Posts

Posted on

Huffman, Dexter Expose USDA Official’s Conflicts of Interest as GOP Chairman Shuts Down Ethics Question

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

The scandal lands as Trump’s cuts leave the Forest Service gutted heading into a dangerous fire season

June 05, 2026

Washington, D.C. – At a Federal Lands Subcommittee oversight hearing yesterday, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on Under Secretary Michael Boren’s conflicts of interest and the advisors with personal ties to Boren now embedded in agency leadership.

When Democrats laid out evidence that one of those advisors may have misled federal ethics officials, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) intervened to stop the chief from answering.

Boren, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, oversees the Forest Service. His ethics agreement requires him to stay away from matters involving the Sawtooth Conservation and Recreation Alliance, a private property rights group of wealthy landowners that he helped found and that has clashed repeatedly with the agency over his Sawtooth National Forest properties. The point of that rule is simple: a public official should not make decisions that put themselves before the American people.

In his opening statement, Huffman said the administration is following the President’s playbook of corruption. He said Boren “appears to have planted his own yes men in the agency to give him a clear path to influencing decisions that impact his own properties in the Sawtooth National Forest,” and that “despite ethics guidance, he has used his wealth to silence his detractors by relaunching a dormant SLAPP suit against two seniors for having the audacity to speak out” against a controversial airstrip he built within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. against his unpermitted airstrip in a national forest years ago.”
Under questioning, Huffman asked Schultz directly whether he and Boren had ever discussed the Sawtooth National Forest. Schultz conceded they had, telling the subcommittee, “It’s possible that we have. I can’t say for certain that we haven’t… we definitely talked about Sawtooth before he came into this job.”
Dexter pressed the chief on the advisors now shaping the agency from the inside, noting that the Forest Service has forced out experienced scientists while installing political appointees with personal connections to Boren, including a senior advisor who is Boren’s neighbor and a member of the same organization Boren is barred from working with. Schultz confirmed that three of his advisors have personal connections to Boren, though he maintained they report to him rather than to the Undersecretary.

Dexter then moved to enter four documents into the record: Boren’s ethics recusal, two ethics documents for fellow SCRA leader Ken Verheyen, and an annual report filed with the Idaho Secretary of State on May 8, 2026. Together, the documents show that Verheyen told USDA ethics officials that his SCRA leadership ended in September 2025, which left his ethics guidance silent on the group, while the Idaho filing eight months later still listed him as a director. Both cannot be true. Democrats asked Schultz to commit to determining which one and reporting back within a week. Lying to a federal ethics official violates federal law and can carry criminal penalties.

Before the chief could answer, Chairman Tiffany cut in, declared the question out of order, and told Schultz he did not have to respond. The documents were entered into the record, and the chairman moved to close the hearing.

Background

Over the past year, the Trump administration has moved on several fronts that weaken the Forest Service and put the lands it protects at risk. President Trump is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening nearly 59 million acres of national forest to logging and new road construction, a giveaway his Agriculture Secretary announced last June. His administration moved to hand the Superior National Forest watershed next to the Boundary Waters to a foreign mining company, tearing up protections that took years of science and public input to build, and Congressional Republicans cleared the way by ramming a resolution through the House and Senate. And the administration is forcing through a reorganization that shutters research facilities and relocates the agency’s headquarters to Salt Lake City.

The damage falls hardest on the communities that depend on these forests. Under Trump, the agency has shed roughly a quarter of its workforce since the start of 2025. It treated about 35% fewer acres for hazardous fuels in 2025 than the year before, the brush-clearing work that keeps fires away from homes, even as forecasters warn 2026 could be one of the worst fire years on record. Republicans spent the hearing praising these moves while families across fire country are left with a weaker agency heading into a dangerous summer.

###

Posted on

Representative Adriano Espaillat Slams House Republicans’ Cuts to Affordable Housing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Espaillat voted against Republican committee bill limiting pathways to home ownership and affordable housing for low-income communities.

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) denounced House Republicans’ efforts to advance their fiscal year 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) funding bill out of the full committee. While Americans struggle with the high cost of living, the bill makes it more expensive for Americans to keep a roof over their heads, commute to work and school, and have a chance at homeownership.

 

“I have been adamant in my opposition to the House Appropriations Committee Republicans’ bill that drastically reduces our ability to make roads and highways safer and severely limits the pathways to home ownership for communities,” said Espaillat. “With declining public investments, low-income families are at risk. Today, the United States has a shortage of more than 7.2 million affordable rental homes, including in my district, and this bill will deprive many Americans of upwards 27,000 additional rental units each year. In historically disadvantaged districts like mine, there are neighborhoods where more than 30% of renters spend more than half of their income on rent.

 

  • The Republican-backed legislation:
    • Does nothing to address the rising cost of living by slashing investments in programs that expand affordable housing production and help communities fund locally driven solutions to cut red tape and eliminating eviction prevention grants that help families stay in their homes.
    • Strips away opportunities for families to become homeowners or access safe, decent, affordable housing by slashing housing counseling assistance and cutting the fair housing enforcement work that protects housing choice for all Americans.
    • Increases congestion on roads and hurts our economy by stalling supply chain networks, walking away from critical public-private investments that advance our transportation systems, keep our construction workers on the job, and grow American manufacturer and supplier businesses.

 

“For the one in seven New Yorkers who rely on the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), many face significant backlogs in capital needs updates and this Republican-backed bill does nothing to help them,” Espaillat continued. “Rather than confronting the elevated costs of living, this bill promoted by House Republicans will diminish critical programs like Section 8 vouchers, the Public Housing Capital Fund, and the HOME program. I firmly voted against this bill that would further strip basic protections for tenants and make it easier for landlords to evict families and separate mixed-status households in federally assisted housing.”

###

Posted on

Congressman Riley M. Moore Secures More Than $13 Million in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Wins for West Virginians

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore announced that five Community Project Funding requests for West Virginia’s Second Congressional District were approved by the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“These Community Project Funding requests represent targeted investments in the infrastructure and economic development priorities that matter most to the people of West Virginia’s Second District. I fought to secure funding for projects that will strengthen our communities, create jobs, improve our infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance quality of life across our region. While these projects must still be approved by the full House and signed into law, I am pleased to see them advance through the Appropriations Committee, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for these important investments.”

Major Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Investments Advancing for West Virginia:

  • $6,000,000 for Oglebay Grow Center and Grounds. The Oglebay Grow Center and Festival Grounds Project is a $6 million initiative that will expand hydroponic food production, improve access to healthy locally grown foods, support workforce development, and create new opportunities for farmers and small businesses. Building on the success of Oglebay’s GrowLab, the project will construct a new greenhouse, modernize community event facilities, strengthen food security, and boost tourism while promoting agricultural education and economic growth across the Ohio Valley.
  • $3,190,000 for WVU Life Science and Biotech Incubator Space. The WVU Innovation Corporation Life Science and Biotech Incubator Project will create a 20,000-square-foot incubator within the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant to support startup companies developing cutting-edge technologies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health sciences. The facility will provide entrepreneurs with access to specialized laboratory space, advanced research equipment, and business support resources needed to commercialize new innovations, attract private investment, and compete for federal research funding. Building on a site that has already helped create or attract approximately 600 jobs, the expansion will foster new industries, accelerate economic growth, improve health outcomes, and create hundreds of additional high-skilled jobs in West Virginia.
  • $2,171,000 for Randolph County Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements. The Randolph County Development Authority’s Industrial Park Infrastructure Project will transform a publicly owned site in Elkins into a fully development-ready industrial park by extending water and sewer service and constructing a new access road. These critical infrastructure improvements will make the site shovel-ready, attract private investment, support job creation, and strengthen Randolph County’s ability to compete for new business and industrial development.
  • $1,200,000 for St. Marys Marina & Riverfront Improvements. The St. Mary’s Marina Improvement Project will revitalize the city’s Ohio River waterfront through expanded docks, a new riverwalk, ADA-accessible fishing pier, upgraded kayak and paddleboard access, improved public facilities, and enhanced security infrastructure. The project will strengthen tourism, outdoor recreation, public safety, and economic development while supporting conservation and research efforts along the Ohio River. By enhancing a key regional destination, the project will attract more visitors, support local businesses, improve quality of life, and preserve public access to one of West Virginia’s most valuable natural and recreational assets.
  • $1,000,000 for Shepherd University Health Simulation & Infrastructure Modernization. This investment will modernize Shepherd University’s Stutzman-Slonaker Hall and Science Center to support growing nursing, STEM, and allied health enrollment. The project will upgrade labs, HVAC and safety systems, backup power, and research infrastructure, while adding modern simulation and 3D medical training technology. These improvements will expand hands-on learning, strengthen workforce training for healthcare and science students, and better prepare graduates to serve West Virginia’s growing Eastern Panhandle and statewide healthcare needs.

The legislation was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday and will now advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

###

Posted on

Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Public Lands

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R.9167, with Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01) to prevent future efforts to sell off public lands through the Congressional reconciliation process.

“Our precious public lands should never be used as revenue raisers for partisan issues,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Last year, I spearheaded the effort to stop the proposed sale of 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada without our consent. Now I am joining Representatives Vasquez, Ciscomani, Neguse, and Zinke to introduce legislation that would prevent similar proposals from advancing in the future.”

Under the Congressional Budget Act, Congress can pass legislation affecting revenue and spending through both chambers with a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would designate any reconciliation provision to sell or dispose of public lands as “extraneous” under this process, preventing land grabs from advancing in the U.S. Senate under the so-called “Byrd rule.” This will help ensure that land sales in Nevada are not conducted outside of the SNPLMA process, and that proceeds are not diverted back to Washington to pay for initiatives that do not directly benefit the residents of the Silver State.

“Public lands belong to the American people, not the highest bidder,” said Congressman Vasquez. “Last year, we saw serious attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land through a fast-tracked process that limited public input and debate. This bipartisan bill makes sure future Congresses cannot use reconciliation as a backdoor to sell lands that belong to hunters, anglers, ranchers, Tribes, outdoor businesses, and families across the country.”

“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special.”

“Our nation’s public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or special interests, and I’m proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that remains true,” said Congressman Neguse. “Last summer we fought off efforts to sell-off millions of acres across the Rocky Mountain West—and we must continue to fight to ensure the reconciliation process cannot be used as a vehicle to force the sale of these treasured spaces. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: our public lands are not for sale.”

Senators Bennet, Wyden, and Heinrich have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Background:

Congresswoman Titus is a founding member of the Public Lands Caucus and a staunch defender of Southern Nevada’s public lands.

  • In September 2025, Congresswoman Titus introduced the first ever Congressional resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day.
  • Last year, after House Republicans added provisions to the reconciliation bill to sell off 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Congresswoman Titus successfully removed those provisions through an amendment.
  • Congresswoman Titus has championed efforts to establish National Monuments throughout Nevada, including Avi Kwa Ame in 2023, Gold Butte in 2016, and Basin and Range in 2015.
  • On January 7, 2026, Congresswoman Titus sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them to oppose  Stevan Pearce’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management over concerns about his record on public lands and National Monuments.
  • On February 14, 2025, Congresswoman Titus led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum urging him not to roll back designations of national monuments. 
  • Congresswoman Titus leads an annual appropriations letter calling for robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s National Conservation Lands account.

###

Posted on

Meeks, Hoyer, Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Keating, Bacon, and Kiley Issue Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Ukraine Support Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05); Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Don Bacon (NE-02); and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) today issued the following statement on the passage of Ranking Member Meeks’ bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119th Congress.

“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law.  It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us.  The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them.  But they cannot do it alone.  Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024.  It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,” said Rep. Hoyer. 

“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”

“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of America’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”

“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated.  We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum.  Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,” said Ranking Member Keating. “I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”

“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,” said Rep. Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”

“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negotiations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,” said Rep. Kiley.

###

Posted on

LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN TOM SUOZZI

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Posted on

Rep. Angie Craig Statement on Release of Constituent Suffering from Ovarian Cyst from ICE Custody

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

Andrea Pedro-Francisco has been held in El Paso, where Rep. Craig visited her last month

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on the release of her constituent Andrea Pedro-Francisco from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in El Paso, TX.

“I am beyond happy and relieved to hear that Andrea has been released from ICE custody and will soon be home with her family and friends in Minnesota, where she belongs. Andrea didn’t deserve to be detained in the first place, and she certainly didn’t deserve to be denied the care that she desperately needed for months. Andrea’s perseverance and courage in the face of such inhumanity has inspired me — and so many in our community — to continue our work together to hold ICE accountable for their cruel and lawless enforcement operations in Minnesota. Her release is proof that when Minnesotans come together to resist this administration, we prevail.” 

Pedro-Francisco, a resident of Burnsville, MN was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her way to work on February 5th. She was scheduled to have surgery for an ovarian cyst on February 11th, but instead, was sent to El Paso, where she has been held without access to proper medical treatment since. Her request for humanitarian parole was denied early last month. 

Rep. Craig worked with Pedro-Francisco’s family, friends, lawyers and community advocates for months to facilitate her release and get her the medical care she needed. Last month, as part of those efforts, Rep. Craig traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities. 

During her visit, Rep. Craig toured both the El Paso Service Processing Center and Camp East Montana, the country’s largest migrant detention facility, which has been mired with reports of inhumane conditions, abuse and a measles outbreak earlier this year. Rep. Craig also had the chance to speak with medical staff and meet with Pedro-Francisco to hear from her directly about her experience in detention.

### 

Posted on

Reps. Cleaver, Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Carol Miller (R-WV), and Don Bacon (R-NE) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.  

Between 500,000 and 600,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.  

“Despite roughly 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.”

“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.” 

“Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller.  

“Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.” 

“The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country’s leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.” 

“The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.” 

“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.” 

“The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation’s kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD,” said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. “It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community’s recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.” 

The PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology. 

Official text of the PKD Cures Act is available here.  

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Posted on

Dingell Introduces Legislation to Address Safety Defects that Allow Firearms to Discharge Without Pulling the Trigger

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

Dingell Introduces Legislation to Address Safety Defects that Allow Firearms to Discharge Without Pulling the Trigger

Washington, June 3, 2026

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced the Defective Firearms Protection Act, a bill that would address safety defects in firearms similarly to any other consumer product by issuing safety warnings and recalls if necessary. Currently, firearms are excluded from the definition of a consumer product, which prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)from addressing safety issues in firearms. The timing of the bill coincides with Gun Violence Prevention Month. 

“Every product sold in America, except guns, is subject to federal health and safety regulations. This means that faulty firearms that misfire, discharge without a trigger pull, or fail in other ways that can kill, stay on shelves because nobody has the authority to pull them,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The Defective Firearms Protection Act would fix that, targeting defective weapons that should never be on the marketplace in the first place. No industry should be above basic safety standards, because a gun that doesn’t work right is a danger to the person holding it and everyone around them.”

The Defective Firearms Protection Act would help prevent such accidents by removing barriers in current law that prevent the CPSC from addressing defective pistols, revolvers, or firearms.

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.

Posted on

Bacon, Valadao, Bonamici, Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Valadao, Bonamici, Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

WASHINGTON – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joined Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reintroduce the Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to provide transportation for people in need of overdose prevention services, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, and other related supportive services.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Rep. Bacon. “The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I’m grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort.” 

“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Valadao. “Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care.”

“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Rep. Bonamici. “For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I’m working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk.”  

The CHIERS Act would:

  • Create a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.
  • Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities, including community health centers; Continuum of Care Program participants; opioid recovery centers; state, Tribal, and local governments; and nonprofit organizations.

Background:

Individuals seeking Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often must travel long distances to reach care, relying on friends or family members for transportation or forgoing treatment altogether due to cost and accessibility challenges. With only eight substance treatment centers serving the three-county region, many residents struggle to receive timely, life-saving services. Expanding grant support for affordable transportation options can help connect residents to critical treatment services—reducing barriers to recovery and improving public health outcomes.

Read the full bill here.

###