MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

This week, Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026. The ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act will help people living with ALS continue to access promising treatments and further advance the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Today, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act was noticed for a hearing at the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on April 15, 2026.

“Every dollar put towards ACT for ALS programs has improved our understanding of ALS and allowed people living with ALS to access promising treatments. We made great progress during the first five years of these programs, but ALS remains a 100% fatal disease. The federal government must continue supporting efforts to end this disease once and for all,” said Rep. Quigley. “The passage of ACT for ALS was one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. I am proud to work alongside Congressman Calvert, Senators Murkowski and Coons, and the incredible organizations fighting neurodegenerative diseases to ensure this work continues.” 

“The ACT for ALS was a landmark law that gave hope to Americans impacted by ALS,” said Rep. Calvert. “It’s now critical that Congress builds upon that milestone by passing the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act to continue our progress in researching cures and treatments. The courageous and extraordinary ALS advocates who helped us pass the ACT for ALS are a source of inspiration and the reason we have reached this moment. I appreciate the leadership of my fellow ALS Caucus colleague Rep. Mike Quigley in sponsoring this bill and working together with me to advance these bipartisan solutions.”

Quigley and Calvert’s legislation will reauthorize ACT for ALS programs for 5 years, codify the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines, require a new FDA 5-year Action Plan, and require a new GAO report on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs in 2030.

In the Senate, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act is led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Chris Coons (DE).

“ALS is a disease that takes from us: it steals movement, communication, and tomorrows,” said Senator Coons. “ACT for ALS funds research to stop ALS from claiming more lives and futures, and to give hope and new treatments to those already fighting its cruelty. I am grateful to Senator Murkowski and Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their partnership on this bipartisan reauthorization bill.”

“ALS is indiscriminate and devastating. It can strike any of us—and it will take all of us working together to support those affected and help end this terminal disease,” said Senator Murkowski. “As an ALS Caucus Co-Chair, I’m honored to introduce the ACT for ALS Reauthorization, which will break down treatment barriers and accelerate the research and development of therapies for those living with ALS.”

This legislation has been endorsed by I AM ALS, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the ALS Association.

“This bill is urgent – because ALS doesn’t wait, and neither can we,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Since 2021, ACT for ALS has driven historic progress: unlocking critical funding, expanding access to promising therapies, and accelerating the path toward a cure. The ALS community united to pass this landmark legislation once, and together with partners and advocates nationwide, we will do it again. We are deeply grateful to the I AM ALS volunteer community and to Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their leadership in reintroducing the bill and their commitment to progress.”

“The ACT for ALS has become a real-world test of whether our research and regulatory systems can move at the speed our community needs. Early results are very encouraging, but reauthorization is necessary to truly fulfill its promise to our community. The legislation introduced this week is a chance to not only further accelerate our rare neurodegenerative disease drug development approach, but also to provide a blueprint for how rare disease innovation should work going forward,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, President and CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“ACT for ALS has already changed what’s possible for people living with ALS – and our volunteers and staff fought to make this reauthorization even stronger. More accountability. Fewer barriers. Faster pathways to get promising treatments to the people who need them. This bill reflects what our advocates demanded and what people living with ALS deserve: a commitment from the federal government that matches the urgency of this disease,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association.

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

Dear Colleague:

I write to update you on the urgent need to permanently end Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran. 

Our brave men and women in uniform have been put into harm’s way in the Middle East without justification. More than a dozen have been killed and hundreds seriously injured. Gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of living is out of control and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted dropping bombs in Iran, while Republicans refuse to spend a dime to make life more affordable for everyday Americans. 

A two-week ceasefire is woefully insufficient. Accordingly, we have demanded that the House come back into session immediately in order to vote on our resolution to permanently end the war in the Middle East. 

To the extent Republican leadership refuses to bring Congress back this week, House Democrats will demand passage of the War Powers Resolution introduced by Ranking Member Greg Meeks via unanimous consent at the next pro forma session on Thursday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m. sharp. Led by Rep. Glenn Ivey, all Members who are in Washington are invited to join the effort on the House Floor. Immediately following the pro forma session, House Democrats will speak directly to the American people from the Capitol grounds. 

In addition, on Friday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m. ET, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and House Judiciary Committee Democrats will host a virtual briefing on Trump administration accountability and the 25th Amendment.

Shockingly, Donald Trump threatened to escalate his war of choice in a profane Easter Sunday rant and to eradicate an entire civilization. House Republican leadership remains completely silent on the president’s unhinged behavior. Instead, they continue to enable and excuse his dangerous conduct. We will continue to unleash maximum pressure on Republicans to put patriotic duty over party loyalty and join Democrats in stopping the madness. 

Thank you for your continued leadership as we fight to permanently end this reckless, costly and dangerous war of choice in Iran. 

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic Leader

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

HIALEAH, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented $4,900,000 in federal funding to the City of Hialeah for stormwater improvements in Southeast Hialeah. 

This funding secured by Congressman Díaz-Balart will be used for infrastructure improvements along SE 6^th and 8^th Avenue and SE 4^th and 8^th Street. The proposed improvements include stormwater mitigation through the installation of curbs and gutters, as well as the reconstruction of roadways. The installation of sidewalks and energy-efficient LED street lighting is also included.

Congressman Díaz-Balart said, “Hialeah is home to thousands of hardworking patriots and is one of the largest employers in Miami-Dade County, known for its industrial strength and significant contributions to Florida’s economic vitality. Funding like this is crucial to protecting homes and businesses from flooding, improving public safety, and ensuring our community has the modern infrastructure they deserve so it can continue to thrive.

As we begin another fiscal year, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Mayor Calvo in delivering for Hialeah.”

City of Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo said, “This investment is the result of sustained advocacy by our administration and a strong partnership with Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who has been instrumental in helping us secure these critical funds. My team and I have worked diligently to ensure that Hialeah’s infrastructure needs remain front and center, and today’s progress reflects that effort.  

These resources will allow us to move forward with essential stormwater improvements in Southeast Hialeah, reducing flood risk and delivering more reliable services to our residents. We remain focused on advancing projects across the city that strengthen infrastructure, improve quality of life, and position Hialeah for long-term resilience.”

Background

This project received funding through the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026.

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Florida’s 26th Congressional District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and has a longstanding, successful track record of delivering crucial funding for infrastructure, transit, and roadway improvements.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

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

MICCOSUKEE RESERVATION, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, invites members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony on Thursday, April 9th at 11:00 a.m.

This event celebrates the $350,000 in federal funding secured by Congressman Díaz-Balart for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Police Department to upgrade five marked Sport Utility Vehicles for the Miccosukee Tribe Police Departments.

These vehicles will enhance public safety by improving law enforcement visibility and emergency response, increasing officer presence, and deterring crime in the community.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony

WHO:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Delegation

WHEN:

Thursday, April 9^th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

37790 SW 8^th Street,

Miami FL 33194 

RSVP:

All interested credentialed media may RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

Background:

This project received funding through H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured $6.15 million for Santa Barbara Harbor’s dredging project. The funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, an annual civil works initiative focused on infrastructure improvements.

“The Santa Barbara Harbor serves an important role in our local economy and emergency response services,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This federal funding will ensure our harbor is deep enough to continue handling maritime commerce and tourism while providing the U.S. Coast Guard with the reliable channels for public safety and national security missions.”

“Santa Barbara Harbor is the pulse of our community. Without regular federal maintenance dredging, the consequences for public safety, our local economy, and our way of life are severe. Securing $6.15 million in federal funding for dredging is an essential step toward ensuring that the harbor remains safe and navigable for everyone who depends on it. We are grateful to Congressman Carbajal for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Santa Barbara, and to the Army Corps of Engineers for delivering on this critical funding,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse.

Santa Barbara Harbor serves as a critical hub for maritime commerce, tourism, and public safety operations. The dredging project will help keep the harbor at appropriate depths so that commercial vessels, recreational users, and emergency response ships can operate safely. 

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

KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined Planned Parenthood Great Plains and local health care advocates to highlight ongoing federal efforts to restrict access to reproductive health care and underscore the real-world impact these extreme policies can have on Kansas families.

“In Kansas and across the country, extreme politicians are pushing policies that make it harder for people to get basic health care — from cancer screenings to birth control,” said Davids. “These efforts make it harder for providers to do their jobs and leave patients with nowhere to turn. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Kansans can access the care they need, when they need it, without unnecessary obstacles.”

During the press conference, Davids emphasized that recent actions in Congress and at the federal level threaten not only abortion access but also essential preventive services like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing that thousands of Kansans rely on every year.

Davids pointed to ongoing legal and legislative efforts targeting medication abortion, including proposals by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) to restrict access to mifepristone and limit telehealth and mail delivery options. She noted that these changes would increase delays, force patients to travel farther for care, and strain already limited health care resources.

She also raised concerns about broader federal funding threats, including a provision in last year’s House-passed budget that would block Medicaid patients from receiving care at Planned Parenthood health centers and similar providers — impacting access to a wide range of services beyond abortion care. While the policy is currently tied up in court, Davids is supporting a bill to overturn the policy permanently.

Additionally, Davids highlighted instability in the Title X family planning program, where delays and administrative challenges have already begun to disrupt care for low-income and uninsured patients nationwide. She recently joined House colleagues in urging the Department of Health and Human Services to extend funding for current providers to prevent gaps in care.

Read Davids’ full remarks below:

Hi everyone — thank you to Planned Parenthood Great Plains for hosting us and for the work you do every single day to make sure people can get the care they need.

I’m Representative Sharice Davids and want to start by being really clear about what’s happening right now. Across the country, we are seeing a coordinated effort to roll back access to reproductive health care — not just abortion care, but so many basic services that millions of people rely on. And a lot of these fights are happening at the federal level, which means they don’t stay in Washington — they show up in our communities, in our clinics, and in people’s lives. And one of the biggest areas under attack right now is medication abortion.

There are ongoing legal and political efforts to undermine access to mifepristone, including by Senator Josh Hawley on the other side of the state line in Missouri. This medication has been proven safe and effective for decades and is used not just for abortion care, but for miscarriage management as well. What we’re seeing are attempts to restrict how it can be prescribed and delivered — including limiting telehealth and access by mail. That might sound technical, but here’s what it means in practice:

It means more delays, longer travel times, and more barriers for people who are already trying to navigate a complicated and often stressful situation. And it puts additional strain on providers, forcing them to shift care into more limited settings — which can overwhelm clinics and reduce access for everyone.

At the same time, recent Medicaid cuts are also impacting reproductive health care. Last year, House Republicans passed an extreme budget law that included a provision blocking Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood and similar providers — not just for abortion care, but for all services. We’re talking about cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and other preventive care.

This provision is currently tied up in court, and I’m supporting legislation to reverse it, but their intent is clear: to cut off patients from the care they rely on. And the reality is, many of those patients don’t have another option. More than half of Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid for their health coverage. And nearly one in five Medicaid enrollees who access contraceptive care do so at a Planned Parenthood health center. So, when politicians talk about “defunding” these providers, what they’re really doing is leaving patients with fewer places to go — or nowhere to go at all.

We’re seeing it in Title X, which is the only federal program dedicated solely to family planning. This year, the rollout of that program from the administration has been chaotic and deeply concerning — with delays, limited time for applications, and serious staffing issues that are already impacting providers’ ability to plan and deliver care.

That’s why I joined my colleagues in pushing the administration to extend currently awarded grants to prevent further disruptions. Because when we see this unpredictability, clinics are forced to make difficult decisions like cutting services, reducing hours, or turning patients away.

This stretches the entire health care system thinner and thinner. So, what we’re left with is a system where access becomes harder, wait times get longer, and people fall through the cracks.

That’s what’s at stake. This isn’t abstract. It’s about whether someone can get a cancer screening before it’s too late. It’s about whether they can access birth control or preventive care when they need it. It’s about whether people can make their own health care decisions without unnecessary barriers or politicians standing in the way.

I’ll continue fighting in Congress to protect access to care and make sure these decisions stay where they belong — with patients and their providers, not politicians in Washington who should be focused on anything else. Because at the end of the day, health care should be about supporting people, not putting up roadblocks.

Thank you.

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

Brighton, MI — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens visited Promess Inc., a Brighton-based manufacturer, to meet with workers, tour the facility, and highlight her push to strengthen Michigan manufacturing, secure our supply chains, and support good-paying jobs.

Promess builds automated assembly and process-monitoring systems used by manufacturers worldwide. During the tour, company leadership showcased several of Promess’ core technologies, including the EMAP (Electro-Mechanical Assembly Press), REMAP (Rotational Electro-Mechanical Assembly Press), TorquePRO electric torque actuator, and integrated Work Stations.

“Michigan manufacturers are some of the best in the world, and Promess Inc. is exactly the kind of Michigan success story we need more of,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “I’m proud to be a champion for Michigan manufacturers in Congress, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver results and support our workers and manufacturers here at home.”

“Promess has been building advanced manufacturing technology in Michigan for over 40 years, and conversations like this one remind us why that work matters,” said John Lytle, President of Promess, Inc. “Showing Representative Stevens what we do, from supporting the modernization of our defense industrial base to delivering Michigan-made solutions to manufacturers around the world, reinforces our commitment to keeping American manufacturing at the cutting edge.”

Since first taking office, Congresswoman Stevens has visited hundreds of manufacturers across Michigan, promoting Michigan’s role at the center of manufacturing innovation. She also serves as the top Democrat on the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the Science, Space, & Technology Committee.

B-roll available for media use linked here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, February 28, Chairman David Schweikert will convene a healthcare innovation roundtable in Scottsdale, Arizona, bringing together leaders from emerging health and technology companies to discuss how innovation can improve patient access, reduce costs, and modernize care delivery.

The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) roundtable will focus on the real-world economics of healthcare innovation. Participants will share insights into how new technologies—ranging from AI-enabled clinical tools to medical devices and performance analytics—are reshaping patient care and system affordability. The discussion will also examine policy and regulatory barriers that may be slowing progress.

“The purpose of this discussion is to give the Committee a direct understanding of how emerging healthcare and technology companies are changing the economics of care on the ground,” said Chairman Schweikert. “We want to better understand what is working, where innovation is reducing costs and improving outcomes, and what federal policies may need modernization.”

The event will be structured as an open, discussion-driven dialogue following brief participant introductions. Unlike a traditional Congressional hearing, there will not be set Member questioning periods. Chairman Schweikert is the only Member of Congress scheduled to attend.
The roundtable will be recorded and professionally transcribed. It will not be open to the general public, and there will be no press conference following the event. The recording will be made publicly available on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 28th 
Time: 3:30 – 5:30pm MST
Location: ASU SkySong, building 1 – Ingenuity Room (301)
Address: 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ

Confirmed Participants
Amy Perry
President and CEO
Banner Health

Jonathan Jeffrey
Chief of Staff
WHOOP

Adam Oskowitz, MD
Co-Founder
Doctronic.AI

Tom Eisiminger
President and CEO
Regenesis

Terrence O’Neil
Director of Operations
Calviri

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., yesterday introduced the Combating Deceptive Practices in Assistance Programs Act, H.R. 7713, to tighten Medicaid personal care eligibility and protect resources for patients who truly need hands-on help with basic daily tasks.

The bill amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act so that, to qualify for Medicaid personal care services, an individual must be unable to perform three or more activities of daily living (ADLs), as defined in Section 7702B(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. It also makes clear that instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as managing money or doing routine household chores, do not count toward that threshold.

“Medicaid personal care is supposed to be for the person who cannot safely bathe, dress, move or feed themselves without another set of hands,” Schweikert said. “When you start leaning on fuzzy checklists instead of clear medical need, the spending explodes and the people who truly cannot get through the day on their own end up fighting for space in the line.”

Since 1994, state Medicaid plans have used authorities such as Sections 1905(a), 1915(c), 1915(d), 1915(j) and 1915(k) to provide at-home services that help beneficiaries stay in the community instead of entering nursing homes. In New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, enrollment has climbed above 250,000 people and now costs taxpayers roughly $6 billion per year, with some estimates as high as $11 billion.

“Taxpayers were told these programs would keep the most vulnerable out of institutions and closer to their families,” Schweikert said. “If the test turns into errands, bill-paying or light housekeeping, you blur that promise and create an easy avenue for abuse. A three-ADL standard puts a basic guardrail back in place so personal care is tied to serious functional limits instead of convenience.”

ADLs are core self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting and continence, eating and safely moving between a bed, chair or toilet. IADLs cover more complex tasks that support independent living, including managing finances, transportation, communication, meal preparation and household management.

Under the Combating Deceptive Practices in Assistance Programs Act, Medicaid personal care services would be reserved for beneficiaries with clear, documented ADL needs rather than looser IADL-based criteria. The goal is to keep home-based care available for individuals with significant impairments while reducing the risk that broad state waivers turn personal care into a wide-open benefit that crowds out patients with the highest needs.More information on the bill can be found here.

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