Hoyer Statement on the 16th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“Sixteen years ago today, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. It represented a fundamental promise to the American people: that no one should have to choose between their health and their financial security. That promise has been kept for millions of Americans. The ACA cut the uninsured rate in half. Some 50 million have received coverage under the law in the past 16 years, and 100 million people with pre-existing conditions have received protections from discrimination. Another 20 million low-income Americans across forty states gained coverage through the law’s Medicaid expansion. To this day, Americans under the age of 26 can stay on their parents’ health insurance.

“The ACA’s legacy is undeniable but it is also under attack. Republicans’ refusal to renew the tax credits for the ACA has caused health care costs to skyrocket for 22 million Americans. The end of those credits paired with Trump’s draconian cuts to Medicaid have cost some 19,800 people in Maryland’s Fifth District to lose their health coverage. That is unacceptable.

“Putting the Affordable Care Act on the House Floor as Majority Leader in 2010 and helping secure its passage was one of the most important moments in my six decades of public service. My commitment to protecting the progress we made that day has never wavered. I will keep fighting to extend the tax credits for the ACA and to protect every American’s access to quality, affordable health care.”

Congressman Johnson Presents 11 ‘Trailblazers’ Awards During Women’s History Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Congressman recognizes longtime district director Kathy Register posthumously

DECATUR, GA – On Saturday, March 21, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) presented eleven (11) women in Georgia’s Fourth District with “Trailblazer” awards in recognition of their pioneering careers and service to the greater community. He paid a special tribute to the memory and legacy of his longtime District Director, Kathy Register, who passed away in October 2025.

View the livestream HERE

All the honorees in recognition of Women’s History Month are among the first in their fields of endeavor and excelled in their chosen professions. 

“Despite all that’s going on right now, this annual event is an opportunity for us to get together and honor and celebrate women who have given so much back to our community,” said Rep. Johnson. “It was particularly poignant to posthumously honor my former district director, Kathy Register. She was so important to my success as a congressman and it was important for us to honor her along with 10 other amazing trailblazers.”

HONOREES:

Dr. Barbara Christian Campbell is an educator, real estate professional, and civic leader whose decades of service have made a lasting impact across DeKalb County and beyond.

Mrs. Edwina Clanton has served as President of the NAACP DeKalb County Branch since 2023, demonstrating strong leadership in civic engagement, justice, and community empowerment.

Mrs. Jennifer Ffrench-Parker is an award-winning journalist, editor and publisher who co-founded CrossRoadsNews to provide hyper-local reporting in South DeKalb County.

Ms. Sara A. Fountain is a communications professional and civic leader known for decades of service in community engagement and public advocacy. 

Mrs. Josephine E. Handy-Sewell is a retired retail executive and lifelong community leader with more than 45 years of corporate leadership experience. 

Ms. Bonnie Haynes is a seasoned financial professional with more than 40 years of experience in banking and credit unions.

Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield is an accomplished educator whose career in education spans more than 50 years.

Mrs. Stacey Thibodeaux is a housing advocate, real estate broker-owner, and governance leader dedicated to expanding equitable access to homeownership and sustainable development.

Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley is an educator and leader whose career has centered on student access, social-emotional development, and institutional leadership.

Mrs. Verdaillia Turner is a lifelong educator, labor leader, and advocate for public education who has dedicated more than three decades to empowering students and educators across Georgia.

Ms. Kathy “Gayle” Register served as District Director for Congressman Hank Johnson from 2007 to 2025, leading the Fourth Congressional District Office with professionalism, compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service.  

Photo cutline: From left: Barbara Campbell, Verdaillia Turner, Jennifer Ffrench-Parker, Congressman Johnson holding portrait of Kathy Register, Edwina Clanton, Sara Fountain, Stacey Thibodeaux, Felcia Mayfield, Vasanne Tinsley, Bonnie Haynes, Josephine Handy-Sewell.

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Amata Congratulates Micah Gurr for Acceptance to Air Force Academy Preparatory School

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is congratulating Micah Tiamanini I’atala Gurr for his acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs.

The mission of the Preparatory School, established in 1961, is to provide a rigorous ten-month program refining the academic, leadership, and physical skills to prepare cadet candidates for success as future officers. Admission is selective and competitive. Numerous USAFA Preparatory School graduates have gone on to distinguished military and academic careers and honors, including prestigious scholarships, fellowships, general officer ranks, and even astronauts. 

Cadet candidates who were not already enlisted at the time of their acceptance are placed on active duty in the Air Force Reserves during the program. 

“Congratulations to Micah Gurr on this acceptance. Micah has an exciting year in store for him, then we look forward to another announcement in a year updating his next step,” Congresswoman Amata.  “Only excellent students get this opportunity, as the Service Academies look for important marks of leadership and motivation to qualify for Preparatory School. Congratulations to his proud parents, Malaeoletalu and Shantel Gurr, as well as his teachers, and Samoana High School.”

A Service Academy preparatory school requires strong academics, high test scores, and the demonstration of extracurricular activities, volunteering, or other roles that show leadership and motivation.

Congresswoman Amata nominated Micah this January among a group of six student nominees who sent in nine total Service Academy applications this year from American Samoa. He is the second announcement from this class of nominees.

Service Academy Application Information

Congresswoman Amata’s Chief of Staff, Col. Leafaina Tavai, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was the first service academy graduate from American Samoa, graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, recommends that motivated students consider applying to multiple Academies, and notes that students cannot be nominated by the Congresswoman without a completed application on file with the Academy ahead of the congressional nomination. 

The Service Academies are selective and highly competitive. Prospective applicants should evaluate their interest in five total Service Academy possibilities: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The Coast Guard Academy does not include a congressional nomination process, but the Congresswoman will be very happy to highlight and congratulate every Academy acceptance, so American Samoa can take pride in each of these high-achieving students. 

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Hudson Leads Bipartisan Letter to Rubio to Counter Chinese Telecom Threat

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) sent a bipartisan letterto Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting the State Department use its diplomatic efforts to counter the spread of Chinese telecommunications networks and strengthen U.S. leadership in global technology standards.

Hudson and a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent the letter urging U.S. diplomats to prioritize secure, trusted telecommunications networks in engagements abroad, especially in developing regions where Chinese-backed firms are expanding.

“The CCP seeks to sideline the United States in international telecommunication and technology standards bodies. If successful, our allies and partners around the world may increasingly turn to CCP-linked entities for telecommunications and satellite solutions, and digital services. This is bad for American businesses, bad for Americans who rely on these devices and services in their daily lives, and ultimately undermines our economic and national security. Given this, the U.S. should be an active participant in all upcoming ITU engagements,” said Rep. Hudson.

At a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on securing U.S. leadership in communications technology, Hudson reinforced the need for stronger coordination with allies and a clear strategy to counter China’s influence in global telecom and satellite systems.

Hudson emphasized decisions made now on 5G, 6G, and spectrum policy will shape economic competitiveness and national security for decades.

Watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks here:[LINK]

Watch Rep. Hudson’s questions here:[LINK]

Hudson Bill to Complete National EMS Memorial Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Richard Hudson’s (NC-09) H.R. 2196, the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act, unanimously and with bipartisan support. The bill gives the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation more time to complete the National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. at no cost to the taxpayer.

“Each year, 850,000 EMS professionals answer more than 30 million calls at a moment’s notice. It’s time we recognize these unsung heroes and honor their service with a permanent memorial in our nation’s capital,” said Rep. Hudson.

“EMS workers provide life-saving care, often risking their own lives in the process. Those brave men and women deserve a memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor their sacrifices. More time is needed to complete this important memorial, and I applaud Rep. Hudson for his efforts to get that timeline extended,” said Rep. Westerman (R-AR).

H.R. 2196 is a clean, bipartisan extension bill. Congress first authorized the memorial in 2018, but that authority expired under the Commemorative Works Act before the project could be completed. Hudson’s bill extends the authorization for an additional seven years from enactment, giving the Foundation time to complete approvals and private fundraising so the memorial can move forward.

BACKGROUND

In 2018, Congress authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in Washington, D.C., honoring EMS professionals. Under the Commemorative Works Act, that authority expires after seven years unless extended.

EMS personnel are often the first to respond in moments of crisis, including natural disasters like hurricanes in North Carolina, accidents, and public health emergencies. Despite their service and sacrifice, there is still no permanent memorial in the nation’s capital honoring EMS professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Department of the Interior supports H.R. 2196, and the bill was favorably reported by the House Natural Resources Committee after a legislative hearing before the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Read the full House bill text here.

Congressman Aderholt Joins U.S. Navy Secretary and Alabama Delegation: Ribbon Cutting on $2.4 Billion Submarine Factory in Cherokee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

CHEROKEE, Ala – On Friday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) spoke alongside local and national leaders at a landmark ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new $2.4 billion public-private defense industrial facility in Cherokee, Alabama.

The facility in Barton Riverfront Industrial Park is part of a broader public-private effort to strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base, representing more than $2 billion in combined investment and up to 1,000 new manufacturing jobs for the area. 

“It was a privilege to help open an event that has been years in the making, an effort that many worked toward and believed in. This 2.2 million square foot facility will now be a symbol of U.S. defense, anchoring shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama. Proving that maritime dominance is not just a coastal priority.

This project didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people believed in this community, and because we made a deliberate effort to bring opportunities back to places that had been overlooked.

This facility is only part of a much larger opportunity, and I intend to keep working until that full potential is realized. Because that’s what this community has always done. America needs sea power more than ever, and Alabama is up to the challenge. We will build a 21st century collaborative campus here that no conventional shipyard or industrial park can rival.

With the leadership of President Trump and Republican majorities in Congress, we passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, legislation focused on restoring American strength. And I worked to ensure that communities like ours were part of that vision. Alongside my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, we helped turn that vision into reality right here at home.

By investing in workforce training and building the right partnerships, we made sure Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District would be ready when opportunity came and ready to compete for the kind of jobs that strengthen both our economy and our national security. And Friday, we saw that work pay off.

This facility will help bring thousands of manufacturing jobs and new opportunities to Northwest Alabama. But just as importantly, it will help restore America’s ability to produce the tools necessary to defend freedom and maintain strength at sea.

I want to thank Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Senator Tuberville, Senator Britt, Senator Wicker, and Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers. We all worked diligently in the crafting of the One Big Beautiful Bill to make this happen today. But government alone doesn’t build something like this. Thank you to AE Industrial Partners and AE Shoals, Hadrian, Retirement Systems of Alabama , and the Shoals Economic Development Authority for believing in this vision and making a generational investment in the region.

This is just the beginning of a stronger region, a stronger workforce, and a stronger United States of America.”

Thompson, Beyer, Norton Demand NPS Halt Removal of Critical Commuter Bike Lanes

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

Congressional Bike Caucus Co-Chair Mike Thompson (D-CA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) led a group of House Democrats in demanding that the National Parks Service (NPS) immediately halt or block any plans to remove the two-way protected bike lane running from the Tidal Basin to Constitution Avenue, a vital commuter route for DC-area residents.

In a letter addressed to NPS Acting Director Jessica Bowron, Members noted that removing the bike lanes will limit transportation options and increase danger for cyclists, pedestrians, and cars alike. Members also stressed the need for immediate action with the National Cherry Blossom Festival and America 250 celebrations approaching, both of which are readily accessible through the bike lanes.

“The bike lanes are part of a broader safe cycling corridor along 15th Street. Those lanes are an essential travel route for commuters from Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and visitors across the country, who rely on them to access jobs, NPS sites along the National Mall, and the Capitol complex,” wrote the Members. “Allowing or actively working to remove these lanes will reverse a decade of improved bike access to those sites and intentionally cut off public access to their elected representatives and public lands.”

The letter is signed by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Bill Foster (D-IL), Dave Min (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.
 

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Dear Acting Director Bowron:

We write regarding reports that the National Park Service (NPS) will be participating in,facilitating, or allowing the removal of the two-way protected bike lane on NPS land from the Tidal Basin to Constitution Avenue. That removal cannot proceed.

NPS must immediately reverse course and stop the removal of the bike lane. Failing to do so would indicate that NPS is either refusing to responsibly administer its D.C. lands, or that it is unable to protect those lands against interference from other federal agencies. In either case, NPS must act to protect transportation access to our nation’s capital, recreation access ahead of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and safety for all road users.

The bike lanes are part of a broader safe cycling corridor along 15th Street. Those lanes are an essential travel route for commuters from Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and visitors across the country, who rely on them to access jobs, NPS sites along the National Mall, and the Capitol complex. Allowing or actively working to remove these lanes will reverse a decade of improved bike access to those sites and intentionally cut off public access to their elected representatives and public lands.

Many of those commuters and visitors would continue to need access to this corridor. Byremoving the bike lanes, NPS would also force remaining bicyclists to share walkway space with pedestrians or roads with cars, creating danger for pedestrians, bikers, and cars alike. The D.C. Department of Transportation has found that the bike lane corridor reduced bike crashes by 69%, crashes causing injuries by 52%, and all crashes by 46%. Ahead of America 250, removing one of the safest and most convenient ways of accessing historical NPS sites along the National Mall will make the celebrations less accessible and more dangerous for all visitors.

According to posted signage, construction on the Ohio Drive portion could begin as early astoday. It is imperative that NPS immediately take action to responsibly steward its own lands and stop the removal of this essential transportation corridor.

Op-Ed from Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, representing North Carolina's 12th Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

The situation unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz is a clear reminder that what happens across the globe has real consequences here at home.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through that narrow waterway. When it is disrupted, the impact is immediate — and families across this country are already feeling it.

Energy prices are rising. At the pump, North Carolinians are paying more. Airlines are facing higher fuel costs, and those increases are showing up in ticket prices. Our transportation systems — the trucks, ships, and planes that carry the goods we rely on every day — are paying more for fuel, and those costs do not stay in the supply chain. They reach consumers.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am especially concerned about what this means for our farmers. Fertilizer costs, which are closely tied to global energy markets, are increasing. And when it costs more to grow food, it costs more to buy food. That is the reality families are facing at the grocery store, and it is a serious burden for Black farmers and rural communities working to sustain their livelihoods.

This is not abstract. This is about affordability, access, and stability for everyday people.

And we cannot ignore the broader cost of our national priorities. As tensions rise abroad, so too does the likelihood of increased spending tied to conflict and instability. At the same time, here at home, families are struggling to afford basic health care.

Monday marks the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. At a time when the cost of health care has doubled or even tripled for many families, we should be focused on lowering costs and expanding access — not allowing those needs to be overshadowed.

The reality is this: the cost of conflict abroad is measured not only in dollars spent overseas, but in opportunities lost here at home. Resources that could help extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, reduce costs, and support working families are part of the same conversation about priorities.

Our responsibility is to the people we serve.

We must remain focused on protecting American families from rising costs, supporting our farmers and workers, and ensuring that health care is affordable and accessible — while pursuing thoughtful, responsible leadership in moments of global uncertainty.

What happens abroad does not stay abroad. It touches every household — from the gas pump to the grocery store to the cost of seeing a doctor — and it demands our attention, our concern and our action.

Davids, Vasquez Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Plan to Increase Argentinian Beef Imports

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

Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the Trump Administration to reverse a new policy that would significantly increase imports of Argentinian beef, warning it would harm American ranchers and fail to lower costs for consumers. The administration received bipartisan backlash over its original beef trade deal last year.

“Your prior policies, including the original bailout and now this expansion of Argentinian beef imports, continue to undermine domestic producers and fail to lower grocery costs for Americans,” the lawmakerswrote.

In a letter to President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Davids and Vasquez raised concerns about a recent executive action allowing up to four times more Argentinian beef imports this year. Argentina made up just two percent of U.S. beef imports in 2024, and economists say increasing imports is unlikely to lower consumer prices — while potentially increasing market volatility and benefiting large corporations over family ranchers.

Farm bankruptcies are also rising, and more imports risk further squeezing struggling operations without delivering meaningful relief at the grocery store. The lawmakers urged the administration to reverse the decision and instead prioritize policies that support American cattle producers and stabilize prices.

“This new Argentinian beef announcement threatens this by increasing market volatility at a time when American producers need support, not sabotage,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge you to reverse the Executive Order on Argentinian beef imports and instead invest in the domestic cattle industry, including smaller, family-owned operations that feed our country.”

Davids and Vasquez have consistently worked to protect American agriculture from harmful trade decisions. Davids previously led efforts urging the administration to reverse its original Argentina bailout and has pushed back against expanded beef imports that undercut Kansas ranchers. She has also supported bipartisan efforts, including an amendment led by Vasquez during Farm Bill negotiations, to strengthen protections for U.S. producers and promote a more resilient domestic food system.

Read the full letter here or below

Dear President Trump and Secretary Rollins,

Following strong bipartisan pushback on last year’s Argentina bailout, we are deeply concerned by your administration’s new announcement to let more foreign beef into the United States. Your recent Executive Order would allow four times as much Argentinian beef to enter the U.S. this year. As members of the House Agriculture Committee representing states with significant cattle sectors, we write to urge you to reverse this decision and prioritize American ranchers and consumers.

Your prior policies, including the original bailout and now this expansion of Argentinian beef imports, continue to undermine domestic producers and fail to lower grocery costs for Americans. Only two percent of imported beef came from Argentina in 2024, and economists indicate higher imports are unlikely to reduce prices meaningfully, though they may boost margins for major food companies.

We understand that factors like the cattle cycle, drought, and other challenges affect beef prices. But instead of supporting American ranchers and helping lower grocery costs, your administration’s policies have created more uncertainty and prioritized bailouts for Argentina and deals with your political allies. Last year, farm bankruptcies rose 46 percent compared with 2024, amid low commodity prices and high input costs, largely driven by your self-inflicted trade war. Ranchers and other producers with diversified operations are one of the few positives in the farm economy.

This new Argentinian beef announcement threatens this by increasing market volatility at a time when American producers need support, not sabotage. Moreover, while your administration has expressed concern about consolidation in meatpacking, no concrete policies have been provided to protect American ranchers and consumers who are paying the price.

We urge you to reverse the Executive Order on Argentinian beef imports and instead invest in the domestic cattle industry, including smaller, family-owned operations that feed our country. We stand ready to work in a bipartisan way to enact policies that strengthen American ranchers and lower grocery prices. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Congressman Al Green Marks 16 Years of the Affordable Care Act, Highlights How $200 Billion Proposed for War Could Fund Healthcare and Food Assistance

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX) —On Monday, March 23, 2026, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference at 10:00 a.m. CT to mark the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), landmark legislation passed by Democrats that expanded access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans. 

The press conference will also confront a pressing question of national priorities: why billions are being committed to war in Iran while Americans continue to struggle to afford basic health care and food.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Sixteen years ago, Democrats made health care more accessible and more affordable for the American people. Today, we are faced with a clear and compelling choice: we can invest $200 billion in war, or we can invest in the health, dignity, and well-being of the American people. That same $200 billion could provide more than six years of Affordable Care Act subsidies, helping families afford care, delivering relief for seniors, and supporting working people who deserve better. We cannot invest hundreds of billions in conflicts abroad while Americans at home are denied health care and burdened by food costs. They are being forced to choose between their health and putting food on the table. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Click here to watch the YouTube Live Stream of the event. 

Or Click Here to Watch on Facebook Live