Pappas, Billirakis, Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs, Lead Colleagues in Celebrating 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Nearly two million Americans proudly claim Greek ancestry, a testament to the enduring cultural and historical ties between the United States and Greece—ties that remain especially vibrant in communities across the nation. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Gus Billrakis (FL-12) , Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, were joined by Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Dina Titus (NV-01), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Grace Meng (NY-6) and Congressmen Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jim Costa (CA-21), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02) in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence. This resolution honors the courage and resilience of the Greek people in their fight for liberty and independence, while also recognizing the profound and enduring partnership between Greece and the United States—two nations bound by shared democratic ideals, mutual respect, and a steadfast commitment to freedom.

“As we mark 205 years of Greek Independence, I join my fellow Greek-Americans and colleagues of the Hellenic Caucus in commemorating the Greeks’ fight for freedom after nearly 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire,” said Congressman Pappas. “Greece’s courage and determination for sovereignty mirrors the United States’ own fight for independence and further unites our nations with a shared commitment to freedom and to democracy. On the anniversary of Greek Independence, we celebrate liberty and honor those lost in the pursuit of freedom.”

“It is with great pride that I recognize the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence and celebrate both Greek and American democracy,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great republic we call the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,’ Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to secure independence for Greece and its people 205 years ago. The lessons the Greeks taught us continue to inspire and strengthen those facing persecution around the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideals that make our nation great. Each time I perform my Constitutional duties, I do so mindful of the legacy of the ancient Greeks and our American forefathers. As Americans, we must continue to embrace the spirit of freedom and liberty that defines both of our great nations.”

“From the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece to my hometown of Nashua, one of the through lines in what I’ve taken from my Greek American heritage is an important one for today and for this moment: philotimo,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I understand that to be a love of honor, a love of country, and a real belief in and commitment to one another. May it light the way today and in the days ahead.”

“On this meaningful anniversary, we recognize the special bond between the United States and Greece and celebrate the boundless spirit of the vibrant Hellenic diaspora,” said Congresswoman Titus. “As a member of the Hellenic Caucus in Congress, I will ensure the United States remains a steadfast ally and continues to bolster stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Greece and the United States have deep ties and a special friendship that reflects our shared historical commitment to independence and democracy,”said Congressman Menendez. “I am honored to sponsor this resolution to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Greece’s independence and to recognize Greek Americans’ contributions globally and to the United States.” 

“I am proud to represent the vibrant Greek community in Rhode Island’s Second District and am grateful to join this resolution recognizing Greek Independence Day,” said Congressman Magaziner. “During this 205th Independence Anniversary, we celebrate the enduring contributions of Greek Americans and the shared democratic values that strengthen our countries.”

“Democracy started in ancient Greece under the belief that power belongs to the people and not to kings. Two centuries later, that same idea binds Greece and the United States together as partners in the ongoing and difficult work of self-government. In New Jersey’s Sixth District, I see that legacy every day in a vibrant Greek-American community that has helped shape our culture, economy, and civic life. I’m proud that our resolution honors Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule and reaffirms that democracy everywhere is worth fighting for,” said Congressman Pallone

“Greece’s independence is a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom is never easy, but it is always worth it,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “As the son of a Greek immigrant, I am proud to celebrate the shared values of our two nations—liberty, self-government, and the rule of law. As we mark this 205th anniversary, we honor that legacy and stand firm in defending freedom for generations to come.”

The Members emphasized that the anniversary serves not only as a commemoration of Greece’s historic fight for sovereignty, but also as a reaffirmation of the shared democratic principles that continue to guide both nations. From the philosophical foundations laid in ancient Greece to the modern alliance between the United States and Greece, this relationship remains a cornerstone of global democracy and stability.

Aderholt Announces $1 Million ARC Grant for Cullman County Foundry Farm Building Project

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

CULLMAN COUNTY, AL — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today highlighted a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Foundry Farm Building Project in Cullman County. 

The grant, awarded to the Foundry Ministries, will be used to construct an 11,400 square foot multi-purpose building at the Foundry Farm in Cullman County, AL. The new building will enable Foundry Ministries to expand their recovery and employment readiness training program.  

The organization expects to enroll 30 new participants in the first year of its opening. The construction will include sitework and demolition, construction of foundation, framing of the structure and more. Foundry Farm combines agriculture work and workforce development programs with addiction treatment to help individuals rebuild their lives. 

The new Foundry Farm Building will feature classroom and office space that will support employment readiness training, including culinary skills training programs. This program provides participants with the skills to fill job openings in the Cullman County area. 

The ARC grant will be matched by $1 million in local funding, bringing the total project investment to $2 million.

“This investment will help ensure our local workforce has the skills and people needed to fill jobs while supporting those looking to rebuild their lives,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Not only is this creating long-term prosperity, economic and workforce development across the region, but it is helping change the future of those who struggle with addiction.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focused on strengthening economic growth and opportunity across the Appalachian region. 

MATSUI UNVEILS BIPARTISAN BILL TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS FOR SENIORS

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) introduced the Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to more affordable prescription drugs.

Too often, insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are using pricing gimmicks to steer patients towards higher-cost drugs that increase the PBM’s revenue. The bill would require Medicare Part D plans to place certain lower-cost generic drugs and biosimilars on more affordable formulary tiers than their higher-cost brand-name counterparts, and prevent plans from putting added roadblocks in the way of patients trying to use lower-cost options.

“For too many seniors, prescription drugs are far too expensive, even when more affordable options exist,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Medicare patients should not be pushed toward a brand-name drug that costs more when a safe, effective and less expensive alternative is available. This bill is a commonsense step to help lower drug costs and put power back in the hands of patients and providers, not big insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.”

“America’s seniors should never be forced to pay more for their prescriptions when lower-cost options are available. Generics and biosimilars save billions, yet too often seniors are steered toward higher-priced drugs that benefit middlemen, not patients,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “This bipartisan bill puts seniors first by lowering out-of-pocket costs and ensuring they can access the affordable medications they deserve.”

“One part of the biotech social contract is ensuring that brand drugs go generic without undue delay,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “This bill strengthens that mechanism by ensuring generics and biosimilars get the formulary placement that drives down both co-pays and premiums.” 

Prescription drug costs remain a major burden for families and seniors living on fixed incomes. While generics and biosimilars often offer lower-cost alternatives to brand-name drugs, manyMedicare Part D plans still do not place those products on the most affordable tiers. In some cases, patients face added hurdles like prior authorization or step therapy that make it harder to access lower-cost treatment options.

The Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act would help change that by requiring Medicare Part D plans that cover these lower-cost products to place them in a preferred position relative to the higher-cost reference drug or biologic, when they are cheaper. The bill ensures that when a lower-cost medicine is available, seniors can actually get it at a lower cost.

This bill is endorsed by the Association for Accessible Medicines.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
Congresswoman Matsui has long fought to lower health care and prescription drug costs for seniors and families. From helping pass and strengthen the Affordable Care Act to supporting Medicare drug price negotiation and protecting the 340B drug pricing program, she has worked to expand access to affordable care and keep patients from being priced out of the medicines they need.

Rep. Takano Slams SCOTUS Decision Ruling Against Conversion Therapy Bans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

March 31, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC — Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, a case on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on licensed mental health professionals engaging in conversion therapy for minors, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano released the following statement:

“Young LGBTQI+ people will suffer because of today’s Supreme Court decision. This decision, however, doesn’t change the fact that these practices are still dangerous, disproven, and denounced by every major medical association in the United States,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Providers who engage in these practices are actively endangering the wellbeing of young LGBTQI+ people and defrauding their families by promising to “fix” something that is simply not broken. Young LGBTQI+ people should not have to be subjected to this kind of cruelty—especially by licensed health care providers. The Congressional Equality Caucus will continue to push federal legislation to address this harmful and fraudulent practice.”

BACKGROUND

“Conversion therapy” refers to range of discredited practices that have long been known to cause significant and lasting psychological harm to patients by purportedly forcing patients to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.? These practices are often aimed at minors, and evidence shows that LGBTQ+ youth who undergo conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to report having attempted suicide compared to those who did not. All major U.S. medical or mental healthcare associations have condemned conversion therapy, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family PhysiciansAs of 2026, 23 states and D.C. entirely prohibit—and 4 states and Puerto Rico restrict—licensed healthcare providers from subjecting LGBTQI+ minors to conversion therapy. Today’s ruling undermines these important protections for young LGBTQI+ people.

In August 2025, CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Vice Chair Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led 187 Members of Congress in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s conversion therapy ban. Read the Equality Caucus’s press release on the amicus brief here. Read the amicus brief here.

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Media Advisory: Rep. Díaz-Balart to Present $6 Million in Federal Funding to Reduce I-75 Traffic Congestion in Miami-Dade

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

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, is pleased to invite members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony on Wednesday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m.

The event will celebrate the $6 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Diaz-Balart for the Florida Department of Transportation for the planning and design to alleviate traffic congestion on and off I-75 around NW 170th Street and NW 154thStreet.

This project received funding through the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony

WHO:

  • Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Delegation
  • Local officials

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Intersection of NW 89th Ave & NW 170th St

All interested credentialed media may RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

DeGette Statement on Colorado “Conversion Therapy” Case

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar:

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar will lead to traumatic experiences for vulnerable children. So-called “conversion therapy” is not protected speech, it is abuse. That’s exactly why Colorado did the right thing by banning it.

“There is no debate among serious health care providers that “conversion therapy” is a pseudoscientific practice that harms children and drives them to take their own lives. That’s why I signed an amicus brief in this case and cosponsored legislation to ban this cruel practice nationwide. After today, those legislative efforts are now more vital than ever. 

“The fact that this Court announced its decision on Trans Day of Visibility is particularly disturbing. Our kids deserve to know they are safe and loved for who they are.”

Rep. Cleaver Secures $850,000 for Grandview Main Street Market, Helps Unveil Official Name of Main Street Space

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

(Grandview, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones and local leaders for a check presentation of $850,000 in federal funding Cleaver secured for the City of Grandview’s new Main Street Market. Following the presentation, the leaders unveiled the name of the transformative space in the heart of the community. The Main Street Market is one of 15 separate investments totaling more than $15 million for local projects supported by the congressman.

“This Community Project Funding for Grandview’s Main Street Market is an investment in the heart of the south Kansas City community, and I’m proud to have secured this $850,000 in federal funding to help bring this vision to life,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This project will transform downtown Grandview into a vibrant, accessible gathering space where families can connect, small businesses can grow, and local farmers can thrive. By creating a permanent market with modern amenities, green space, and sustainable infrastructure, the city is not just building a structure, it’s building opportunity, strengthening our local economy, and creating a place that reflects the pride and spirit of Grandview for generations to come.” 

“Congressman Cleaver shows up for Grandview and takes action for our residents,” said Mayor Jones. “His advocacy in Washington helped secure crucial dollars the city needed to build a space on Main Street to serve as a gathering space and promote public health as home of the Grandview Farmers Market.”

The future home of the Grandview Farmers Market will also serve as a year-round gathering space designed to support small businesses, local farmers, and community events. The new facility will feature a mix of enclosed and open-air market space, modern amenities, green space, and flexible design elements to support programming through every season. Located along the railroad corridor, the structure will included slanted rooftops, steel and timber elements, multiple garage doors, and an outdoor plaza for community-centered gatherings.

Following the check presentation, Congressman Cleaver helped Mayor Jones Unveil the official name of the Main Street Market Space – Grandview Station.

The Main Street Market represents the latest major community investment Rep. Cleaver has secured for Grandview. In 2024, Congressman Cleaver delivered $4.6 million for the Blue Ridge Boulevard Reimagined project, a multi-phase effort to enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and connectivity across the corridor.

Photos from the event can be found 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.

ICYMI: Guthrie Continues Leading Effort to Combat Illicit Drugs That Harm American Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)


Washington, D.C. – 
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, continued his efforts to counter the devastation in American communities that has been caused by the distribution and use of illicit drugs. 

Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health conducted a legislative hearing titled Policies to Protect Our Communities from Illicit Drug Threats. It focused on over one dozen bills that aim to crack down on illicit drug threats facing our nation. By examining the supply chain dynamics of these drugs and their precursors, in addition to looking at new and emerging illicit drug threats, the subcommittee took a comprehensive look at the crisis that has ravaged communities and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans for decades. 

This hearing built upon the work Chairman Guthrie and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have done throughout the 119th Congress to prevent overdose death and support those battling addiction; including the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act and HALT Fentanyl Act – both of which were signed into law by President Trump last year. 

Additional information about this hearing can be found HERE.

You can watch the full subcommittee hearing HERE.

Chairman Guthrie’s Opening Statement, as Prepared for Delivery:

“Thank you, Chairman Griffith. And thank you to all of the witnesses for being here.

“Today, we will hear from a diverse panel about existing and emerging drug threats and discuss policies designed to help keep our communities safe. 

“These drug threats continue to evolve from opioids like oxycodone and heroin, to illicit fentanyl—to now—the prevalence of nitazenes, as well as synthetic 7-OH, known as ‘gas station heroin.’ 

“Bad actors are using illicit pill presses and fentanyl to make pills including punches and dyes imprinting logos onto those pills, making them look like legitimate prescription medication. 

“Just last week, DEA announced a significant seizure in my home state of Kentucky from this past January. The DEA seized approximately 17 kilograms of fentanyl, two industrial grade pill presses, and two kilo-brick presses. According to DEA, this seizure prevented almost 9 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl from reaching our communities.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done in this Committee to crack down on the influx of illicit drugs and to uplift individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders—like getting the HALT Fentanyl Act and the SUPPORT Act signed into law—but there is still work to be done to ensure law enforcement can adequately detect and combat the proliferation and distribution of deadly substances. I’m thankful to my colleagues who are leading on these efforts.  

“We have bills like the Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act to permanently place xylazine into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act while ensuring veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to administer the sedative to animals, and the STOP Nitazenes Act to permanently place the drug class of nitazenes into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. 

“Further, the END 7-OH Act would place synthetic 7-OH into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and we’ll consider a range of bills aimed at cracking down on the illicit distribution of pill press machines.  

“We must work to advance policies that ensure those who make, import, and distribute these poisons in our communities are brought to justice on behalf of the families who have experienced so much pain already, and to help those with substance use disorders find treatment and recovery so we can save lives in the future. 

“I thank the witnesses for their participation and look forward to today’s discussion. I yield back.”

Chairman Guthrie’s five minutes of witness questions can be found HERE

Ranking Member Huffman Blasts Trump Cabinet’s Illegal Gutting of Endangered Species Protections to Benefit Big Oil Donors

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

March 31, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Trump administration’s Endangered Species Committee voted to exempt all oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from Endangered Species Act protections:

“The grotesque pay-to-play pageantry that unfolded today was, thankfully, so clearly illegal that it will not stand. But that should not temper the disgust and outrage of every American who cares about the environment and the integrity of our government. This sham “God squad” proceeding lacked any semblance of serious deliberation. It was merely Trump’s cabinet of MAGA puppets doing as they were told and giving a massive gift to Big Oil, just as Trump promised he would do when he asked them at Mar-a-Lago to raise $1 billion for his campaign.

“Wiping out all endangered species protections in the Gulf of Mexico so that oil companies can drill without limits and kill without consequence is beyond extreme; no president in our history has ever done anything like this. And doing it under a perfunctory claim of “national security” insults the intelligence of the American people.

“Trump started a reckless war with Iran that sent gas prices through the roof, and now he’s citing the mess he created as grounds for an exemption that has never been invoked in the history of the Endangered Species Act. The people who will pay for this are Gulf Coast families and communities, where people’s livelihoods depend on healthy fisheries and clean water. For the oil executives who already posted record profits last quarter, this is just another dark chapter in their greed and overreach.

“The corrupt bargain between the Trump administration and the fossil fuel industry will not stand. My Democratic colleagues and I will fight this in court, in Congress, and we’ll have the support of every community in America that values public integrity and a healthy environment.”

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Wasserman Schultz Delivers $1 Million Federal Investment for Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Training Complex

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“My top priority is to keep our families safe. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure our first responders get consistent, high-level training,” said Wasserman Schultz. “So, I’m extremely proud to partner with City of Fort Lauderdale leaders to deliver this cutting-edge professional development facility. It’s a critical investment to better protect our community and visitors.”

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Police Chief Bill Schultz, Fire Chief Stephen Gollan, and Fort Lauderdale Commissioners Ben Sorensen and Pam Beasley-Pittman to announce a $1 million federal investment she secured to help build the Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Training and Professional Development Complex.

The funding marks a major step forward in building a state-of-the-art training hub for police, fire and regional first responders. This federal investment is aimed at strengthening emergency response and protecting residents and visitors.

“My top priority is to keep our families safe. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure our first responders get consistent, high-level training,” said Wasserman Schultz. “So, I’m extremely proud to partner with City of Fort Lauderdale leaders to deliver this cutting-edge professional development facility. It’s a critical investment to better protect our community and visitors.”

“Public safety is the foundation of a strong city,” said Trantalis. “This investment is a step toward building the kind of modern, world-class training facility our first responders deserve.”

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Broward County, with a current professional staff of over 700 personnel and yet it does not have a training facility that can accommodate the class size and/or variety of training needs required.

FLPD does not have adequate space to conduct all the trainings that are required to fully prepare and equip an officer with the tools and skills needed. FLPD Training personnel must rely on other facilities to rent space and work around their availability to schedule classes. This generally leads to facility rental costs, facility staff costs, costs associated with overtime for the officers being trained, as well as for overtime for officers to backfill positions when fellow officers are in scheduled training.

The tri-county area currently lacks a comprehensive facility that can provide a ‘one stop shop’ for both new recruits and experienced personnel that prepares them to be a first responder of the 21st century. Local police agencies must wait for availability to enroll new recruits in the police academy and there is usually insufficient availability for career enhancement courses, like the introduction to investigations.

The training complex will be located less than 30 minutes from both the international and executive airports, Port Everglades and Brightline and Tri-Rail. Regional police and fire departments, as well as federal and state law enforcement, will also be able to utilize the state-of-the-art facility.