Rep. Stevens Tours Promess Inc.; Highlights Plan to Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing

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.
 

###

Chairman Schweikert to Host Healthcare Innovation Roundtable in Scottsdale

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

Back to News

Schweikert Introduces H.R. 7713 to Tighten Medicaid Personal Care Eligibility and Protect Vulnerable Patients

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.

Back to News

Wasserman Schultz Delivers Federal Brain Cancer Treatment Funds to NSU

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

“I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I was able to secure more than $1 million in federal funding for NSU to purchase equipment to learn how to better treat brain cancer,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Thankfully, NSU’s amazing researchers are working on solving this problem that’s plagued patients and doctors for decades. NSU’s team will use the federal funds I secured to target brain tumors with precision, while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.”

Davie, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Nova Southeastern University (NSU) leaders, including the University President Dr. Harry Moon and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chad Perlyn, to announce $1.03 million in critical disease fighting funds she fought to secure that will improve the treatment of brain cancer.

To watch the press conference, click here. For B-Roll of the check presentation, click here.

This vital technology will allow researchers to develop an innovative drug delivery system that can directly target brain cancer cells.

“I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I was able to secure more than $1 million in federal funding for NSU to purchase equipment to learn how to better treat brain cancer,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Thankfully, NSU’s amazing researchers are working on solving this problem that’s plagued patients and doctors for decades. NSU’s team will use the federal funds I secured to target brain tumors with precision, while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.”

The brain has a natural defense system called the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a cellular layer that lines the brain blood vessels and tightly regulates what can enter the brain tissue. Therefore, the ability to get drug administered in the bloodstream to cross the blood-brain-barrier and reach the tumor at therapeutic levels is a major obstacle for most chemotherapies.

To overcome this obstacle, NSU’s Dr. Regina Graham (pink hair in photos) and her team are developing an innovative drug delivery system that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and directly target brain cancer cells. This approach uses tiny, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles called “carbon dots” to carry chemotherapy drugs directly to brain tumors.

This investment will help NSU and Dr. Graham obtain necessary efficacy and safety data on her new carbon dot drug formulations, improving her ability to translate her exciting findings to the clinical setting

Rep. Aguilar Delivers $2 Million to Strengthen San Bernardino County Transportation Infrastructure and Safety

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

Improving transportation infrastructure between the Cities of Highlands and Redlands will boost the economy and make it easier for residents, workers, and businesses to get around with faster, more reliable routes

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $2,000,000 in community project funding for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) Highland-Redlands Regional Connector project. This grant funding will strengthen the safety, mobility and connectivity of San Bernardino County’s transportation infrastructure by constructing more than five miles of protected bike and pedestrian pathways over the Santa Ana River along Orange Street, connecting the Cities of Highland and Redlands. 
Once complete, the project will benefit thousands of people by reducing traffic congestion and creating a safe, nonmotorized travel route for pedestrians and cyclists, expanding access to schools, work sites and regional trails. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“Whether they’re on foot, a bike, or in a car, everyone in the Inland Empire needs a safe, reliable way to travel,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m excited to deliver $2 million for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s Highland-Redlands Regional Connector project. This funding will enhance the transportation infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, providing residents, students and workers in our community with a safer and more reliable way to travel between Redlands and Highlands. Infrastructure projects like this one are crucial to ensuring the health, connectivity and mobility of people in our region. I’ll keep working in Congress to deliver federal investments in our infrastructure that help improve the quality of life for families here in the Inland Empire.” 
“This project represents what happens when local commitment and federal partnership come together,” said Rick Denison, President, SBCTA. “We are grateful for the Congressman’s leadership and look forward to continuing to deliver projects that improve mobility and quality of life for the residents of San Bernardino County.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District. 

House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Issues Statement on U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement on the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran:

“I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and I’m relieved that U.S. personnel and civilians on both sides may now be spared further harm. I also want to recognize Pakistan’s role in facilitating this outcome.

“But a temporary ceasefire is not enough. We must use this moment to pursue a durable, negotiated outcome that reduces the risk of further conflict and instability across the region. Congress needs answers. Donald Trump must provide a full account for why he took the American people to war, a war in which 13 service members were killed and tens of billions are being spent, and what he intends to do to address these costs for the American people.

“For this to be durable, the administration must do what it has refused to do throughout this conflict: coordinate. Going forward, the United States must work in close coordination with our Gulf partners and allies to help secure a lasting peace, protect the interests of the American people, and ensure long-term regional stability.”

###

Reps. Panetta, Franklin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Timely Access to Veteran Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Scott Franklin (FL-18) introduced the bipartisan Scheduling for Community Health and Easy Data to Understand for Legislators to Evaluate Services (SCHEDULES) Act to ensure timely treatment for veterans seeking specialty care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) is leading companion legislation in the Senate. 

“Far too often, veterans face lengthy delays to receiving the care they need, especially in rural communities,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would establish a national timing standard between referrals and appointments at VA facilities so that veterans in the 19th Congressional District and beyond can reliably and quickly secure support and make informed decisions about their care. I will keep working across the aisle to remove needless barriers and provide veterans with timely access to VA services.”

“As a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices our service members make, and our responsibility to them doesn’t end when they leave the uniform,” said Rep. Franklin, House Military Construction/VA Appropriations Subcommittee member. “Too often, referrals to community care still come with delays. This bill sets a clear standard and ensures veterans get timely care, whether at the VA or close to home.”

“Our veterans and servicemembers deserve to know that they won’t face unnecessary delays in their healthcare,” said Sen. Scott. “The SCHEDULES Act ensures the VA provides timely, responsive care and will help hold them accountable through transparent standards and public reporting requirements. Our government and VA must stand ready to support veterans at every stage of their lives – our nation’s heroes deserve nothing less.”

In 2020, the VA updated its specialty care scheduling process, including a requirement that community care appointments be scheduled within seven days of a referral. But GAO found VA medical centers are less likely to meet that standard for veterans referred to community providers than for care delivered inside the VA.

More importantly, the VA still has no clear benchmark for how long a veteran should wait to actually receive care after that appointment is scheduled. For veterans relying on community care, that means more uncertainty, less accountability, and too often, longer delays getting the care they’ve earned.

The SCHEDULES Act addresses these gaps by requiring the VA to:

  • Establish a standard timeline for care from the moment a referral is entered until the veteran is seen for the related issue;
  • Report to Congress quarterly on progress implementing the new standard; and
  • Provide transparency through performance metrics and rankings for each VA facility.

###

Schweikert Introduces Equal Access to the Colorado River Act to Protect Arizona in Future Shortages

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

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, Congressman David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) introduced H.R. 7078, the Equal Access to the Colorado River Act, to ensure Arizona is treated fairly during Colorado River shortages by requiring proportional cutbacks across the Lower Basin states based on their original legal apportionments.

This bill amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act to ensure that, during times of drought or reduced availability of mainstem Colorado River water, the Lower Basin States, Arizona, California, and Nevada, share water cutbacks proportionally based on their original legal apportionments.

The Colorado River Basin Act was introduced in 1968 and represented a significant investment in Arizona’s water infrastructure. Notably, this act provided the resources for wide-ranging water infrastructure development and significant regional water plan development in the lower basin of the Colorado River. Specifically, Section 1521 created the Central Arizona Project, which led to the development of water infrastructure connecting rural, water-deficient areas to the Colorado River. Today, Central. Arizona Project extends 336 miles.

Despite its growing population and critical municipal needs, Arizona bears a disproportionate share of water cuts due to its junior status under existing law and legal precedent. This bill corrects that imbalance by requiring pro rata reductions in water deliveries across all three Lower Basin states, based on each state’s baseline allocation: 4.4 million acre-feet for California, 2.8 million acre-feet for Arizona and 0.3 million acre-feet for Nevada.

“Arizona families and businesses shouldn’t be punished by an outdated framework that no longer matches today’s reality,” said Congressman Schweikert. “This is about taking responsibility and setting a clear, enforceable standard so every Lower Basin state shares shortage reductions according to the allocations they were given. If we want a sustainable future for the Colorado River, we need rules that are fair, modern and built for the drought conditions we are actually living in.”

Specifically,  H.R. 7078 updates Section 301(b) of the Colorado River Basin Project Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to apply pro-rata reductions to consumptive-use diversions from the Colorado River in times of shortage, relative to each state’s base annual apportionment, and without preference to present perfected rights.By ensuring a fairer, more equitable distribution of reductions, this legislation marks a critical step toward modernizing Colorado River policy for a future of sustained drought, growing demand, and increasingly limited water resources in the West.

More information on the bill can be found here.

Discussion draft of full bill text can be found here.

Back to News

House Ways and Means Committee Advances Schweikert’s Less-Than-Lethal Modernization Bill

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, H.R. 4242, the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act, passed out of the House Committee on Ways and Means and now advances to the House Floor for consideration. The legislation modernizes federal firearms tax law to account for advancements in de-escalation and less-than-lethal technology, ensuring lifesaving devices remain accessible to law enforcement and the public while keeping our communities safe.

Current law states many less-than-lethal devices are still classified and taxed as “firearms,” creating regulatory inconsistencies and higher costs that can slow adoption and continued innovation of life-saving devices. H.R. 4242 updates the Internal Revenue Code so that devices designed not to cause death or serious bodily injury—such as new low-velocity, non-lethal projectile systems—are no longer taxed under the National Firearms Act or the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) said: “Imposing undue regulatory burdens on the use of innovative, nonlethal safety devices will only mean they are less likely to be available and less likely to be used in instances where they could protect life. Under the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act, Congress has the opportunity to reduce that burden and clean up an obviously outdated and misguided part of our tax code. Congressman Schweikert is to be commended for continuing to champion this commonsense solution to ensure that less-than-lethal technology is available to those who need it.”

Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ), the bill’s sponsor, said: “We should encourage new technology that reduces the need for deadly force. Aligning the tax code with modern devices allows law enforcement and communities to benefit from safer tools while keeping the focus on innovation, not red tape. This is a practical fix that strengthens public safety and supports the development of next-generation, less-than-lethal technology.”

The bill requires the Treasury to issue clear classifications of less-than-lethal devices, publish annual reviews of emerging technology, and ensure manufacturers can receive timely determinations within 90 days.

More information on the bill can be found here.

Full bill text can be found here.

Back to News

Rep. Schweikert Joins Signing of Fostering the Future Executive Order

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert joined federal leaders at the White House today for the signing of the Fostering the Future executive order. The order aims to strengthen the foster care system and improve the path to adulthood for young people who often face that transition without support.

Under the order, the Department of Health and Human Services will review and modernize child welfare policies and update information systems that states use to track safety and outcomes. These changes are intended to give caseworkers stronger tools and to help states respond more effectively to the needs of children and families.

The executive order also creates a national Fostering the Future initiative that will connect foster youth with education programs, career training, and housing support. It calls for the development of a new online platform that will bring together federal and state resources so young people leaving foster care can find guidance and build plans for long-term independence.

The order also calls for greater flexibility in education and training vouchers and encourages states to work with organizations that support children in crisis, including faith-based partners.

“Foster youth deserve stability, opportunity, and a clear path forward,” said Schweikert. “This order takes important steps to help young people build strong and independent lives.”

Back to News