeup are safe, yet toxic forever chemicals are hiding in products in nearly every bathroom in the country, often with no label to warn us,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. “In the Assembly, I wrote California’s law banning PFAS from cosmetics, but every American deserves that same peace of mind. I’m proud to work with Rep. Dingell, a leader on forever chemicals, to take that fight nationwide with this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”

The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is endorsed by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Buen Vecino, CleanEarth4Kids.org, ENVmedicine, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Plastic Free Future, California Black Health Network, LA Water Keeper, The Oregon Environmental Council, Breast Cancer Over Time, Mamavation.com, Innersense Beauty, Green America, Credo Beauty, California Healthy Nail Salons, Environmental Defense Action Fund.

“The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they’re still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “We applaud Representatives Dingell, Fitzpatrick, and Friedman for stepping up where industry hasn’t. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work.”

“Using the science-based definition of PFAS, these bills would ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products. Despite industry claims that not all PFAS are the same, there are no ‘safer’ PFAS. All PFAS are persistent and toxic, and we must eliminate all non-essential uses as soon as possible. There is no reason to allow the continued use of PFAS in packaging that can leach into our food or in personal care products that we put directly on our bodies,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Senior Director, Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention, Center for Environmental Health.

PFAS chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic—and can be found at some level in 98% of Americans today. These chemicals have been linked to harmful human health effects, increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreases in infant birth weights, and increased risk of certain cancers.  

Congresswoman Dingell has been a strong leader in the fight against PFAS and has championed policies to get PFAS out of drinking water and the environment and ban forever chemicals in products from food packaging to firefighter gear. In June 2026, Congresswoman Dingell led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America. In 2023, Representatives Dingell, Fitzpatrick, and Ryan, introduced the PFAS Action Act, bipartisan legislation to establish a national drinking water standard for select PFAS chemicals, accelerate designation of PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances, limit industrial discharge, and provide $200 million annually to assist water utilities and wastewater treatment.

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

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), co-chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, reintroduced the bipartisan Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, which would prohibit intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – hazardous forever chemicals – in food packaging.   

These harmful substances are frequently used to greaseproof, waterproof, and give nonstick properties to food containers, cookware, and consumer products. And it has been proven that the PFAS in those containers can contaminate the food, causing liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and several forms of cancer. The Environmental Working Group found that as many as 40 percent of fast-food wrappers and paper products tested positive for fluorine chemicals.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about chemicals seeping from containers into your food,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, and most Americans don’t even know the risks or daily exposure they face. Several states have already passed laws banning PFAS in food packaging, now we need strong federal legislation to ensure hazardous chemicals are not allowed near the food we eat.”

“Every day, Americans bring home takeout containers, wrappers, and food packaging that can contain intentionally added PFAS—putting toxic forever chemicals far too close to the food we eat. That is an unnecessary risk, and it is one we have the responsibility to eliminate. The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act takes these chemicals out of the equation by setting a clear national standard and stopping avoidable exposure at the source. We know enough about the dangers of PFAS to act with urgency, and protecting the health of the American people must come first,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.

The bill is supported by Buen Vecino, CleanEarth4Kids.org, ENVmedicine, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners,  Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Plastic Free Future, California Black Health Network, The Oregon Environmental Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Breast Cancer Over Time, Mamavation.com, Innersense Beauty, Green America, and Environmental Defense Action Fund.

“Families should not have to worry about PFAS entering our food supply via food packaging,” said Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “Congress should support the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act to stop companies from intentionally adding these harmful substances to food packaging.”

“The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they’re still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “We applaud Representatives Dingell and Fitzpatrick for stepping up where industry hasn’t. The No PFAS in Food Packaging Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work.”

“Using the science-based definition of PFAS, these bills would ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products. Despite industry claims that not all PFAS are the same, there are no ‘safer’ PFAS. All PFAS are persistent and toxic, and we must eliminate all non-essential uses as soon as possible. There is no reason to allow the continued use of PFAS in packaging that can leach into our food or in personal care products that we put directly on our bodies,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Senior Director, Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention, Center for Environmental Health.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, including various cancers, increases in cholesterol levels, reproductive problems, as well as low birth weight and weakened childhood immunity. People are at higher risk for these health impacts when repeatedly exposed to PFAS, given that they bioaccumulate and do not degrade in the environment. 

Congresswoman Dingell has been a strong leader in the fight against PFAS and has championed policies to get PFAS out of drinking water and the environment and ban forever chemicals in products from food packaging to firefighter gear. In June 2026, Congresswoman Dingell led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Rep. Aguilar joined the Family Service Association of Redlands during their monthly food box distribution day, which provides over 100 meals to Inland Empire residents dealing with food insecurity

REDLANDS, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference at the Family Service Association of Redlands to highlight the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill. This legislation made the largest funding cut to food assistance programs in U.S. history and took away SNAP from more than 4 million Americans to give billionaires and corporations a tax cut. In California, more than 300,000 people lost their CalFresh food assistance, forcing families to go hungry or rely on no-cost community food assistance organizations like the Family Service Association to get by. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“One year after Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill cut food assistance programs like CalFresh and took food off the tables of millions of Americans, California families are paying the price,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “For many Inland Empire families who lost their CalFresh benefits, these cuts mean they may not know where their next meal will come from. I’m grateful for organizations like the Family Service Association of Redlands that help ensure people in our community don’t go hungry. But in the wealthiest nation on earth, there’s no reason that should even be a possibility. I’ll keep fighting back against Republican cuts to food assistance programs and work to bring down costs so that every California family can afford the healthy meals they need to thrive.” 
“Family Service is grateful for the engagement of Congressman Pete Aguilar today and always,” said Kyra Stewart, Executive Director, Family Service Association of Redlands. “The changes in policy and rules around Cal Fresh and SNAP land on families who will have to figure out how to navigate complicated paperwork and new work requirements. For many families, when benefits are affected, a food pantry or local food bank is the first place households will turn to. Nonprofits will never be able to replace a strong public nutrition safety net program as important as SNAP or CalFresh. Only a mix of thoughtful public policy, private support and local collaboration will be able to solve hunger issues in our region. We appreciate leaders such as Congressman Pete Aguilar who are willing to advocate for solutions.”