REP LIEU STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on Saturday’s tragic shooting at Brown University.

“My heart breaks for the students, families, and all those affected by the shooting at Brown University. I join the Brown community in mourning the lives lost and hold them in my thoughts during this difficult time.

“During this time of year, students should be focused on preparing for finals, not hiding behind barricaded doors and sending painful text messages to loved ones. It is devastating that more young Americans and families have been scarred by the epidemic of gun violence in this country.

“We need to do more to put an end to gun violence. We cannot continue sticking our heads in the sand while more lives are lost in senseless shootings.”

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U.S. Rep. Castor Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced that Sharan Santharam Srinivasan, Ammar Omar and Sujay Korada, 12th graders from Robinson High School, were awarded the top prize in her annual congressional app challenge with their app “SunScreened.” The app was created with JavaScript and AI image processing and aims to help Americans understand the harms of UV rays and the importance of sunscreen for overall skin health. The winner will be recognized at the U.S. Capitol during the House of Code celebration in the spring, alongside other winners of congressional app competitions from across the country.

“Encouraging students to explore STEM fields through the app challenge is a great way to help younger generations learn about science and technology in a creative manner and spark their interest in the STEM workforce. It is incredible to see students across the Tampa Bay area combine public good with technology. I am proud that this app will represent the 14th District, and I know it will help not only our neighbors in the Sunshine State but Americans across the country. I’m grateful for Sharan, Ammar and Sujay’s dedication to science, technology, and the well-being of their neighbors in the Tampa Bay area and look forward to them representing our community in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in the spring,” said Rep. Castor.  

“The Florida sun is unforgettable. It presses down on you in strong heat waves. On the soccer field, the grass sticks to your legs, the sweat trickles down, and the sunlight burns itself into your memory. We loved that feeling: the energy, the adrenaline, and the brightness that defined every Floridian’s afternoon. We got used to the heat and humidity, but never thought much about the sun itself. Everyone loves to tan since sunburns are a symbolic badge of summer, and something to laugh about, but what we didn’t realize was that while we were chasing the glow, the sun was taking a quiet toll on our skin. That’s when the realization sparked Sunscreened. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S and in Florida. We wanted to create something that would transform awareness into action. An app that helps people understand their relationship with the sun. Sunscreened employs real-time UV tracking, personalized SPF recommendations, burn-time calculations, and AI-powered skin analysis,” said Sharan, Ammar and Sujay.
A video demonstration of the app is available here.

The Congressional App Challenge has inspired tens of thousands of students nationwide to learn to code. With the support of their Member of Congress, these students have produced apps that address problems locally, nationally, and globally. The numbers don’t lie: each year, they have more Congressional hosts and more diverse student participants from underrepresented communities. According to the National Science Foundation, in 2021, nearly a quarter (24%) of individuals in the U.S. workforce were employed in STEM occupations.

The House of Code featuring the student’s app will be on display at the U.S. Capitol in the spring of 2026. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge and how to be involved in Rep. Castor’s 2026 challenge, visit HOME – (congressionalappchallenge.us).

SEEC Blasts House Republicans’ Attack on Cheap Energy and Clean Water

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

The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Improving Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act (H.R. 3668), State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act (H.R. 3628), and Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act (H.R. 3898). 

“The promise of permitting reform has always been that, if done properly, it could unlock cheaper, cleaner energy to the benefit of all Americans. Unfortunately, House Republicans have chosen to use the guise of ‘permitting reform’ as an excuse to pursue their pro-polluter agenda. The bills they brought to the floor this month do nothing to actually address the primary challenges holding back cheap and reliable energy here in America. The biggest threat to affordable energy in America is Donald Trump’s all-out assault on solar and wind, but House Republicans have proven too scared to push back against him.

“Electricity prices have now increased by 13% since Trump took office, yet he continues to lie and dismiss the cost-of-living crisis as a ‘scam’. Trump can try to ignore the very real concerns of the American people, but we all know that life is more expensive thanks to Donald Trump, his billionaire polluter donors, and his army of Congressional yes-men.

“We remain willing to engage in good-faith bipartisan negotiations on true ‘permitting reform’. Hopefully, Congressional Republicans will heed the wake-up call of the ever-worsening energy affordability crisis and join us in that effort.”

Chairman Griffith Attends HHS Roundtable on Lyme Disease

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted a roundtable with agency leaders and public officials to discuss public health policies and efforts that address Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz headlined the roundtable. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, participated in the roundtable and lent his support to policies that combat and treat Lyme disease.

Following the Lyme disease roundtable, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Today’s roundtable shows we have solid commitment from Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Oz and lawmakers to address Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses in the United States.

“As someone who has Alpha-Gal Syndrome, I have some understanding of the health challenges that result from tickborne illnesses. In Southwest Virginia, we likely know somebody with a tickborne illness. 

“It is important to research potential treatments and to educate the public on these illnesses. As Health Subcommittee Chairman, I will continue pushing for policies that help us accomplish these goals.”

One bill discussed during the roundtable was H.R. 4348, the TICK Act. The TICK Act is meant to reauthorize key programs that increase the development of a national strategy to address tickborne diseases, improve surveillance and coordinate federal programs.

Video coverage of today’s roundtable can be viewed here.

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Griffith Statement on House Passage of Secure Rural Schools Bill

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

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on S. 356 – the Secure Rural SchoolsReauthorization Act of 2025. These funds from the “Secure Rural Schools” program are essentially meant to supplement Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). This bill now heads to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.

Following passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

“Thanks to the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program, Virginia’s Ninth District receives access to federal funds from the National Forest Service. This is a bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation that directly delivers funds to rural communities with ties to national forest property.

“I am proud to support the reestablishment of the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program.”

BACKGROUND

Starting in 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self Determination Act to help stabilize funds available to rural counties.

The SRS program helps rural counties that possess tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt. SRS projects reward localities as a result of various Forest Service activities on these lands, like grazing and timber, that produce revenue.

Funding for the SRS program lapsed in September of 2023. The last authorized SRS payments distributed to counties took place in early 2024.

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Dingell Announces More Than $43.5 Million in HHS Grants for the University of Michigan

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced that the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor will receive $43,576,094 in federal grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support a wide range of research initiatives, including aging, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer, and more.

“This funding is essential to maintaining the University of Michigan’s leadership in research and innovation. It supports researchers with the federal backing necessary to advance their groundbreaking work,” said Dingell. “Moreover, these grants represent a meaningful investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our broader community. They bring us one step closer to securing better treatments and improving patient outcomes.”

Projects receiving funding include:  

  • $497,042 for Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research
  • $7,608,704 for Research for Mothers and Children
  • $508,576 for Heart and Vascular Diseases Research
  • $5,481,101 for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolic Research
  • $6,287,247 for Aging Research
  • $250,000 for Allergy Immunology and Transplantation Research
  • $1,987,767 for Pharmacology Physiology and Biological Chemistry Research
  • $2,400,186 for Clinical Research Related to Neurological Disorders
  • $682,272 for Cancer Cause and Prevention Research
  • $1,129,003 for Alcohol Research Programs
  • $2,494,654 for Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research
  • $193,241 for Rigorously Evaluating Programs and Policies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
  • $937,347 for Lung Diseases Research
  • $3,133,754 for Biological Response to Environmental Health Hazards
  • $2,303,520 for Cancer Centers Support
  • $3,017,704 for Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
  • $500,000 for Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • $2,864,671 for Cancer Treatment Research
  • $799,355 for Research Grants for Preventing Violence and Violence Related Injury
  • $499,950 for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers: 2025 Special Interest Project Competitive Supplements (SIPS)

Find a full list of projects receiving grant funding here.

HHS is the largest grant-making agency in the US. Most HHS grants are provided directly to states, territories, tribes, and educational and community organizations, then distributed to eligible individuals and organizations. For more information on HHS grants, click here.

Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Legislation to Improve Safety of Micromobility Devices

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

Congresswoman Titus (D-NV1) today introduced legislation to help keep children and young adults who use electric scooters and other micromobility devices safe.

“We can and must do more to circumvent preventable traffic accidents,” said Congresswoman Titus. “My MOVE Act will help us better understand the risks associated with using electric scooters and other micromobility devices. By establishing best practices for safety and unlocking funding for educational campaigns, my bill will help families make more informed decisions about how young people can safely engage with these devices.”

The Micromobility Oversight and Vulnerability Evaluation (MOVE) Act directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the risks of injuries and deaths associated with using micromobility devices, with a focus on children and young adults.

The bill directs NHTSA to develop best practices for using micromobility devices to help save lives and prevent serious injuries. It also authorizes NHTSA to fund public education and awareness campaigns for safely using these devices.

Micromobility devices, such as electric bikes and scooters, are important to transportation in Las Vegas. In recent years, however, hospitals in Southern Nevada have seen a startling increase in injuries and fatalities involving those devices. In November, Sunrise Hospital Trauma Center had treated over 170 patients with injuries related to e-scooters and e-bikes so far this year. Meanwhile, University Medical Center Trauma Center had treated nearly 190 injured e-scooter or e-bike riders in 2025, which represents a 400 percent increase over the past three years.

In 2024, Nevada ranked the 10th deadliest state for pedestrians in the United States. In fact, 2024 was the deadliest year on Clark County roads, with 293 fatalities, 95 of whom were pedestrians.

Even one traffic fatality in Nevada is too many. The MOVE Act will help promote safe transportation on Las Vegas streets, keeping children and vulnerable road users safe.

“Safe Kids Worldwide applauds Representative Dina Titus on the introduction of the MOVE Act,” said Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy. “Micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity, and coalitions across the Safe Kids network have seen a rise in injuries associated with these new forms of transportation. With demand for these modes increasing, particularly among children and young people, it is imperative that we update our bike and pedestrian safety education practices to keep them safe. We are grateful for Representative Titus’ leadership and long-standing commitment to safety and look forward to working with her to advance this important legislation.”

This legislation has been endorsed by Safe Kids Worldwide; PedSafe Vegas; Safe Routes Partnership; League of American Bicyclists; Commissioner Michael Naft; and PeopleForBikes.

Bipartisan Statement from All 25 Jewish House Members on Antisemitic Attack in Australia

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, DC — All 25 Jewish Members of the US House of Representatives, including Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), released the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah: 

“On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism. 

“We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged. 

“Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear. 

“Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.” 

The 25 members who signed the statement include:

  • Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
  • Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT)
  • Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA)
  • Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
  • Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)
  • Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL)
  • Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL)
  • Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA)
  • Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX)
  • Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY)
  • Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
  • Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA)
  • Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN)
  • Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH)
  • Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA)
  • Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI)
  • Rep. Max Miller (R-OH)
  • Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL)
  • Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
  • Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
  • Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
  • Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL)
  • Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA)
  • Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA)
  • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 

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Congressman Estes Announces Staff Changes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

Congressman Estes Announces Staff Changes

Washington, December 15, 2025

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has hired Natalie Turner as Communications Director to replace Roman Rodriguez, who is now District Director and Senior Communications Advisor. Rodriguez took over the position on May 1. He has been in a communications role with Rep. Estes since October 2017, working out of his Wichita district office. 

Turner is a Kansas native who recently served as a Public Affairs Specialist with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and before that as Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas). In this new capacity as Communications Director, she will be based out of Rep. Estes’ D.C. office. 

“I’m excited about these staff changes on our team and look forward to Team Estes’ collaboration to continue working to deliver results for Kansans across the entire 4th District,” Congressman Estes said. 

Rep. Carter Leads Letter Calling for Inspector General Investigation into Handling of Army Physician Case

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

(Washington, DC) Representative John Carter (TX-31), Co-Chairman of the House Army Caucus, led a letter along with Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and Representative August Pfluger (TX-11), calling for an Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation into the handling of disturbing allegations involving Major Blaine McGraw.

“As a former judge and Co-Chair of the House Army Caucus, I find the allegations against Major McGraw to be an egregious breach of the trust placed in him and the oversight failures that allowed him to continue practicing are equally alarming,” said Congressman Carter. “The Inspector General must conduct a thorough, independent investigation to determine how this individual was able to continue victimizing Soldiers and their families. I expect this matter to be handled swiftly and with the utmost respect for the survivors, and I will be closely monitoring the findings to ensure that decisive steps are taken to prevent this from ever happening again.”

“The Army and Department of War Inspector Generals must conduct an investigation into the systemic failures that allowed Major Blaine McGraw to continue in his capacity amidst multiple accusations of egregious sexual misconduct,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The allegations made against Major McGraw and how they were mishandled warrant a thorough investigation, and I implore the Army and the Department to promptly look into this matter, bring justice to his countless victims, and work to prevent another failing in the future.”

A copy of the letter can be found below or by clicking here.

Dear Lieutenant General Brady,

I am writing to request immediate and comprehensive action regarding the deeply disturbing allegations involving Major McGraw, a former Army physician in Texas. The reports indicating widespread misconduct toward service members and military families raise profound concerns about clinical oversight, command accountability, and the integrity of the military health system.

These accusations do not reflect isolated lapses; they point to potential long-term failures. Because the alleged conduct may have occurred over an extended period and across multiple duty stations, it is imperative that any review extends far beyond a routine internal inquiry.

I urge you to ensure that the Department of War initiates an independent, thorough investigation into both Major McGraw’s actions and the Army’s handling of prior complaints or warning signs. This review must safeguard patient privacy, protect potential victims, and evaluate whether pathways for reporting medical misconduct were available and effective.

In addition, I request that the Department of War Office of Inspector General promptly examine how clinical, command, and Defense Health Agency oversight structures failed to identify and intervene in this case. A transparent assessment of systemic shortcomings, and actionable recommendations to strengthen standards of care and accountability will be essential to restoring trust within the military community.

To support the Department’s review and to ensure transparency for those affected, I request answers to the following questions:

  • Will the Department ensure a comprehensive investigation into all allegations involving Major McGraw, including an assessment of the Army command climate, supervisory actions, and compliance with applicable medical and reporting policies at each installation where he served?
  • What trauma-informed resources, victim assistance programs, and behavioral health services will the Department and the Army make available to former patients and their families during the investigative process?
  • Has the Department notified the Texas Medical Board or other relevant state licensing authorities of Major McGraw’s suspension and the ongoing criminal investigation? If not, when will such notification occur?
  • Will the Department commit to identifying any systemic or oversight failures that enabled this alleged misconduct, and provide a plan for implementing corrective actions to prevent similar breakdowns in the future?
  • Will the Department review oversight, supervision, and reporting requirements within Defense Health Agency Graduate Medical Education programs to ensure trainees are appropriately monitored and patient safety is protected?
  • Will the Department review the conduct and reporting actions of medical supervisors and personnel who worked with Major McGraw to determine whether they fulfilled their obligations under Army and DoW policy?
  • What policies, reporting pathways, and oversight mechanisms will the Department and the DoW Inspector General review to ensure that patients who experience misconduct by military medical providers can report concerns safely and with confidence that their complaints will be addressed.

The men and women served by the military health system deserve confidence that their care is provided in an environment that prioritizes safety, accountability, and professionalism. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and request to be kept informed of the Department’s findings and next steps.