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Federal Assistance Now Available to Michigan Residents Affected by Flooding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Federal Assistance Now Available to Michigan Residents Affected by Flooding

Last week, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration in the State of Michigan in response to severe flooding, storms, and tornadoes which impacted the state in April. Congressman John Moolenaar supports the President’s announcement and joined his colleagues from Michigan in Congress in urging him to approve Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for federal assistance. 

“I am grateful President Trump stepped in to approve the major disaster declaration in our state,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “April’s flooding and storms devastated communities across the Second District, and now FEMA will be able to assist residents and local organizations as they continue to recover. I encourage all Michigan families who were affected by the flooding to apply for assistance before the August 31 deadline.” 

The President’s declaration includes direct federal assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the flooding in the following counties in Michigan’s Second Congressional District: Barry, Gratiot, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford.

Michigan residents who experienced property loss or damage from the flooding in these counties may apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA requires homeowners and renters seeking individual assistance to file an insurance claim prior to submitting an application.

FEMA’s declaration also includes Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, tribal agencies, and certain non-profit organizations for response costs, infrastructure repair, and debris removal in Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford counties.  

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Rep. Mike Levin Honors Oceanside Residents Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros as June 2026 Co-Constituents of the Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

June 30, 2026

Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros

Oceanside, CA — Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) named Oceanside residents Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros as his June 2026 Co-Constituents of the Month. They both exhibit extraordinary dedication to supporting the LGBTQ community in North County San Diego.

David has served on the Pride by the Beach Planning Committee for three years, and Esmeralda for two. Together, they have been indispensable to the organization’s mission, showing up consistently for both high-visibility events and behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community running. Their efforts were on full display at this year’s 19th Annual Pride by the Beach, themed “The Fabric of Community.”

David brings a focus on the greater good to everything he does, keeping the organization’s mission front and center and ensuring that every decision serves those who need it most.

Esmeralda leads with purpose and drive, serving as an anchor to the organization’s core values and inspiring those around her through her take-charge approach and unwavering commitment to community.

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros in the Congressional Record:

“Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros, residents of Oceanside, as my Co-Constituents of the Month for June 2026.

“Esmeralda and David represent the very best of what community means. They do not wait to be asked; they simply show up, roll up their sleeves, and give everything they have to the people around them. Through their years of service with Pride by the Beach, they have helped build something that is more than an event. It is a testament to belonging.

“David’s commitment to the greater good and Esmeralda’s steadfast leadership remind us that strong communities are built one dedicated person at a time.

“I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating Esmeralda Gonzalez and David Ontiveros, and in thanking them for the service they bring to North County San Diego and to our entire community.”

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:

Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s May 2026 Constituent of the Month was 101-year-old WWII Veteran Alfred Sabory, California native and current San Clemente resident, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at just 17 years old. Levin’s April 2026 Constituent of the Month was the Sage Creek High School’s Crow Force Robotics Team, an outstanding group of 19 students and their teacher-advisor from Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad.

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Casten, Whitesides, Levin Introduce Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

July 06, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Sean Casten, George Whitesides, and Mike Levin introduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to improve the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. The legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate damage and advocate for an international climate insurance program. Senators Peter Welch (VT) and Andy Kim (NJ) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Climate change is a global crisis that demands a global response,” said Rep. Casten. “The United States has a responsibility to help lead the way towards innovative financial solutions. I’m proud to support this legislation that strengthens climate resilience, supports our own national security, and advances a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for communities across the Global South.”

“I’ve seen the extreme financial impact that natural disasters like wildfires have on my community and state, and that problem exists at scale across the globe,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The Global Climate Resilience Act asserts U.S. leadership in combating climate change, while also addressing widespread debt by creating better pathways for countries in the Global South to invest in resilience measures for natural disasters. By making it easier for countries with developing economies to implement climate resilience initiatives, we can help facilitate a global effort to combat climate change with more nations and international organizations.”

“The science is clear: disasters are more intense, sea levels are rising, and climate change is accelerating. Combating these global challenges demands global cooperation,” said Rep. Levin. “Our Global Climate Resilience Act helps the world’s most vulnerable communities protect against the worst effects of climate change. By addressing root causes of poverty, disease, and migration around the world, our bill helps keep Americans safer, healthier, and more secure.”

“This House bill and its Senate companion directly respond to calls from the Global South to address two of its most pressing challenges: relieving crushing debt burdens and bolstering life-saving resilience efforts,” said Brenden Guy, Senior Director of International Climate at the Natural Resource Defense Council. “The climate crisis has eliminated 20% of the wealth of the most vulnerable countries in the world over the last two decades. And make no mistake, this is not charity: it’s a strategic investment in building global resilience that will also keep Americans safer and supply chains more secure from climate-fueled disasters that drive up prices. The bill advances much-needed solutions to build greater global resilience and prosperity that Congress should get behind.”

“One of the biggest barriers to enacting climate action on a global scale is resourcing communities that have been extracted from for generations that want to transition to the clean energy economy but have been let down by Countries failing to meet their commitments to help in this transition,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “Oil Companies then fill this gap as primary energy suppliers and continue the cycle of extracting and polluting communities. This bill promises to take a step in the right direction to help communities looking to invest in the health and sustainability of their nation, and global health as a whole.”

“If the United States wants to reclaim its leadership role in addressing the myriad global challenges of the climate crisis, we must truly lead from the front,” said Davis Bates, League of Conservation Voters’ Congressional Champions Campaign Director. “We must not simply renew our previous commitments to international agreements. We also need to support and empower countries around the world to adapt to increasingly disastrous extreme weather and build financial and structural climate resiliency for the future — especially for countries least responsible for the pollution fueling climate change but are most impacted.”

“Countries on the frontlines of climate change, including small island states, shouldn’t have to choose between paying down debt and protecting their communities and ecosystems,” said Dan Whittle, Associate Vice President, Resilient Caribbean, Environmental Defense Fund. “The Global Climate Resilience Act points to a smarter path, linking debt relief with investments that build resilience and stability. This is the kind of climate finance the moment demands.”

Just last year, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea levels which are beginning to submerge small Pacific Islands countries. While some nations have the resources necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, countries with developing economies often lack resources to meet challenges of a warming world. For many countries in the Global South, this creates a vicious cycle where funds from economic growth service debt from a climate event instead of building resilience.

Collective international action to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience are crucial to combatting the growing impacts of climate change. At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs), global leaders recognized the need to provide climate financing to countries in the Global South. The United States must take further action to help at-risk countries reduce their debt.

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Higgins Announces Lafayette Student as Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Kristian Richard, a Lafayette homeschool student, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s 3rd District. 
 

Download the full image here. 

Kristian’s piece, titled “With God All Things Are Possible”, captures the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Congressman Higgins hosted Kristian and her family at the U.S. Capitol last week, where her artwork will remain on display for a year.
 

“Kristian’s art reflects the spirit that defines South Louisiana, and I was honored to see her work displayed in the Capitol, said Rep. Higgins. “St. John the Evangelist is a beautiful cathedral, and Kristian captured it with great artistic skill. I’m proud to see one of our youth use her gifts to honor faith and South Louisiana culture.”

About the Congressional Art Competition:
 
Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art competition for high school students. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved in the nationwide competition.

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Congressman Valadao Works to Lower Substance Use Disorder Rates Among Older Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to reintroduce the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This bipartisan bill would help lower the rate of drug overdoses among older adults by authorizing residential and in-patient treatment of opioid-use disorder under Medicare.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I’ve heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Rep. Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

Supporting organizations include the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would:

  • Create a new Medicare benefit to cover residential and inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder according to American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.
  • Include coverage for:
    • Low-intensity residential treatment for individuals who need ongoing support in a structured setting.
    • High-intensity residential treatment for individuals requiring more comprehensive clinical care.
    • Medically managed residential treatment for patients with more complex medical and addiction treatment needs.
  • Establish a predictable Medicare payment system that reimburses treatment providers through a fixed payment amount, helping improve access to care and encourage provider participation.

Read the full bill here.

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Bipartisan Moolenaar Resolution Recognizes America's 250th Anniversary, Michigan's Role in National History

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Bipartisan Moolenaar Resolution Recognizes America's 250th Anniversary, Michigan's Role in National History

This week, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and recognize the State of Michigan’s role in our nation’s history.  

“Michigan and its residents have played a crucial role in our nation’s history, making significant contributions in manufacturing, medicine, government, and more. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence serves as an important opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the principles that make our nation the greatest country on earth and educate young people on the legacy of the Founders and these great Michiganders. As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, I encourage all Michigan residents to reflect on the ideals set forth by our Founders in the Declaration of Independence,” said Moolenaar.  

Moolenaar was joined in introducing his resolution by every member of the Michigan Congressional delegation including Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), John James (R-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI). 

The text of the resolution can be found here.  

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Pappas, NH Delegation Urge U.S. Trade Representative to Include American Hardwood Lumber in U.S.-China Trade Framework

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representatives GT Thompson (PA-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. Senators and Representatives, including the full New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, in a new letter urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explicitly include American hardwood lumber within the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade. Due to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American hardwood lumber, American hardwood manufactures have ceded market share to countries such as China, Russia and Thailand—resulting in a cumulative cost of over $9.5 billion in foregone hardwood sales and a significant decline in domestic hardwood production. The American hardwood industry is critical to local economies across the country, including in New Hampshire. Ensuring hardwood lumber is included in China’s procurement commitments under the new Board of Trade would protect this key industry and boost American manufacturing.

The members of Congress wrote, in part: “We write to urge the Administration to include American hardwood lumber in the framework for the newly formed U.S.-China Board of Trade and to ensure that any Chinese procurement commitments include American hardwood lumber, not logs, so that domestic lumber manufacturing is not undercut by China. The American hardwood lumber industry is vital to our states and the U.S. economy overall, supporting sawmills, loggers and rural economies across the country. We believe that if the Board of Trade focuses on hardwood lumber, it can provide much needed economic relief for domestic lumber manufacturers and support communities that depend on a competitive American hardwood industry.”

They continued: “The cumulative cost of lost market access is estimated at $9.882 billion in foregone sales. This loss in sales led to a massive decline in production; domestic hardwood lumber production has dropped 48.3 percent since 2018, capacity was down 6 percent between 2020 and 2022 and output in the first quarter of 2025 declined 19 percent from 2024.”

The lawmakers concluded: “Historically, China has accounted for roughly 25% of U.S. hardwood lumber production, and restoring this relationship is essential to communities in our states and across the county. We support the Administration’s interest supporting American manufacturing and request that USTR to take the following steps:

  1. Explicitly include American hardwood lumber in the Board of Trade framework;
  2. Include American hardwood lumber – not logs – in China’s $17 billion procurement commitment; and
  3. Include enforceable compliance mechanisms with measurable targets specific to hardwood lumber and regularly review hardwood lumber purchases at the Board of Trade to ensure actual purchases are made.”

 A full copy of the letter can be found HERE.

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Underwood Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Addiction Treatment for Seniors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to substance use disorder treatment for seniors. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would require Medicare to cover high-quality residential addiction treatment programs. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Carol Miller (WV-01), and David Valadao (CA-22).

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I’ve heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge. This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

Around 7 million seniors have a substance use disorder, but accessing addiction treatment is difficult for many seniors because Medicare does not cover the residential treatment many patients require. This gap in coverage can cause delays in care, seriously worsening their condition or even leading to hospitalization.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would expand Medicare coverage for residential treatment options for older adults, and people with disabilities, by creating a new benefit under Medicare Part A.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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VIDEO: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Update on Relief Efforts for Families Impacted by the Lineage Logistics Fire

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

VIDEO: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Update on Relief Efforts for Families Impacted by the Lineage Logistics Fire

Congressman urges residents still in need of assistance to contact his office as recovery efforts continue

Washington, June 30, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released a new video highlighting his office’s ongoing effort to deliver air purifiers and other essential resources to families affected by the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. Working alongside Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, Proyecto Pastoral, and local community partners, Rep. Gomez and his team district team have helped distribute more than 1,000 air purifiers, thousands of masks, food, and other essential supplies to residents impacted by lingering smoke, odors, and poor air quality. 

“Since day one of the Lineage Logistics fire in Boyle Heights, my team has been working alongside Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez and our community partners to get air purifiers, masks, food, and other essentials directly into the hands of families who need them most,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “If your household still needs an air purifier, please call my office. We’ll connect you with one of our distribution partners and continue showing up until every family gets the help they need.” 

Rep. Gomez’s office has partnered with Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s office, Proyecto Pastoral, and numerous community organizations to provide relief throughout Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. The effort has prioritized families living closest to the fire, seniors, children, people with respiratory conditions, and others facing ongoing health concerns from lingering smoke and poor air quality. 

Rep. Gomez encouraged any resident still in need of an air purifier or other assistance to contact his office, which continues to coordinate with community partners to meet the needs of impacted families as recovery efforts continue. 

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VIDEO: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Air Purifiers to Small Businesses Impacted by Lineage Logistics Fire

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

VIDEO: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Air Purifiers to Small Businesses Impacted by Lineage Logistics Fire

Congressman urges residents to support local businesses recovering from smoke and poor air quality

Washington, June 28, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) delivered air purifiers to a small business impacted by the Lineage Logistics fire in Boyle Heights. Many restaurant owners and employees have been unable to leave work during business hours to pick up air purifiers, prompting Rep. Gomez and his team to bring the equipment directly to them.  

“These small businesses are the heart of Boyle Heights and East LA,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “They’ve been showing up for our community every day, even while dealing with smoke, poor air quality, and fewer customers. Some owners simply can’t close their doors long enough to pick up an air purifier, so we brought the help directly to them. If you’re able, grab a meal, shop local, and support these businesses while they recover. We’ll get through this together.” 

Since the fire began, Rep. Gomez’s office has partnered with Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s office and local community organizations to distribute more than 1,000 air purifiers and thousands of masks throughout Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. The effort has prioritized seniors, children, people with respiratory conditions, families living near the fire, and small businesses whose workers continue serving the community despite ongoing smoke impacts. 

Rep. Gomez also thanked the many community organizations and volunteers who have helped coordinate deliveries, distribute supplies, and ensure residents receive the support they need.