Virginia Democrats Request NPS Restore Historically Accurate Arlington House Educational Materials

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

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (VA-08) today led the Democratic Virginia Congressional delegation including Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11), to request that the National Park Service (NPS) immediately return a Junior Ranger Program activity booklet to circulation in its original form ahead of America 250 events, which are expected to bring millions of visitors to Virginia and the National Capital Region.

According to an NPS database, the Junior Ranger activity booklet was flagged and removed pursuant to the June 2025 National Park Service directive ordering the review of public-facing historical materials for including the following line: “In 1829, Robert E. Lee promised to serve in the Army and protect the United States. In 1861, he broke his promise and fought for slavery.” In requesting that the booklet be immediately returned to circulation in its original form, the lawmakers emphasized that the booklet’s language regarding General Robert E. Lee is factually accurate and necessary to telling the complete story of Arlington House and the American Civil War.

The lawmakers also requested a full accounting of any interpretive materials, exhibits, signage, or educational resources that have been removed or altered at Virginia national park sites pursuant to the June 2025 memorandum.

In a letter to Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron, the lawmakers wrote:

Dear Acting Director Bowron:

As Members of Congress representing the Commonwealth of Virginia, we write to ask that you return to circulation a Junior Ranger Program activity book that has been reportedly taken out of circulation at Arlington House. As we approach America 250 celebrations that will center around our nation’s capital, it is essential that all families and other visitors who choose to make Arlington House part of their commemoration of this important milestone have full access to educational materials created to tell the story of this important Virginia site.

Pursuant to a memo that you issued in June 2025, every NPS unit was directed to review all public signage, language, and historical resources to remove or change any that are subjectively negative about either past or living Americans. According to an NPS database, the Junior Ranger booklet was flagged for including the following line: “In 1829, Robert E. Lee promised to serve in the Army and protect the United States. In 1861, he broke his promise and fought for slavery.”

That phrase, along with the rest of the booklet, is not only historically accurate, but also important to understanding the context of the site. Robert E. Lee graduated from West Point in 1829. Upon commissioning into the United States Army, he took an oath that required him to “bear true allegiance to the United States of America” among other commitments to public service. Contrary to that oath, he resigned from the U.S. Army in 1861, and proceeded to take up arms in a war intended to break the United States and preserve the institution of slavery. Lee not only resigned his commission, but betrayed his oath by participating in armed rebellion against the United States government. Explaining that decision by Lee is essential to telling the story of Arlington House, which was acquired by the federal government soon after he resigned his commission and left Arlington to fight against the United States.

Given the upcoming America 250 events, we ask that you immediately return the Junior Ranger Program activity book to circulation, including all content prior to removal. Doing so will ensure that Arlington House is equipped to serve the many visitors who choose to make it part of their once-in-a lifetime historical and educational events this summer, and ensure access to age-appropriate educational content.

Additionally, we request that NPS provide our offices with a full accounting of any interpretive materials, including exhibits, signage, and Junior Ranger resources, that have been removed or altered at Virginia national park units pursuant to the June 2025 memorandum, and that NPS commit to notifying our offices prior to any future such changes. Ahead of America 250, Virginia’s national parks, which serve millions of visitors each year, are an invaluable resource for visitors to the Commonwealth. Any removal or significant alteration of educational materials at those sites risks undermining those sites and the complete, accurate, and historical resources they provide.

We request a commitment to meet those requests, as well as clarity on the Junior Ranger Program activity book, by June 2, 2026.

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

Protections for Epstein Survivors and Crime Victims Advance in House Appropriations Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Rep. Frankel joined Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee to advance two key provisions in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill to protect survivors of Epstein sexual abuse and strengthen victims’ rights in the justice system. This follows the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Democrats’ field hearing on the Epstein case held in Palm Beach County. Rep. Frankel will be available for interviews from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, May 19, to discuss her work to secure these critical protections for survivors. Interested press should contact Elle Walters (904-624-2523) for the specific location.

With bipartisan support, the House Appropriations Committee advanced provisions to:

  • Require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove and prohibit the public release of personally identifying information of Epstein survivors on DOJ websites and in public materials.

  • Direct the DOJ Inspector General to review DOJ compliance with the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and examine reforms needed to ensure all survivors are guaranteed their rights under the law, including timely notification of plea agreements before they are finalized — addressing the very loophole exploited in Epstein’s secret 2008 non-prosecution agreement.

At the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Democratic field hearing in Palm Beach County, survivors recounted how prosecutors failed to notify them of Epstein’s secret non-prosecution agreement, shutting survivors out of the justice process. Survivors were recently retraumatized by the Trump DOJ publicly releasing their personal information.

“Epstein prosecutors denied survivors justice while protecting the powerful and well-connected, and now the Trump DOJ has exposed survivors’ private information to the public — retraumatizing the very people the justice system is supposed to protect,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

 “These bipartisan provisions will help protect survivors’ dignity and privacy while strengthening the rights of crime victims to be informed, heard, and treated fairly under the law.”

The FY27 CJS funding bill awaits consideration by the full House and the Senate. As it moves forward, Rep. Frankel will continue to push for the inclusion of these two provisions.

Wilson, Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) re-introduced the Lainie JonesComprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families.

This legislation is named for Lainie Jones, who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits.

“I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie JonesComprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer’s example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Rep. Wilson, Member of the House Cancer Caucus. 

“As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.”

“Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. 

“I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said Rep. DeSaulnier.

“As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned that patients and families need support, guidance and resources far after standard treatments end. Cancer can take a physical and emotional toll on the entire family for a foreseeably long time. Thank you to the members of Congress who are prioritizing this important legislation. Cancer patients, families and caregivers applaud you,” said Jennifer Wilson, breast cancer survivor.

“The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors’ right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it.”

“Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer survivorship and maintain patients’ access to the health services needed to address the long-term effects of cancer, giving them the best chance of remaining cancer-free. We offer our enthusiastic support for this bill and urge Congress to pass it.”

“More than 521,000 childhood cancer survivors face a lifetime of health challenges due to their treatment. Many transition into primary care without a survivorship care plan and are unprepared for the significant health issues they may face, including hearing loss, infertility, and cardiac late effects,” said Steve Woshala, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Cancer Cause. “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act helps address the specialized needs of this population through provisions such as Medicaid coverage to ease transitions of care.” 

“Over the last 20 years, we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of lymphoma and many other blood cancers, as well as understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors,” said Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. “The Lymphoma Research Foundation commends Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, and Wilson for reintroducing the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act and recognizing that surviving cancer brings with it a set of physical, psychological, and financial needs that require ongoing attention and support. The Foundation is committed to the continued support of people with lymphoma and their care partners, to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the face of a diagnosis.”

This legislation addresses:

Care Planning and Transition: Provides coverage to address the transition to primary care to help survivors develop personalized treatment care plans, standardizes processes, and consolidates treatments to guide survivorship monitoring and follow-up care; 

Alternative Payment Model: Studies existing reimbursement landscape to develop an alternative payment model to ensure a coordinated approach to survivorship care across an episode of care, including the creation of comprehensive navigation services; 

Quality of Care: Establishes grants to promote utilization of navigation, employment of risk-stratification, transition to primary care, utilization of care plans, potential use of at-home care, and better use of information technology for patient experience data; 

Employment: Establishes employment assistance grants to help survivors, their families, and caregivers when faced with a range of workforce challenges; and 

Education, Awareness: Creates resources for survivors and health professionals to promote early detection, preventive care and help providers provide high-quality services.

It also addresses innovation and technology use, long-term studies on cancer survivorship progress in the U.S., access to fertility and preservation services, and provisions concerning childhood and adolescent cancer.

Over 50 organizations have endorsed the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act:

Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+), Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Coalition, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, American Association for Cancer Research, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Blood Cancer United, The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cactus Cancer Society, Cancer Awareness Network for Children, Inc., CancerCare, Cancer Nation, Cancer Support Community, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Professionals Network (CSPN), Cervivor, Chemo Divas Foundation, Children’s Cancer Cause, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., Digestive Disease National Coalition, Emily Whitehead Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Head for the Cure, Hodgkin’s International, I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, International Myeloma Foundation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, LUNGevity Foundation, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Man Up to Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, The National Pancreas Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Nicole Cares Foundation, Nueva Vida, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Patient Empowerment Network, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Project Life, RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, Sharsheret, Sisters Network Inc., Stupid Cancer, Inc., Susan G. Komen, Teen Cancer America, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Unite for HER, Worth the Wait, Young Survival Coalition, and ZERO Prostate Cancer.

The full bill text can be found here.

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Underwood Introduces Legislation to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Access for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON- Rep. Lauren Underwood has introduced the EV Charging Accessibility Act, legislation co-led by Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) and Rep. Chuy García (IL-04). The legislation would make sure that all people, including seniors and those with disabilities, are able to use electric vehicle charging stations throughout our communities.

The EV Charging Accessibility Act will require the U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency that sets accessibility guidelines for federally funded projects and facilities, to finalize their guidance for electric vehicle chargers within 18 months. Guidance from the Access Board been delayed for nearly two years, creating significant challenges for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Seniors and people with disabilities shouldn’t be excluded from using public electric vehicle infrastructure to charge their car or truck because the equipment is too tall, or too heavy for them,” said Rep. Underwood. “Providing accessible electric vehicle charging stations will help make sure all Americans can move through their communities safely and with dignity.”

The EV Charging Accessibility Act is endorsed by the American Association of People with Disabilities and the National Disability Institute.

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Oregon Airports to Receive Nearly $19 Million in Federal Investment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05), announced that eight Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of nearly $19 million to improve their infrastructure, including over $13 million going to Portland International Airport (PDX) for runway and taxiway pavement improvements.

“Whether flying for recreation or business, Oregonians’ access to safe, reliable air travel is vital to driving Oregon’s economy forward, growing local tourism, and providing essential lifelines during emergencies,” said Merkley. “Investing in critical airport improvements—such as runways, weather observation, and safety systems—will allow these hubs to continue to support small businesses, local communities, and Oregon’s economy for years to come.”

“Communities across Oregon rely on their local airports to support their economies, respond to natural disasters and stay connected,” Wyden said. “I applaud these federal investments that will keep Oregonians safe, and I will continue to fight for more resources that strengthen airport infrastructure across the state.”

“Investing in regional airports keeps Oregonians connected, including in rural communities like Tillamook County,” said Bonamici. “These critical infrastructure improvements will help small businesses access markets, increase resilience during disaster events, and improve the experience for passengers. I’m glad we are able to deliver these investments in Oregon.”

“Federal investments in our airports mean safer travel, stronger local economies, and better emergency response capabilities for communities across Oregon,” said Dexter. “From modernizing runways and taxiways at PDX to improving weather and safety systems in rural communities, these upgrades will help keep Oregonians connected and ensure our infrastructure can meet the demands of the future.”

“Oregon is open for business,” said Bynum. “$19 million for our airports is about making sure our first impression sticks the landing to attract repeat customers to our state.”

The awards totaling nearly $19 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:

  • $13,192,585 for Portland International Airport (PDX) to rehabilitate 9,830 feet of existing paved runway, reconstruct 200 feet of existing paved connector taxiways, construct a new 200-foot connector taxiway, and rehabilitation 1,425 feet of the existing asphalt taxiway.
  • $4,455,343 for Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport to rehabilitate 20,700 square yards of existing apron pavement and reconstruct 7,100 square yards of the existing apron pavement.
  • $552,506 for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints.
  • $150,000 for Tillamook Airport for construction of a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type.
  • $150,000 for Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport to support rehabilitating 9,888 square yards of existing apron pavement.
  • $144,000 for Independence State Airport to install a precision approach path indicator system for a runway.
  • $115,600 for Grant County Regional Airport to construct a new helipad.
  • $102,769 for Madras Municipal Airport to replace the existing Automated Weather Observing System.

“I appreciate the Oregon delegation’s commitment to keeping our infrastructure ready for all scenarios, whether that’s severe weather or increased capacity,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We’re eager to put this funding to work to upgrade PDX’s North Runway, including its lighting and navigation systems, and sustain our track record of safe and efficient airport operations.”

“The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is appreciative of the grant award. These funds will allow us to rehabilitate and/or reconstruct the asphalt portion of a large General Aviation (GA) apron immediately adjacent to MillionAir, one of our Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), as well as Mercy Flights, our local emergency air-ambulance provider,” said Amber Judd, Airport Director for Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. “This asphalt is nearing the end of its useful life, and this project will ensure continued, improved access to and from these important airport businesses for many years to come.”

“The Port of Tillamook Bay is grateful for the funding assistance for our Airport Fuel System Upgrade. Our fuel system is outdated and is becoming inefficient,” said Michele Bradley, General Manager Port of Tillamook Bay/Tillamook Municipal Airport. “This upgrade will keep the airport sustainable and contributes to the economic viability of the Tillamook Coast.”

“We are honored that Madras Municipal Airport has been awarded a federal grant through the Department of Transportation, which will allow us to make critical improvements to our airport’s weather system infrastructure. The funding will provide for the design phase of the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) replacement,” said Lorraine Martinelli, Airport Manager for Madras Municipal Airport. “The AWOS is heavily relied on for the safety of our pilots and crews. These funds will enhance safety, ensuring our facility continues to meet the needs of our growing community and the region we serve. Our current system has served us well, but the components are no longer serviceable, and the system is nearing the end of its service life. Next year we will apply for grant funding to cover the construction and replacement of the AWOS system. Our community is appreciative of the funds made available to maintain our airport’s function and safety.”

Crow Receives Defender of Democracy Award from Jewish Democratic Council of America

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger, was presented the Defender of Democracy Award by the Jewish Democratic Council of America for standing up for the Constitution, the rule of law, and our democracy.

Last fall, Crow and five of his colleagues—all veterans of the military or intelligence community—released their “Don’t Give Up the Ship” video that reminds servicemembers of their sacred oath to the Constitution. Following the release of the video, President Trump called for their arrest, prosecution, and execution, and officials at the FBI and Department of Justice targeted them with bogus inquiries and failed indictments. Crow and his colleagues refused to back down in the face of this intimidation campaign that brought increased threats against them and their offices.

“This administration tried to send a message to the country that if you dissent, if you question authority, if you dare stand up and speak out against us, we will crush you. Because if members of Congress can’t even do their job and say simple things without being crushed, then why would anybody else step out of line? And that is a message that we simply were unwilling to allow them to send,” Congressman Crow said while receiving the award.

“There is something amazing happening in this country right now that I believe is really the story of the moment. It’s not the story of a runaway president and a lawless president. It won’t be their story,” Crow continued later. “When this is over, it’s going to be the story of Americans that have stood up at great personal cost to themselves at times, and have done amazing things.” 

Crow received the award alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, as well as Representatives. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH).

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Hudson Celebrates the Passage of the 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Funding Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Fort Bragg’s Congressman, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY2027 (MilConVA), which provides funding for military construction, family housing and Veteran’s programs.  

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I was proud to deliver critical funding for Fort Bragg, protect our Veteran’s rights, and provide more resources for our warfighters and their families,” said Rep. Hudson. “Ensuring the brave men and women of our military, their families, and our Veterans have support in Washington is my top priority in Congress.” 

Funding Rep. Hudson fought for and secured in the FY 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fort Bragg and the Veteran community includes: 

  • $55 million for a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Ammunition Supply Point;
  • $19.2 billion for military construction and family housing, including $90 million in additional funding for design of barracks and child development centers;
  • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of Veterans, preventing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from sending information to the FBI about Veterans without a judge’s consent;
  • Full funding for the Community Care account, which empowers Veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs.

Other key provisions in H.R. 8469 include: 

  • Full funding for Veterans’ benefits programs, including strong funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other Veterans’ programs. This includes funding Veterans’ medical care at $138.2 billion, which is equal to the President’s FY27 Budget Request;
  • Prohibits the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China;
  • Upholds the Trump Administration’s prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortion, DEI programs, or biological sex-rejecting procedures;
  • Enables continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure needed to support U.S. advanced weapons systems.

Read the bill text here.

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Congresswoman Torres Presses HUD Secretary and Trump Administration for Delaying LA Wildfire Disaster Aid

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

May 13, 2026

Washington, D.C – This week, during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Congresswoman Norma Torres demanded answers on why the Trump Administration has failed to request disaster recovery funding for communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the first step in order for supplemental disaster funding aid to reach families, businesses, and local governments.

More than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the fires, and many families are still unable to return home more than a year later.

“When Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey, I voted to deliver disaster aid because helping Americans recover should never be political,” said Torres. “Now California families are waiting, and this Administration has not requested a single dollar for long-term recovery.”

Torres highlighted the importance of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and criticized the Administration for failing to submit a supplemental funding request for California’s more than $34 billion in recovery needs.

“The only supplemental funding I keep hearing about is for the President’s war in Iran,” Torres said. “There should be no supplemental conversation that leaves wildfire survivors behind.”

Torres also submitted bipartisan letters from California’s congressional delegation urging immediate federal disaster assistance for the hearing record.

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Stauber Introduces Legislation to Stop Fraud in Federal Health Care Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced H.R. 8865, the Protecting Taxpayers from Fraudulent Providers Act to defend taxpayer dollars by preventing fraud in federal health care programs. Specifically, this bill permanently bars a person, company, clinic, contractor, or other organization convicted of stealing money and committing fraud in government health care organizations, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP, from ever participating in those programs again. 

“Fraud is rampant in federal programs across the country, as highlighted by the massive fraud scandal that recently rocked Minnesota,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “It has been infuriating to learn about the criminals who enriched themselves with expensive homes, luxury cars, and lavish vacations by stealing over $9 billion in taxpayer dollars meant to help the most vulnerable among us. Minnesotans – and all Americans – are fed up with this abuse and expect immediate action from the government responsible for safeguarding their hard-earned money. That’s why I am proud to introduce the Protecting Taxpayers from Fraudulent Providers Act to ensure these critical programs can never again be exploited by bad actors.”

Following this fraud scandal, Congressman Stauber has introduced a number of bills to combat fraud and strengthen accountability in federal assistance programs. Most recently, he introduced the Stop Fraud by Somalia Act to strengthen penalties for childcare providers who exploit public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. 

Stauber’s legislative actions align with broader federal initiatives established to combat fraud and restore confidence in government programs. Recently, the Trump administration announced the creation of an Anti-Fraud Task Force, led by Vice President JD Vance, to crack down on fraud nationwide.

So far, they have executed 22 search warrants against fraudulent day care centers in Minnesota, including the “Quality Learing Center.” Alongside this aggressive prosecution, the Task Force is working to prevent fraud before taxpayer funds are distributed by increasing scrutiny of payments and ensuring claims are legitimate and lawful before approval.

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Miller, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize May 17th as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. –  Last week, Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Kevin Kiley (I-CA) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 17th as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a dangerous and deadly medical condition that impacts infants born prematurely or with medical complications.

NEC is a serious gastrointestinal disease in newborns, primarily affecting premature infants, where intestinal tissue becomes inflamed, dies, and can lead to life-threatening infections. Upon diagnosis, many babies have only hours or days before their intestines become necrotic, which can progress to sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and death. NEC is a complex, multifactorial disease with no single cause, no clear etiology, no cure, and no known way to eliminate the risks of NEC for medically fragile infants.

“I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Thompson in establishing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day to shine a light on the devastating disease that strikes our most vulnerable — newborns. NEC is a frightening, often life-threatening condition, that no family should have to face without adequate support and resources. Raising awareness is essential to driving the medical research that will one day spare other families this heartbreak. We must continue to stand together and bring real hope to all those affected by this disease,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“NEC often strikes in the first weeks and months of a child’s life, quickly turning what should be a happy time for families into a nightmare. I’m honored to introduce this resolution to raise awareness for NEC and promote the importance of continued medical research and support for families impacted by this devastating disease,” said Rep. Thompson.

“With no known single cause, it is important that we raise awareness for necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous and life-threating condition that impacts infants in the most precious stages of their lives. I am proud to join Congressman Thompson in introducing this bipartisan resolution that brings attention to this disease and supports research with the goal of finding a cure,” said Rep. Kiley.

Jennifer Canvasser founded the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society after her son, Micah, died from complications of the disease. The NEC Society operates out of Davis, CA, and through Jennifer’s leadership, the organization has become the world’s leading NEC-focused nonprofit.

“When my son, Micah, tragically died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), our family was not only devastated but also isolated and alone to navigate the lifelong heartache caused by this cruel disease. After Micah’s passing, I founded the NEC Society to advance research, education, and advocacy for a world without NEC. On behalf of the families, clinicians, and scientists working tirelessly to protect babies like Micah, we are deeply grateful for Congressman Thompson’s leadership and support as we raise awareness about the urgent need to accelerate science so we can prevent NEC,” said Jennifer Canvassar.

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