MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.

 

“We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers.

 

The lawmakers announced the following grants:

Baltimore Region

• $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response
• $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel

 

Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

• $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities
• $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities
• $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training
• $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers

 

Eastern Shore

• $436,761 to the Hack’s Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• $100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear
• $116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations
• $291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA

 

Western Maryland

• $146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear
• $83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices
• $45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances
• $40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor

 

Southern Maryland

• $124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers

 

Statewide

• $124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health

 

The awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative’s Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Darrell Issa (CA-48) have reintroduced the Healthcare Equality and Rights for Our Heroes (HERO) Act, legislation to make sure service members and their families can seek justice in federal court when they are victims of medical malpractice at Department of War medical treatment facilities.

The bill builds on the SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act, which was signed into law in 2020 and named for Purple Heart, Green Beret and Pinehurst resident SFC Richard Stayskal, a constituent of Rep. Hudson’s. That law created, for the first time, a process for service members to file malpractice claims against DoW – but an internal system run by the Department has denied relief to a majority of families who have come forward.

“The law that gave hope to my friend Rich Stayskal and so many military families has been tied up and watered down by bureaucracy,” said Rep. Hudson. “If preventable medical harm at a military hospital costs a servicemember their health or their life, they should have the same right as any other American to take their case to court. The HERO Act makes that clear in federal law so our heroes and their families can finally seek full and fair compensation.”

“The HERO Act” is about more than opening an avenue to the courts. It’s about recognizing that service members who are victimized by medical malpractice in a DOD facility are deserving of the opportunities to pursue the kind of justice that is currently denied to them,” said Rep. Issa. “Congress has previously worked to correct this obvious wrong within our system, but it isn’t fixed yet. This time, we’re going to set this right.”

In 2017, SFC Stayskal received a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis from a civilian doctor after being misdiagnosed with pneumonia by military medical professionals at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg. Under long-standing law and court decisions, he had no way to sue for malpractice, even though the mistake was unrelated to combat or the risks of military service.

Rep. Hudson worked with SFC Stayskal to change that, authoring the SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act and securing its passage in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Since then, however, DoW’s internal process has failed to deliver meaningful justice for most of the families who filed claims.

What the HERO Act Does

The HERO Act:

• Repeals the current internal DoW malpractice claims system and adjusts claims by service members and their families to be brought to the District Court. Ensures those claims can proceed, whether the malpractice occurred in the United States or at a covered facility overseas.
• Protects VA and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits.
• Establishes a clear statute of limitations by allowing claims to be brought up to 10 years after the injury.
• Requires regular reporting to Congress on the number of claims filed under the HERO Act, providing transparency and oversight of the new system.

Hudson and Issa will continue working with military families and advocates to advance the HERO Act through Congress and ensure America keeps its promise to those who serve.

Read the full bill text here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus, released the following statement following the passing of Greg and Cristina Biffle and their children:

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.

They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. 

But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.

Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the Senate’s final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law:

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I’m proud to see this defense authorization bill clear Congress and head to President Trump’s desk. This NDAA puts our troops, their families, and our veterans first by delivering critical investments for our Armed Forces and North Carolina’s military community, including tens of millions for Fort Bragg.

It advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, strengthens readiness, and ensures our military remains the most lethal and capable force in the world. This bill also delivers long-overdue full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe, correcting a historic injustice and honoring their heritage.”

Fort Bragg & North Carolina Wins in the FY26 NDAA

The FY26 NDAA includes major authorizations Rep. Hudson fought for on behalf of Fort Bragg and the Sandhills region, including:

• $44.7 million for upgrades at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg.
• $8.1 million for the Special Operations Forces Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg.
• $19 million for an Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course.
• $24 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid.
• $80 million for a Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center.
• $145 million for Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point

Historic Win for the Lumbee Tribe

The FY26 NDAA includes the historic Lumbee Fairness Act, granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe and ensuring its members finally receive the same federal services and benefits as other federally recognized tribes. This is a major milestone for one of North Carolina’s largest and most deserving Indigenous communities.

In addition, provisions Rep. Hudson supported will:

• Boost investments in barracks and family housing used by soldiers and families.
• Improve access to childcare, health care, and mental health services for military families.
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, and transition programs.

National Security Wins: Implementing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda

The FY26 NDAA is a cornerstone of President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and delivers conservative wins for America’s military, borders, and taxpayers:

• Codifies 15 Trump Executive Orders and 30 key legislative proposals to restore lethality, merit-based promotions, and accountability in the ranks, while ending left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI programs in the military.
• Improves quality of life for servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, expanded bonuses and special pays, better food access, upgraded barracks and family housing, and major investments in childcare, schools, and health care for military families.
• Strengthens border security by fully funding troops and National Guard deployments to the southern border, expanding support for Border Patrol, and authorizing over $1 billion to fight drug trafficking and transnational crime.
• Fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system, cutting red tape, prioritizing commercial solutions, speeding new technologies to the warfighter, and focusing every taxpayer dollar on capability instead of bureaucracy.
• Builds President Trump’s Golden Dome and strengthens missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and space capabilities to protect the homeland from hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile threats.
• Revitalizes the defense industrial base by expanding U.S. production capacity, onshoring supply chains, cutting dependence on China for critical minerals and components, and growing American defense manufacturing jobs.
• Invests in shipbuilding, aircraft, and munitions, including major funding for submarines, destroyers, 6th-generation aircraft, F-35 fighters, Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and a robust arsenal of precision munitions.
• Counters China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist threats with a strengthened Indo-Pacific posture, support for Taiwan and key allies, tougher restrictions on adversary-linked companies, and enhanced tools to support partners on the front lines of aggression.
• Saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion by eliminating DEI activities, cutting wasteful climate programs at the Pentagon, retiring obsolete platforms, and trimming bureaucracy and inefficient contracts.

Together with President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut, the FY26 NDAA is part of a generational investment in America’s national security, our military families, and the promise of Peace Through Strength.

Read the Full Text Here

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

Recently, Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and Greg Stanton (AZ-04) called on the Trump Administration to respect Tribal sovereignty and long‑standing government‑to‑government relationships when making decisions about hydropower projects.

“There is no question that hydropower should continue to play an important role in our nation’s energy security,” wrotethe Members. “But we respectfully ask that you strongly consider the comments submitted in opposition by many Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and organizations that serve Tribal Nations and reject this policy proposal.”

Right now, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) generally will not issue preliminary permits for hydropower projects on Tribal lands if the local Tribe objects, a policy intended to encourage early consultation and respect Tribal governance. On October 23, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright directed FERC to start a rulemaking process that would reverse this policy and allow preliminary permits even when a Tribe opposes them.

In their letter, the Members asked DOE and FERC to:

• Uphold Tribal sovereignty and the government‑to‑government relationship with Tribal Nations.
• Base permitting decisions on trust and treaty obligations the United States owes to Tribes.
• Require meaningful Tribal consultation before issuing or changing policies.
• Retain the practice of requiring Tribal concurrence before permitting moves forward.

Hydropower projects can affect Tribal lands, waters, cultural sites, and resources. Preliminary permits give companies years to study a site before potentially building a long‑term facility — but without Tribal consent, these studies and projects can disrupt communities and sacred places. Respecting Tribal sovereignty ensures that Tribal Nations have a voice in developments on their own lands.

Many Tribal groups have publicly opposed the DOE proposal. These Tribal governments and organizations argue that reversing the current policy disrespects Tribal sovereignty and could allow developers to pursue hydropower projects without meaningful Tribal consent.

“Federal permitting decisions are not procedural when Tribal sovereignty is at stake,” said Dr. Crystal Miller, Head of Policy and Government Relations, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. “They are a test of whether the United States will honor its trust and treaty obligations and recognize Tribal Nations as sovereign governments, not as third-party stakeholders.”

“The Hopi Tribe strongly supports the letter led by members of Congress defending Tribal sovereignty,” said Lamar Keevama, Chairman, Hopi Tribe. “The Commission’s 2024 precedent rightly recognized that development on Tribal lands cannot move forward without the consent of the sovereign Tribal government. Upholding this principle is not only a matter of law, but of respect for our trust relationship and the protection of our lands, waters, and cultural resources. We commend Congress for standing with Tribal Nations to ensure that our voices remain central in decisions that affect our homelands.”

“The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers is grateful to these Members of Congress for their leadership in defending Tribal sovereignty and reaffirming the right of Tribal Nations to determine what is appropriate for their lands, cultural resources, and people,” said Ira L. Matt (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Executive Director, Indigenous Diplomacy and Federal Relations, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. “As FERC-permitted projects increasingly affect entire cultural landscapes, this leadership is essential to ensuring federal permitting respects trust and treaty obligations and protects living cultures, ceremonial landscapes, and places that carry ongoing responsibility for Tribal citizens.”

 

“Tribes are not third parties to federal energy decisions,” said Chéri Smith (Mi’kmaq Descendant), President & CEO, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. “They are sovereign governments with inherent authority over their lands, waters, and futures. Treating tribal consultation as optional or dismissible undermines federal trust and treaty responsibility and violates the government-to-government relationship enshrined in law. Congress must act now to reaffirm tribal sovereignty and ensure tribes retain meaningful authority and early engagement in all federal energy permitting decisions.”

“American Rivers strongly supports our Tribal colleagues in defending their sovereign right to decide what happens on their lands and waters,” said Leda Huta, Vice President, Government Relations of American Rivers. “We thank the House members who are standing up for sound policy that respects Tribal sovereignty, honors the federal trust responsibility, and ensures that hydropower development proceeds efficiently and responsibly. Respecting landowner rights is not a barrier to clean energy—it is a commonsense approach that promotes collaboration, avoids conflict, and directs public resources toward projects that can actually move forward.”

“Not only is this Nation founded upon a tribal model of governance, but within this Nation’s Constitution, it is articulated and recognized that only Congress has the power to negotiate with Tribes,” said Jill Sherman Warne, enrolled member of the Hoopa Tribe, Retired Tribal Official, and Executive Director of the Native American Environmental Protection Coalition for 31 Tribes. “To pass over and treat a Tribe as a public entity or third party is an abomination of the past 200 years of legal actions and authorities made by the Supreme Court, as well as within Federal law and codified in regulations and policies. Federal Energy decisions must include meaningful dialogue, trackable engagement, and actions with Tribes for the Federal Government to meet its fiduciary responsibility through its agencies.  Federal Agencies are required by law to uphold fiduciary responsibilities. Tribal lands today are finite!  Federal actions can be disastrous without careful consultation, consideration, and engagement of elected tribal leaders of federally recognized tribes.”

The Members requested a written response by December 18 explaining how the agencies plan to meet their obligations.

Read Davids’ full letter here or below:

Dear Chairwoman Swett and Secretary Wright,

We write to you concerning the Department of Energy’s (DOE) directive to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on October 23, 2025, regarding preliminary permits for hydropower projects, and FERC’s subsequent Notice Inviting Comments on DOE’s proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (proposed NOPR). Any final actions by FERC must reflect statutory requirements, trust and treaty obligations, and the unique government-to-government relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations–all upheld by Congress, the Supreme Court, and agencies’ own regulations.

As the proposed NOPR notes, FERC may issue preliminary permits for hydropower projects it maintains jurisdiction over in order to, “secure priority of application for a license… under Part I of the Federal Power Act (FPA) while a permittee obtains the data and performs the acts required to determine the feasibility of the project and to support an application for a license.” While the FPA does not require project applicants to obtain the support of third parties before receiving a preliminary permit, FERC in 2024 formally established a policy to not issue said permits for projects on Tribal lands if the relevant Tribe(s) are opposed; this is similar to policies for projects opposed by federal land managers or federal agencies. The proposed NOPR reverses this policy, stating the FPA, “did not authorize or empower third parties to deny preliminary permits.”

We recognize that the FPA grants FERC ultimate authority to issue preliminary permits for hydropower projects, and we also value the importance hydropower brings to a sustainable and secure electric grid. However, FERC nor DOE appear to have considered Tribes’ authority over their lands that is central to the federal government’s trusty and treaty obligations. FERC and DOE must recognize that Tribes should not be considered typical third parties. They are sovereign governments with a unique relationship to the United States; federal agencies must be careful not to limit Tribal self-determination and erode these government-to-government relationships.

The proposed NOPR includes no consideration of Tribal sovereignty, and–as evidenced by the many Tribal comments submitted during the recent comment period–FERC has not engaged in robust consultations with Tribes about this policy proposal.

Not only does reversing this policy ignore Tribal sovereignty, but it will also hinder America’s energy security too. By rejecting preliminary permits opposed by relevant Tribes, FERC incentivizes project sponsors to consult with Tribes early in the process, developing stronger applications supported by local Native communities. This policy also helps prevent applicants from wasting time (both the project sponsor’s and FERC staff’s) for projects that may ultimately be litigated and/or denied.

There is no question that hydropower should continue to play an important role in our nation’s energy security. But we respectfully ask that you strongly consider the comments submitted in opposition by many Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and organizations that serve Tribal Nations and reject this policy proposal. FERC permitting decisions should instead be based upon the United States’ trust and treaty obligations, include proactive Tribal consultation, recognize Tribal sovereignty over Tribal lands as a decisive factor, and maintain a framework that relies on Tribal concurrence.

Should you choose to move forward with this reversal, we ask that you respond to us no later than December 18, 2025, detailing how FERC and DOE plan to uphold the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations and prioritize government-to-government consultations with affected Tribes.

Sincerely,

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) attended a special announcement at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) marking the continued implementation of the bipartisan legislation she authored to guide the nation’s approach to next-generation aviation. Davids also thanked the Trump Administration for carrying out the work Congress directed under her law.

“This new, forward-looking aviation strategy is the direct result of bipartisan work led by Kansas,” said Davids. “I want to thank the Trump Administration for continuing to advance this effort and for carrying out the work Congress directed. Advanced air mobility presents an opportunity to strengthen safety, grow our economy, and keep the U.S. competitive — and this is exactly what happens when we focus on solutions and working together.”

WATCH: Rep. Sharice Davids speaks at the U.S. Department of Transportation

Today’s announcement celebrates the release of the “National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility,” which outlines a coordinated approach for safely integrating advanced air mobility aircraft — including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles — into U.S. airspace. The strategy was required by Davids’ bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which she led alongside Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), and directs federal agencies and industry leaders to work together to strengthen aviation safety, innovation, and America’s global competitiveness.

Industry estimates project that advanced air mobility could become a $115 billion global market by 2035, supporting more than 280,000 high-paying jobs in the United States alone, with Kansas well-positioned to benefit given its deep aviation manufacturing and engineering workforce.

“GAMA is grateful for the leadership of Representative Davids and Senator Moran for championing the bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act through Congress which led to the creation of the AAM Interagency Working Group and this strategic plan,” said James Viola, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “This strategy will ensure that the U.S. will be a global leader in the AAM sector which will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs, stimulate economic activity and competitiveness, and foster further advancement in aerospace technology.”

“We applaud Representative Davids for her leadership in advancing bipartisan legislation that laid the groundwork for the National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The National Strategy sets a clear path for safely integrating the next generation of aviation, including autonomous aircraft, strengthening aviation safety and innovation, and positioning the U.S. to lead in the growing Advanced Air Mobility sector. AUVSI will continue our leadership working with Rep. Davids and the United States Congress, DOT, FAA, state and local governments, and industry to deliver real-world benefits, from high-tech jobs to improved connectivity and emergency response.”

“When Congresswoman Davids introduced the AAM Coordination and Leadership Act, she knew that America had the chance to lead in this next generation of aviation,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “This strategy is tangible proof that the U.S. government recognizes the value of the AAM industry. It’s a powerful signal that our federal government, in coordination with communities, is prepared to usher in the next generation of U.S. leadership in aviation. Thank you Congresswoman Davids for championing Advanced Air Mobility!”

Advanced air mobility represents a new frontier in aviation, creating a new mode of transportation that can move people and cargo between locations not traditionally served by aviation — including rural and underserved communities. AAM technologies will expand sustainable regional transportation options, strengthen supply chains, support emergency response, create skilled jobs in Kansas’ aviation sector, and boost America’s long-term competitiveness.

Davids serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and continues to work across party lines to modernize aviation, strengthen safety, and ensure Kansas remains at the forefront of the future of flight.

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her office has been selected to host a Green & Gold Congressional Aide for a two-year position based in her Overland Park district office. The opportunity is open to all veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty spouses. The person selected will work directly with constituents of Kansas’ Third District, acting as a facilitator with federal, state, and local agencies.

 

“Coming from a military family, I know that service members and their families make incredible sacrifices. It’s our responsibility to ensure they receive the support they deserve, and our office is fully committed to fulfilling that promise,” said Davids. “I’m honored to offer this fellowship to ensure that veterans and their families not only have access to quality employment opportunities but also receive the care and services they have rightfully earned.”

 

The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program was established to create employment opportunities for veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty spouses within the U.S. House of Representatives. These positions provide aides with the experience and exposure necessary to broaden their career opportunities. The program offers a two-year, paid, full-time employment opportunity, with specific duties to be outlined during the hiring process.

 

Davids’ office has previously employed multiple individuals through the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program. Interested applicants can visit USAJobs to learn more and apply for the new position.

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

In case you missed it, Representative Sharice Davids published an op-ed in the Kansas City Star calling out wealthy, out-of-touch politicians in Washington who don’t feel rising costs the way Kansas families do — and laying out the concrete actions she’s taking to actually fix affordability.

Davids draws on her own upbringing, describing how she watched her single mother stretch every dollar to cover basic needs, and underscores that tens of thousands of Kansas families are still living that reality today. Meanwhile, she notes, billionaires continue to grow wealthier while working families struggle just to fill up their gas tanks.

The op-ed outlines Davids’ record of action to lower costs, including pushing to roll back tariffs that raise grocery prices, working across party lines to support Kansas farmers, backing legislation to prevent price gouging, extending affordable health care, banning insider stock trading by members of Congress, and investing in child care, apprenticeships, and homebuyer programs.

  

Read the full essay in the Kansas City Star here or below:

 

This month, President Donald Trump called affordability a “hoax,” a “con job” and a “scam.” Meanwhile, Kansas families are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing costs, especially during the holidays.

 

In Washington, too many decision-makers simply don’t feel these price increases themselves. When you’re wealthy and insulated, affordability becomes just another message in a polished campaign ad — not a reality you have to live with.

 

And we see it from both parties. Just this week, after promising signals — even from the president — about extending Affordable Care Act health care tax breaks, both parties fell back into partisan bills that were never going anywhere. Meanwhile, families face premiums that could double on Jan. 1. I’m supporting bipartisan legislation to actually get this done, but that’s not what we’re seeing from politicians who have never had to worry about a health insurance bill.

 

Too many in Washington are out of touch. They don’t get what it feels like to choose between groceries and a medical bill. But Kansas families do. And they are the ones paying the price.

 

I grew up watching my single mom count every dollar at the grocery store and put items back on the shelf when our budget went over. She negotiated with utility companies for a few extra days to pay the bill. Each morning, she hoped the car would start because we couldn’t afford a repair.

 

That’s real life. Tens of thousands of hardworking Kansas families live like this today — even if many lawmakers in Washington have never had to.

 

And while families like mine were scraping to cover basic needs, billionaires were adding zeros to their bank accounts — a gap that has only grown as Kansans struggle just to fill up their gas tank today.

 

The numbers tell the same story. In 2024, a Kansan needed $85,000 to live comfortably. Today, just one year later, that number has risen by more than $3,000. Kansas had the sixth-highest rent increase in 2023, and home electricity costs have risen by 30% since 2021.

 

At the same time, billionaires continue to enjoy unfair tax breaks and hardworking families are pushed to the edge. People delay medical care, work multiple jobs, skip child care and see the dream of owning a home slip further away. These aren’t abstract statistics — they are everyday realities that too many in Washington simply don’t experience.

 

Fixing affordability is hard, but it’s possible when we listen and stay grounded in what families actually face.

 

Take grocery prices: I’ve urged the administration to roll back reckless tariffs that make food more expensive, worked across party lines to help Kansas farmers grow and deliver food more affordably, and supported the Price Gouging Prevention Act to stop corporations from exploiting families.

 

These aren’t slogans. They’re action. And families need action now.

 

That looks like making sure large corporations earning record profits finally pay their fair share in taxes.

 

It looks like strengthening apprenticeships to get people into well-paying jobs now.

 

It looks like banning inside stock trading by members of Congress.

 

It looks like supporting farmers and agricultural programs to reduce food waste and lower prices.

 

It looks like investing in early childhood education and day care programs so parents can work.

 

It looks like helping first-time homebuyers and ensuring seniors keep more of their investment when downsizing.

 

Talking about affordability has its place — it shows we hear the challenges families are facing. But too many in Washington can only talk about it. They’ve never felt it. And therefore, they don’t take it seriously.

 

Words alone aren’t enough. We need leaders who understand what rising costs actually mean for real people — and who are willing to do the work.

 

Families don’t need empty promises. They need action. They need it now. And I will fight every day to make sure Washington finally delivers.

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

As Washington Pushes Partisan Plans, Davids Calls for Passable Bipartisan Compromise

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) reintroduced the Payer State Transparency Act to help shed light on the “Payer State” problem, wherein certain states, including Illinois, pay more in federal taxes than they get back in federal spending. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service and USASpending.gov, Illinois sent $63 billion more in taxes in FY 2024 to the federal government than we received back.

The Payer State Transparency Act would require the Office of Management and Budget, in conjunction with the Council of Economic Advisors and the Treasury Department, to produce annual assessments of the net economic effect of all federal spending programs on each state and compare these figures against the state’s tax burden.

“As a businessman who co-founded a manufacturing company, I understand the financial burden that federal Payer State policies put on companies that are committed to keeping good jobs in Illinois,” said Foster. “I also recognize the burden the Payer State problem places on middle-class families here in Illinois, taking our hard-earned tax dollars without giving us the same level of federal support in return. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to help us gain a better understanding of the problem and find ways to make sure Illinois taxpayers are getting their fair share of federal resources.”

This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jesús ‘Chuy’ García (D-IL). 

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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