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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Bobby’s humanity, empathy, and strength saved the lives of so many of our Boston neighbors. As we mourn this loss, may we carry his example forward in word and deed.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a heartfelt speech honoring the life and legacy of Boston Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr., a Marine Veteran, proud third generation fire fighter, and dedicated father and partner. Rep. Pressley lauded Robert’s legacy of humanity, empathy, and strength in his 24 years of service and his commitment to keeping the people of Boston safe.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s floor speech is available below and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Delivers Floor Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Boston Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr.

U.S. House of Representatives

June 2, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boston firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr.

Bobby was a Marine Veteran, a proud third generation firefighter, and a dedicated father to two beautiful children.

For 24 years, he served the Boston Fire Department and kept the people of Boston safe.

Tragically, Bobby died last week while in service to our community, battling a large fire at a home in Dorchester. 

My husband Conan and I extend our deep condolences to his daughter Hannah Jane, his son Mason, his partner Jess, his extended family and the Boston Firefighters Local 718 as they grieve this loss.

His 24-year-old daughter spoke passionately at his funeral in Boston yesterday, she said, “My dad represents everything our world can be if we look out for each other, if we reach out to help first and ask questions later.”

“He used to say that the only thing he loved more than being a firefighter was being our dad.”

Bobby’s humanity, empathy, and strength saved the lives of so many of our Boston neighbors.

As we mourn this loss, may we carry his example forward in word and deed.

I yield.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) today sent a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith urging inclusion of language in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibiting the use of funds authorized by the bill for military operations against Cuba unless specifically approved by Congress.

In the letter, the members warned that President Trump “has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to use military force without congressional authorization,” noting that he has already undertaken military action in Venezuela, initiated a war with Iran, and publicly declared that “Cuba is next.”

The lawmakers also pointed to reports indicating that U.S. military planners are “weighing an array of options” that “could range from a single airstrike meant to scare the regime into concessions to a ground invasion meant to uproot it,” underscoring the need for Congress to act before additional military action is underway.

“Congress should not wait until additional military action is underway in Cuba to assert its constitutional authorities,” the members wrote. “Therefore, we urge the Committee to adopt clear language prohibiting the obligation or expenditure of funds for military operations against Cuba unless and until Congress has specifically authorized such action.”

In the letter, the members also reaffirmed Congress’s constitutional role in matters of war and peace, stating: “Congress alone possesses the authority to declare war, and the Committee should make clear that no funds authorized by this Act may be used to circumvent that fundamental constitutional principle.”

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Honors Henry Saaga and American Heroes

U.S. Commemorates D-Day and Battle of Midway

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the memory of Henry Saaga, who fought in the Normandy invasion, as the United States commemorates the anniversaries of D-Day (Europe, 1944), which was codenamed Operation Overlord, and the Battle of Midway (Pacific, 1942). Historians identify these as two of the major tipping points of World War II.

This special photo of the Saaga family in 1941 is on file at the Memorial in France

“As Samoans, we commemorate D-Day with our own shining example of bravery among our Toa o Samoa. Henry Saaga, born and raised in Utulei Village, here in American Samoa, survived the fighting in the great invasion of Normandy, but was last seen battling with courage in the famous, deadly hedgerows of France,” said Amata. “As we honor his memory and sacrifice, it is good to know that he is held in high honor in France, where his name is etched on the Wall of Honor, visited by many thousands yearly.” 

Henry Saaga is etched on the Wall in France and in this photo Amata has highlighted it in wet sand, a special tradition there, the only permitted use of the protected historic beach

Henry Saaga earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a singer and musician who played multiple instruments, and a three-sport athlete. In a historical footnote, he knew Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman, both in Oahu at the start of the war, and both from Ma’oputasi District.

Vice Chairman Amata in Normandy visiting D-Day and Hedgerow war sites with Veterans Committee Members including Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano – file photo

On June 6^th, we commemorate D-Day. Under the direction of General Dwight Eisenhower, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, sustaining severe losses, en route to liberating Europe from Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s historic message to the departing troops states, “The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

Two years earlier, on June 4-7, the U.S. Navy engaged Imperial Japan in the Battle of Midway, a largescale sea and air battle that dramatically changed Allied prospects in the Pacific. 

“On these honored dates, we commemorate the heroism of those who fought for country and freedom, and we thank God for their success in these two great endeavors,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Generations later, these victories still matter, becoming part of building more democratic governments, including our modern partnerships with Japan and Germany.”

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

Griffith Announces $97,472 ARC Grant for AI Study in the Ninth District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros:

“Andrew Boutros has disgraced the office he leads. Between the baseless Broadview Six case, the ridiculous charges against Marimar Martinez, and the credible allegations of dysfunction and misconduct, he has made it clear that he will put politics above the interests of Chicagoans and other residents of the Northern District. He has no credibility and must resign, and there must be a non-partisan, transparent process to nominate the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District.”

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson highlighted tax data that definitively shows the Working Families Tax Cuts delivers the largest share of tax relief to American families and workers – as Republicans said all along. Speaker Johnson also highlighted House Republican efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in state and federal government programs. Democrats, who pretend to care about making everyday life more affordable for Americans, are voting against all of it.

“Democrats talk a big game about affordability, but they refuse to do anything to address the rampant fraud in the government, which makes government services more expensive for every American taxpayer,” Speaker Johnson said. “It’s certainly no way to run a railroad as we say, and it’s no way to run a daycare either, by the way.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.

On the Working Families Tax Cuts’ benefits for working families:

Contrary to Democrats’ false narratives that they have tried breathlessly to foist upon the people, here’s the facts: this tax season was a great boost for hardworking American families. That’s exactly how we designed it, and that is what the numbers now prove that we achieved. Let me tell you what it said. In total, the U.S. Treasury gave $82 billion back to the American taxpayer. And so, what that means is 70% of filers earning less than $100,000 received a big tax cut. And 96% of taxpayers who earn less than $200,000 got a big tax cut. 96% of the country, that’s hardworking Americans who are struggling every day to make ends meet. We’re working to make life easier for them and bring down their costs and work on affordability. This, of course, was all thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, the big beautiful bill, that we got signed triumphantly into law last July 4th. As you all remember, every single Democrat voted against the bill – every single one in the House and Senate. So, they can’t take any credit for that. In fact, you can say rightfully that they would’ve prevented that great benefit for the American people. Among many accomplishments of the Working Families Tax Cuts, this consequential piece of legislation prevented the largest tax hike in American history, which would’ve happened by default.

On the Republican war on fraud:

We’re talking about the war on fraud because it’s a very important theme right now. It’s being amplified around the country for obvious reasons because we’re uncovering more and more. Elections have consequences. When you put people who are against fraud and vehemently dedicated to that as the people demand and expect, when you put Republicans in charge, we go root this stuff out. We bring it to your attention, and we eliminate it. And that’s exactly what’s happening. There’s one thing that infuriates every conscientious American: it is the waste of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars. And so, we’re working on that. Explosive reports have exposed staggering and brazen fraud in deep blue states like Minnesota and California, as you’ve heard addressed this morning. They have industrial-scale theft. I mean, it has gone on unabated for years. 83% of Americans in the latest poll say that they’re concerned about fraud and government programs, and they want us to do something about it. And we are, we have been. We will continue to do. It clearly strikes a nerve with the American people.

The Government Accountability Office estimates that the US government loses – listen to this – loses as much as $500 billion in federal funds every year. A half of a trillion dollars is burned up and wasted because fraudsters and scammers are involved. That’s $4,000 per American household every year totally wasted. We could use that money so much better. Why does this matter? Because fraud is an invisible tax. What that does is it weakens the buying power of every American tax dollar. And you can bet that when Democrats are in charge, they’re not going to be pointing out the fraud. They’re not going to point their finger at the billions and billions of dollars stolen on their watch. They’re going to be looking to raise more funds. They’re going to try to raise more revenue to cover the fraud. That’s what their response is. They want bigger government. They want higher taxes. They want more spending. And they’ll never talk about reforms again; they’re voting against the reforms. And you’re going to see that demonstrated again this week on the floor.

On Republican legislation to further root out waste, fraud, and abuse:

Of course, the states are the ones in so many cases that are the purveyors of federal funds for the services they administer at the state level. And so, we have this trio of bills that you’ve heard about this week. We’re going to close loopholes, crack down on abuse, hold negligent state leaders accountable. This is what you get when you vote for good government when Republicans are in charge. That’s what we do.

You’ve heard about some of the highlights; we’re going to put new guardrails on TANF funding, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, to mitigate improper payments and ensure states are paying their fair share for this critically important program. We’re going to make sure the services get to the people who actually need and deserve it, and they’re not wasted and stolen by people, by fraud. We’re going to have additional measures to stop fraud and crime rings and so-called ghost students who are stealing federal student aid under fake or stolen identities. We’re going to have a bunch of reforms that crack down on rampant abuse of childcare dollars, withholding federal funds from states that repeatedly misused them like we saw in Minnesota, strengthen fraud standards and state oversight. So much of that is going on. It will continue to go on, and we’re going to hold these people accountable, and we’re going to make sure the taxpayer dollars are spent well.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the names of the 2026 Military Academy appointees from Oklahoma’s Fourth District who received and accepted appointments for entry into one of our nation’s prestigious military academies. These academies include the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

Congressman Cole, along with the help of his staff, selected these appointees by hand and met with them last week. 

After meeting with the appointees, Congressman Cole said, “Those who answer the call to serve are our nation’s finest – and that includes these eight young Oklahomans. I am so proud of these men and women for their choice to attend a challenging yet rewarding military academy. They really are some of the best and brightest and I have no doubt that they will go on to do amazing things serving our country as part of the Armed Forces.”

The list below includes the names and high school information of the appointees, as well as the academies to which they have been appointed.

United States Air Force Academy

Brandon Heckethorn – Lone Grove High School

Tessa Inman – Lindsay High School

Simon Marchesano – Moore High School (Also was offered the U.S. Naval Academy)

Gregory Williams – Norman North High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School

United States Naval Academy

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School (Also was offered U.S. Military Academy at West Point)

Gracie Ragland – Byng High School

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School (Also was offered U.S. Military Academy at West Point)

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

June 01, 2026

Watch Rep. Levin’s Full Remarks Here

OCEANSIDE, CA — Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) today announced a breakthrough in the decades-long fight to restore Oceanside’s eroding coastline: after 26 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft plan to bring sand back to the city’s beaches through long-term beach nourishment. He was joined by Mayor Esther Sanchez, Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce, the Army Corps, local business owner Donna Kalez, and environmental advocate Bob Ashton.

The announcement comes as the Army Corps completes its spring dredge of Oceanside Harbor, placing 320,000 cubic yards of sand on local beaches just in time for summer — the largest replenishment the city has seen in years.

The Corps’ recommended approach is beach nourishment on a regular renourishment cycle: sand placed directly on Oceanside’s beaches, with no seawalls or hard structures. The Corps identified it as the most technically feasible, most environmentally acceptable, and lowest-cost way to mitigate erosion and restore the shoreline. The plan complements the City of Oceanside’s RE:BEACH initiative, which is designed to keep nourished sand in place longer. The draft is open for public comment through June 30, 2026. The Corps will then complete a Report from the Chief of Engineers to recommend the plan to Congress to authorize and fund for construction.

For more than 80 years, the harbor at Camp Pendleton — built by the federal government in 1942 — has disrupted the natural flow of sand down the coast and driven chronic erosion in Oceanside. The federal government first acknowledged responsibility in 1953, but the fix stalled for decades. When Rep. Levin entered Congress in 2019, the Army Corps had abandoned the study. He secured a provision in federal law requiring its completion and later secured over $4 million to finish it, clearing the path for the plan announced today.

“For 26 years, Oceanside has been asking the federal government for one thing: a real plan to bring back the sand this harbor took. Today, we finally have it. And the answer is simple — sand, and lots of it,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “When I got to Congress, this effort was dead. I secured the requirement in federal law that the Army Corps study be finished, and I secured the funding to get it done. Now we have the plan, and I won’t let up until that sand is on our beaches for good.”

“This is an incredible point that we now have a project,” said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “That two-year study that took from before 2000 until now finally did happen and finally came up with the best alternative. Thank you, Rep. Levin, for everything you do for our beaches and our harbor.”

“Oceanside is doing things that no other community on our coastline is doing,” said Environmental Advocate Bob Ashton. “Today we celebrated not only the dredge, but the delivery of a project that has been in the works for a very long time.”

“Thank you to Congressman Levin,” said Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce. “His years of support for this project are the only reason we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. With steady effort, we got to the point where sand is replenishing our beaches.”

“My family and I are so proud to own a business here in Oceanside called Oceanside Adventures,” said local business owner Donna Kalez. “We take people whale watching every single day, and a harbor that’s dredged on time is essential to keeping our business running.”

In early April, Rep. Levin announced over $8.2 million in federal funding for Oceanside Harbor maintenance dredging, enabling the Army Corps to dredge the harbor twice in 2026 — first this spring to address an emergency in which rapid shoaling caused two boats to capsize and one vessel to run aground, and again in the fall as the program transitions to a new annual fall dredging cycle. Oceanside Harbor is the only harbor between San Diego and Dana Point and a designated “critical harbor of refuge” for commercial and military vessels, requiring annual dredging to prevent dangerous sediment buildup. The spring dredge was completed on May 9, removing 320,000 cubic yards of sediment and transferring it to local beaches, with demobilization completed on May 13. The replenishment reduces navigation hazards, enhances surge protection for harbor infrastructure, and creates a larger beach for the community to enjoy.

The plan announced today is the product of years of work by Rep. Levin to revive a study the Army Corps had abandoned. At his request, the Water Resources Development Acts of 2020 and 2024 included a provision requiring expedited completion of the long-delayed Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. Rep. Levin then secured the funding to finish it in two tranches: $1.8 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022, and an additional $2.27 million in 2025 to complete the study and prepare the environmental documents required to execute the project — together clearing the path for the draft plan released today. During the process, Rep. Levin successfully passed language into law directing the Corps to avoid the construction of hard infrastructure for the project.

Rep. Levin has also advanced separate funding to reduce flood risk and add sand in Oceanside. He helped secure $26 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package — alongside Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff — for the San Luis Rey River project, which will repair the river’s levee system and remove sediment from the channel. That sediment can be placed on local beaches, complementing the shoreline restoration effort. Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured more than $1 billion in federal funding for the 49th District.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

May 28, 2026

Alfred Sabory

San Clemente, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) named 101-year-old WWII veteran Alfred Sabory as his May 2026 Constituent of the Month. Alfred, a California native and current San Clemente resident, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at just 17 years old. He served as a radio operator and .50-caliber machine gunner aboard a B-17 bomber with the 8th Air Force, 457th Bomber Group, 740th Bombardment Squadron, stationed at Glatton Air Base in England in 1944.

Over the course of some of the war’s most perilous missions, Alfred and his squadron earned the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Presidential Unit Citation for operations over France and Germany. He personally received the European Combat Medal, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.

When Alfred’s crew became eligible for rotation home after 25 missions, they instead volunteered to continue flying in order to fill depleted ranks and support the Allied invasion of France. On his 29th mission, D-Day, June 6, 1944, Alfred’s B-17 came under heavy anti-aircraft fire while bombing targets at Normandy and near Paris. He sustained serious wounds, and though the damaged aircraft managed to return to England, he spent three months recovering in a Scottish hospital before being transported home aboard a hospital ship. He was discharged in late 1945 as a Technical Sergeant.

After the war, Alfred earned a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate teaching credential from San Jose State University, where he also competed on the boxing team. He went on to build a distinguished career in education, serving as a teacher across multiple California school districts, including Marina, Hollister, Campbell, Santa Cruz, and San Carlos. He later held administrative roles such as Business Manager, Vice Principal, and Principal of Jubilee Christian School.

He and his wife Alice shared 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2000.

Following his career in education, Alfred dedicated himself to advocacy work with Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) in South Santa Clara Valley, guiding seniors through the complexities of Social Security benefits and helping resolve personal finance matters with financial institutions on their behalf.

Alfred currently resides in San Clemente, which is also home to his dedicated daughter, Darlene Gerdts.

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Alfred Sabory in the Congressional Record:

“Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Alfred Sabory, a 101-year-old World War II Veteran, as my Constituent of the Month for May 2026.”

“Alfred Sabory is a man who has embraced every chapter of his life with purpose — and he shows no signs of slowing down. When duty called, he stepped forward to defend our nation against the forces of fascism and the Axis powers, and he stayed in the fight long after he could have come home. For many, service in a world war would define a lifetime.”

“Yet after his extraordinary bravery abroad, he devoted himself to educating the next generation here at home. He stands as one of the finest examples of a life given in service to others.”

“From safeguarding liberty on foreign soil to inspiring young people in the classroom to championing the well-being of our seniors, Alfred Sabory has spent more than a century strengthening this nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this exceptional American.”

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:

Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s April Constituent of the month was the Crow Force Robotics Team, an outstanding group of 19 students and their teacher-advisor from Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad. Levin’s March 2026 Constituent of the Month was Susan Parmelee, an outstanding San Clemente resident, founder and Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, a bill requiring states to report on efforts to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability while preserving state flexibility in administering HCBS programs.   

Home and community-based services (HCBS), authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. While HCBS programs are vital to millions of Americans, their rapid growth and decentralized administration create vulnerabilities to improper payments and fraudulent activity.

Currently, there is no uniform federal requirement for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities. This bill would amend Section 1915(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to require states, on an annual basis, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a summary of any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs and a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.   

“Home and community-based services (HCBS) play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used. The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively,” Latta said.  

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-2), Rep. Tom Barret (MI-07) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19). 

This bill is supported by Americans for Prosperity, The Libre Initiative and Able Americans. 

“Congratulations to Congressman Latta on offering a commonsense answer to a serious problem. Federal health care programs are rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. This bill would help reduce those improper payments, within an important part of Medicaid, by arming policymakers with better data. AFP will be urging all Members of Congress to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 because it will benefit patients and taxpayers alike without any new spending, taxes, or mandates,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, Americans for Prosperity.  

“The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026. This legislation is not simply about saving taxpayer dollars, but at its core, it’s about ensuring our most vulnerable fellow Americans receive the care they were promised. Over 5 million Americans rely on home and community-based services, including hundreds of thousands of Latino seniors who are the fastest growing elderly demographic in our country. In 2024 alone, Medicaid fraud units recovered over a billion dollars. When fraud goes unchecked, it is these families who suffer most,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative. 

“Able Americans supports Rep. Bob Latta’s HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, legislation that calls on states to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services. For millions of Americans with disabilities, HCBS is not optional—it is the support that allows them to live in their homes, remain connected to their families, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These services are a lifeline. But when waste, fraud, or abuse occurs, it threatens both taxpayers and the people with disabilities who depend on these programs for daily care. Able Americans applauds Rep. Latta for his leadership to protect Medicaid HCBS, safeguard taxpayers, and verify that states guard these critical services remain available for the people who need them most,” said Rachel Barkley, Director of Able Americans. 

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 would:  

• Establish consistent, nationwide reporting on HCBS program integrity;  
• Provide federal policymakers with better data to identify trends and risks;  
• Encourage states to enhance anti-fraud systems and safeguards.