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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) introduced the bipartisan Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026, legislation requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a study that identifies potential safety risks and hazardous chemicals used as flame retardants in the interior of motor vehicles. The study will help update federal motor vehicle safety standards and require alternative standards to be evaluated.

“Federal safety standards should protect people, not expose them to unnecessary harm,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’ve fought to remove toxic, ineffective flame retardants from household furniture, but many of those same chemicals are still being used in car seats and other materials inside vehicles because of a decades old fire safety standard. Our bill directs NHTSA to study whether this rule is still effective at preventing deadly fires and what health risks these chemicals may pose, so we can make sure our safety standards are protecting people both from fire and from dangerous chemical exposure.”

“I am proud to continue leading with Congresswoman Matsui to ensure updated federal standards adequately protect American consumers’ health,” said Congressman Griffith. “In this latest effort, our Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026 will deliver a robust and thorough review of current motor vehicle flammability standards and evaluate potential alternatives. Because millions of Americans expect safe vehicles, it is only right for Congress to begin re-evaluating potential toxic chemical harms from motor vehicles.”

“I am proud to support the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Act of 2026, introduced by Representatives Matsui and Griffith. This bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety by directing a comprehensive review of current vehicle flammability standards to ensure they reflect modern materials, technologies, and real-world risks,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “As vehicles evolve, our safety standards must keep pace. This study will help identify potential gaps and ensure we are taking every step possible to protect drivers, passengers and first responders – helping save lives and prevent tragedy before it occurs.”

“We often assume that if a car is on the market, it must be safe. But decades-old fire safety standards have led to the use of toxic chemicals in vehicles,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians deserve better, and this legislation would ensure that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fully evaluates and addresses these hazards. It is time to update these outdated rules and put the safety and health of all Americans first.”

Congresswoman Matsui has been a leading voice in Congress on updating outdated flammability standards that can expose families to unnecessary toxic chemicals. She previously led the Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act (SOFFA) to modernize household furniture fire safety standards and remove harmful flame retardants that offered little proven safety benefit.

Numerous organizations expressed support for the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026

“Everyone who rides in a car is needlessly exposed to cancer-causing, neurotoxic flame-retardant chemicals because of a federal vehicle standard implemented in 1972 without research showing it provided a fire safety benefit,” said Arlene Blum, Executive Director, Green Science Policy Institute. “The Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act is an important first step towards updating that outdated standard so our cars can be both healthier and fire safe.” 

“When consumers get into a car, they should be able to trust that the fire safety standards meant to protect them aren’t also putting them at risk through exposure to harmful chemicals,” said Cooper Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports. “The current federal standard has been on the books for more than 50 years, largely unchanged, even as technology and scientific knowledge has advanced rapidly. Tens of thousands of consumers and a broad coalition of organizations are calling for action, and this bipartisan bill from Reps. Griffith and Matsui would be a vital first step.” 

“Fire fighters and the public deserve evidence-based vehicle safety standards. The science indicates that the use of flame retardants in cars creates unnecessary health risks,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters. “On behalf of our 365,000 members, I commend Reps. Griffith and Matsui for leading the effort to create vehicle safety standards that actually make cars safer. Congress should pass this legislation and bring us closer to a future free from toxic chemicals.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed a measles case in a Hudson County resident, with potential exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport and Hackensack University Medical Center:

“The presence of measles in New Jersey should put us all on alert. This virus is highly contagious, and anyone who may have been exposed at Newark Airport or Hackensack University Medical Center needs to take public health guidance seriously. People should watch for symptoms, call a doctor before showing up in person if they feel sick, and make sure they and their children are up to date on the MMR vaccine. 

“The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and remains our best defense against an outbreak. What makes this even more dangerous is that Donald Trump put Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the most virulent vaccine skeptics in the country, in charge of the nation’s top health agency. Kennedy has spent years undermining confidence in vaccines, and Trump has empowered that agenda at the worst possible moment. That kind of reckless anti-vaccine politics weakens public trust and makes outbreaks like this harder to contain. New Jersey residents deserve clear, science-based leadership, and I will keep fighting to protect it.” 

Vaccine skepticism has gained traction under President Trump, who embraced Kennedy’s MAHA agenda, while the Trump administration has defended Kennedy’s efforts to dismantle vaccine infrastructure. 

Last year, Pallone introduced the Family Vaccine Protection Act, legislation to block Secretary Kennedy from unilaterally changing federal vaccine recommendations and to help ensure vaccine policy is guided by science and independent medical expertise. Pallone has also used his role on the Energy and Commerce Committee to press federal health officials for accountability as measles cases rise and public confidence in vaccination comes under increasing political attack, including this week when Kennedy appeared before his committee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) are leading members of the California delegation in urging House Democratic leadership to oppose any Farm Bill provisions that would overturn or weaken California’s Proposition 12, a voter-approved animal welfare law.The members are calling on leadership to reject any language that would preempt state standards like Proposition 12, arguing that such provisions would override the will of millions of Californians, disrupt a market that has already adapted, and penalize farmers and producers who have invested to comply.
“More than 7.5 million Californians voted in favor of Proposition 12, and Congress should not use the Farm Bill to override that clear will of the voters,” said the Members. “The law has been upheld by the Supreme Court and the market has already adapted. A federal override now would punish farmers and producers who followed the rules and create even more uncertainty. We urge Democratic leadership to reject any effort to undermine this law.”Proposition 12, approved by California voters in 2018, established minimum space requirements and humane housing standards for certain livestock products sold in the state. The law has since been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming states’ authority to set such standards.The members emphasized that previous efforts to overturn state animal welfare laws have been blocked and urged leadership to continue that approach.
Read the full letter HERE.

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) role in the promotion of nuclear security. The resolution reasserts the agency’s position as an essential partner in ensuring international nuclear safety, and it encourages the United States to play an active role to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

“As the only Ph.D. physicist in Congress, I am proud to introduce this resolution to reaffirm the US’s commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation,” Foster said. “The IAEA played an integral role in the success of the U.S.-brokered Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by monitoring Iran’s uranium enrichment program and verifying their stockpile. Now that Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from that agreement and the IAEA is not able to conduct verification in Iran, the world is in a more dangerous position than before. If at some point Trump does succeed at reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran, the IAEA will be essential for monitoring that agreement. Congress must therefore recommit to supporting the IAEA’s work to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons and materials.”

Founded in 1957, the IAEA is the organization tasked with verifying that countries comply with their commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements.

The House resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Dina Titus (D-NV).

A copy of the resolution can be found here. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced he is joining the Gulf South Business Caucus, a new bipartisan caucus focused on strengthening economic competitiveness, energy leadership, and industrial growth across the Gulf Coast region.

The caucus, launched April 23, 2026, brings Members from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas together to advance policies that support workforce development, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic expansion across one of the most productive regions in the country.

“I’m proud to be an inaugural member of the Gulf South Business Caucus,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “In Texas’ 14th District alone, our seven ports support over 200,000 jobs, move tens of billions of dollars in economic activity, and anchor a region that drives more than $1 trillion in trade each year while producing a massive share of America’s fuel supply. The Gulf Coast is the backbone that keeps America moving. This caucus is ready to set the bar high and keep this country charging toward its next era of greatness.”

The Gulf South region contributes more than $3.7 trillion to the U.S. economy and serves as a national hub for energy production, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and chemical production. As a member of the caucus, Rep. Weber will work alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the Gulf Coast continues to lead in powering America’s economy and supporting its workforce.

Read more here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), reintroduced the bipartisan Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act, which would strengthen the Vaccines for Children Program by expanding the program and reducing barriers to routine vaccinations. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13).

“As a pediatrician, I’ve seen how immunizations keep children safe and healthy,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “At a time when our public health infrastructure is under threat, it is more important than ever that we work to protect access to lifesaving vaccines. In its three decades, the Vaccines for Children Program has ensured that all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation, can be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. This bill will improve this program, increasing access to vaccines and keeping our kids safe.”

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program was first established in 1994 to ensure that all children could receive their recommended vaccines, regardless of their family’s financial status. Since its creation, the program has helped prevent approximately 508 million illnesses and has saved over 1.1 million lives. 

However, it can still be a challenge for children to access primary care. This legislation would address this issue by bolstering the pediatric vaccine delivery system and supporting primary care physicians who participate in the program.  

The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act will:

• Improve patient access and care by expanding program eligibility to cover more children at more locations
• Expand vaccine counseling and education reimbursement to combat vaccine hesitancy
• Track immunizations to better understand disparities and find pockets of under-vaccination

“This legislation represents a critical opportunity to improve payment to frontline physicians and healthcare providers and better incentivize the physician-patient relationship when making sensitive decisions about children’s health. For the past thirty years, the VFC Program has provided eligible families across the United States with access to life-saving immunizations at no cost. This bill will expand necessary counselling services to ensure that families are well informed about their approach to their children’s health,” said Congressman Joyce.

“Seattle Children’s is proud to support this bill and believes vaccines are the simplest, most effective way to keep kids healthy and in the classroom,” said Seattle Children’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Christopher Longhurst. “We’re grateful to Congresswoman Schrier and her commitment to cutting through the bureaucracy that often stands between a child and their health. By making vaccines more accessible and ensuring pediatricians have the support they need to guide parents through those decisions, we are protecting the health of the entire community.”

“Vaccines have changed our lives. And we know that most parents value the opportunity to protect their children through vaccination. Since 1994, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has been instrumental in ensuring that all families have that opportunity. Yet, we also know that for many reasons, children can be missing one or more vaccinations. By further improving access to and efficiency of the VFC program, not only will more children be protected, but our communities will be healthier as well. Thank you to Congresswoman Schrier and Congressman Joyce for working to protect our children, our families, and our communities against these life-altering tragedies of the past that, without ready access to vaccines, will become tragedies of the present, “ said Director Paul A. Offit and Co-Director Charlotte A. Moser, Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“Vaccines work to keep children and our communities healthy. The Vaccines for Children Program was designed to ensure all children can have access to vaccines, but the program must be strengthened so that it can better meet the needs of children and families across the country. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is proud to support the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act at a time when families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance about their health, the opportunity to have any of their vaccine questions answered and consistent access to lifesaving vaccinations. The AAP applauds Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) and Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.) for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation, and calls on Congress to advance it without delay,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. 

“As a family physician, I see every day how vaccines protect children from serious, preventable diseases. This bill takes important steps to make vaccines more accessible, support the time we spend counseling families, and ensure more children get the care they need. Expanding and supporting immunization programs like Vaccines for Children is one of the most effective ways we can keep our communities healthy,” said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, President, AAFP.

This legislation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), alongside U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), introduced the bicameral Climate Change Education Act, which would establish a Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants and technical assistance to state and local education agencies, institutions of higher learning, professional associations and academic societies, and youth corps organizations. The legislation would help ensure that graduating students are trained to live, work, and lead in a world increasingly impacted by climate change.

“We cannot fully confront the existential threat of climate change without a thorough understanding of the impact it will have on our lives and the steps we must take to combat it. Students learning these lessons today will be on the frontlines of the fight to save our planet. With this legislation, we will ensure our students and teachers are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to help us address this challenge today and in the future,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“The climate crisis has left no corner of the globe unscathed, especially not my home state of California,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26). “From longer wildfire seasons to rising sea levels to increasingly frequent and deadly natural disasters, climate change is already wreaking havoc on our communities, ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. As this crisis worsens, younger and upcoming generations stand to suffer the most. That is why we must invest in education opportunities that will equip students with a thorough understanding of climate change and the skills needed to curb its effects, safeguard public health, and secure a competitive clean energy economy. Climate literacy is a critical solution to a problem that will disproportionately impact today’s youth, and it is our moral imperative to help them build a climate-resilient future for generations to come.”

“Young people today are inheriting a hotter and more dangerous planet, and they deserve to have the knowledge and technical skills necessary to solve and survive the climate crisis,” said Senator Markey. “The Climate Change Education Act is an investment in students, teachers, and a sustainable future. As extreme weather, rising seas, and climate-fueled health risks are increasingly obvious in our day-to-day lives, this bill would empower students with information and support the next generation of scientific champions. I thank Congresswomen Dingell and Brownley for this partnership on legislation that builds power and a better future.”

The Climate Change Education Act would support climate literacy by authorizing $50 million per year between fiscal years 2027 and 2032 for grants and cooperative agreements between NOAA and education entities. The bill stipulates that 40 percent of the funds for higher education institutions and youth corps organizations would be directed to environmental justice communities.

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that Kansas will receive a major boost in its manufacturing sector, with the U.S. Department of Commerce awarding Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) $2.2 million in renewed funding through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The new investment follows Davids’ vote to guarantee MEP funding after the Trump Administration attempted to cut it last year.

“Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Kansas’ economy, and strengthening it starts with supporting the workers and small businesses who make it possible,” said Davids. “Kansas Manufacturing Solutions has been a critical partner in helping local manufacturers modernize, expand, and stay competitive while creating good-paying jobs. That’s why I fought for this investment, which ensures KMS can keep helping Kansas manufacturing grow, strengthening our supply chains, and supporting American-made production right here at home.” 

“On behalf of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, we are grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for her continued support and for being a strong ally for Kansas manufacturers in Congress, as well as Senator Jerry Moran for his ongoing support of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the manufacturers who drive our state’s economy,” said Tiffany Stovall, CEO, KMS. “This funding ensures we can continue delivering the resources, expertise, and workforce initiatives Kansas manufacturers need to grow, compete, and strengthen our communities.”

Last year, the Trump Administration cut off MEP funding, forcing KMS to lay off nearly half its staff and putting local jobs and economic growth at risk. In response, Davids introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to restore and protect critical funding for MEP programs like KMS. Following Davids’ advocacy and bipartisan pressure from Congress, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) temporarily restored funding to the MEP program.

KMS has made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, where 86 percent of yearly exports are manufactured goods. In 2024, KMS created or retained 2,339 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales. In Kansas’ Third District alone, KMS assisted 552 manufacturers and more than 30,000 manufacturing employees in 2024.

For nearly 40 years, the MEP program has helped small and mid-sized manufacturers improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and expand into new markets. Through 51 public-private centers operating in every state and Puerto Rico, MEPs provide services such as workforce training, cybersecurity assistance, and market expansion support. In 2024 alone, the program helped create or save more than 108,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide, generated $15 billion in sales, and saved businesses $2.6 billion.

Federal funding for this grant was secured through an FY2026 appropriations package, which Davids voted for earlier this year. The law also incorporates exact language from her Defend American Manufacturing Act, ensuring continued funding for the MEP program in the coming year.

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Pushes ED to Protect Students in Workforce Pell Expansion

Without increased guardrails, the ED risks botching the implementation of Pell Grant expansion to short-term postsecondary programs