Posts

Posted on

SCHNEIDER REINTRODUCES BILL EXPANDING FMLA TO COVER LOSS OF A CHILD

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), along with Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Sean Casten (IL-06), introduced the Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act, a bill to ensure that parents who have lost a child are entitled to 12 weeks of bereavement leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Currently, FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain life events, such as birth or adoption, a serious health condition, or to care for an immediate family member. During this leave, an employer cannot terminate an employee who qualifies for such leave. However, there are no such protections for parents grieving the loss of a child. 

The Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act would amend the FMLA to add “death of a son or daughter” to the list of eligible life events for unpaid leave and allow parents the time to grieve without the fear of losing their jobs. The bill is named in memory of Sarah Grace Weippert, Noah and Katie Farley, Erica Kluger, and Blake Barklage, whose parents have worked tirelessly to ensure other grieving parents who have lost a child are afforded the time to heal in the face of unimaginable loss. 

“The death of a child is an unthinkable loss. Grieving parents should not have to worry about their job stability during such a terrible time,” said Rep. Schneider (D-IL). “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to update to the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure parents can take the time off they need to grieve and heal. By guaranteeing unpaid bereavement leave, we can give grieving parents some peace of mind. The families after whom this bill is named have turned their tragic loss into advocacy on behalf of other families experiencing the same loss and I’m inspired by their strength.”

“After the tragic loss of their beloved 17-year-old son, Blake, the Barklage family of Doylestown chose to turn unimaginable grief into advocacy so that other parents facing the loss of a child are met with greater understanding and support. After meeting with them and learning more about Blake’s life and the legacy they are building in his honor, I knew we had a responsibility to help carry that mission forward. No mother or father should be expected to return to work while carrying the heartbreak of losing a child and added fear of losing a paycheck,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “The Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act will help ensure grieving parents have protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act so they have the time and security to mourn. This is not just about policy—it is about affirming a basic standard of compassion, dignity, and humanity for families in our community and across the nation facing the unthinkable.”

“Losing a child is a parent’s worst heartbreak, and they deserve protected time off from work to grieve,” said Rep. Beyer (D-VA). “Expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to include parental bereavement is a simple but necessary act to help parents who are already dealing with a tragedy.” 

“The loss of a child is unbearable,” said Rep. Casten (D-IL). “Any parent enduring such heartbreak deserves the time and space to grieve and heal. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure parents have support during such a profound loss.”

“On behalf of grieving parents, and in memory of Noah and Katie Farley, Erica Kluger, Sarah Grace Weippert, and Blake Barklage, we thank the sponsors of this bill for their compassion and common-sense approach to American workers who suffer the loss of a child,” said Kelly Farley and Barry Kluger, authors of the 2011 Farley-Kluger Initiative. “The introduction coincides with the 25th anniversary of Erica’s passing and the birthday of Blake Barklage who passed five years ago. This legislation will enable those who suffer this tragedy to take the time necessary to deal with this loss and be productive colleagues and employees, not to mention stronger family members.”

“We are deeply grateful to see Blake’s memory honored through the addition of ‘Barklage’ to the Sarah Grace-Farley Kluger Bereavement Leave Act. As a family, we have tried to turn unimaginable loss into something that can help others, and this work is deeply personal to us,” said Tom, Alison, and Alexis Barklage. “No parent should be expected to return to work just days after losing a child. Grief is profound, lasting, and life-changing—it cannot be contained within a few days of leave. Expanding FMLA to provide meaningful bereavement leave is an important step in supporting families in their darkest moments. Keeping Blake’s memory alive through this work means everything—and knowing it may help other families brings purpose to our loss.”

Bill text is available here.

###

Posted on

Griffith Announces HHS Grants Worth $1.656 Million to Virginia Tech

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants. Details of funded projects include $377,650 to clinical research of neurological disorders. Additionally, $764,572 will support mental health research of depression. Also, $513,812 will go to pancreatic cancer treatment research.

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Many Americans are counting on the efforts of institutions like Virginia Tech to help advance research and potential treatments.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.6 million help Virginia Tech provide more support of important research initiatives.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

###

Posted on

ICYMI: Pressley Spotlights Flood Risk in Boston, Calls for Stronger Protections for Frontline Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“The frequency of floods in Boston has tripled in the past few decades. For the people I represent in the in MA-7th, that is not an abstract statistic. It means higher costs, lost homes, and long-term trauma.”

“We’re living in an environmental justice crisis made worse by Trump and Republicans who insist on rolling back climate resilience programs, and the harm falls disproportionately on marginalized people.”

WASHINGTON – In a House Financial Services subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) discussed how frequent flooding in communities like Chelsea, East Boston, and Dorchester are both a fiscal problem and an environmental justice problem, with low-income households bearing the burden of climate disasters. Congresswoman Pressley, who also acted as Ranking Member for the hearing, called on Congress to pass legislation that helps frontline communities, advances environmental justice, and makes the National Flood Insurance Program more affordable.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening statement and question line is available below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Spotlights Flood Risk in Boston, Calls for Stronger Protections for Frontline Communities

House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance

April 2, 2026

Opening Statement:

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. 

The focus of this hearing is on flooding, the cost of the National Flood Insurance Program, but also the real-life impacts for households, businesses, and families due to the increase of flooding during the ongoing affordability and climate crisis.

Flooding accounts for 90% of all U.S. natural disasters, making it the most common and costly natural disaster. Some communities and properties experience this burden repeatedly. We refer to them as frontline communities, and they are disproportionately communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, many that were redlined into these flood-prone areas and under-invested in.

These households are disproportionately located in flood-prone areas and face the harshest impacts. These communities, all across the United States, aren’t doing anything wrong, but remain the victims of climate change, driven by corporate greed and government policies denying climate change even exists.

Compounded by the housing affordability crisis, many of these families are now locked into these areas where natural disasters occur most. Take Chelsea in my district, the Massachusetts’ 7th, this vibrant community was redlined. Perfectly good properties were appraised at lower values because appraisers wrote these homes were, “acquired by Jewish people.”

We cannot deny this history, because we all continue to feel the impacts today. 

This under appraisal and systemic and systematic devaluation meant homeowners received less money for their properties. This isn’t just an issue in my district, it’s an issue across the country, where households were redlined, under-invested in, denied loans, and are now being punished for living in those areas and having fewer resources. 

We need more support for these communities–not less. Private insurers have increasingly withdrawn from the very communities that need coverage the most due to the escalating costs of climate disasters. 

We need to support government agencies that often go overlooked but are essential, like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, NOAA, who operates the integrated ocean observing system, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, who operates the National Flood Insurance Program.

In 2009 under then-Chairwoman Waters, committee Democrats passed legislation with bipartisan support to reauthorize and strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program for eight years. Unfortunately, the legislation under consideration today does not go far enough. 

Severe repetitive-loss properties remain a major challenge. Outdated maps and pricing often fail to reflect true risk, leaving many repeatedly flooded homes unrecognized as high-risk and limiting effective mitigation. Tens of thousands of these homes remain under invested in and under supported. 

Meanwhile, Trump has no plan to address the growing insurance crisis, is weakening FEMA, threatening to fire up to 50% of the staff there. 

This should not be a partisan issue. Flooding impacts red states, blue states, states on the coast and states in the heartland. Democrats welcome the opportunity to work across the aisle to address repetitive-loss properties, expand property level mitigation, and to strengthen federal, state, and local financing tools. 

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about their proposals. I yield back.

—

Question Line: 

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

The frequency of floods in Boston has tripled in the past few decades. For the people I represent in the in MA-7th, that is not an abstract statistic. It means higher costs, lost homes, and long-term trauma. We’re living in an environmental justice crisis made worse by Trump and Republicans who insist on rolling back climate resilience programs, and the harm falls disproportionately on marginalized people. 

Mr. Scata, we know communities of color in low-income neighborhoods face repeated instances of flooding, threatening safety, stability and affordability. What are some of the contributing factors?

MR. SCATA: Thank you for your question. One of the contributing factors has been redlining, as you mentioned earlier. There were multiple studies conducted by organizations like Redfin that showed redlining had directly led to communities of color being put into these high-risk flood zones. Other issues are that in certain areas, lower valued homes are all people can afford, and the reason why they’re lower value is because they’re in flood prone zones, and so it’s really important that when we do mitigation funding, we are targeting those homes, because just providing insurance doesn’t stop flooding from happening. We really need to get people out of harm’s way, whether it’s through buyouts, through elevation, through other means. Thank you.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. And I would add to that list, systemic divestment, structural racism, a lack of affordable housing to that list. 

So when we say communities of color and low-income neighborhoods are overexposed to flood risk, this is what we mean. Families and workers in places like Chelsea and Dorchester are living on the edge of an economic and climate disaster. In fact, in East Boston alone, two-thirds of buildings facing future flooding are mixed-use, so that means both homes and businesses are at risk. Families could see their homes and their livelihoods damaged or completely disappeared. 

So this will cost millions of dollars, hundreds of jobs, especially in transportation, food service, and accommodations, the very sectors that sustain our communities. So I want to talk about solutions. 

In Massachusetts, less than 2% of the state’s roughly 3 million housing units carry the National Flood Insurance Program coverage, leaving most homes uninsured for floods. We need to ensure people can keep coverage and protect their homes. 

Ms. Cackley, what does GAO recommend to help low-income homeowners in places like my district keep NFIP coverage that is affordable?

MS. CACKLEY: Thank you for the question. We are actually doing work right now on the flood insurance protection gap, because your concern is valid that there are very many people in this country who are at risk of flooding but do not have flood insurance of any kind, either through NFIP or through private insurance. And so we are looking right now at what is the available evidence about the extent to which consumers purchase flood insurance, the financial effects of being uninsured, factors that influence whether consumers will purchase flood insurance, and then the actions that would increase consumers’ purchase of flood insurance.That work will be will be available later this year. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. I think it’s important to make plain for folks watching at home that the consequences of the proposals that are before us right now, this would further strip flood insurance coverage. So I just want to make sure people understand that.

Ms. Horn, in a sentence or two in my remaining minute here, what would it mean for homeowners if severe, repetitive-loss properties were barred from NFIP coverage, especially in those older coastal neighborhoods?

MS. HORN: Thank you for the question. They always have the option of trying to buy insurance in the private market, but the likelihood is that that would be difficult to obtain, or potentially just so expensive that they would not receive, they wouldn’t be able to buy it. Without access to some form of insurance, they would be reliant either on disaster assistance, if that is forthcoming, or state assistance, or they would not be getting assistance to help with recovery from floods.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. At this very moment, what we need are more solutions and less problems. So that’s why we have to stop cutting FEMA’s workforce. We have to stop defunding community grants. We have to stop allowing corporations to poison the environment and exacerbate the climate crisis. 

Congress needs to pass legislation that helps frontline communities and advances environmental justice. 

I don’t believe that homeowners should be punished by the government because a flood happened. Our charge is clear: center equity, strengthen resilience tools, and ensure families who are higher risk are covered at a price that they can actually afford. 

Thank you. I yield back.

Posted on

VIDEO: On House Floor, Pressley Speaks to Survivors of Sexual Violence After Dolores Huerta, Others Shared Their Stories

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Led Efforts in Congress to Fight for Accountability and Healing for Survivors

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered an impassioned speech for survivors of sexual violence and trauma—including for activists with the farm workers’ movement, including Dolores Huerta, who shared their stories publicly earlier this month.

As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and has led Oversight Committee Democrats in calling for a full Congressional hearing to ensure the firsthand accounts of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse are heard.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Speaks to Survivors of Sexual Violence After Dolores Huerta, Others Shared Their Stories

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026 

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to speak to survivors of sexual violence in my district, across the country, and around the world. 

As a survivor of sexual violence myself, your stories matter. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. The shame that you carry, that was never yours to carry. 

For too long, survivors have suffered in silence while abusers have carried on without consequence. 

Last week, our sister survivor, Dolores Huerta shared her story publicly for the first time.

She revealed that she feared if she came forward, there would be no justice or accountability, only the vilification of a workers’ movement she had dedicated her life to. The burden, the pain, the silence she carried. 

For women and mothers, it’s far too often an experience, the brutal violence, only to hide their pain, wake up every day, carrying on for their children, for their community, for their family, while they are shattered inside. 

No survivor should have to suffer in silence. Society tells us our silence will stop the shame and trauma. It does not.

And while I will always respect and fight for survivors who choose privacy if it is part of their healing journey, I want you to know that I believe you. 

I believe you if your voice shakes. I believe you if it happened decades ago. I believe you if you shared your story in real time or buried it away for years.

I believe you.

Abusers may think they wield power through violent acts, but let me tell you, anyone who violates another person in this way is small and broken.

They should not be feared. They should be named, shamed and held accountable for survivors everywhere.

###

Posted on

Congressman Harris Announces Service Academy Information Night for High School Students

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced that his office will host its first Service Academy Information Night of the year, an in-person event for high school students interested in applying to the nation’s prestigious military academies. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6pm EST at Chesapeake College, located at 1000 College Circle in Wye Mills, Maryland (Room HEC 110).

The event will provide an overview of the application and nomination process for the nation’s five U.S. Service Academies, including the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from academy representatives.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“This is an opportunity for high school students in Maryland’s First District to learn about pursuing an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy and a future in military service. These institutions play a critical role in developing our nation’s future military leaders, and students and families should attend this session to learn how to apply and navigate the nomination process.”

To register for this event or request additional information, please RSVP to MD01Academy@mail.house.gov. Attendance is limited to applicants and their families and is not open to the media.

For more information, including details on the application process opening in June 2026, please click here.

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Posted on

REP. MIKE THOMPSON PRESENTS $250,000 CHECK TO BUILD MICROGRID IN YOUNTVILLE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Yountville – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) presented a $250,000 check to Mayor Margie Mohler and City Manager Brad Raulston for the Town of Yountville’s Resiliency Microgrid Project. The funding will help to build a microgrid to improve energy reliability in the town, which is frequently impacted by wildfires and power disruptions.

Rep. Thompson presents microgrid funding to Town of Yountville

“Projects like the Yountville Microgrid help ensure that communities have access to power during traditional grid outages.” said Thompson. “By leveraging renewable energy sources and increasing battery storage capacity, we can help Yountville residents today and in the future.”

“The Town of Yountville is honored to receive this federal funding, which affirms our commitment to climate resiliency and sustainable development,” said Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler and Vice Mayor Pam Reeves. “These funds will help us advance environmentally responsible design, reduce our long-term environmental impact, and strengthen our community’s ability to adapt to a changing climate.”

This project will integrate renewable energy sources and increased battery storage to create a standalone power grid that can operate independently from the traditional power grid. This will provide reliable power when natural disasters occur.

The funding for this project is part of the $13,317,000 secured this year by Thompson for community projects in our district.

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a limited number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this program, each House member may submit up to 20 project requests on behalf of their district for competitive review by the House Appropriations Committee. Projects selected for funding must meet strict transparency and accountability requirements before being included in federal appropriations legislation.

Posted on

Congressman Gonzalez Delivers $27.5 Million in New Round of Federal Funds for NINOS Head Start

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) delivered $27,557,609 in federal funding for the Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc., (NINOS) Head Start program. This announcement is the second installment of a five-year award period allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These funds will further support early childhood education for young children in Cameron and Willacy Counties.  

“Investing in early childhood education means investing in our children’s futures while enabling parents in the Rio Grande Valley to work without the burden of costly childcare,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “These federal funds will create a stable foundation for our most vulnerable children in Cameron and Willacy Counties to become life-long learners and eventually contribute to the economic and cultural wellbeing of our communities. I remain committed to strengthening Head Start programs like NINOS—a pillar of our community—and assuring every family has the support they need.” 

“NINOS is grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for his continued support of our program and the families we serve. This funding goes directly into our community, supporting over 2,000 children and families each year across Cameron and Willacy counties while sustaining more than 500 local jobs. Beyond wages, this investment ensures that working parents have a safe, reliable place for their children to learn, grow, and thrive. It is a direct investment in both our workforce and the future of our community,” said David Kowalski, Executive Director of NINOS, Inc. 

Since 1990, NINOS, Inc has served South Texas families with children from birth to four years of age through educational programs, nutritional guidance, dental health services, and other child-care and family support services. To learn more about its mission and programs, click here.   

Posted on

ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier, Covington Community Celebrate Federal Funding to Improve Local Water Reservoir

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently visited water storage tanks in Covington with local leaders to celebrate federal funding she was able to secure for the Covington Water District Reservoir Construction Project.

“Water infrastructure is quite literally a life and death issue, whether from a health or a firefighting perspective. That’s why making sure Covington’s water tanks are earthquake resilient is so important,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I am committed to bringing federal tax dollars home for projects like this one that will ensure reliable access to drinking water and bring peace of mind to the people of Covington.”

A study of Covington’s reservoir concluded that the current water tanks would likely be unusable or even destroyed in an earthquake, potentially preventing residents from accessing water and disrupting the local economy. To address this issue, Congresswoman Schrier secured $1,092,000 to replace the tanks with an improved 5.7 million-gallon reservoir through FY 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests in Congress. 

“This funding is more than a project – it’s an investment in stability, growth, and opportunity,” said Covington Chamber CEO Dana Neuts. “It ensures our businesses can continue to operate efficiently today while also supporting stable infrastructure, future development, and a thriving economy.”

“The Covington Water District’s mission for access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water is the backbone of a healthy community. Representative Schrier’s efforts to secure the necessary resources for these vital systems do not go unnoticed,” said Covington Water District General Manager Thomas Keown. “By prioritizing investments in our infrastructure, she is directly contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of all communities in Washington’s Eighth Congressional District.”

Congresswoman Schrier’s visit showcased the importance of improving the current infrastructure to ensure that Covington residents and the surrounding areas have access to a safe and stable water storage system. This Congress, Congresswoman Schrier also secured funding for local water infrastructure projects in Carbonado, Wilkeson, and Darrington.  

###

Posted on

Wasserman Schultz Sounds Alarm on High Gas Prices, Highlights Local Impacts

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

“Life is too expensive. Food prices are up. Rent and home insurance costs keep climbing. Healthcare costs – if you can even afford coverage at all – are doubling and tripling for some of us,” said Wasserman Schultz. “And now I fear this war against Iran is only going to make matters worse on our families as gas prices take a bigger bite out of family and small business budgets. Worse, rising diesel costs will drive up food prices our community just cannot afford right now. I’ll fight for solutions, like raising wages, and crackdowns on price gouging by oil companies.”

Pembroke Pines, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined constituents and Teamsters Union representatives to sound the alarm on skyrocketing gas prices and highlight its impacts on the South Florida community.

To watch the press conference, click here.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Broward County AFL-CIO president and Teamsters Local 769 member Andy Madtes, Teamsters Local 769 member Josh Zivalich, small business owner Julie Pray, and private music teacher Cari Barter. Teamsters leaders discussed how the hikes harm members, and Pray shared how she was forced to close her small business due to high gas prices. Barter has been forced to give up on students who live farther away and has had to cancel doctors appointments for her special needs children because of skyrocketing fuel costs.

“Life is too expensive. Food prices are up. Rent and home insurance costs keep climbing. Healthcare costs – if you can even afford coverage at all – are doubling and tripling for some of us,” said Wasserman Schultz. “And now I fear this war against Iran is only going to make matters worse on our families as gas prices take a bigger bite out of family and small business budgets. Worse, rising diesel costs will drive up food prices our community just cannot afford right now. I’ll fight for solutions, like raising wages, and crackdowns on price gouging by oil companies.”  

Since President Trump launched his war in Iran without Congressional approval, Americans are paying 35 percent more at the pump, and escalating diesel fuel, fertilizer and other rising costs from the conflict are driving up prices all Americans must pay.

Though Trump campaigned on a pledge to lower prices, gasoline alone has spiked to more than $4 a gallon since the start of Trump’s war. Now, families must deal with high gas prices on top of other rising food, housing, and healthcare costs from Trump’s chaotic tariffs and corrupt economic policies that favor billionaires over working families.

####

Posted on

Lofgren Statement on the Passing of Rod Diridon, Sr.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SAN JOSE, CA — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren released the following statement on the passing of her friend and former colleague, Rod Diridon:

“Rod and I served for years together on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. The son of Italian immigrants and “the father of modern transit” in Santa Clara County, his decades of public service have made a lasting impact on our community. Anytime we pass by Diridon Station in San Jose or enjoy California’s light-rail system, we should remember the man who dedicated his life to improving our area’s infrastructure and serving the common good. I’m thankful for the time I got to spend with Rod, and my thoughts are with the Diridon family.”

###