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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is commemorating National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day for this year’s 83^rd anniversary, and released the following statement:

“This year, December 7^th is once again on Sunday. While there was war in much of the world, it was a peaceful and lovely Hawaiian morning until the sudden air raid at 7:55 A.M. This attack changed the world, and brought the United States into World War II, destroying many ships and planes, and taking the precious lives of 2,403 U.S. Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and civilians, and many more wounded.

“Like many of us, I’ve been at the Pearl Harbor historic sites, including the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. These are incredibly moving experiences, and important for us to remember and teach to following generations.

“American Samoa has a direct part in this history, as my father Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman was there serving in the U.S. Army that day, stationed in Oahu. He survived having his Jeep strafed in the attack, serving in the Pacific throughout the war. Our people take great pride in all our Toa o Samoa, before and since, and our people continue a special tradition of faithful service, dedicated military families, and honored veterans.

“Today, we are thankful for the great World War II generation, which sacrificed so much for freedom. We are thankful for all our Veterans, and our Service Men and Women. Remembering this Pearl Harbor Day, three weeks before Christmas, we pray for long-lasting peace as we commemorate their courage and sacrifice.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomes Wednesday’s joint announcement of the new Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus, which starts with the five Representatives from the territories.

The founding members are Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), with Congressman James Moylan (Guam) and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (Puerto Rico) serving as the Co-Chairs for the 119th Congress.

This bipartisan caucus is now officially registered as a Congressional Member Organization. It will focus on strengthening federal policies, improving program access, and elevating the visibility of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Congresswoman Amata also serves on several issues or region-based caucuses, including as a Co-Chairman of the Pacific Islands Caucus, as well as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. 

Congresswoman Amata emphasized strengthening long-standing cooperation among the islands: “Many of our best successes have come from working together in unity on shared priorities, and that cooperation is strengthened even further when our colleagues step forward as friends of the territories. This Caucus is another excellent avenue to draw needed attention to our efforts and help our colleagues understand how they can support the islands. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities, and I appreciate our founding members and all who join us.”

Congressman Moylan emphasized the importance of coordinated advocacy across the territories: “By forming this caucus, we’re creating a unified platform for Members committed to advancing the shared priorities of the territories. This is our way of ensuring our colleagues across Congress better understand the unique needs and challenges facing America’s island jurisdictions. Whether it’s healthcare access, infrastructure, cost of living, or federal program parity, our voices are stronger when we speak together. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every territory is heard and never overlooked.”

Resident Commissioner Hernández underscored the caucus’s bipartisan mission: “We formed this bipartisan caucus to bring greater attention and structure to the federal issues affecting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. As Co-Chair, I’m committed to working across the aisle to strengthen affordability, expand opportunity, and ensure federal programs reach every corner of the United States. This effort is about responsible governance and making sure that Puerto Rico and U.S. territories have a clear voice in Congress.”

Congresswoman King-Hinds highlighted the collaborative impact of the caucus: “I’m proud to see the Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus officially established. The Northern Mariana Islands and other commonwealths and territories face shared challenges and shared opportunities, and this caucus gives us a united platform to push for progress. I’m excited for the work ahead and the partnerships we will continue to build.”

The Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus will work to strengthen coordination on legislation affecting the territories, expand access to federal programs, improve economic, healthcare, and infrastructure opportunities, and ensure that every U.S. territory and commonwealth has a clear and informed voice in federal policymaking.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Thanksgiving Day 2025:

Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV) ~ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

“Happy Thanksgiving! The Holy Bible has no shortage of thanksgiving verses, reminding us to live with gratitude and be mindful of our blessings, and God as their source. We are a thankful people, and these verses stood out to me this year, because they highlight singing, and our people dearly love to sing. I personally love to hear our various congregations or school groups as they follow our wonderful island tradition of enjoying music to the fullest.

“A special thank you to those protecting us in the military, who can’t be home, or serving as medical professionals and first responders on call to keep us safe during our time off.

“Thanksgiving is a welcome pause in everyone’s busy lives. Congress is no exception, as we must complete the remaining appropriations bills over the next few months, or renew a government funding extension after January for some federal departments and agencies. I also expect we will very soon finalize the yearly NDAA Defense bill which authorizes all Pentagon efforts and the pay increase for our military, and a Coast Guard authorization that directs growing attention to the Pacific and boosts the cutter fleet. I will keep you informed of these priorities.

“May you have a joyful time and delicious meals this Thanksgiving with family and dear friends. Have a blessed and thankful holiday!”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the announcement of Operation Southern Spear and the rapid U.S. military escalation toward Venezuela:

“In recent weeks, the Pentagon has carried out at least 20 illegal strikes on boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the extrajudicial killings of 76 people. In all that time, they have not provided a shred of evidence to Congress or the American people about who was killed or how these decisions were made.

“At the same time, the administration has undertaken a military buildup not seen in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Fifteen thousand U.S. military personnel are now present in the area, along with the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford. In response, Venezuela has ordered its own mass mobilization, ratcheting up tensions and raising the specter of war between our countries. It is unacceptable that Puerto Rico is once again being used as a forward base for military escalation. The people of the island should not bear the risks of another unnecessary and unlawful conflict.

“Yesterday’s announcement of Operation Southern Spear seeks to justify these blatantly illegal strikes and formalize this escalatory campaign. 

“As the President considers military options against Venezuela, including strikes inside the country, it is clear he is marching us toward another illegal and potentially disastrous foreign intervention, the exact type of conflict he campaigned on avoiding. I opposed the Iraq War because the Bush administration misled the American people to justify an invasion, and I am seeing disturbing parallels now.

“If the White House keeps moving toward strikes inside Venezuela or a broader military campaign, I will back every tool we have, including a War Powers Resolution, to prevent an illegal and catastrophic war. Congress must act now to stop this reckless escalation before it turns into a regional crisis that takes countless lives. I call on my colleagues to join me.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced the impending closure of their Lexington, Nebraska, beef processing facility:

“Today’s announcement by Tyson Foods is a disappointing loss for Lexington, Dawson County, the region, and the cattle industry as a whole.  Nebraska’s hard-working cattle producers are innovative and highly efficient as they work to provide high quality beef for consumers.  As the Lexington community and Nebraska agriculture respond to this announcement I welcome input from producers and stand ready to assist as we all move forward.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently introduced the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, legislation which would allow for Medicare reimbursement to licensed genetic counselors for services which would otherwise be reimbursable if provided by a physician.

Genetic counselors have extensive training in identifying which tests are most appropriate for a particular patient, and how to interpret test results to best inform the patient’s plan of care. With a wide variety of tests available on the market, leveraging the knowledge and experience of a genetic counselor can save both patients and the taxpayer money by avoiding unnecessary testing and allowing physicians to focus their time on what they do best – treating patients.

“Expanded access to genetic counseling will improve the lives of seniors across the country” said Rep. Smith. “Rapidly advancing technology and ever-growing knowledge of the human genome and its relationship with our health means seniors will be able to identify risks and diseases even earlier, improving outcomes and lowering treatment costs.”

“Genetic counselors guide and support patients and their families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives with expertise and compassion, and are an integral part of the care team,” said Rep. Castor. “I am proud that the University of South Florida is home to the first and only Genetic Counseling Graduate Program in the State, preparing students with the technical knowledge and clinical expertise to treat our neighbors. The common-sense, cost-effective Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would help grow the genetic counseling profession and ensure our neighbors get the most accurate care.”

“Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers would be tremendously valuable in ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate, and high-quality care. Many cancers have a genetic component, and it is genetic counselors who provide the critical expertise and reassurance families need to understand testing options and familial risk. That is why Cancer Partners of Nebraska proudly supports the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, led by Congressman Adrian Smith and Congresswoman Kathy Castor, which will benefit countless seniors, including those here in Nebraska,” saidJustin Rousek, PhD, MPH, MS, CEO at Cancer Partners of Nebraska.

“Genetic counselors are specifically trained to help patients understand complex test results, weigh options, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” saidDeborah Cragun, PhD, MS, CGC, Director of USF Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. “Allowing Medicare to directly reimburse for services provided by genetic counselors is a practical step toward more equitable, person-centered genomic care. By supporting the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, Representative Castor is advancing a policy that improves access, supports high-quality care, and uses health-care dollars more wisely.”

“Genetic counselors serve as connectors to the personalized care that could make all the difference for Medicare patients and their families facing diseases like hereditary cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sara Pirzadeh-Miller, MS, CGC, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and a cancer genetic counselor in Texas. “We’re so grateful that Representatives Smith and Castor, plus many others in Congress, understand the tremendous value that genetic counselors offer for their constituents and America’s healthcare system.”

Read the full letter text of the bill here.

Supporting Organizations:

• Access to Expanded Carrier Screening Coalition (AECS)
• ACT Genetics
• Advocate Genetics
• Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease
• AliveandKick’n
• Alliance for Patient Access
• Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers
• ALS Association
• American Board of Genetic Counseling
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
• American Kidney Fund
• American Parkinson Disease Association
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
• American Society of Human Genetics
• Amyloidosis Foundation
• Arizona Genetics Alliance
• Ascension St. Vincent
• Association for Creatine Deficiencies
• Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC)
• Avera Health
• Avery’s Hope
• Barth Syndrome Foundation
• BillionToOne, Inc. (BillionToOne Laboratory)
• Born a Hero Research Foundation
• Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA)
• Cancer Partners of Nebraska
• Cancer Resource Foundation, INC; DBA Cancer1Source
• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• CDH International
• Chicago Genetic Consultants
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology
• Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Children’s Wisconsin
• Choroideremia Research Foundation
• City of Hope National Medical Center
• Coalition to Cure CHD2
• Colon Cancer Alliance for Research & Education for Lynch Syndrome (CCARE Lynch Syndrome)
• Colon Cancer Coalition
• Columbia University Irving Medical Center
• COMBINEDBrain, Inc.
• Corewell Health System
• CSNK2A1 Foundation
• Cure CMD
• Cure GABA-A
• Cure GM1 Foundation
• Cure Sanfilippo Foundation
• Cure VCP Disease
• CureGRIN Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• DCM Foundation
• Denver Health & Hospital Authority
• DMC University Laboratories
• Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
• Dup15q Alliance
• Elevate DD
• Emory School of Medicine
• Epilepsy Foundation of America
• EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases
• Exact Sciences
• Exceptional Lives, Inc.
• Family Connection of South Carolina
• Family Heart Foundation
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
• Flok Health
• Florida Association of Genetic Counselors (FLAGC)
• FOD (Fatty Oxidation Disorders) Family Support Group
• FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
• Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
• Frederick Health
• GABA-A Alliance
• GeneDx, Inc.
• Genetic Support Foundation
• Genome Creative, LLC
• Genome Medical
• Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE)
• GeriatRx
• Global Genes: Allies in Rare Disease
• Good Samaritian Hospital; Catholic Health
• Greenwood Genetic Center
• Grey Genetics
• Hannah’s Hope Fund for GAN
• Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology
• HCU Network America
• HD Genetics
• HealthyGene
• Helix, Inc.
• Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation
• Human Genetics Association of New Jersey
• Immune Deficiency Foundation
• Indiana Oncology Society
• International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN)
• International Foundation for CDKL5 Research
• Invision Sally Jobe/Radiology Imaging Associates
• Iowa Oncology Society
• IVI RMA America
• Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• JScreen
• Kaiona Counseling
• KCNQ2 Cure Alliance
• Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Labcorp
• Les Turner ALS Foundation
• Li Fraumeni Syndrome LFSA Association
• Lipodystrophy United
• Long Island University Post Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• M-CM Network
• Mass General Brigham
• Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Genetic Counseling Program
• Medical Oncology Association of Southern California (MOASC)
• Metis Genetics
• Middlesex Health Cancer Center
• Mirvie, Inc.
• Mississippi Metabolics Foundation
• MKGenetix
• Monica Weldon Consulting, LLC
• Montana State Oncology Society
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• My Gene Counsel
• MyOme
• MyOme
• Myriad Genetics, Inc.
• Natera, Inc
• National Ataxia Foundation
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• National Down Syndrome Society
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• NBIA Disorders Association
• NERGG, Inc. (New England Regional Genetics Group)
• Nest Genomics
• New England Cancer Specialists
• No Stomach For Cancer
• North Carolina Medical Genetics Association
• Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society
• Northwestern University Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling
• NW Rare Disease Coalition
• Ochsner Health
• Ohio Association of Genetic Counselors
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
• Ovum Health
• Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
• Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS)
• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Pathways for Rare and Orphan Solutions
• Penn Medicine Basser Center
• Penn State Health
• Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology
• Personalized Medicine Coalition
• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA|USA)
• Project Alive
• Propionic Acidemia Foundation
• PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome Foundation
• PXE International/Genetic Allliance
• Quest Diagnostics
• Rady Children’s Health- San Diego
• RARE-X
• Relevant Genetics, LLC
• Remember The Girls
• Rocket Pharma
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• Sarah Lawerence College
• SATB2 Gene Foundation
• Sharsheret, Inc.; The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community
• Southeastern Regional Genetics Group (SERGG)
• Southern California Genetic Counselors (SCGC)
• STXBP1 Foundation
• Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation
• Susan G. Komen
• Sutter Health
• The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
• The Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer (CGA-IGC)
• The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders
• The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health
• The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
• The Ohio State University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• The RUNX1 Research Program
• TSC Alliance
• United Leukodystrophy Foundation
• United MSD Foundation
• UnityPoint Health
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• University of California San Francisco (UCSF Health)
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• University of Maryland Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Pediatrics
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center
• University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program
• University of South Florida
• University of Vermont Health Network
• USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Usher 1F Collaborative
• UT Health | The University of Texas Health Center at Houston
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Virginia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology
• Virginia Oncology Associates
• Watershed DNA
• Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
• Xavier University of Louisiana
• xCures

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has announced the names of the Third District high school students serving on his Youth Advisory Council for the 2025-2026 academic school year.  

Youth Advisory Council members include:

• Ava Wenzel of Arthur
• Dominic Kouba of Auburn
• Megan Macklin of Blue Hill
• Paxton Burke of Stromsburg
• Colton Zehendner of Pleasanton
• Bennett Murdoch of Grand Island
• Matthew Rosenlund of Grand Island
• Madeline Caskey of Ogallala
• Lillie Uhing of Chadron
• Bianca McDonald of Scottsbluff
• Addison Peck of Scottsbluff

Smith’s Youth Advisory Council is a forum for high school students to discuss opinions, thoughts, and concerns about local and federal issues with Smith throughout the school year. Through in-person meetings and other contacts, the council provides students with an opportunity for involvement and insight into their government and communities.

The council is open to Third District sophomore, junior, and senior high school students. More information is available on Smith’s website at AdrianSmith.House.Gov/Services/Youth-Advisory-Council. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement following reports indicating Rev. Franklin Graham was denied a visa by the Indian government on religious grounds. 

“For generations the Graham family have been leaders in demonstrating their faith in Christ through acts of charity to the poorest among us around the world and by sharing the gospel with all those who freely choose to hear it. 

“The decision by India’s federal government to deny Rev. Graham a visa is a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution’s protections for freedom of religion. The discriminatory treatment of Rev. Graham, prohibiting him from visiting a region where he was invited and expected to be warmly welcomed by thousands who share his faith does not align with Prime Minister Modi’s promises to work toward improved ties with the United States nor with his promises to protect religious minorities.”

Rev. Graham had been invited to participate in an event with thousands of Christians in Nagaland, a majority Christian state in Northeast India. His organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has provided relief, aid, and religious resources to Indians for more than forty years.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after a White House event announcing federal support for agriculture producers impacted by ongoing trade disputes.

“I appreciate President Trump and his administration recognizing the challenges faced by American producers during ongoing trade negotiations. U.S. farmers and ranchers utilize world-leading practices to produce high quality food, strengthening our economy and national security. Through no fault of their own, producers have faced increasingly volatile market conditions in recent years due to weather, input prices, and unfair trading practices from our partners. 

“While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to producing because they want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. It is vital President Trump and his trade negotiators continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture around the globe. I appreciate the strong progress made by the administration so far, and I look forward to working with them to achieve additional agreements and ensure our partners fulfill their commitments.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act (H.R. 3174) under suspension, favorably out of the chamber. This legislation will significantly expand access to capital for small American manufacturers and strengthen the domestic industry. Chairman Roger Williams (TX-25) issued the following statement on the legislation.