MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman helped secure the inclusion of key bipartisan priorities to protect rural mail service in the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) report, which recently passed the House of Representatives.

The language, which Rep. Bergman secured alongside fellow Congressional Postal Service Caucus co-chairs Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), seeks to address USPS plans to reduce the frequency that mail is picked up from rural post offices, consolidate processing facilities, and close local post offices.

Rep. Bergman stated, “For many families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, reliable mail service isn’t a convenience – it’s a necessity. Seniors depend on the mail for prescriptions, workers rely on it for paychecks and important documents, and small businesses count on it to reach their customers. These bipartisan provisions push back against proposals that would make mail delivery slower and less reliable for rural communities.”

Specifically, the FSGG report includes language that:

• Calls on the U.S. Postal Service to reevaluate its Regional Transportation Optimization plan to ensure rural Americans do not face additional delays caused by reduced mail pickups at post offices located more than 50 miles from processing centers.
• Recommends halting the consolidation or realignment of processing and logistics facilities that serve postal districts failing to meet established on-time delivery standards for First-Class mail.
• Urges the Postal Service to pause any plans to close post offices that serve more than 15,000 people or where no alternative post office exists within 15 miles.

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

Co-Chairs of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) today issued the following statement after the Trump Administration terminated more than 2,000 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants – nearly $2 billion in funding for organizations providing critical services across the country:

“The Trump Administration’s decision to unilaterally and abruptly withdraw grants that help provide essential mental health and addiction treatment services across the country is deeply troubling, dangerously shortsighted, and puts American lives at risk.

“Abruptly canceling these grants will force providers to halt suicide prevention efforts, overdose prevention and treatment programs, naloxone distribution, and peer recovery services with little to no warning. Treatment programs will be forced to close their doors, prevention efforts will stall, and American lives will be lost as a direct result.

“Those consequences will be immediate and severe, but they are avoidable. Addressing mental health and substance use disorders has never been a partisan issue. For decades, Democrats and Republicans have come together to expand access to care because addiction and mental illness affect families in every community across the country. Just last year, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act to equip communities with the resources necessary to combat substance use disorders and support mental health services passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump himself. And last March, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed the public health emergency declaration addressing our nation’s opioid crisis.

“Terminating billions of dollars in SAMHSA grants directly contradicts these bipartisan commitments and the Administration’s own renewal of the opioid public health emergency, severely undermines the federal response to the opioid crisis, and jeopardizes the treatment and recovery infrastructure American communities rely on.

“The Trump Administration must immediately reverse course, reinstate these critical grants, and ensure the American public has the resources needed to support mental health and addiction treatment.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Progressive Caucus has formally endorsed legislation introduced by Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) that would redirect $175 billion in ICE and immigration enforcement funding into programs that would help make housing affordable nationwide.

Rep. Gomez’s bill would pull billions of dollars from the anti-immigrant slush fund in Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and reinvest those funds into programs designed to lower rents, expand homeownership, and increase the supply of housing that’s affordable.

“The Progressive Caucus is proud to support Rep. Gomez’s bill to reallocate money from ICE to make housing more affordable,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar, Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “Instead of spending billions to terrorize families, we could actually use that money to reduce rents, expand homeownership, and build more affordable housing units across the country. It’s way past time we end Donald Trump’s ICE and CBP slush fund, and invest in the well-being of the American people.”

“My bill flips the script, ” said Rep. Gomez. “We’re taking back Trump’s anti-immigrant slush fund and investing it in real housing solutions that actually help people while putting a check on the unaccountable police force he built to go after our communities. The Progressive Caucus understands that standing up to ICE and making housing affordable are both essential to our communities, and this bill delivers on that.”

Specifically, the legislation would create a monthly Renter Tax Credit for families paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent, provide at least $50,000 in down payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers, incentivize the conversion of vacant office buildings into housing that’s affordable through a new Affordable Housing Conversion Credit, and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to boost affordable housing construction.

At a moment of escalating enforcement violence, the bill represents a clear stand against ICE’s unchecked authority and a decisive shift toward accountability and affordability.

Full bill here

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter demands medical license termination for Georgia doctor who refused to say men can’t get pregnant

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today sent a letter to the Georgia Composite Medical Board calling on it to revoke the medical license of Dr. Nisha Verma, a Georgia-licensed obstetrician and gynecologist, after she refused to acknowledge during a United States Senate Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing that men cannot get pregnant. 

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “Pregnancy is a biological function exclusive to females, and men cannot become pregnant. Clear understanding of biological sex differences is foundational to the safe and competent practice of medicine, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.” 

Rep. Carter continues, “Any physician who is unwilling to clearly answer that men cannot become pregnant should not be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Georgia. You wouldn’t trust a mechanic who doesn’t believe in oil changes to fix your car; Why should Georgians be expected to trust a physician who similarly rejects the basics? For these reasons, I request that the Georgia Composite Medical Board take immediate action to revoke Dr. Verma’s medical license.” 

Read the full letter here. 

 

BACKGROUND

On January 14, 2026, the Senate HELP Committee held a hearing entitled, “Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs,” during which Dr. Verma was asked by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ashley Moody (R-FL), “Can men get pregnant?” Dr. Verma could not give a coherent, fact-based response, instead referring to “different identities” and calling the question “political.”  

Watch a clip from the hearing here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Amid reports of increased immigration enforcement operations in Maine, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement:

Over the past year, Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security and its untrained, masked, and violent immigration officers have terrorized and traumatized entire communities on orders from a truly lawless and morally corrupt Administration. Their assaults came to a tragic head last week in Minnesota, where agents murdered an innocent observer in cold blood. In Minneapolis and across our country, these agents continue to indiscriminately detain immigrants and U.S. citizens, forcefully trample on First Amendment and due process rights, and cause utter chaos in our communities. 

That we could soon see these reckless tactics unleashed in Maine is incredibly concerning. My team and I remain in constant communication with the Governor, the Mayors of Lewiston and Portland, and community organizations to prepare for increased enforcement activity. We are doing everything in our power to protect Mainers and immigrant communities. 

Tomorrow, more than two dozen of my Democratic colleagues and I will be in Minnesota to get a better sense of what’s happening on the ground, to meet with state leaders and advocates, and to hopefully learn how communities in our home states can prepare themselves for—and protect their citizens from—any potential federal operations. 

It’s important that Mainers who choose to protest do so peacefully, and that everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status, knows their rights. 

Republicans are in control of both the House and the Senate, and given their endless capitulation to the President, no matter how illegal or immoral his actions, Congressional Democrats have limited power to stop ICE’s operations outright. But let me be clear: We are using every available tool at our disposal to demand accountability and oversight—forcing votes on the record, documenting abuses, and keeping public pressure on this Administration so that, when Democrats retake control of Congress, meaningful change and accountability actually happens. I’m working with my colleagues to use the appropriations process to impose restrictions on ICE and to claw back funding for DHS approved in the Big Ugly Bill.

This week, I joined more than 70 Democrats in bringing Articles of Impeachment against Noem. Her lies, incompetence, and moral failings undermine the protections she swore to uphold, and she needs to be removed from office. 

It’s critically important to keep the pressure on in this Administration and show the American people that their abuses of power will not go unchallenged.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
January 15, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today announced the successful reinstatement of approximately 2,000 health and mental health service grants totaling roughly $2 billion nationwide. The reversal follows sustained pressure from Members of Congress, including the Congresswoman, who  advocated with the Trump Administration successful explaining the chaotic and harmful termination of these critical programs.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), issued abrupt grant termination letters without warning, which threw communities nationwide into crisis and threatened vital programs that serve the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Virgin Islands organizations affected by the Administration’s reckless decision include the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, Inc., and The Village – VI Partners in Recovery. These organizations provide essential substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and community health programs on which thousands of Virgin Islanders rely.

“I want to thank the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, and The Village – VI Partners in Recovery for contacting my office about their grant termination letters,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “After national outrage and advocacy from Members of Congress—during which we made clear the impact of the cuts to vulnerable communities to be abandoned without warning or justification—HHS reversed this decision. I am pleased to share that HHS has begun to issue the grant reinstatement letters, and these vital health services will continue.”

“This victory demonstrates what we can accomplish when we stand together and advocate respectfully but strongly to deter policies that harm our most vulnerable neighbors,” Congresswoman Plaskett continued. “We will remain vigilant and continue to fight for the health and well-being of Virgin Islanders.”

The reinstated grants support essential services that include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, suicide prevention initiatives, and community health education throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Gallego, Murkowski, and Khanna Introduce Sense of Congress Affirming the United States’ Partnership with Denmark and Greenland

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) today joined Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) in introducing a Sense of Congress bill affirming the United States’ partnership with Denmark and Greenland and recognizing our responsibility to comply with treaty obligations and solve any disputes peacefully.

“I strongly oppose threatening use of force against our close allies. Denmark has been an outstanding U.S. ally, supporting missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, the Horn of Africa, and Syria. There have been numerous bases in Greenland over the recent decades, and it is currently home to a critical Space Force missile defense and space surveillance base. These threats against fellow NATO members Denmark and Greenland serve only the interests of our adversary, Russia and Putin, who desire NATO’s dissolution,” said Rep. Don Bacon.

“The United States’ longstanding partnership with Denmark and Greenland is based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and the basic NATO principle that allies should resolve disputes peacefully. That’s why it’s so alarming to hear officials in the administration and the President suggest the U.S. will try to take over Greenland and threatening military force,” said Senator Gallego. “These threats have no place between allies, and they undermine the trust that keeps our alliances strong and distract from the real security challenges we face. The world is safer when the United States leads with cooperation rather than coercion.”

“Whether through defense cooperation, such as our shared military assets at Pituffik Space Base, or the development of critical minerals that will strengthen our national security, every one of our strategic goals can be accomplished with Greenland as a partner. At a time when we really can’t agree on much of anything, this is a resolution that all members of Congress should be willing to put their names behind,” said Senator Murkowski. “Safeguarding our relationships with our NATO allies should be paramount, with Greenland treated as our partner, not a possession.”

“It’s time for Congress to wake up and do its job. This is a moral test for America and we have a responsibility to keep Americans out of dumb foreign wars and honor our relationships with our NATO allies. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues that affirms America’s partnership with Denmark and Greenland and stands up for Congress’s constitutional powers,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

Read the legislation HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the winning submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

“I am proud to announce the winning submissions for Kentucky’s Second District,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Out of the more than 57 submissions, these students’ submissions showcased incredible ingenuity and creativity in the development of their apps. Their utilization of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, is thoroughly impressive, and I am confident that these young minds have a bright future ahead!”

The Congressional App Challenge enables middle and high school students to compete with their peers in their own congressional district by creating and showcasing their software applications, or “apps,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

The overall first-place winner will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, be featured on House.gov and CongressionalAppChallenge.us, as well as Congressman Guthrie’s website for one year. First-place winners from across the country are invited to participate in the House of Code reception in the Capitol Building in April.

Overall 1st Place
App Name: WaterWise
Advika Rastogi
11th grade at DuPont Manual High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPRUIzA1NOU
Summary:  WaterWise is an interactive, AI-powered tool designed to provide farmers with irrigation guidance, helping them save water, improve crop yields, and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. 

Overall 2nd Place
App Name: Care Path
Danica Stephens
11th grade at Glasgow High School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/AUX9_xyljwM?si=dIIfigX8AyRm6ajw
Summary: Care Path is a mobile and web app designed to help patients safely transition from the hospital to home and manage the critical recovery period following a procedure or hospital stay. 

Overall 3rd Place
App Name: Today
Ellie Rue, Brody Hammons
12th grade at Apollo High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig7sgynICwU
Summary: Today is top-down adventure game that displays the many ways students in Owensboro, KY can get involved in their community. 

Overall 4th Place
App Name: Knowledge Knockout
Mallory Raines, Colby Reed, Joseph Daugherty
12th grade at Apollo High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87OMof2xB8I
Summary: Knowledge Knockout is a platform that allows elementary students to practice foundational math skills in a fun and engaging way. 

Middle School 1st Place
App Name: Two2Parent
Nina Bahmani
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/nbIePBmFLco?si=JtWNiBZk6OIQtzsy
Summary: Two2Parent is an application that provides teen mothers with information and resources for their child’s early development. 

Middle School 2nd Place
App Name: Skin Safe
Bently Lamoureaux, Amelia Fultz
8th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s6-Ns-_NZY&feature=youtu.be
Summary: Skin Safe provides users with information about common skin conditions.  

Middle School 3rd Place
App Name: KY Rules of the Road
Tyler Midkiff
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/Igsywym_iPg
Summary: KY Rules of the Road  is an educational tool that helps improve transportation safety in Kentucky.

Middle School 4th Place
App Name: Mathematician
Harrison Axline
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/m-o5WootUdI
Summary: Mathematician is a game to assist users develop math skills. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement applauding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent announcement of funding allocations for states through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program, which was established in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts law delivered the most historic investment in rural health that we’ve seen in our lifetimes, with over $212.9 million being allocated to projects across Kentucky,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The Rural Health Transformation program will provide funding to transform health care systems so that we can help assure the long-term sustainability of our rural providers for years to come. I applaud Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz on this critical effort, and I look forward to seeing states use these resources to bolster health care delivery through innovative solutions in rural America.”

Allocations of funding were based upon rigorous, data-driven merit review—led by federal and non-federal rural health experts and overseen by senior federal review directors—to assess each state’s proposed initiatives and alignment with program goals to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent merit review process across all states.

Funding will be distributed over five years beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. As states begin implementation, program officers from CMS’s Office of Rural Health Transformation will provide technical assistance and ongoing support to help states design, launch, and sustain initiatives that best serve their rural communities.

CLICK HERE to view a list of each State’s allocated RHT funds.

Background on the Rural Health Transformation Program:
– The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts law and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving access to quality health care outcomes and transforming the health care delivery ecosystem.

– RHT funding will be allocated through the following formula:
*$25 billion over five years will be distributed evenly among the states; this means each state will receive $100 million each year for FY 2026-2030 ($500 million total). 
*$25 billion will be distributed to states based on criteria established by the Secretary that target funding to states with high rural health care needs and that outline long-term programmatic goals that will transform access to care in the state.

– In accordance with the law, only the 50 states are eligible to receive an RHT Program award; the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories are not eligible.

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

“Indiscriminately eliminating these positions from your HR system without analysis is unacceptable, and in contradiction of your repeated assurances that veterans would not be impacted by staff cuts,” Wasserman Schultz wrote. “I am concerned that these cuts will add further strain on a workforce that has been understaffed for years, especially as I continue to hear from VA doctors and nurses that workloads are unmanageable, leading to delayed or insufficient care of our veterans.”