U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Calls for Urgent Action to Support Freedom, Human Rights, & Economic Opportunity for the Cuban People

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL) today issued a call for swift humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people and for a broad international effort to advance fundamental freedoms and long‑overdue economic reforms on the island.

As Cuban families face shortages, repression, and blackouts, Rep. Castor urged the Trump Administration and Cuban government to act—speed food and aid, restore power, and pursue real reforms. The need has grown more urgent with the recent energy grid collapse, which plunged the country into darkness.

“The Cuban people have endured decades of hardship under communist rule, and their courage in the face of repression continues to inspire,” Rep. Castor said. “They deserve the basic freedoms, human rights protections, and economic opportunities that people across our hemisphere enjoy. The international community must stand with them at this pivotal moment.”

Rep. Castor stressed that coordinated action with allies, the Cuban diaspora, and the Catholic Church is key to peaceful change. She emphasized pairing humanitarian relief with a clear commitment to democratic principles, warning that inaction risks instability and a refugee crisis.

“Humanitarian aid is needed now, but a broad economic and political transition is essential,” Castor said. “Progress will come when the Cuban people are free to speak, organize, innovate, and build a modern economy that reflects their talents and aspirations.”

Rep. Castor reaffirmed her longstanding support for policies that promote human rights, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen connections between Cuban families and Florida communities.

Congressman Valadao Celebrates Critical Investments in California Water Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement celebrating the Trump Administration’s commitment to releasing $540 million in funds for California water storage and conveyance projects to support critical water infrastructure improvements.

“After nearly a year of work, I’m proud to announce California will receive $540 million to support critical storage and conveyance projects across the state—the most significant water investment California has ever seen,” said Congressman Valadao. “These funds, which my California Republican colleagues and I secured through the Working Families Tax Cut, will restore capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve our ability to capture and deliver water supplies. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure these resources reach the communities that need them most, and I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver a stable and secure water supply for California’s 22nd Congressional District.”

“Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Valadao’s top priority has been to deliver real water solutions for his constituents. There isn’t a discussion or decision that’s made in Washington D.C. that doesn’t have him at the head of the table. As is the case with many of the issues and projects Congressman Valadao works on, the announcement made today will leave a lasting imprint on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley for generations. And the districts and communities that rely on the Friant-Kern Canal will forever be grateful,” said Johnny Amaral, CEO of the Friant Water Authority.

“This investment marks an important step toward restoring the capacity and performance of the Delta-Mendota Canal, a critical component of the Central Valley Project. Improving this infrastructure will strengthen water deliveries to communities, farms, businesses, and wildlife refuges across the region. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives David Valadao and Vince Fong and the Administration for advancing this funding to help improve the long-term affordability and reliability of the project,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

“Westlands Water District applauds the Trump Administration and California congressional delegation members for their commitment to strengthening California’s water storage and conveyance infrastructure. Federal funding for the Shasta Dam enlargement is a long-overdue investment in water supply reliability, one that will help California capture, store, and move water during wet years for use during inevitable dry years. Expanding storage and conveyance capacity is essential to sustaining the productive farmland and family farmers who feed America,” said Westlands Water District.

Key investments Congressman Valadao helped secure across California include:

  • $235 million for the Delta-Mendota Canal to raise canal embankments, repair check structures, and advance potential construction of a new concrete-lined canal segment.
  • $200 million for the Friant-Kern Canal for subsidence correction efforts.
  • $50 million for the San-Luis Canal to address subsidence issues affecting water delivery reliability.
  • $40 million to support planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam to increase water storage capacity by roughly 634,000 acre-feet.
  • $15 million for the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority to increase flow rates and improve system performance.

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House Passes Amata-Backed Bipartisan Ocean Monitoring Bill

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing House passage of a bill she co-led to update and reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act for five fiscal years with funding at $56 million yearly. This bill would authorize, modernize, and fund the public-private partnership of coastal observation systems collecting data to inform decision-making along our nation’s extensive coasts and in marine waters.

Congresswoman Amata earlier this month in the US Capitol

Congresswoman Aumua Amata was part of the group of six Members of Congress, known as original cosponsors, working together at introduction of this bill, H.R. 2294, in March 2025, which was led by Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS), with Congresswoman Amata (American Samoa), Rep. Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Weber (R-TX), Rep. Dingell (D-MI), and Rep. Davis (D-IL). Their bipartisan bill has since advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee with legislative hearings and votes, where Amata and several of these Members serve. The bill now requires Senate passage to become law.

“Well-situated ocean observations provide data that can save lives and improve maritime decisions, as well as considerations for fisheries and coastal areas, and strengthen tsunami response and environmental health,” said Congresswoman Amata. “American Samoa and many other communities on the U.S. coast benefit from these ocean monitoring services that help our scientists know our ocean better.”

The bill provides ongoing and future support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that protect coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

In addition to reauthorizing, the legislation will improve the program’s effectiveness by clarifying the type of data it provides as operational oceanographic information; updating statutory references to reflect current law, including replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee; and enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure the program is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.

“In American Samoa, we have a buoy that gathers ocean information that is named in honor of our longtime Port Director Chris King,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Data gathered here can help planners elsewhere, and in turn data on the other side of the Pacific can prove beneficial far away through integrated analysis.”

House Passes Natural Resources Bills for Parks and Forests

The House also passed a slate of 12 bills from the Natural Resources Committee, focused on specific protections, reforms, improvements, services, and restoration efforts at national parks and forests. These House-passed bills await Senate passage. 

These include the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act, led by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA). This bipartisan bill builds on efforts in the prior Congress that Amata cosponsored to protect giant sequoias from wildfires, disease, and drought. The updated bill includes reforestation and a multi-year emergency declaration for the threatened area. Nearly 20 percent of giant sequoias were lost to wildfire devastation in just the years 2020-2022. 

Other passed bills support restoration efforts at Grand Canyon National Park, create the Chiricahua National Park in Arizona, authorize the Department of the Interior to carry out priority reforestation projects following disasters, extends the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Memorial Foundation’s efforts over the next seven years for a memorial to fallen EMS personnel, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey small parcels of federal land for cemeteries through the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act. 

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS

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

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS

U.S. Virgin Islands, March 17, 2026

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

March 17, 2026                                                    202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS 

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is urging residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands to be on high alert after the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a national scam warning to remind the public that new and replacement Social Security cards are provided at no cost. Numerous fraudulent websites and impersonators are currently charging fees for services that the federal government provides for free. 

The SSA provides this assistance — for first-time applicants, replacements for lost cards, and name changes — at no charge. Residents are encouraged to visit SSA’s official website at ssa.gov/number-card or call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Eligible individuals may also create a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to apply for a replacement card online. 

“I want every Virgin Islander to know that you should never have to pay for a Social Security card — not a new one, not a replacement, not for any reason,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Scammers are actively targeting communities throughout the country with false claims about Social Security card fees. I urge all Virgin Islanders to go directly to the official SSA website or call their hotline, and to avoid third-party websites that may seek to steal your money or your personal information.” 

The SSA OIG has cautioned the public to be wary of imposter websites and fraudulent social media accounts designed to collect sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and credit card information. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act explicitly prohibits misleading SSA-related communications and restricts charging for services the SSA provides for free. Violators are subject to financial penalties. 

Congresswoman Plaskett urges all residents to keep the following steps in mind: 

  1. Pause. If you receive an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message, be skeptical. Think: is this a scam? 
  2. Protect. Guard your personal and financial information. Talk to someone you trust before sharing sensitive details or making any payment. 
  3. Report. Visit ssa.gov/scam to report suspected Social Security-related scams. Follow SSA OIG on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for the latest scam alerts. You may also visit the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov for additional consumer protection resources. 

“Our seniors, our families, and our most vulnerable residents deserve to access the federal benefits and services they are entitled to without fear of exploitation,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “I will always fight to ensure that Virgin Islanders are informed, protected, and empowered. If you or someone you know believes they have been targeted by one of these scams, please report it immediately and do not provide any further personal information.” 

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From Servers to First Responders: Floridians See Real Relief from Working Families Tax Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

DORAL, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain hosted a roundtable last week with working moms, small business owners, and tax professionals to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering real relief for families and workers during the 2026 tax season.

Rep. Díaz-Balart, Chairwoman McClain Highlight Tax Relief as Families See Bigger Refunds During the 2026 Tax Season

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “I was grateful to be joined by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, who has been a strong leader in ensuring Americans across our country understand and benefit from the many tax relief provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

I was especially pleased to welcome her to Sergio’s restaurant in Doral, in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from my constituents — from working parents, entrepreneurs, UBER and DoorDash drivers, and local tax professionals — about how these policies are making a difference during tax season. These hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of the tax relief passed last year by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump. 

I also wanted to thank Carlos Gazitua for his hospitality and leadership and for bringing together such an outstanding group from our community.”

Chairwoman Lisa McClain said, “Across the country, we’re seeing the real people who benefit from these policies – hardworking Americans keeping more of what they earn. In Miami, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has been a steady leader, fighting to put money back where it belongs: in the pockets of families, small businesses, and workers. It’s been extremely helpful to hear directly from Congressman Diaz-Balart’s constituents about how these tax cuts are helping their businesses grow, their families, thrive, and their communities succeed.”

Watch Rep. Díaz-Balart’s opening remarks here.

Watch Chairwoman McClain’s opening remarks here.

During the roundtable, Floridians shared how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering tangible benefits for their families, businesses, and communities.

NO TAX ON TIPS

Bob Mitchell, Uber Driver said: “I’ve been doing Uber for 11 years…And I have to say, with the new tax cuts and everything and the savings on tips, it’s been amazing. Just on my IRS, my income tax I got back this year, I’ve saved over 20% more than last year. … What’s so impressive about this whole thing, the bill, it wasn’t like you had touched on before—it doesn’t affect you guys. It doesn’t affect the President…It affects us. The working people, the people who day in and day out go out there. And I can tell you this, people I have picked up since this has all gone into effect, those in the service industry, bartenders and servers, they’ve also said they appreciate so much what the government has done with this bill. And they feel it, they’ve seen a difference, too, on their taxes.” 

Watch his full testimony:

Nikki Trevino, Florida DoorDash Driver said: “In 2020, I had a surgery—a surgery that resulted in a permanent disability. Many traditional jobs aren’t possible for me anymore. Dashing has truly been a godsend, and it’s one of the few types of work I can do because I’m able to choose when I work…I know that being able to keep more of my hard-earned tips is going to make a meaningful impact. Those savings will go directly toward helping my 17-year-old daughter who is preparing to start college, and any parent knows every extra dollar matters. No Tax on Tips recognizes the hard work of people like me—people who earn tips not as a bonus, but as essential income.” 

Watch her full testimony:

Ilenai Rodríguez, Waitress said: “It’s extra savings that comes back to us. Most of our income comes from tips…so not having to pay taxes on those tips means important savings at the end of the year.” 

Watch her full testimony (Spanish):

NO TAX ON OVERTIME

Chief Matthew Castillo, City of Miami Springs Police, said: “Public safety relies heavily on three important factors: one is recruitment, two is morale, and three is retention, which rely heavily as far as my job is concerned. And the No Tax on Overtime provision directly impacts these three aspects. In policing, overtime isn’t really a luxury. Sometimes it’s necessary to keep our community safe. These officers working those extra hours, unfortunately, a lot of their pay disappears due to taxes, and the rate goes up and you get put in a higher tax bracket. This provision actually ensures that our officers are able to take home more of their pay so they could better provide for their families.” 

Watch his full testimony:

Lt. Albert Vargas, City of Miami Springs Police, said: “When it comes to overtime in law enforcement, a lot of times it’s not optional. It’s mandatory. We have manpower shortages and we have a lot of different things going on that the overtime is mandatory…These officers that work this overtime, they’re able to keep some of that money for their family. We think it’s a huge benefit for our department and all the first responders…we appreciate the support that Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart and the House Republicans give us on a daily basis.” 

Stephen G. Bussé, Metro-Dade Firefighter, said: “In our line of work, overtime is not a choice; it is a necessity. No matter what happens when that bell goes off, there needs to be a professional firefighter in that seat running that call and answering the community. Thanks to this federal tax relief for overtime, the extra hours we have been putting in away from our families at the fire or police station are finally being respected. This was actually the first year that I have seen the largest tax refund in my entire career.” 

Watch his full testimony:

CHILD TAX CREDIT EXPANSION, TRUMP ACCOUNTS, STANDARD DEDUCTION

Adriana McLamb, Marketing Director of the Independent Women’s Forum, said: “I feel the effects with a growing boy who I feel every single day I have to buy new-sized diapers, new-sized shoes, and more food. He eats more than the FIU football team, it feels like. Those costs grow as they get older… with more money in my pocket, I’m able to do what I can for my son and my growing family. But it’s not just that portion also; it’s the expansion of 529 and the standard deduction. All of those are really felt as a new mom.” 

Watch her full testimony:

Maria M. Negron-Gonzales, a realtor from Hialeah, Florida, said: “I used that extra money to put [my son] in SAT tutoring… I really want to thank you for thinking of parents, and even a little bit goes a long way. I honestly got more money back.” 

Watch her full testimony:

Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, said: “This is going to be our first full year of the tax policy, and we already opened up a restaurant, took the bonus depreciation, and hired over 60 employees this year. We already have plans for the next project that is going to hire another 15 people. We’re spending over $3 million already in six or seven months… the bonus depreciation and business tax deductions give small business owners the confidence to invest. That confidence has a trickle effect; we have to hire more employees, and when we hire more employees, we have to pay more because we have to compete against other small businesses. That’s the way it works in our local economy. The more money that our hardworking servers keep from their taxes and their tips, the more they get to put that money into their families.”

Watch his full testimony:

Andrei Stern, Owner at SuViche Hospitality, said: “In our experience, it has really helped our team with retention. It has helped our team have more money in their pockets, which means they have more money to spend in local businesses and grow the economy. It has also let them have more time with their families. We have had team members who used to have multiple jobs, and because of the savings they have from no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, they can now have one job and spend more time at home.” 

Watch his full testimony:

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Rep. Mike Levin Introduces DEATH BETS Act to Ban Death & War Prediction Contracts

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

March 17, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the House companion bill of the DEATH BETS Act. The bill, H.R. 7942, would explicitly prohibit any Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) registered entity from listing any contract that involves, relates to, or references terrorism, assassination, war, or an individual’s death. Sen. Adam Schiff leads the Senate version of the bill.

“No one should make a profit betting on war and death through prediction markets. While federal law prohibits prediction market contracts on terrorism, war, and assassination, there are still loopholes that allow traders to profit off them,” said Rep. Levin. “The DEATH BETS Act would stop a system that allows individuals to make money off predicting if service members will be put in harm’s way. It is completely unacceptable. I thank Sen. Schiff for his partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”

Under the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC currently has the authority to prohibit war, terrorism, and assassination contracts from being listed if they are determined by the Commission to be contrary to the public interest. Whether or not these contracts are in the public interest is at the discretion of the CFTC. At a time when CFTC Chair Selig has indicated that he will rewrite the rules on prediction markets, the CFTC can no longer be granted this discretion. The DEATH BETS Act will unequivocally ban these contracts.

The introduction of this bill follows platforms listing prediction contracts relating to war and death, such as whether Iran’s Ali Khamenei would be “out as Supreme Leader” which had $54 million in trading volume on Kalshi before it was paused.

Rep. Levin previously raised alarms on these “death contracts” being offered on offshore exchanges, such as if Maduro would be removed from power and whether the Ukrainian town of Myrnohad would be captured by Russian forces.

The bill would:

  • codify a prohibition on war, assassination, and terrorism contracts,
  • explicitly prohibits contracts that involve death or may otherwise be construed to closely correlate with death, which is not currently referenced in the Commodity Exchange Act.

The bill was assigned to the House Committee on Agriculture.

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Rep. Loudermilk: Over $74 Million Returned to Constituents in Georgia’s 11th Congressional District – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement highlighting the successful return of $74 million in casework relief for 11th District constituents since 2023:

“Serving the people of Georgia’s 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives is a tremendous honor, and a large part of that service is assisting constituents with issues they have with federal agencies. When Georgians call our District Office while trying to deal with agencies such as the IRS, Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, State Department, and others, my office is able to cut through much of the red tape and deliver results that help solve issues on behalf of the Georgians I have the privilege to represent.

“I am very grateful to my excellent staff who are dedicated to assisting the people of the 11th Congressional District; and, just since 2023 that has led to over $74 million in compensation for seniors, veterans, families, and businesses. My office continues to offer these services to our constituents; so if you have an issue, please feel free to reach out to our exceptional team.”

Casework Totals Last year (2025)
– Dollars returned to constituents: $12,270,978.00
– Total Federal Case Inquiries: 1,327

Casework Totals (since 2023)
– Over 5,000 cases
– Total dollars returned to constituents: $74,233,016.00
– Returned from IRS, Treasury, Veterans Administration, Taxpayer Advocate Service, and Social Security Administration

Smith Underscores Importance of American Leadership at WTO

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

In his opening statement at today’s House Ways and Means Trade subcommittee hearing, Chairman Adrian Smith (NE-03) underscored the importance of strong American leadership at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to rebalance global trade, expand market access for American exports, and push back against unfair practices by trading partners.

During his remarks, Chairman Smith signaled that while the WTO remains valuable, it requires significant reform to overcome gridlock and deliver meaningful reform that supports America’s workers, businesses, and emerging industries. 

Click the image above to watch a video of Chairman Smith’s opening remarks
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video

Chairman Smith’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

We meet at an important time for international trade. Next week, the world’s economies will meet in Cameroon for the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference, which will frequently be referred to today as “MC14”.

Today’s hearing reflects Congress’ support for strong U.S. leadership to advance our interests at the WTO. I also believe there is significant support in Congress for the Trump Administration’s top priorities for proposed outcomes at MC14 and look forward to discussing these priorities today.

The Trump Administration has taken on a significant challenge in seeking to rebalance global trade through increasing market access for U.S. exports, removing unfair tariff and nontariff barriers imposed by our trading partners, and encouraging new investment and production in the United States. For years, the United States has pushed for our trading partners at the WTO to work with us to resolve these issues but has continuously faced significant headwinds.

But I believe the tide is shifting under the leadership of this Administration. We stand at a critical juncture with respect to the relevance of the WTO in U.S. trade policy. We should not concede core American priorities nor accept complacency. At the same time, I believe the WTO still has a critical role to play in our global trade relationships. I hope this hearing provides an opportunity for members of this committee to have a constructive discussion on how the WTO can meet the needs of a new generation of global trade policy, delivering positive outcomes for American farmers, workers, and businesses.

Certainly, not all of the United States’ concerns with the WTO can be resolved in Cameroon, and we should be realistic about potential outcomes. During this Trade Subcommittee’s hearing two years ago ahead of the last Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, I stressed the importance of showing strong U.S. leadership at the WTO, something the Biden Administration seemed intent on ceding.

As I think most of my colleagues here would acknowledge, given the WTO’s requirement for consensus-based decisions, real negotiated outcomes are time and time again undermined by a handful of spoiler countries. This undermines progress at the WTO, and most importantly, does not allow us to address long-standing priorities, such as a stronger agriculture agreement, or developing standards for emerging industries.

Significant reform therefore is required at the WTO for the sake of its long-term durability and relevance in the global trading system. Even so, I believe that the WTO still can provide value to the United States and American industries, including at the upcoming Ministerial Conference. I am grateful for the Trump Administration’s clear position on issues like the moratorium on the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions and am hopeful we can finally agree to a permanent moratorium in Cameroon. This would benefit American businesses of all sizes and in many sectors, and it also would prevent trading partners from leveraging this issue towards other ends in the future.

The work should not end in Cameroon – moving forward, members should focus their efforts on putting forward concrete proposals for reform at the WTO rather than endless scoping exercises that lead to vague and ambiguous negotiating objectives unlikely to result in real outcomes. I remain optimistic that strong U.S. leadership at the WTO, with support and oversight from U.S. Congress, can deliver. I urge all our trading partners to engage constructively with the U.S. delegation to achieve practical and mutually beneficial outcomes at MC14.

ICYMI: Rep. Sharice Davids Pushes to Restore Birth Control, Cancer Screening Access

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

In case you missed it, new reporting from NPR underscores growing concerns about access to birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing after the Trump Administration moved to withhold critical Title X funding from clinics across the country, including in Kansas.

Title X is the nation’s only federal program dedicated solely to family planning, supporting clinics that provide preventive care to millions of low-income and uninsured patients each year. But this year, the application opened months late, giving grantees just seven days to apply instead of the typical four months. Additionally, the office responsible for reviewing applications is severely understaffed after the Trump Administration fired the entire team last year — and senior officials are already warning they may not be able to process applications in time.

In response, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined House Democrats in pressing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to issue a one-year extension for current grantees and prevent further disruptions to care. The lawmakers warn that delays and confusion are already forcing providers to cut services and putting care out of reach for vulnerable communities.

Davids has been a leading advocate for protecting access to affordable health care, including Title X. After President Trump withheld congressionally approved funding from clinics last year, she pushed HHS to restore it immediately. She also introduced the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act to strengthen and protect the program long term.

Read more from NPR: “Reproductive health clinics scramble as Title X funding cliff approaches”

By Selena Simmons-Duffin

“A group of 128 Democratic members of Congress is calling on the federal government to prevent a funding shortfall for reproductive health clinics in two weeks.

[…]

“The role Title X plays in keeping communities healthy is practically invisible, explains Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., one of the House members who helped gather co-signers to the letter. ‘When someone’s going in because they need birth control or cancer screenings or STI testing, everyday people aren’t like, ‘Thank goodness for Title X,’’ she notes.

“Despite the low profile, she says, Title X (as in the number 10) is incredibly important. The program…  helps health centers provide birth control and sexually transmitted infection treatment and testing to people without health insurance. For low-income patients, the services are free. Title X does not pay for abortion care.

[…]

“When HHS missed its deadline of Dec. 31, ‘trepidation, concern, real fear’ grew among recipients, Coleman says. 

[…]

“The applications were ultimately opened on Friday evening, with a deadline of this coming Friday, giving grantees one week to respond with all the requested information instead of the usual three or four months. It’s a timeline that Coleman calls ‘laughable.’

“According to a senior HHS official… the Title X team includes 10 staffers, who will have seven business days to review dozens of grant applications from around the country. If the staff or grantees can’t manage that, the funding might not go out on April 1 as scheduled. Even a short gap can “lead to consequences, things we can’t undo,” including health centers cutting hours, staff, or services, explains Coleman.

[…]

“President Trump proposed defunding Title X in his 2026 budget proposal. His administration also withheld 22 Title X grants for most of 2025 before reversing course in the face of a lawsuit brought by Coleman’s organization. And during the October federal shutdown, the Trump administration fired the entire staff that administers Title X at HHS; those staff members were un-fired as part of the deal to end the shutdown.

[…]

“Title X funding is mentioned in Project 2025, a document OMB Director Russell Vought helped shape when he was at Heritage Action for America, the advocacy and lobbying arm of the Heritage Foundation.

[…]

“Rep. Davids says easy and affordable access to birth control and STI testing are basic services that patients have come to expect. When it comes to the Title X funding issues, she says, ‘I think the more people hear about this, the more, frankly, outraged we’re going to see people being about this.’”

Scalise: Democrats’ Dangerous Games Hurt Workers, Families, and National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) to highlight the real consequences of Democrats’ Department of Homeland Security shutdown — from unpaid TSA agents to airport chaos and heightened security risks. Leader Scalise underscored that House Republicans remain focused on restoring DHS operations and protecting American families.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On airport chaos as TSA workers go without pay:“You’re also going to see the Democrats start trying to shift blame as the final results of what they’ve done to shut down the Department of Homeland Security become evident to all Americans. Anybody who flies on a plane now knows what the Democrats have done with the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. At my home airport in New Orleans, you had lines wrapped around the airport all the way into the parking garage – people waiting over 3 hours and missing flights because Democrats want to have yet another tantrum. It’s not the first time that they’ve tried to spark chaos in the country. As the Whip said, it’s the second shutdown they’ve had in just 6 months because Democrats don’t want to govern.“Democrats are not capable of governing. They just want chaos in America. And it’s hurting real Americans all across this nation. Obviously, it starts with those workers that aren’t getting paid that have to show up. And we see it at the airports with TSA agents. Over 100,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security are working without pay because Democrats don’t care about people.” On Democrats reviving their “Defund the Police” agenda:“This week, you’re going to hear [Democrats] talking about a discharge petition. Let me tell you what that is. It’s yet another attempt by Democrats to defund the police. It’s a defund the police discharge. That’s what it is. Why? Because go back to the Summer of Love. You know, when people were burning down cities, Democrats’ crazy idea was to defund the police. They tried it. The American people recognized it for what it is, one of the dumbest political ideas maybe in the history of American politics. But the Democrats aren’t done with it. Now that you’re in another moment of Democrat-created chaos, what is their answer? To defund law enforcement again. That’s what their petition does. The American people aren’t going to be fooled by it.”On the heightened security threat under the Democrat DHS shutdown:“We have a Department of Homeland Security. It was created in the wake of 9/11. Democrats are operating like it’s September 10th, before 9/11 happened. They want to repeat those mistakes by shutting that critical department down at a heightened level of security. We’ve seen the terrorist attacks here on our homeland. We know what’s going on. And yet Democrats have voted to shut that department down because they don’t care about American people. They don’t care about families.“People are missing flights. People are going without pay while working. Hundreds of them have quit. TSA workers that just said, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’ve got a family to feed. I’ve got to go get a stable job.’ And working for the federal government under Democrats’ crazy radical chaos is just not a place where they can be. They’re real victims in the Democrats’ dangerous game… We’ve got real work to do, and American people are counting on us to get the job done.”