MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, hosted the 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action in Washington, D.C. The two-day event brought together HBCU presidents, researchers, students, federal agency leaders, and Members of Congress to advance a shared agenda: securing the research infrastructure investments necessary for HBCUs to achieve R1 Carnegie Classification status and remain competitive in federal grant funding. The event was designed to address this challenge directly by building partnerships and congressional momentum to support legislation for long-term investment in HBCU infrastructure and research like the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act.

“The truth is, HBCU’s have always had the talent to meet the moment, but what we have not always had is the level of investment required to sustain it,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “For too long we have been asking HBCUs to do more with less, we’ve asked them to produce world class graduates with limited resources, and we’ve asked them to compete for research funding within systems that were not designed with them in mind.” 

HBCUs contribute nearly $16.5 billion to our annual economy and have long served as engines of opportunity for millions of Americans, many of them first-generation college students. They account for just 3% of colleges and universities nationwide but produce nearly 25% of Black STEM graduates and 33% of Black science and engineering PhDs. They also educate 42% of Black engineers and half of black educators nationwide.

Achieving R1 research status would unlock significant pathways for federal and private funding streams for these institutions, enabling them to further expand research output, attract top faculty, and create economic opportunities in the communities they serve.

Joining Congresswoman Alma Adams were Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and Chair of the Financial Services Committee, Representative French Hill (AK-02), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Representative Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Troy Carter (LA-02), reflecting a strong bipartisan commitment to America’s more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their 300,000 students.

“I was pleased to join Congresswoman Alma Adams’ 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action and share a panel with Dr. Harry Williams, President of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, on the importance of building sustained, strategic partnerships critical to the success of our historically black colleges and universities,” Rep. French Hill said. “One-time contributions are not enough. Industry, philanthropy, and government must partner to build research capacity, strengthen financial stability, and develop the workforce pipelines that our HBCU students need. I look forward to continuing that work with my friend and fellow HBCU Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Adams.”

“We cannot continue to expect institutions to compete without providing the resources that competition requires… That is exactly why I have continued to push for more comprehensive approaches, including the Ignite HBCU Excellence Act,” said Congresswoman Adams, announcing the planned reintroduction of her comprehensive HBCU funding package. 

Over the course of March 25th and 26th, participants engaged in panels and presentations covering the full landscape of HBCU research development. Day One opened with a panel on understanding R1 research classification and why achieving that designation is critical for HBCU competitiveness, featuring university leaders including Chancellor Dr. James R. Martin II of North Carolina A&T State University, President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick of Howard University, and President Dr. Daniel K. Wims of Alabama A&M University. Additional sessions focused on faculty grant competitiveness, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships. 

Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent and representatives from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Pentagon highlighted federal funding opportunities and the government’s role as a critical partner in building HBCU research capacity.  

Day Two centered on translating research into real-world impact, with panels on technology transfer and commercialization at HBCUs and a forward-looking conversation on PhD pathways featuring the next generation of HBCU researchers.

“At the end of the day… it’s about ensuring that our students have access to the same opportunities to innovate, to discover, and to contribute,” concluded Congresswoman Adams. “When we invest in HBCUs, we are investing in the future of this country.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement regarding Saturday’s “No Kings” Rally at Church Park and the subsequent march involving police intervention:

“I attended the Indivisible-organized ‘No Kings’ rally on Saturday and spoke to the crowd, joining others in celebrating our First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. I have a proud record of holding Trump accountable and took the opportunity to amplify my condemnation of his corrupt and unconstitutional actions. I did not participate in the march after the rally and was surprised and disappointed to hear that some protestors were pepper sprayed and mistreated by Memphis police as it concluded. 

“Obviously, I don’t know the facts since I wasn’t there. But in a matter involving issues of free speech, lawful assembly and due process, I expect Mayor Young, the City Council and the Police Department to conduct a full and fair review and that reforms will be implemented as needed.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $77,113,331 for 20 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills.

“This funding will create good-paying local jobs and improve infrastructure, public safety and education in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I will keep working with local leaders to bring home federal money to support working families and strengthen our communities.”

Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government. The spending bills will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $13.9 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending packages.

Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests

Larsen requested the following federal funding to invest in Northwest Washington communities:

Improving Public Health and Safety

– Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: The funding will expand and upgrade the district’s centralized wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable wastewater treatment for residents, businesses and visitors in Eastsound and on Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

– Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: The funding will add equipment for a new operating suite dedicated to obstetrics and upgrade the existing surgical suite at Island Hospital, improving the hospital’s maternal and neonatal health capabilities, especially for rural communities and military families. ($2,715,000)

– Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: The funding will design, engineer and construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along Broadway Avenue in Everett to significantly reduce the risk of accidents. ($3,000,000)

– Island County Sheriff Radio Upgrade Project: The funding will upgrade their aging handheld and mobile radios, allowing the radios to be interoperable with other federal, state and local radio systems. ($1,459,405)

– Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: The funding will expand the entrance of Cordata Elementary School to ensure that access is controlled and meets the district’s safety standards. ($300,000)

Investing in Job-Creating Infrastructure

– Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: The funding will replace a structurally deficient public dock that community members rely on to conduct essential business and receive services on rural Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

– Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: The funding will build a facility that will provide comprehensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel qualification, supporting the aviation and manufacturing sectors that are critical to Washington state’s economy. ($3,000,000)

– Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: The funding will design and construct an in-water fueling station at Blaine Harbor to serve commercial fishing, seafood processing, marine trades and recreational users. ($2,800,000)

Strengthening Local Emergency Response

– Slater Road Elevation Construction: The funding will elevate vulnerable sections of Slater Road, one of the only access routes serving the Lummi Indian Reservation and Lummi Island, and replace bridge infrastructure to protect against flooding risks. ($15,000,000)

– Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation out of the Floodplain: The funding will relocate the district’s primary fire station in Everson, out of a FEMA designated floodplain, strengthening regional disaster resilience and ensuring equitable access to reliable emergency services for rural and Tribal populations. ($11,032,429)

– Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: The funding will develop a dual-use emergency facility that will function as a disaster shelter, an emergency supply coordination hub and a meeting and operations space during floods and other emergencies. ($1,500,000)

– Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: The funding will construct a 3,680 square foot addition to house new vehicles and equipment, enhance training capabilities, revamp space for medical and health care providers and provide dorm space for volunteers. ($1,451,247)

– Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: The funding will purchase and install new emergency generators and associated infrastructure for county government offices, preventing disruptions to essential county operations during power outages. ($1,031,250)

Investing in Schools and Education

– Mariner Library and Community Campus: The funding will build an expanded public library to provide educational opportunities, workforce training, job search assistance, small business support and access to high-speed internet and technology, serving more than 12,000 residents annually. ($10,000,000)

– Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: The funding will replace a failing oil-fired boiler system with modern electric heat pump boilers, upgraded electrical infrastructure and backup power generation, ensuring reliable heating and support emergency response and temporary sheltering capability for east Skagit County. ($4,500,000)

Protecting Local Environment and Water Access

– Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: The funding will daylight Japanese Gulch Creek and create a nearshore estuary, revitalizing the stream corridor for salmon rearing and improving an informal walking path with a multiuse path, soft armored shoreline protection and pedestrian amenities. ($2,124,000)

– Channel Drive Waterline: The funding will replace a failing waterline in La Conner and provide clean drinking water for nearly 100 residents, as well as an adequate supply of water for fire protection needs. ($1,500,000)

– Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: The funding will replace the existing Division 22-1 drinking water reservoir to improve the water supply’s seismic resiliency to protect the water and fire protection services for 1,000 people. ($700,000)

Investing in Critical Infrastructure

– Concrete Sauk Valley Road Bank Stabilization: The funding will repair an eroding riverbank that supports Concrete Sauk Valley Road in eastern Skagit County, allowing the road to reopen and avoid a 32-mile detour that delays the reliable movement of freight, add costs for businesses and motorists and significantly harms the response time of emergency services. ($5,000,000)

– Hub Building Restoration Project: The funding will restore a historic building for use as a public events center, creating a gathering space for community groups and the general public. ($2,000,000)

What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying

On the Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: “The Eastsound Sewer & Water District is grateful to Rick Larsen for his support of this critical investment in our community’s wastewater infrastructure. This funding would help advance Phase II of our treatment plant upgrades, improving reliability, expanding capacity, and enhancing nutrient removal to protect the waters of Puget Sound. For a small rural community like Eastsound, projects of this scale place a significant burden on local ratepayers. Federal support through Community Project Funding is essential to ensuring we can complete these necessary improvements while maintaining affordability for our residents. We appreciate Congressman Larsen’s continued commitment to clean water infrastructure and the long-term environmental health of Northwest Washington.” — Jason Bradshaw, Eastsound Sewer & Water District General Manager

On the Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: “This funding will expand timely access to essential surgical services for mothers, infants, and families, as well as life-saving cancer screenings—ensuring residents in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties, and servicemembers and their families at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, receive high-quality care when it matters most.” — Elise Cutter, Island Health CEO

On the Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: “I am incredibly grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support of our $3 million request to construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This will better connect our multimodal hub at Everett Station to Downtown Everett and is close to the future home of our major new public-private partnership, the Everett Outdoor Events Center. Safer connections between the transportation and our growing downtown helps create a more livable and walkable community for our residents, visitors and our local businesses.” — Cassie Franklin, Everett Mayor

On Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: “We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the safety and security of students, staff and community members at Cordata Elementary School. Because this facility welcomes a variety of community programming throughout the school year, the benefits will also extend beyond the school day and into the Bellingham community.” — Greg Baker, Bellingham School District Superintendent

On Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: “The support by Rep. Rick Larsen of the Orcas Landing Marine Facility improvements represents the potential for significant benefit to all segments of our community. This facility serves as one of the primary transportation hubs in San Juan County, benefiting businesses, commuters, and multiple essential service providers. This project will also deliver meaningful benefit to the marine ecosystem by modernizing the facility and removing legacy environmental hazards. I appreciate that Rep. Rick Larsen has chosen to make San Juan County a priority in his advocacy at the congressional level.” — Justin Paulsen, San Juan County Council Chair

“Marine facilities are especially critical infrastructure in San Juan County because they serve commuters, visitors, businesses, and other essential service providers. Working folks rely on this infrastructure for regular operations and travel, and this funding allows us to better serve not only Orcas residents, but the islands at large.” — Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager

“A $4 million investment at Orcas Landing reflects the need and significance of this facility to our community. Once again, Rep. Rick Larsen has shown his commitment to supporting the transportation needs of San Juan County by carrying our congressional funding request to Washington DC.” — Colin Huntemer, San Juan County Public Works Director

On the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: “Snohomish County is becoming a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and I am grateful to Representative Larsen for his support of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research and Development Center at Paine Field Airport. Our region’s strengths in aviation, manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled workforce will contribute to the success of the center and a transformed aviation industry. This is an exciting initiative that brings together partners in government, higher education, airlines, workforce development, agriculture and forestry, and other sectors. Together, we can advance sustainable aviation and care for the environment while strengthening career pathways and economic opportunity.” — Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive

On the Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: “From Blaine Harbor to Edmonds, Rick Larsen continues to be a steadfast champion for working waterfronts in Northwest Washington. The Blaine Harbor fueling project will strengthen critical marine trades infrastructure and support the creation of family-wage jobs. The Port of Bellingham is deeply grateful for Representative Larsen’s partnership and leadership.” — Tiffany DeSimone, Port of Bellingham Interim Executive Director

On the Slater Road Elevation Construction: “The Slater Road Elevation Project provides critical public safety, economic viability, and resiliency benefits to the Lummi Nation and the broader Whatcom County region. The project supports the federal trust responsibility by ensuring reliable access necessary for the Lummi Nation to carry out governmental operations and exercise treaty-reserved rights. We thank Congressman Larsen for his longstanding support of this project and the Lummi Nation.” — Tony Hillaire, Lummi Nation Chairman

On the Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation: “This project is about ensuring continuity of emergency response during disasters. In 2025, our crews were managing more than 40 active rescue incidents when floodwaters reached our station, forcing us to prepare for evacuation while still serving the community. Relocating Station 81 out of the floodplain addresses a repeated and well-documented risk, strengthens regional resilience, and protects critical infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to Rick Larsen for his leadership and support of this effort, which helps us move this critical project forward without placing additional financial burden on our flood-impacted community.” — Randy VanderHeiden, Whatcom County Fire District 1 Commissioner Chairperson

On the Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: “We sincerely thank Representative Larsen and his office for their support of the Everson Dual‑Use Emergency Coordination & Shelter Facility and for their continued commitment to our community. After experiencing recent flooding, we have seen firsthand how important it is to have a reliable, dedicated emergency operations and shelter facility in place. This project will strengthen our ability to coordinate response efforts, protect residents, and ensure Everson is prepared when a crisis occurs.” — John Perry, Everson Mayor

On the Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: “These improvements will have a direct and lasting impact on nearly every aspect of life in Point Roberts. Such a project, while vitally important to our exclave community, cannot be accomplished without federal assistance. We are extremely grateful for Representative Larsen’s support, advocacy, and continued commitment to the community, citizens, and visitors we serve and protect. This project represents a meaningful and lasting return on federal investment in Point Roberts.” — Chief Carleton, Whatcom County Fire District No. 5

On the Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: “The Board of Island County Commissioners has been very concerned about potential failure to our Law and Justice electrical system and is very grateful for this funding which will protect our Department of Emergency Management, our Superior Court, our Permit Counters, our staff, and our jail inmates. Thank you, Congressman Larsen, for making our safety one of your priority projects.” — Island County Emergency Power Board of Commissioners

On the Mariner Library and Community Campus: “Thank you to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued advocacy for public libraries and for recognizing the significance of the Mariner Library and Community Campus as a community-driven, legacy library project. This federal investment, supported by state funding, a community-led capital campaign, and strong local partnerships, demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a central gathering space at the heart of Mariner where neighbors can connect, discover, and explore.” — Eric Howard, Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director

On the Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: “Our Concrete High School oil boiler heating system is well beyond its lifespan and serves three buildings on our campus. We are one failed component away from losing heat entirely. The cost to replace the system and upgrade our infrastructure is nearly half of the Concrete School District’s annual budget—an expense our small, rural district cannot absorb. After years of searching for funding to replace it, we are grateful to Representative Larsen for submitting our project for consideration through the appropriations process.” — Carrie Crickmore, Concrete School District Superintendent

On the Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: “The Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project is a crucial opportunity to enhance local salmon populations by creating a new nearshore estuary and daylighting a stream which connects to valuable fish habitat. This project is not only the culmination of a decade of efforts to restore the salmon habitat of Japanese Gulch, but it will also improve public access to our shoreline and celebrate the rich history of Japanese Americans in Mukilteo.” — Joe Marine, Mukilteo Mayor

On the Channel Drive Waterline: “La Conner strives to provide customers with safe and high-quality drinking water.  The pipes we use to deliver that water to the Channel Drive neighborhood are failing, and many of the residents are on a fixed income and unable to shoulder the cost of these important repairs.  We are thankful that Rep. Larsen has devoted his time to helping us secure funding for this important project.” — Marna Hanneman, Mayor of La Conner

On Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: “Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District would like to thank Representative Larsen for facilitating this Community Project Funding grant. The District is committed to proactively operating its water and sewer systems in a manner that ensures continuity of its essential services. This funding is an instrumental component for the replacement of an aging water reservoir with a new reservoir designed to meet current seismic standards and outfitted with the ShakeAlert earthquake warning system, all of which will contribute to a safer, more robust, reliable drinking water system for our community.” — Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners President

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“President Trump has no constitutional authority to change election law by executive order. This is an unlawful effort to suppress the right to vote. No matter what the President says, there is no proof of widespread voter fraud in our elections.

“While this Executive Order is challenged in the courts, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to safeguard our democracy and promote free and fair elections this fall and in the future.”

Yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order directing his administration to create lists of U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state and blocking the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail-in ballots to individuals not on those lists. Since 2012, Washington state law has allowed every election to be conducted entirely by mail, with the state mailing a ballot to each active registered voter.

Rep. Larsen is an advocate for free and fair elections, expanding access to the ballot and Washington state’s vote-by-mail system. In 2023, he introduced legislation to protect U.S. citizens who face disenfranchisement because of restrictive voter identification laws (America Votes Act).

Rep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Donald Trump and Republican extremists have completely controlled the government since the beginning of 2025. During that time, costs have skyrocketed, life has become more expensive, healthcare has been ripped away from millions, gas prices are out of control, American citizens have been killed in cold blood during ICE raids, the government has repeatedly been shut down and billions are being wasted in a reckless war of choice in the Middle East. 

For the last 47 days, Donald Trump and Republicans have subjected the nation to chaos at airports, jeopardized our national security and kept the government closed to allow ICE to continue to brutalize the American people without consequence. 

Republican policies have been a disaster. The rotten age of chaos and corruption is being visited upon the country. Through it all, House Democrats continue to stand up for the American people and aggressively push back against far-right extremism. Mike Johnson and House Republicans have come to realize that we will never bend the knee. It’s time to pay TSA agents, end the airport chaos and fully fund every part of the Department of Homeland Security that does not relate to Donald Trump’s violent mass deportation machine.

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

MEDLEY, FL– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented $1.2 million in federal funding for the Town of Medley wastewater pump station upgrades.

Congressman Diaz-Balart said, “I’m proud to have secured funding for these vital wastewater pump upgrades in Medley. These improvements will help reduce flood risk, strengthen public safety, enhance mobility, and support more reliable infrastructure for the community.

I’m grateful to work alongside Mayor Ana Stefano and Vice Mayor Arturo Jinete to address the needs of the community and appreciate their leadership.”

This project received funding through H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026.

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Florida’s 26th Congressional District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and has a longstanding, successful track record of delivering crucial funding for infrastructure, transit, and roadway improvements.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement denouncing Senate Republicans’ votes to block a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which would have overturned the Trump administration’s near-total ban on abortion care and counseling for veterans who receive healthcare from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The resolution (S. J. Res. 103) is led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a former chair and senior member of SVAC, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA); Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and all SVAC Democrats.

Congresswoman Brownley led a companion measure (H. J. Res. 144) in the House. She was joined by Ranking Member Mark Takano, all House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Democrats, and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández, and Reproductive Freedom Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette and Ayanna Pressley in the effort. So far, 111 additional House Democrats have cosponsored the joint resolution of disapproval.

“Restricting access to medically necessary reproductive health care for women veterans is dangerous, inequitable, and fundamentally inconsistent with the VA’s mission,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “This rule is a cruel and extreme overreach that would force women veterans to carry pregnancies resulting from rape or incest and withhold care even in life-threatening circumstances, putting them at risk of severe harm or even death, while silencing the very providers entrusted with their care. These restrictions are part of a broader effort to advance a nationwide abortion ban through incremental policies that erode access to care. Today’s vote represents a profound failure to stand with women veterans and protect their health.”

“Today, my Republican colleagues in the Senate failed our nation’s veterans yet again. As a country, we honor veterans’ service by ensuring they receive the healthcare they earned. Veterans deserve access to the full range of reproductive healthcare that they need at VA. But Republicans put politics before that promise today, by refusing to overturn the Trump administration’s near-total ban on abortion care and counseling at VA,” said Congressman Takano, Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This decision blatantly ignores veterans’ unique and complex healthcare needs and their higher risk of pregnancy complications and mortality. With their votes, Senate Republicans decided that the government should be in charge of making veterans’ healthcare decisions, even in matters of life and death. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to advocate for veterans’ reproductive freedoms. Veterans fought for our rights. We remain committed to fighting for theirs.”

This Senate CRA vote is the latest effort by Democrats to push for veterans’ comprehensive access to reproductive healthcare.

On December 31, 2025—despite thousands of public comments and a letter from more than 230 Congressional Democrats—the Trump administration finalized a rule in the Federal Register, effectively ending abortion access at VA, except in very limited life-threatening circumstances. The rule, first proposed in August of 2025, rescinds a Biden-era VA reproductive healthcare regulation that provided veterans access to abortion care in instances of rape, incest, and threat to life or health, and that allowed VA providers to discuss abortion with patients who were experiencing unwanted or high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy complications. With this rulemaking, VA now has the most restrictive abortion policy of any federal healthcare program.

The Congressional Review Act is a law that enables Congress to overturn agency regulations. If a joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the president (or if Congress overrides a presidential veto), the rule covered by the legislation cannot go into effect or continue to be in effect.

The joint resolutions of disapproval that have been introduced in the House and Senate to overturn VA’s abortion rule have been endorsed by: Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Minority Veterans of America, the Vet Voice Foundation, Common Defense, Modern Military Association of America, Service Women’s Action Network, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Guttmacher Institute, the National Council of Jewish Women, the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Partnership for Women & Families.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare, Veterans’ Affairs

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

SACRAMENTO, CA — $2 million in federal funding is heading to Mosaic West Sac for their transformative Mosaic Village project thanks to Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). She announced the funding this morning at a press conference alongside Mosaic West Sac Executive Director Don Bosley, Mayor Martha Guerrero, and Mayor Pro Tem Verna Sulpizio Hull. 

“Mosaic Village reflects what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and refuses to leave anyone behind,” saidCongresswoman Matsui. “This project is about more than housing and services. It is about connecting people with the community they need to move forward with dignity, stability, and real opportunity. I am grateful to the West Sacramento leaders and community partners whose vision and commitment have helped bring this project to life.”

In remarks at the event, Matsui emphasized that no single challenge exists in isolation and that communities see stronger outcomes when they invest in housing, health care, substance recovery, and economic opportunity together. She also underscored the importance of local partnership in ensuring federal dollars are put to work in ways that reflect community needs. 

“For the trauma-impacted, there are few things more powerful than a truly inclusive, restorative community,” said Don Bosley, Executive Director of Mosaic West Sac. “We’ve been awed to watch that community unfold at the Recovery Cafe in West Sacramento the last four years. And we’ve been awed to watch Congresswoman Matsui, Mayor Guerrero, Sutter Health and so many other advocates rally to innovative mental-health and recovery models like this one. This is how we replace negative generational cycles with enduring, hopeful ones. Our staff, volunteers and cafe members couldn’t be more grateful.”

“West Sacramento’s Recovery Cafe is a vital home for those seeking healing, connection, and hope in our community,” said Mayor Guerrero. “We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Matsui’s leadership for the federal funding to expand this life-changing work. Because of her leadership and commitment, hope is growing stronger in our community.

“What makes Mosaic Village so powerful is that it doesn’t rely on a single approach,” said Mayor Pro Tem Sulpizio Hull. “It brings together the most effective elements of care, community, and support into one intentional model that is designed to meet people where they are and help them build a path forward with dignity.”

Mosaic Village will transform two vacant acres near West Sacramento’s city center into a campus with permanent supportive housing, workforce development programs, emergency food and resource distribution, and case management. The centerpiece of Mosaic Village will be a new Recovery Cafe.

Since 2022, Mosaic West Sac has operated the Recovery Cafe West Sac, part of a nationwide network of safe, inclusive spaces for those impacted by homelessness, substance-use disorders, domestic violence, and other forms of traumas. The federal funding secured by Congresswoman Matsui will go towards the new Recovery Cafe, with additional space, a commercial-grade kitchen, additional meeting rooms, offices, and outdoor seating areas to promote wellness.

This investment builds on Congresswoman Matsui’s longstanding record of delivering federal funding to the West Sacramento community. In 2023, she secured $3.18 million for the City’s Heritage Oaks Park Improvement Project. In 2024, she secured $15 million for the Bryte Park Master Plan Implementation Project.

For more information on Mosaic Village, click HERE.

For information on the Recovery Cafe, click HERE. 

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