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March Recap: Chairman Griffith Helps Lead Awareness on Health Care Issues

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, delivered on multiple opportunities to raise awareness on health care issues facing the United States.

Chairman Griffith continued the Health Subcommittee’s affordability series to follow on House Republicans’ commitment to help lower health care costs. The latest hearing in this series, entitled “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape,” featured hospital providers. Chairman Griffith promoted patient access to physician-owned hospitals to help drive down health care costs. Chairman Griffith’s Physician-Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act is one potential solution. Chairman Griffith’s remarks on this topic can be found here.

Following publication of his February op-ed in the Washington Times, Chairman Griffith appeared on The Julie Mason Show to discuss the importance of rural health care. The op-ed highlights the historic investments made in rural health care. Chairman Griffith also highlights the role of community health centers and telehealth, which received federal funding in the February minibus, to help support rural communities.

Additionally, Chairman Griffith highlighted health care causes on Capitol Hill. Chairman Griffith wore a turquoise ribbon in support of Lung Cancer Awareness Day. As an original co-sponsor of the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act of 2025, Chairman Griffith continues to explore the legislative terrain to aid the fight against cancer. Moreover, Chairman Griffith submitted remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize National Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Week. Southwest Virginia’s AHEC helps address critical health care needs in Virginia’s Ninth District. 

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Congressman Cohen Seeks to Make Elvis Presley Boulevard Repairs a State DOT Priority

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

“This roadway should reflect the importance of the community it serves, not undermine it,” he writes

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Will Reid urging him to prioritize the long overdue completion of repairs to Elvis Presley Boulevard. In his letter, the Congressman noted that continued delays and uncertainty have dragged this project on for over a decade. He emphasized the importance of Elvis Presley Boulevard for Whitehaven residents and the entire Memphis area.

The letter reads in part:

“I write to urge you to prioritize the long-overdue completion of Elvis Presley Boulevard and to include full funding for this project in Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)’s 10-Year Plan. 

“The current condition of Elvis Presley Boulevard is unacceptable. Deteriorating pavement, unsafe driving conditions, and ongoing vehicle damage have become daily realities for residents of Whitehaven and the thousands of visitors who travel this corridor each year. As a primary gateway to Memphis, this roadway should reflect the importance of the community it serves, not undermine it. 

“I recently met with a local community group whose frustration over this issue is deep and justified. For years, they have been promised improvements that have yet to materialize. This road is the major thoroughfare connecting Whitehaven to Mississippi and serves as a vital economic and cultural corridor. Yet despite its significance, it continues to be overlooked.

“As you are aware, over a decade ago, plans were announced for a more than $40 million redesign of Elvis Presley Boulevard, but this project has continuously been delayed and plagued with funding uncertainty.  Constituents have increasingly raised concerns that the lack of progress and prioritization reflects inequitable treatment of their community. These concerns deserve serious attention.

“Because 80 percent of the project’s funding is federal, my office regularly hears from frustrated residents who expect progress and accountability. I share their concerns and am deeply invested in ensuring that this project moves forward without further delay.

“While I recognize that TDOT must balance many priorities in developing its 10-Year Plan, the continued deferral of this project is not sustainable. I strongly encourage you to secure the resources necessary to fund repairs for Elvis Presley Boulevard and ensure the project is completed. Additionally, a clear timeline for completion would be helpful.” 

See the entire letter here.

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Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries Announce His Majesty, King Charles III, to Address a Joint Meeting of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries Announce His Majesty, King Charles III, to Address a Joint Meeting of Congress

Washington, April 1, 2026

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries today announced His Majesty King Charles III, The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. 

The Address celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence and the enduring special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. 

In their letter inviting His Majesty to address Congress, the Leaders wrote:

“This year, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of its independence. As we celebrate this historic milestone and recommit ourselves to the principles upon which our nation was founded, we also recognize that the American experiment endures in no small part because of the British tradition from which it sprang. We believe an Address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history.”

Read the full letter here.

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Celebrating National Reading Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

As digital entertainment dominates the attention of our nation’s youth, it is important to be reminded of the great significance reading has on sharpening the mind and broadening the ability to think critically. March is National Reading Month, and I’m grateful for this time set aside that underscores the importance of such a critical aspect of education.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Reading is a key to past, present, and future – a path into virtually limitless treasures of knowledge and inspiration. Reading encourages wonder about the world, broadens awareness of others, and offers clues about the meaning of life.”

Our late President is exactly right. Reading offers a way to expand the mind in a way that our digital devices are unable to. Holding a book in your hands, turning its pages, and reading its words of wisdom offers a moment in time for your mind to take a break, learn something new, and move forward with a broadened awareness.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, it is very important that we also shine a light on the most common learning disability that is directly tied to reading: dyslexia. Within this caucus, I have the unique ability to work in Congress on behalf of educators, parents, and students with dyslexia to advocate for a more science-based approach to creating a modern understanding around the definition of dyslexia.

While this learning disability unfortunately remains woefully misunderstood, it should never be a roadblock for students’ success in the classroom. Thankfully, great efforts are being made on the state level in Arkansas to ensure students with reading disabilities can receive the help they need early on to achieve higher academic outcomes and keep them on a level playing field with their peers.

Reading connects our present to our past. It’s a tool to expand our minds, increase our awareness of the world around us, and even allow us to visit hidden corners of the globe. The significance of reading can never be understated, which is why I am proud to continue advocating for a better understanding of reading disabilities to ensure no student is left behind in the classroom.

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Dalilah’s Law Restores Roadway Integrity

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Sitting in the Transportation and Infrastructure hearing room this week as Chairman Graves gaveled us in to begin committee activity was young Dalilah Coleman accompanied by her mother and father. Committee hearings and markups are open to the public, so it’s common to look out and see folks sitting in who have just visited a Smithsonian museum or finished a Capitol tour, looking for a front row seat to observe the legislative process while visiting Washington.

However, this young guest was special because we would be passing a bill out of committee named in her honor that morning, sending it to the House Floor for a vote.

Dalilah’s Law was crafted after her car was struck by a semi-truck operated by an illegal alien with no English proficiency who did not meet the commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Because of this tragedy, Dalilah suffered life-altering injuries.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that, in 2025, at least seventeen fatal crashes and thirty deaths were linked to unqualified foreign drivers illegally operating commercial motor vehicles. Dalilah’s Law works to prevent future tragedies from occurring on our roads by ensuring stronger safety standards for CDLs and ensuring training providers are following the rules.

It was also disheartening to learn that the DOT reported that nearly 3,000 truck driver training schools were removed from the federal registry after investigators found falsified training records. It shouldn’t be controversial to ask that individuals operating an 80,000-pound semi-truck be able to understand and follow our nation’s road signs or be able to effectively communicate with law enforcement.

Weak policies and loopholes have unfortunately allowed unsafe drivers on our roads. But this week, House Republicans advanced legislation to the House Floor that closes these loopholes and brings us one step closer to restoring Americans’ trust and safety. It’s a privilege to work on legislation that not only honors individuals like young Dalilah but restores faith in our transportation system to ensure the safety of those traveling on our nation’s roads.

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Congresswoman Torres Secures $1 Million for Vista Verde II Affordable Housing Development in Ontario

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

March 31, 2026

Ontario, CA – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) joined City of Ontario Mayor Paul Leon and local leaders to celebrate the delivery of $1,000,000 in federal funding for the Vista Verde II Affordable Housing Development, a critical project that will expand access to affordable housing for working families in the City of Ontario. Torres, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, obtained the funding as a community project in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process.

The funding will support the development of a 150-unit affordable housing community on Holt Boulevard, providing a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes.

Vista Verde II will help address the Inland Empire’s growing housing shortage while supporting long-term economic stability for families. The project will also generate local construction jobs, strengthen the regional workforce, and contribute to Ontario’s broader economic development goals.

“Families in the Inland Empire are being priced out of their own communities, and that is unacceptable. As an appropriator, I fought to deliver $1 million for Vista Verde II because affordable housing is critical for our families,”said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This project will create 150 homes for the City of Ontario’s working families, bring jobs to our region, and help ensure that our community can grow without leaving people behind. I will continue fighting to bring home the resources our families need to live with stability and opportunity.”

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Congresswoman Norma Torres Delivers $2 million for the Chino Valley Innovation Center

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

March 31, 2026

Chino, CA — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) joined city and business leaders today to announce $2 million in federal funding for the Chino Valley Innovation Center, a project designed to support local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and workforce development in the district. The Innovation Center is a joint effort between the City of Chino, Chino Valley Chamber, Chaffey College, Music Changing Lives nonprofit, and the Microenterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California. As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Torres obtained this funding as part of the community project process for fiscal year 2026.

The Chino Valley Innovation Center will serve as a hub for innovation, providing co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and financial resources to empower families, job seekers, and businesses throughout the Chino community. By investing in local entrepreneurship, the Center aims to strengthen the regional economy and create good-paying jobs.

“Investing in the Chino Valley Innovation Center is a down payment on our most valuable asset: our people,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This Center will give local entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our community’s economy. I’m proud to deliver federal support that will have a real, lasting impact for families, job seekers, and businesses right here at home.”

“This initiative will propel economic opportunity in our community like never before, giving our budding young entrepreneurs the tools they need to make their dreams a reality,” said Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa. “I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to Congresswoman Torres for continuing her hard work in Washington on behalf of the Chino community.”

“This investment from Congresswoman Norma Torres is a game-changer for the Chino Valley,” said Zeb Welborn, President & CEO of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center will create real pathways for entrepreneurs to start and scale businesses, strengthen our workforce, and drive long-term economic growth. By bringing together education, industry, and community, we are building an ecosystem that empowers individuals, supports small businesses, and positions our region for sustained success.”

The Chino Valley Innovation Center will mark a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to fostering economic development and supporting the next generation of local business leaders.

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Congressman Cohen Agrees Trump Does Not Own the White House

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

Judge says Trump has no broad authority to make White House changes without Congressional approval

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight released a statement after U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington ruled that construction of a White House ballroom must cease until President Trump receives Congressional approval after demolishing the East Wing. The statement reads:

“The court ruled the President doesn’t own the White House but is only its temporary steward. That’s consistent with what I recently wrote in a Letter to the Editor setting the record straight: no president in the past 150 years has sought to build a ballroom at the White House. 

“This unprecedented and unnecessary project underscores a broader disregard for history, norms, and the proper role of Congress.

“I would also add the President doesn’t own the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts either. It’s a congressionally designated memorial to the assassinated 35th President of the United States, and it should be treated with the same respect for its purpose and legacy..”

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Congressman Veasey Visits Prairieland Detention Center,

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Visits Prairieland Detention Center,

March 31, 2026

This visit comes following reports of concerning conditions of the facility and treatment of detainees

Alvarado, Texas — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) visited the Prairieland detention center. This oversight visit comes following the recent reports of detainees who have been denied medical care and aid. During the visit, Congressman Veasey raised serious concerns about the overall conditions inside the facility, including access to adequate medical care, transparency in operations, and the humane treatment of detainees. While detention facilities are expected to meet federal standards, it is critical that oversight remains strong and that these standards are consistently upheld. “This visit is about far more than what we may or may not see inside these walls—it is about demanding accountability at every level of our immigration system,” said Congressman Veasey. “We have a responsibility, not just as lawmakers but as human beings, to ensure that the dignity and rights of every person in custody are respected. We cannot turn away, and we cannot ignore the humanitarian implications of what is happening inside these facilities. Silence in the face of suffering is not an option. Oversight is not optional—it is our duty. And the American people deserve transparency, truth, and accountability.” Following the oversight tour, Congressman Veasey convened a roundtable with community stakeholders, local leaders, and advocates to discuss these serious concerns and identify steps toward strengthening oversight.

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON DONALD TRUMP’S VOTER SUPPRESSION EXECUTIVE ORDER

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 Republicans know that the American people have had enough of their extremism, disastrous policies and chaos. Voters are ready to take our country back in November. Instead of working to make life more affordable, Republican extremists are determined to make it harder for people to vote so they can desperately cling to power.

The executive order signed by Donald Trump is an unlawful power grab by a failing President designed to bolster the do-nothing Republican Congress. This action would allow the administration to unilaterally determine who is allowed to vote, subject state election officials to unnecessary investigations meant to intimidate those who oppose their voter suppression agenda and risk the privacy of millions of law-abiding Americans. It will make voting unnecessarily difficult for women, communities of color, young people, individuals with disabilities and older Americans.

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump unleashed a violent mob on the United States Capitol to overturn the results of the 2020 election and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in American history. He has now made the so-called SAVE Act the top priority of the Republican Congress, in part because he and his sycophants think the affordability crisis is a hoax.

Generations have fought and died to protect the right to vote. It is sacred and central to our democracy. These unhinged efforts to rip away our rights will not prevail. The Constitution is clear. Donald Trump has no power to change the way states conduct their elections. We will fight back against this desperate Republican scheme to take over our free and fair elections and end the era of voter suppression in America once and for all. 

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