MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, the U.S. House unanimously passed Representative Sharice Davids’ (D-KS-03) bipartisan Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, legislation to strengthen the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) and expand support for Native entrepreneurs.

Davids, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, is one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. To introduce this legislation, she was joined by Representatives Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03).

“Native entrepreneurs are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and building opportunities in their communities, but too often they face barriers that make it harder to succeed,” said Davids. “This bipartisan bill ensures Native business owners have a permanent advocate within the Small Business Administration and better access to the tools they need to grow. I’m proud to see it pass the House, and I’ll keep working to get it signed into law.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on the House floor about the importance of supporting Native entrepreneurs

Currently, the ONAA has a valuable but limited mission: to support Native American entrepreneurs, conduct outreach with tribal communities, and connect Native business owners with SBA resources. However, because the current SBA budget does not include explicit funding for the ONAA, the office can only support a small staff and can be unilaterally disbanded.

The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act would codify the ONAA into federal law, establishing an Assistant Administrator role to oversee its operations and report directly to SBA leadership. It would also create a better government-to-government working relationship with tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. ONAA would also be able to expand its grant-making ability, conduct tribal consultation, utilize SBA’s entrepreneurial and contracting programs, and provide training, counseling, and technical assistance.

“The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act is critical for boosting economic development in tribal communities,” said Chris James, President and CEO, The National Center. “As a former Associate Administrator at SBA, I understand the need for Indian Country to have an advocate within the agency who has a direct line to the Administrator. Codifying the Office of Native American Affairs and establishing an Assistant Administrator position at SBA is essential so that Indian Country always has a seat at the head table in an agency that plays a critical role in supporting and growing tribal economies. The unique economic and entrepreneurial needs of our community – and government-to-government consultation – must always be a priority at SBA. The National Center thanks Reps. Davids, Crane, Ellzey, and Morrison for their continued leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure this bipartisan legislation becomes law in the 119th Congress.”

“The SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs is essential to the agency providing opportunities, support, and education to Native owned businesses across the country and advising the Administrator on programs and policies that impact Native communities. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act lends further stability to bolster Tribal and Native economies,” said Jon Panamaroff and Haven Harris, Native American Contractors Association (NACA) Co-Chairs. “The House’s passage of this legislation marks an important step forward, with the included emphasis on the office’s involvement with the 8(a) Business Development Program, and we urge the Senate to do the same without delay.”

Davids has also taken multiple actions to ensure the U.S. Department of the Interior is enforcing a rule that levels the playing field for Native businesses seeking federal contracts. Davids’ additional work to support small business owners includes pushing for oversight of relief programs and urging the SBA to address fraud and protect small business owners in need. She has also focused on shoring up supply chains for small- and medium-sized manufacturers here at home and reducing operating costs.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to Senator Bill Cassidy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) urging him to hold a public hearing on the nomination of Jim O’Neill for Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Ranking Member calls into question whether O’Neill is qualified for the role and implores Senator Cassidy examine O’Neill’s involvement in a controversial grant awarded to an unqualified research group to study vaccine efficacy on infants in Guinea-Bissau during his time as leader of the CDC.

“Mr. O’Neill is largely untested on matters related to stewarding the crown jewel of this nation’s scientific enterprise,” writes Ranking Member Lofgren. “This makes it all the more crucial that he appears before the HELP Committee in a public fashion. If confirmed, Mr. O’Neill would be the first Director in NSF’s 76-year history who is not a scientist or an engineer, as he lacks both a technical degree and any research experience.”

“While this Administration makes sweeping declarations about the value of ‘gold-standard science,’ Secretary Kennedy and Acting Director O’Neill chose to direct taxpayer money to a research group that has been hotly criticized for publishing nonreproducible work that has been repeatedly debunked. You are a medical doctor and a longtime proponent of vaccines that have been proven safe and effective, such as the hepatitis B vaccine that would have been the focus of this misguided and expensive endeavor. The American people deserve a public hearing where you and your HELP colleagues drill down on Mr. O’Neill’s involvement in this deeply unscientific, unethical, wasteful decision that happened while he was leading the CDC; though Guinea-Bissau’s government halted the study, we must not ignore the fact that U.S. decision makers were going to allow it to happen, at significant cost to American taxpayers. As Director of NSF, awarding taxpayer money to meritorious, ethical research will be a critical part of Mr. O’Neill’s job. This attempt to fund this anti-vaccine study raises questions about Mr. O’Neill’s fitness for such a role, and I implore you to publicly examine his involvement in this decision.”

Read the letter here. 

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

The $1.9 million grant will allow San Bernardino County to provide quality, affordable healthcare to HIV-positive individuals in the Inland Empire
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced a $1,923,432 grant award for San Bernardino County to expand access to HIV prevention services, primary medical care and essential support services to individuals in the Inland Empire who face cost barriers to care.
“No one in the Inland Empire should struggle to get affordable, quality care while navigating the devastating effects of HIV,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I am proud to announce this grant funding for San Bernardino County to expand access to HIV treatment and prevention services so that no one in our region has to go without the lifesaving care they need, simply because they can’t afford it.” 
“Every resident deserves access to the health care and support services they need to live a healthy and productive life,” said Joe Baca, Jr., Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “This funding will help connect individuals living with HIV to critical care and resources that improve health outcomes, reduce barriers to treatment and support our ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of residents throughout San Bernardino County.” 
The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources’ Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which provides medical, early intervention and support services to low-income or uninsured individuals impacted by HIV. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) and U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced bicameral legislation to make higher education more affordable for millions of working and middle-class students across the country.  The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other changes to expand the award for working students, while also protecting the program from budget shortfalls and eligibility changes. 

“No one should be denied a chance at a higher education if they are smart and capable enough but are unable to afford it. As a recipient of the Pell Grant myself, I know just how instrumental of a tool it is to make college accessible for all,” Congressman Pocan said. “Unfortunately, skyrocketing tuition costs and perpetual underfunding continue to undermine this critical program. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would not only double the maximum Pell Grant, it would protect the program from future cuts, expand eligibility to include DREAMers, and ensure that postsecondary education is attainable for every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

“The Pell Grant is the most important tool we have to help students afford college. Unfortunately, due to Republicans’ attacks on federal student aid — including slashing loans in annual appropriations and refusal to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the ‘Big Ugly Bill’ — students now face a significant Pell Grant shortfall, made worse by the rising cost of college. Simply put, Pell Grants’ purchasing power has severely eroded, making it even more difficult for students to afford higher education,” said House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. “By doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and moving the program to mandatory funding, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act directly addresses this shortfall and begins to restore purchasing power to help millions of students earn a quality degree without being forced to take on excessive debt.”

“For thousands of students in Hawaii and millions of students across the country, Pell Grants have helped to make higher education more affordable. But as costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pursue the college and career opportunities that will allow them to succeed in the future,” said Senator Hirono. “By increasing the Pell Grant maximum award, indexing the maximum award for inflation, and protecting the program from future cuts, this legislation will allow students across the country to reach their full potential.”

“While Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college—Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,” said Senator Patty Murray. “There is absolutely no reason students should be saddled with mountains of debt if they want to get a college degree. Government should be helping to open doors for American students, not slamming them shut like Trump is doing. Every year, I fight to protect and expand the Pell Grant—this bill would increase Pell Grants for millions of students to help them afford a postsecondary education and further their careers while helping ensure the Pell Grant is there to support students for generations to come.”

“For decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal financial aid programs.  Today, with the costs of higher education continuing to increase, these grants cover a shrinking percentage of the actual cost of college.  Students should not have to rack up mountains of debt just to continue their education and earn their degree,” said Senator Reed. “It is past time we double the power of Pell grants and ensure this essential financial aid keeps up with inflation.  This legislation would help expand access to Pell grants, lower student debt, strengthen our economy and workforce, and help deserving students reach their full potential.” 

“Pell Grants, one of Senator Claiborne Pell’s enduring legacies, have helped generations of Rhode Islanders get a high-quality education while taking on less debt,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our bill would increase the purchasing power of a Pell Grant and inflation-proof the awards to bring us closer to realizing Senator Pell’s vision of affordable higher education for all.”

The federal Pell Grant program, which currently serves more than 7 million students nationwide, has been the cornerstone of federal student aid for more than 50 years. But with rising costs, the purchasing power of the Pell Grant maximum award has significantly declined over the years—from covering more than three-quarters of the cost of attendance at a four-year, public institution when the program was first created, to now covering less than one-third of the cost of attendance today. At the same time, the Pell Grant program faces a substantial shortfall, putting it at severe risk of future cuts.

In response, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would double the Pell Grant maximum award—from $7,395, to $15,000—over six years, index the maximum award for inflation to maintain its purchasing power, and make the program fully mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts. In addition, the bill would also expand the program to include DREAMers and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters—among other important changes that will benefit students.

“The Pell Grant program is our nation’s foundational investment in college affordability, but the award has not kept pace with rising costs, and the program’s funding structure puts it at ongoing risk of cuts. We strongly support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which not only increases the maximum Pell award to make college far more affordable for millions of students, but expands, protects, and strengthens the program for years to come,” said Michele Zampini, Associate Vice President, Federal Policy & Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).

“The Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal financial aid, but its funding is perpetually one shortfall away from cuts and the maximum award now covers less than a quarter of the cost of attending an in-state public four-year college. Students cannot meet their most basic needs—food, housing, child care—on a grant that no longer keeps pace with what college actually costs,” said Bryce McKibben, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University. “The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs strongly supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act as a transformative proposal that will dramatically cut the cost of higher education borne by students By funding Pell as a permanent program, this legislation finally frees the program from the annual budget brinkmanship that leaves millions uncertain whether their financial aid will be there next year. It also overhauls outdated red tape, administrative burdens, and eligibility restrictions that prevent millions of deserving students from getting aid when they need it most. This bill is a clear statement that a low-income student’s path to a degree is worth protecting, for this generation and the ones to come.”

“EdTrust is proud to support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, a comprehensive package of reforms that will strengthen the Pell Grant for millions of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. By doubling the maximum Pell award and making the program fully mandatory, among other important improvements, this bill addresses financial barriers that make it harder for college students to earn a degree and ensures the program will not face budget shortfalls like the current one. This bill is a tremendous step toward ensuring that higher education remains accessible for millions of students who otherwise would not have the ability to pursue their dreams and gain valuable skills. We salute U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono, Patty Murray, Jack Reed , and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Mark Pocan and Bobby Scott for their leadership on behalf of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color and urge Congress to pass the bicameral Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act,” said Denise Forte, President and CEO at EdTrust.  

In addition to Representatives Scott and Pocan, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OH), Danny Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-MI), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Pablo Hernandez (D-PR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI),  John Mannion (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Simon, Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

In addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Reed, and Whitehouse, companion legislation in the Senate is co-sponsored Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA). 

The bill is endorsed by: The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs (Hope Center), The Education Trust (EdTrust), Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), United States Student Association (USSA), National College Attainment Network (NCAN), Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN), HawaiiKidsCAN, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), New America Higher Education Program, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Third Way, College Possible, FuturesNW, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Capital Area College Access Network (CAPCAN), OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio), and Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation.

The full text of the bill is available here. A fact sheet is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Jeff Hurd (CO-3) introduced the AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the security of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill would create a voluntary federal reporting program through which AI developers can disclose vulnerabilities in their models, enabling coordinated efforts to identify, manage, and responsibly disclose flaws before they can be exploited.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), an authoritative dataset that organizations across the world use to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would direct NIST to create similar processes for the reporting of AI flaws and vulnerabilities. It also directs NIST to engage with the private sector and assist with developing methods for detecting, monitoring, and remediating AI flaws. 

The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would also direct NIST to bring together stakeholders to study AI flaws and vulnerabilities across sectors and assess the reporting and response infrastructure developed by the bill. NIST would then be required to submit its findings to Congress within three years.

“As AI technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, AI systems face growing threats that can expose sensitive data, create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and beyond,” said Congressman Beyer. “Congress cannot afford to fall behind in addressing these emerging risks and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. Our legislation would establish a centralized reporting mechanism for potential security and safety vulnerabilities in AI systems, allowing for timely and coordinated action to mitigate risks.”

“I’m proud to represent much of the Research Triangle Park, home to organizations and institutions that are driving innovation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” said Congresswoman Ross. “AI is already shaping how we work, communicate, and access information, and we must put appropriate safeguards in place to address the risks that come with this rapidly evolving technology. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act. This commonsense legislation will help us better identify and address vulnerabilities in AI systems while advancing the responsible development of this technology.”

“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, and that leadership starts with secure and reliable systems,” said Congressman Hurd. “This bipartisan bill creates a practical framework to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, helping strengthen trust in AI while supporting continued innovation. I’m proud to work across the aisle to ensure the United States remains the global leader in developing and deploying these technologies.”

Bill text is available here.

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

Courts Subcommittee Ranking Member Introduces Open Meetings Act to Bring More Transparency to Judicial Conference 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee over Federal Courts, introduced the Open Meetings Act, a bill that would require Judicial Conference meetings to be more open and accessible to the American people. 

Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Senate companion. 

Bill text here.

The Open Meetings Act would require the Judicial Conference to: provide public notice of any meeting 30 days beforehand — including the agenda — require audio of meetings be livestreamed that are accessible to the public without charge or registration — and published on the internet — and mandate that if the Judicial Conference wishes to have a closed session, it must state the reason for closing meetings to the public. 

The Judicial Conference is the national policymaking body for the federal court system. Established by Congress, it sets guidelines for court administration, oversees the rules of practice and procedure, and advises Congress on legislation affecting the judiciary. 

“There’s no reason these meetings should be so secretive,” said Rep. Johnson. “Americans have lost faith in the Roberts Court. This crisis of confidence is in part because of the perception of partisan politics, dark money in the court system, and blatant ethical violations. If Chief Justice Roberts is consulting AI companies before issuing rules for AI evidence, Americans deserve to know. If the Judicial Conference is going to change gift rules to make it easier for conservative groups to invest in cases, Americans deserve to know. Opening their proceedings to the public can help them regain the trust that’s been eviscerated over the past three decades.”

“The federal judiciary is a key pillar of our constitutional system of government,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans need to have confidence that the judiciary is beholden only to the law and not to any ideological agendas or special interests. By requiring meetings of the judiciary’s policymaking and administrative arm to be open to the public by default, this commonsense bill will help increase transparency and support that confidence.”

WHAT THE GROUPS ARE SAYING

“Administrative bodies within the judiciary, including circuit-based judicial councils and the Judicial Conference’s two dozen committees, make consequential decisions on ethics, disclosure, case management and IT policies when they meet, and there’s no justification for excluding the public entirely from these proceedings,” Fix the Court Executive Director Gabe Roth said. “I commend Rep. Johnson and Sen. Hirono for introducing legislation to improve public access to them while recognizing that closed sessions may at times be necessary to address sensitive matters. FTC is proud to support this good-government initiative to promote greater transparency in the traditionally insulated third branch.”

“Transparency is a keystone to legitimacy. This is why court proceedings are open and why this bill is so important. The open policymaking this bill creates will build trust in the system at a time when it needs it most.” – Free Law Project, a non-profit working to make the legal space more equitable and competitive

COSPONSORS

Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia C Ramirez (IL-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressional Monopoly Busters Caucus co-chairs Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) pressed rideshare giants Uber and Lyft following reports that the companies employed artificial intelligence (AI) driven surveillance pricing to charge passengers different prices for the same route.

Their efforts follow a recent investigation by Consumer Reports, which found that Uber and Lyft routinely charge different customers significantly different prices for rides ordered at roughly the same times. For example, a route in Minneapolis resulted in a price difference of 50% and another route in New York resulted in a price difference of 152%. Uber and Lyft control a combined 95 percent of the ride-hailing market.

In a letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Lyft CEO David Risher, the co-chairs blasted the companies for exploiting people’s personal data to price gouge passengers and demanded transparency about their use of AI-driven algorithms and dynamic pricing models.

“This is not a functional, nor is it a fair marketplace,” the co-chairs wrote. “Many Americans depend on your services to go to work, purchase groceries or visit their loved ones. It is alarming that the two companies controlling approximately 95 percent of the ride-hailing market use surveillance, dynamic or personalized pricing to scam Americans.”

“Big Tech’s weaponization of our data to maximize profit on essential services is, at best, a profound breach of trust, and at worst, illegal. The practice of charging our constituents secret, individualized prices for the same trip is unacceptable, especially when working families are being squeezed from every direction,” the co-chairs concluded.

You can read the full text of the letter HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, assuring that the Supreme Court’s Olmstead ruling, giving the disabled the qualified right to receive the services they need in a setting of their choice, is honored. The measure was introduced with 48 bipartisan House cosponsors. 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Latonya Reeves had to leave Memphis to escape life in a nursing home. No one should have to choose between being institutionalized or moving thousands of miles away to have access to the services and supports needed to lead an independent life in one’s own home. This sensible legislation will codify in law that people have a right to receive services in the setting of their choice and protect the freedom of millions of Americans with disabilities to live and work independently in their own homes and communities.” 

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act would codify judicial precedent and strengthen the right of Americans with disabilities to receive Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in settings of their choice, including prohibiting government entities and insurance providers from denying home- and community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require LTSS. The legislation is named in honor of the late Latonya Reeves, a woman who was forced to flee a Tennessee nursing home and move to Colorado so she could have access to the care she needed to live independently.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

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

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