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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Workforce Pell Final Rule

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Department of Education (ED) finalized a new rule regarding the Workforce Pell Grant program.

“Expanding Pell Grant access to support students seeking short-term training programs, such as IT, health care, finance, and manufacturing courses, has long been a bipartisan priority. In the 117th Congress, I helped advance legislation to expand access to Pell Grants for workforce programs through the House of Representatives as part of the America COMPETES Act nd in the 118th Congress, I worked with then-Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-01) to lead the Committee passage of the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act.

“If implemented properly, expanding Pell Grant access could create new pathways for Americans to gain in-demand skills, increase their earning potential, and access greater economic mobility in today’s economy. I look forward to conducting robust oversight to ensure that only high-quality workforce programs are approved. We must also ensure the Department provides states with the resources and guidance they need to administer these programs efficiently and effectively to maximize the impact.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Frankel Moves to Halt Trump’s $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Settlement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Veterans Caucus Co-Chairs Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Pat Ryan (D-NY), along with seven members of the caucus came together in opposition to H.R. 6047—the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, a Republican bill that would increase the cost of home ownership for every veteran and servicemember who uses the VA Home Loan program. The signing Democratic veterans are: Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), and Herb Conaway (D-NJ). It is scheduled for a vote this week.

The ten Democratic veterans released the following joint statement:

“There’s always enough money for Republicans to funnel massive tax giveaways to the ultra-rich and powerful and to spend billions on another war in the Middle East, but when it comes to increasing benefits for catastrophically injured veterans and their survivors, their endless supply of public dollars apparently dries up.

“Let’s be clear about what this bill would do: raise housing costs for veterans and servicemembers in the middle of an affordable housing crisis. 

“Our fellow veterans earned their benefits, and the federal government needs to honor this sacred promise. We urge our colleagues—Democrats and Republicans—to vote ‘no’ on H.R. 6047.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“Everyone deserves access to affordable dental healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Rep. Kelly. “Oral health is crucial to overall health, and it also reduces the number of emergency room visits. I’m proud to lead this reauthorization effort for the third time and strongly urge Speaker Johnson to bring this to the House floor.”

The bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act is endorsed by the American Dental Association.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

New Jersey lawmakers say ticket announcement masks broader pricing problems with games weeks away

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith’s (NE-03) Main Street Pharmacy Access Act, which would empower local pharmacists to play a more active role in community health by allowing Medicare Part B reimbursement for testing and treating common respiratory illnesses, is one step closer to the finish line following its passage by the Ways and Means Committee.  
 
Over 190 organizations support Smith’s Main Street Pharmacy Access Act, including senior and rural advocacy groups, physician and provider groups, patient advocacy organizations, pharmacists, health systems, and many others. 
 
Here is what they are saying: 
 
“This bill is a commonsense, creative solution to address the barriers to health care access that rural and underserved communities suffer every day. I want to thank Representative Adrian Smith for championing this bill for the benefit of Nebraskans and communities across this country so that seniors will gain access to more primary care conveniently from their local pharmacist,”said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). 

“Congressman Adrian Smith continues to demonstrate strong leadership for patients in Nebraska and across the country. By advancing his legislation, Rep. Smith is helping ensure Medicare beneficiaries, particularly seniors in rural communities, can access timely testing, treatment, and preventive services from pharmacists they know and trust,”said APhA Executive Vice President and CEO Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP.

“Nebraska patients rely on their local pharmacies as a frontline source of care. Congressman Smith understands the realities facing rural communities, and his leadership on this legislation will help ensure Nebraska’s seniors can receive high-quality, accessible care close to home,” said NPA CEO Haley Pertzborn, PharmD, RPh.

“Today, we applaud the House Ways and Means Committee’s passage of the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act, which takes a major step forward in safeguarding access to pharmacist care for seniors. ASHP calls for swift passage by the House and Senate of this important legislation,”said ASHP Executive Vice President and CEO Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP.

“It is simply common sense: seniors in Medicare should be able to access pharmacist-provided care that their own states already allow. With a pharmacy within five miles of 90 percent of Americans — and 91 percent of seniors saying pharmacy care is easy to access — the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act closes an outdated gap in federal law, improving access to timely, cost-effective care for seniors, particularly in rural and underserved communities. NACDS commends Chairman Jason Smith and Rep. Adrian Smith, and Ranking Member Richard Neal and Rep. Brad Schneider, for championing this legislation and looks forward to working with Congress to advance this pragmatic, bipartisan bill,”said National Association of Chain Drug Stores President and CEO Steven C. Anderson.

“Public health in America is about to get stronger thanks to the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act. By expanding access to treat-and-treat services through pharmacists – the most accessible healthcare providers – we are creating avenues to keep older adults and those living with disabilities healthy and thriving. I applaud Congressman Adrian Smith for his ongoing dedication to increasing access to care for older Americans and those living with disabilities through this legislation and his ongoing work leading the House Ways & Means Committee,”said American Society of Consultant Pharmacists CEO Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP.

“The Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition thanks the Ways and Means Committee for advancing this legislation, and thanks Rep. Adrian Smith, Rep. Brad Schneider, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for their leadership. We urge Congress to advance this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that can improve access to quality and cost-effective care for seniors,”said Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition Executive Director Bob Siggins.

“We commend the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing thoughtful improvements to the Medicare program that recognize the critical role pharmacists play on the front lines of care. This legislation would provide Medicare beneficiary coverage for certain pharmacist services,” said CVS Health Chief Pharmacy Officer Lucille Accetta.

“Kroger commends the leadership of Chairman Jason Smith, as well as Rep. Adrian Smith and Rep. Schneider for advancing H.R. 3164, the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act through the House Ways and Means Committee. This vital legislation will expand access to testing and treatment for seniors living in rural areas — managing common respiratory conditions before they become life-threatening. Kroger celebrates this progress and urges quick passage of this bill,” said Kroger Health President Colleen Lindholz.

“Our team at McKesson supports the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act (H.R. 3164) and commends the House Ways & Means Committee for advancing it. Independent pharmacies are reliable points of care, and this bipartisan legislation helps Medicare beneficiaries receive timely testing and treatment from pharmacists. We appreciate the leadership of Chairman Jason Smith and Representative Adrian Smith in advancing this effort and look forward to its continued progress toward enactment,”said Health Mart Pharmacy President Crystal Lennartz. 
 
“As a trusted technology partner to more than half of pharmacies in the country, XiFin supports access to pharmacy care where and when it makes sense. The Main Street Pharmacy Access Act ensures seniors access to clinical services, while supporting the viability of pharmacies in healthcare deserts so they can continue serving their communities. Thank you to the Members of the House Ways and Means Committee for moving this bill forward,”said XiFin Inc. Chief Pharmacy Officer David Pope.

Stakeholder letters of support: American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition (FPCC), CVS Health, Kroger Health,Walmart, and Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

• H.R. 8209  the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act
  • This legislation would reauthorize the SBHC grant program. SBHCs help to deliver comprehensive primary health care services to millions of children across the country, including in NY-20 where Tonko represents.

• H.R. 3747, the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act
  • This legislation would equip primary care providers with additional tools and training necessary to detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

• H.R. 4348, to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act
  • This legislation would reauthorize key programs at the CDC that fund both research and support for local public health agencies to address tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease.

“Over my years in Congress, I have remained laser focused on advancing commonsense, meaningful legislation that bolsters the health and wellbeing of the American people,” Congressman Tonko said. “The movement of several of my health priorities through committee is a powerful step in that effort. I’m grateful to my committee colleagues who helped lead these bipartisan efforts with me, and I’ll continue working to move the needle on these bills and get them signed into law.”

I rise in strong support of the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act, legislation I was proud to author, along with my colleague, Representative Troy Balderson.

School-Based Health Centers help to deliver comprehensive primary health care services to millions of children across the country. By locating directly ins or near schools, SBHCs are able to provide high-quality care in a convenient setting. Today, there are more than 2,500 school-based health centers nationwide, serving more than 6.3 million K-12 students.

In my district I am especially proud of the work of health centers including Whitney Young Health and Hometown Health which operate multiple school-based health centers in the Capital Region of New York including in Albany, Watervliet and Schenectady.

The services provided by School-Based Health Centers can be a lifeline for children who may not have convenient ways to access care in other settings – especially for services like behavioral health, where there can still be stigma associated with seeking care. 

Through the School Based Health Center program, funding can be used to establish new school-based sites or to upgrade current facilities to serve additional children.

I’ve been proud to be a long-time supporter of this program, and I’m grateful for the bipartisan support in reauthorizing this program today.

However, as we think about the role of school-based health centers moving forward, I would encourage this committee to think bigger and bolder, because every child, family and community can benefit from SBHCs.

We can do this not only by expanding this grant funding stream to bring hundreds of new and expanded sites on board, but also by securing and strengthening programs like Medicaid and CHIP that help make the SBHC model sustainable.

Our children deserve nothing less.

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

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) opening statement as prepared for the record is below:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Zero Tolerance for Fraudsters Act, H.R. 8951, to impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for anyone convicted of large-scale federal fraud.

“Thanks to Democrat-led states like California and Minnesota, fraud is running wild in America,” said Rep. Calvert. “I am introducing the Zero Tolerance for Fraudsters Act to protect American taxpayers who are sick and tired of being taken advantage of. If Gavin Newsom and his liberal allies won’t do anything to help prevent these actions, then Congress needs to step up and ensure our federal prosecutors can lock up these criminals.”

The Zero Tolerance for Fraudsters Act of 2026 would set mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of large-scale federal fraud, including mail fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and making false statements to the government. Anyone convicted of covered fraud offenses involving between $1 million and $5 million must serve at least one year in prison, while anyone convicted of fraud worth $5 million or more must serve at least five years. The maximum sentences are 10 and 20 years, respectively. Judges would be restricted from imposing sentences below these minimums in relevant cases, maintaining nationwide consistency and preventing rogue judges in California or other states from issuing excessively lenient sentences.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that between $233 billion and $521 billion in taxpayer dollars are stolen annually due to fraud. According to CalMatters, “California has emerged as the epicenter of a sweeping hospice fraud crisis, one that is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.” According to expert estimates, in California alone, “Medi-Cal has lost some $146 billion in taxpayer funds to fraud on Gavin Newsom’s watch.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) introduced the Capitol Police Retirement Reform Act of 2026, legislation to count the overtime pay U.S. Capitol Police officers earn toward their federal pensions.

The U.S. Capitol Police is understaffed, and roughly 25 percent of the force is currently retirement eligible. Too often, brave officers are forced to choose between continuing their service on the Capitol Police and moving to other federal law enforcement agencies that already count overtime toward retirement, where they can better build their financial future. The bill closes that gap, bringing U.S. Capitol Police in line with other federal law enforcement.

“Our U.S. Capitol Police officers deserve better, and I’m proud to join with Rep. Walkinshaw to introduce this bill,” said Congressman Hoyer. “If we cannot recruit and retain highly qualified officers by offering competitive pay and benefits, we will be unable to provide adequate protection to Members, staff, and visitors – and to the institution of Congress itself. I hope we can come together to pass this bill, inspired by the memory of our friend Gerry Connolly, who championed the U.S. Capitol Police and this cause throughout his time in office.”

“Day in and day out, U.S. Capitol Police officers protect the millions of American families and visitors who walk through the Capitol each year, alongside the staff and Members of Congress who work here. These officers give years of their lives to a job that demands extraordinary commitment,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “A quarter of the force is eligible to retire, and too many officers feel pushed to weigh moving to other federal agencies where overtime counts toward retirement and they can build a stronger pension. That is a retention problem that can and must be fixed. If we ask officers to work grueling hours to protect the Capitol, we owe it to them to retire with dignity. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Steny Hoyer as we fight to deliver that fair retirement and keep top talent on the force protecting the Capitol and everyone who walks through it.”

Versions of this same bill passed the House in the FY22 and FY23 Legislative Branch Appropriations bills before being stripped in conference.

Read the full bill text here.