MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Sarah Elfreth introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen care for Veterans living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The BEACON Act modernizes the Department of Veterans Affairs’ approach to TBI treatment by expanding access to innovative, evidence-based, non-pharmacological therapies that support long-term recovery and quality of life.

Since 2000, hundreds of thousands of Veterans have sustained a traumatic brain injury, often accompanied by complex mental health challenges. Traditional treatment models have relied heavily on medication-centered approaches, which have not always fully addressed the long-term and individualized needs of these Veterans, leaving gaps in recovery, wellness, and post-service outcomes.

“The men and women who served our country deserve access to the best care available, especially when it comes to invisible injuries like traumatic brain injury,” said Rep. Bergman. “The BEACON Act strengthens the VA’s ability to deliver modern, effective care by bringing proven innovation, academic expertise, and community partnerships to the table, while supporting the important work the VA is already doing.”

“As the granddaughter of a veteran who suffered from PTSD, I’ve seen firsthand the complex mental health challenges that our veterans and their families face. I’ve also seen how traditional VA treatments have come up short for decades to fully address the complex challenges our veterans face – and unfortunately, my family’s story is far from unique,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Bergman on the bipartisan BEACON Act to expand veterans’ access to nontraditional, evidence-based therapies, as well as integrate civilian and academic research and expertise into VA treatment. For the hundreds of military families I have the honor of representing, this expansion of care will make a real difference.”

The BEACON Act establishes two complementary grant programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs to accelerate the development, evaluation, and adoption of innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. These programs are designed to close gaps in care by supporting evidence-based therapies that improve mental health recovery, reduce suicide risk, and strengthen long-term health outcomes for Veterans.

Through a TBI Innovation Grant Program, the legislation supports clinical studies, clinician training, Veteran and family outreach, and partnerships between community providers, academic institutions, and the VA. An Independent Research Grant Program further advances third-party research and the implementation of proven alternative treatments, with oversight by an independent entity modeled after the VA’s National Center for PTSD to ensure scientific rigor and accountability.

By integrating civilian and academic expertise into VA treatment strategies, the BEACON Act enhances Veterans’ access to modern, effective care while complementing and strengthening existing VA programs. The legislation prioritizes recovery, resilience, and quality of life for Veterans as they transition to post-service life.

The BEACON Act is backed by a number of key organizations:

“Veterans deserve a system that can identify what works, validate it, and scale it quickly. The BEACON Act does exactly that through VA grants supporting innovative treatment, clinician training, outreach, and partnerships. Avalon Action Alliance is honored to serve veterans through our six TBI centers nationwide, and we thank Reps. Bergman and Elfreth and the original cosponsors for recognizing this need and working together for those who have served,” said Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance.

“As a congressionally chartered organization with more than 250,000 members nationwide, AMVETS believes veterans deserve every effective tool available to heal from TBI. The BEACON Act will expand access to innovative, evidence-based care and promote partnerships that meet veterans where they live. We thank Reps. Bergman, Elfreth, and the original cosponsors for advancing a bill that prioritizes better outcomes, including stronger mental health recovery and suicide prevention,” said Joseph R. Chenelly, Executive Director of AMVETS.

“The effects of a traumatic brain injury can’t always be seen from the outside, but show up around kitchen tables, in broken sleep, and strained marriages. Too often, we have asked veterans to navigate a system that treats symptoms instead of people. A system that relies on pills instead of purpose. A system that, despite good intentions, has left too many veterans feeling unseen, unheard, and alone. The American Legion refuses to accept that as the best our nation can do,” said Cole Lyle, Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation at The American Legion. “Over the years, VA has gotten closer to the veterans it serves. From VAMCs to CBOCs to Vet Centers, and now innovative grant programs like the BEACON Act. This bill reflects a concerted effort by lawmakers and advocates to listen to veterans’ needs and act on their expertise. The bill represents progress. The American Legion is proud to support the passage of the BEACON Act and thanks Representatives Bergman and Elfreth for their leadership on this issue. Because when America commits its sons and daughters to war, it must be just as committed to making them whole when they come home.”

“Studies and reporting show time and again a connection between service-related blast overpressure injuries and increased rates of suicide among service members and veterans. This bipartisan legislation brings together government, academia, and the private sector to align and accelerate research and treatment for traumatic brain injuries to reduce the skyrocketing suicide rates among active duty service members and veterans,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Veterans TBI Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman, and our Senate ally, Sen. Dave McCormick, for accelerating innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for traumatic brain injuries.”

In addition to Avalon Action Alliance, AMVETS, The American Legion, and With Honor, the BEACON Act has been endorsed by the Marcus Institute for Brain Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Disabled American Veterans, America’s Warrior Partnership, Boulder Crest Foundation, Mission Roll Call, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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

Rep. Don Beyer will award Nancy Eslick, who most recently served as Senior Deputy Assistant to the Administrator of the Resilience, Environment & Food Security (REFS) Bureau at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award at his Annual Women’s Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience on Thursday, January 15 at George Mason University’s new Fuse building in Arlington.

Since joining USAID in 2001, Nancy Eslick dedicated her career to serving vulnerable communities across the globe. She held key leadership roles including Mission Director in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cambodia, and Jordan; Global Water Coordinator; and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Private Sector and Donor Coordination, Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Bureau. In February of 2025, Nancy Eslick was one of thousands of USAID employees who lost their job following Donald Trump’s illegal attacks on the agency.

“Nancy’s more than two decades of leadership at USAID is a reminder of the profound difference American leadership can make in the world. The loss of her expertise and dedication, compounded with the loss of so many of her colleagues in the federal foreign and civil service, will do lasting damage to people in this country and around the world. It means fewer children with safe drinking water, fewer women with access to resources that allow them to thrive, and fewer communities with the tools needed to weather conflict, economic instability, and climate disasters,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Honoring Nancy is not only a celebration of her extraordinary service, but also an urgent reminder to continue defending USAID’s mission. We owe it to Nancy, her former colleagues, and the communities they served to ensure that this mission endures.”  

Rep. Beyer’s Annual Women’s Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience program will feature a discussion with Brooke Sydnor Curran, founder of Move2Learn; Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director of the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium; Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, Executive Director of Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR); and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, Executive Director of the Dream Project and Arlington County School Board Member. The discussion will be moderated by Nyree Wright, Executive Vice President of Crisis & Risk Communications at Edelman. The event is free to the public but capacity is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register online.

Rep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011. It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins’ right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as U.S. Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva. 

The award is given annually to recognize exceptional work to empower women. Previous awardees include Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya J. Bradsher, Dr. Tahera Ahmadi, journalist Marie Ridder, gun violence prevention advocate Naomi Wadler, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, diplomat Betty King, PeaceWomen founder Ruth Gaby Vermot, journalist Lisa Feldmann, Arlington community activist Portia Clark, and immigration advocate Ofelia Calderón.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) introduced a resolution opposing elective cat declawing, reflecting the growing consensus among veterinarians, public health experts, and animal welfare advocates that the practice is inhumane and unnecessary. 

Declawing is an invasive procedure where the last bone of each toe is amputated, equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the last knuckle. Surgery is typically performed for the owner’s convenience rather than medical necessity. Research shows that declawing causes lifelong physical and behavioral problems, including chronic pain, mobility issues, and increased aggression.   

New York was the first state to ban elective cat declawing, with a bill spearheaded by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan).  

“Elective declawing is a cruel and outdated practice that offers no medical benefit to cats and instead causes lasting harm,” said Congressman Nadler. “Congress has both the opportunity and the responsibility to voice its opposition to this unnecessary procedure and to support humane, evidence-based alternatives. As the first state to ban elective declawing, New York led the way, and this resolution urges the rest of the country to follow suit.” 

“Paws up to Congressman Nadler for shining a federal spotlight on the grossly inhumane and unnecessary practice of cat declawing,” said New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Sponsor of first-in-the-nation legislation banning cat declawing in New York. “Safeguarding furniture should never come at the expense of our furry family members’ health. I gladly teamed up with the Paw Project to prohibit this abusive practice, and now almost six years later, states across the country are replicating New York’s success.” 

“Cat declawing is a serious surgical procedure that comes with risks to the animal’s wellbeing and should never be performed for the sake of convenience as a way to prevent cats from expressing their natural behaviors” said Allison Ludtke, Legislative Affairs Manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “This resolution builds on the momentum of states and municipalities across the country that have already banned the procedure. ALDF will continue to advocate for similar laws to protect cats from unnecessary harm, and applauds Congressman Nadler for his commitment to animal welfare and the protection of pets nationwide.” 

“The US Congress Resolution to condemn the declawing of cats, introduced by Congressman Jerry Nadler, is an important step in the crusade to protect American cats from a lifetime of pain and suffering caused by declawing, which is actually an amputation of their toe bones. The Paw Project is extremely grateful for this help in our efforts to stop this inhumane surgery,” said Dr. Jennifer Conrad, veterinarian and Director of the Paw Project. 

“Declawing a cat is no different from amputating a human’s fingers at the knuckle, and PETA and the cats we rescue thank Rep. Nadler for helping cats hang on to the claws they need as much as fish need their fins,” said Dan Paden, Vice President of Legal Advocacy at PETA. 

“Elective declawing is a painful and unnecessary procedure that permanently harms cats,” said Allie Taylor, President at Voters For Animal Rights (VFAR). “Voters For Animal Rights applauds Congressman Nadler for introducing this resolution and helping advance a national standard of humane, evidence-based animal care — building on progress already made in states like New York.” 

The resolution highlights concerns raised by veterinary and public health experts, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance discouraging declawing, as well as opposition from organizations such as the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. 

The measure also acknowledges the growing number of jurisdictions acting on this issue: in addition to New York, states including California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have enacted bans, while several others have pending legislation. 

The resolution is cosponsored by André Carson (IN-07), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

It is endorsed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Protection League of New Jersey, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Welfare Institute, Associated Humane Societies, Best Friends Animal Society, DC Voters for Animals, Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Missouri Alliance For Animal Legislation, MSPCA-Angell, North Shore Animal League America, Paw Project, PETA, Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), and Voters for Animal Rights. 

The bill text can be found here.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Julia Brownley announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Congresswoman Julia Brownley is a principled public servant and an incredible advocate for the communities that she so ably represents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

From her local school board days advocating for her daughter and other students with disabilities to the California State Assembly where she prioritized the health, safety and well-being of her constituents, Rep. Brownley’s career has been defined by a commitment to making life better for others. She has been an incredible advocate for our veterans, service members and military families, particularly our women veterans. She led passage of the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the Deborah Sampson Act, critical pieces of legislation supporting the women who have bravely served our nation in uniform. 

A member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Julia has prioritized securing federal funding for the modernization and improvement of the infrastructure that creates jobs and economic growth across Southern California and the nation.

Rep. Brownley is an amazing classmate and good friend with whom I’ve been honored to travel through this congressional journey. She will be missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her and her family the very best in this new chapter. 

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room, where he made clear that Democrats are demanding that Senate Republicans bring Democrats’ House-passed extension of the ACA tax credits and will continue to push back on Donald Trump and Republicans’ corruption. 

WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for being with us. This measure is largely expected to go nowhere in the US Senate, as you know. Do you have any hope at all that something can still be worked out? I know you’ve been speaking with some Republican leaders in the Senate.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It was a big victory for the American people to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent tens of millions of everyday Americans from experiencing dramatically increased health insurance premiums that in some cases will cost them an additional $1,000 or $2,000 per month. That’s unacceptable. That’s why the House was able to come together in a bipartisan coalition, 213 Democrats partnering with 17 Republicans, to deliver a decisive vote. It’s now on the Senate. Now, there are Republicans who claim that there’s no path forward for this bill to become law. But that same group of people made that claim about what was possible in the House of Representatives. The reality is the American people have made clear that they want to see the Affordable Care Act tax credits extended. The American people understand we have a broken healthcare system. Democrats are committed to addressing the Republican healthcare crisis. And all we need are a handful of Senate Republicans to join with every single member of the Senate Democratic Caucus and we can get this bill done in the Senate as well.

[…]

WOLF BLITZER: You think it’s still doable, that there will be enough Republicans in the Senate to pass this legislation?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Listen, it’s important to understand that a majority of the United States Senate currently supports a straightforward extension of the Affordable Care Act. All 47 Senate Democrats and four Senate Republicans have already been on record in support of this. So the obstacle right now is procedural. It’s John Thune indicating that they don’t want to do anything to protect healthcare affordability for millions of Americans, including people that he represents. And so it remains to be seen. We’re calling on John Thune to bring the bill up for a vote immediately. And if that happens, Wolf, it’s going to pass.

WOLF BLITZER: All right, we’ll see what happens because there certainly is a lot at stake for so many millions of Americans right now. Some other sensitive issues, Leader Jeffries. You were among the Members of Congress briefed by the Trump administration after the capture of the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro. What was your takeaway from those highly classified briefings?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Those briefings left more questions than answers. The administration has no plan moving forward. They claim they’re going to run Venezuela. They can’t even run the United States of America properly. And here’s the reality: that the people of Venezuela should decide the future of Venezuela. Not Stephen Miller, who’s out of control, or Secretary Rubio or the so-called Secretary of Defense. None of them should be involved in running or deciding the future of Venezuela. More importantly, we don’t need another failed forever foreign war. That’s why I’m so thankful by the action that the Senate took yesterday in passing a War Powers Resolution that will restrict the ability of the Trump administration to engage in further military action in the absence of congressional approval. On the House side, Jim McGovern is leading a similar War Powers Resolution effort. And we are going to force a vote on that resolution so we can stop the Trump administration from engaging in this reckless activity moving forward.

WOLF BLITZER: And on that issue that you raised, the War Powers legislation, a handful of Senate Republicans, we’re talking specifically five of them, joined the Democrats in delivering a big rebuke to President Trump’s actions in Venezuela. They voted to allow a future vote that would limit the President’s powers in that conflict. The House is expected, as you correctly point out, to take a similar vote. What do you expect to happen in the House?

LEADER JEFFRIES: All we need are a handful of House Republicans to join with us, as was the case yesterday, and we can do the right thing by the American people. It’s my expectation that the votes will exist within the House Republican Conference, and you’ll have strong, of course, support from House Democrats who have been leading on this issue. The reality is the American People want the Trump administration to focus on solving their problems. Donald Trump promised that he was going to lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Housing costs out of control. Healthcare costs out of control. Grocery prices out of control. Child care costs out of control. Grocery prices, of course, as I mentioned, along with everyday goods, completely and totally out of control, unaffordable. America is too expensive, and the reality is the Trump tariffs are making things worse by thousands of additional dollars per year. And so the American people want action to improve their quality of life. House Democrats are committed to delivering that action, as we showed yesterday, and we just want a handful of Republicans to join us, and we can begin to get things turned around in the United States of America.

WOLF BLITZER: While I have you, another sensitive issue I want to discuss, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet next week with officials from Denmark after the White House said it would not rule out the use of military force to take the island of Greenland, which is part of Denmark. What’s your response to the administration’s push to acquire the Danish territory?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, I was in Denmark, met with the Prime Minister last year. She made clear that Greenland is not for sale, and the future of Greenland should be decided by the people of Greenland in partnership, of course, with the people of Denmark. That’s the reality of the situation. Denmark is an ally, a NATO ally. You had people fight in conflicts for America from Denmark, and they don’t understand, just like the American people don’t understand, this level of aggressive rhetoric. And again, the President is focused on these extreme foreign adventures, as opposed to trying to deal with issues that matter for the American people. As Democrats, we’re going to continue to fight to lower the high cost of living, to improve their quality of life, to fix our broken healthcare system and we also have to clean up the corruption that we’re seeing and ask the questions, following the money, is this the reason why we’re seeing all of this aggressive foreign action? Who within the Trump orbit is going to benefit? What members of the Trump cartel stand to benefit financially from the things that we’re seeing talked about in Venezuela as it relates to oil and in other parts of the world?

WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic House Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, as usual, thanks so much for joining us.

Interview can be watched here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Rep. Weber Secures Major Project Funding within the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026

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

Headline: Carter funds waterline improvements in Rincon

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today funded waterline improvements in the City of Rincon, Georgia as part of the House-passed 

Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. 

The bill includes $1 million to upgrade the existing 8-inch waterline, which runs from Chimney Road to Old Augusta Road, with over 21,000 feet of 16-inch waterline, relieving the stressed and inadequate current system of water pressure issues and providing adequate services for growth in the region. 

“As a former mayor, I understand the importance of upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure to ensure that it meets the needs of current and future residents. I’ve had the privilege of spending time in Rincon and believe this project is necessary to meet local needs, improve quality-of-life, and plan for upcoming growth so the city can thrive for generations to come,” said Rep. Carter.  

“In the big picture of things, Rincon, Georgia is a growing city of approximately 12,000 residents and hardly a map dot. Congressman Carter has shown up for food drives, our state of the city address, and continues to not overlook local needs. He and his staff are a phone call away, and the City of Rincon is thankful for their relentless efforts to create a higher quality-of-life for all Rincon residents by putting in the hard work to help us with the appropriation of federal funds to assist our much-needed water project. Thank you for making our small city a priority,” said Kevin Exley, Mayor of Rincon, GA.

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

Headline: Carter votes against Biden COVID Bonus extension

Carter votes against Biden COVID Bonus extension