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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), alongside Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Troy Carter (LA-02), joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) in introducinga resolution affirming reproductive freedom as a human right. According to the UN Committee on Human Rights, member nations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including the United States, are obliged to protect reproductive freedom. Following the Dobbs decision, many states are not upholding their obligations under the ICCPR and other human rights treaties.

The House resolution comes as data shows a direct correlation between state abortion bans and an increase in maternal and infant mortality in those states. Studies show that states with restrictive abortion bans had a 7% increase in maternal mortality and a 5.6% increase in infant mortality compared to states that placed little to no restrictions on abortion care.

“I am proud to support this resolution. Abortion care is healthcare and women can’t be free without their right to reproductive freedom,” said Congresswoman Adams. “As the United States faces a maternal mortality crisis, draconian abortion bans are costing women their lives. Since Roe was overturned, women living in states that ban abortion are nearly two times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than states where abortion is legal and accessible. For women of color, the maternal mortality rate is even higher. Abortion is a healthcare issue, an autonomy issue, an equity issue, and a dignity issue—we must fight to protect this fundamental right.”

“Abortion bans are extremely dangerous—and, in some cases, deadly—in Georgia, a state already reeling from a maternal health crisis, and across the country. Without reproductive freedom, we are not truly free. This resolution affirms that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right under United States law, and that state abortion bans violate federal law and endanger the lives of women. We must uphold our most basic freedoms and get our country back on track as a global leader in human rights, restoring health, dignity, and freedom for pregnant women everywhere,” said Congresswoman Williams.

“From the overturning of Roe v. Wade by Trump-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court to drastic Medicaid cuts that hurt patients and providers alike, we’ve seen reproductive health care fall further and further out of reach for millions. Comprehensive and accessible reproductive health care remains a public health, social justice and human rights issue — and this resolution ensures we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. I thank Rep. Williams for her leadership on this resolution. We won’t rest until reproductive rights are fully restored and upheld across our nation,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan.

“Access to safe, legal abortion is healthcare. It’s as fundamental as any other medical service. I’m proud to support this resolution because it sends a message that no matter where you live in this country, your rights to make decisions about your body and your health should not be up for debate. That’s a matter for you, your doctor, and your family. Not the government,” said Congressman Carter.

“Democrats are fighting to make reproductive care a fundamental human right as MAGA Republicans seek to destroy it as a right and even an available social good. We believe Americans should be able to make their own health care decisions without asking Donald Trump or Mike Johnson for permission. We’re on the side of protecting personal freedom, lowering health care costs and opposing government control. That’s why we’re introducing this critical resolution,” said Congressman Raskin.

The resolution is endorsed by 160+ organizations. See endorsers here. 

The full resolution can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), alongside Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) in introducingthe Endometriosis CARE Act, which would invest $50 million annually to advance endometriosis research and expand access to treatment.

Endometriosis is a disease that affects more than 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women in the United States. It occurs when tissue, similar to the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus, causing pain and interrupting the lives of millions of women daily. Currently, there is no known cause of endometriosis, and there is no known cure.

“One in ten reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis but we still don’t know the cause of or the cure for this debilitating disease,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Like so much of women’s health research, endometriosis remains understudied, its research remains underfunded, and the women living with it continue having their pain ignored. I’m proud to join Rep. Nikema Williams and my colleagues in introducing the Endometriosis CARE Act so we can correct this injustice and finally provide relief for the 6.5 million women with endometriosis who are suffering in silence every day.”

“At a time when our public health and research are being attacked at every corner by the Trump administration, the reintroduction of the Endometriosis CARE Act marks a renewed fight for the millions of overlooked women who are suffering from endometriosis. I have battled excruciating endometriosis pain since I was 14. The physical and financial burdens of endometriosis reflect the ongoing disparities in women’s health research and care. The Endometriosis CARE Act will ease these burdens by investing in research to improve detection and treatment. We must act now for the one in ten women in this country who suffer daily from endometriosis,” said Congresswoman Williams.

“We must invest in research that moves us closer to finding a cure for women affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis impacts every aspect of a woman’s life—including her physical and mental health, career, and relationships—yet there is a glaring lack of federal support for a cure, in addition to overwhelming stigma. I introduced this legislation to correct this oversight and invest in evidence-based solutions that will support women affected by this disease,” said Congresswoman Underwood.

The Endometriosis CARE Act would: 

• Invest $50 million annually for five years for endometriosis research through the National Institutes of Health;
• Commission a national study on the disparities in endometriosis prevalence, detection, treatments and outcomes by race, ethnicity, geography and insurance status;
• Establish a national campaign to promote public awareness of endometriosis; and,
• Identify barriers to accessing treatments for endometriosis symptoms, such as health care coverage, transportation, and health care professional shortages.

Full bill text can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) alongside Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02). Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Don Davis (NC-01) introduced the FEMA Administrative Reform Act which would help accelerate the flow of federal disaster recovery dollars to Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene by reducing red tape instituted by the Trump administration.

In June, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem implemented a policy requiring her personal review and approval of any contract above $100,000, including for disaster response. This policy has drastically slowed the flow of desperately needed recovery dollars to Western North Carolina and has drawn scrutiny from FEMA employees and bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill. In addition to slowing aid for Western North Carolina, the policy has created disaster aid backlogs across the country.

The FEMA Administrative Reform Act would prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing any policy that would require their personal approval of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expenditures of $100,000 or more.

“It has been over a year since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, but red tape created by the Trump administration continues to delay the relief our communities are owed,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Sec. Noem is more focused on sending federal agents to terrorize North Carolina cities than approving the aid North Carolinians are relying on to rebuild their lives. We cannot let bureaucracy impede recovery. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill so our citizens can finally get the help they deserve.”

“After promising his full support for Western North Carolina during his first official visit of his second term, President Trump and his administration have hung Western North Carolinians out to dry,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Their disastrous approval process has created unnecessary challenges and delays for communities still trying to recover and rebuild their lives over a year after Hurricane Helene devastated our state. Secretary Noem has been too busy posing for immigration raid photos to approve much-needed funding for North Carolinians recovering from a historic disaster. It’s clear that Congress needs to take action, and this deeply misguided policy needs to be reversed.”

“It’s been over a year since Hurricane Helene upended lives and communities across Western North Carolina, yet recovery has been stalled by reckless political decisions in Washington,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “Instead of empowering FEMA to respond to disasters quickly, the Trump Administration has slowed critical assistance needed to rebuild, leaving local governments and residents to shoulder the costs on their own. Communities cannot wait any longer for the help they’ve been promised. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will remove these unnecessary obstacles put in place by this Administration, ensuring disaster recovery dollars reach the communities that need them.”

New red tape instituted by the Trump administration creates additional challenges for local governments, who are already facing massive expenses and a difficult road to recovery. Local governments in Western North Carolina—often with small staffs and budgets—have spent millions of local government dollars for debris removal and other efforts, and they depend on the certainty and speed of reimbursement from the federal government. The financial strain caused by this policy hurts North Carolina communities that are not only trying to rebuild, but also trying to keep essential services operating, including schools, first responders, public transportation, trash pickup, and more. It can also impact bond ratings, potentially making it more expensive for local governments to build schools, roads, and other infrastructure in the medium to long term.

Full text of the bill is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Enabling Farmer, Food worker, Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, and Equitable (EFFECTIVE) Food Procurement Act, aimed at leveraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) purchasing power to build equity and sustainability in the Department’s food purchases.

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act updates USDA food purchasing processes to:

• Increase support and market opportunities for small-scale and socially disadvantaged farmers;
• Expand healthy food choices;
• Address climate change and agriculture sustainability; and,
• Set targets for the USDA to purchase sustainable, equitably procured products.

The bill also establishes a $25 million pilot program to create a values-aligned USDA purchasing process and support market access for small-scale and underserved producers.

“Agriculture is about more than just crop prices—it’s about sustainability, nutrition, equitable practices, and a strong supply chain that will keep our country fed for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act directs the USDA to use its considerable purchasing power to build a more sustainable agriculture system that’s healthier for the planet, consumers, workers, and local farmers. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Senator Markey because when our small-scale and underserved producers are empowered to succeed, everyone wins and our country becomes stronger because of it.”

“As families across the country gather around the dinner table this holiday season, we are reminded that food is much more than what we see on our plate. It is the labor of our farmers, the health of our environment, and the binding of our communities.” said Senator Markey. “In a time of rising food grocery prices and an administration that has failed to support American farmers, the EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would prioritize food purchases that align with values of a food system that is healthy for the planet, for workers, and for consumers.”

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would:

• Direct USDA to use its existing framework for food procurement to expand healthy, sustainable, and ethical food options for school districts and other program beneficiaries, including setting measurable, maximum targets for increasing equitable and environmentally friendly purchasing;
• Shift USDA away from evaluating bids based only on cost to evaluating bids based on multiple values, including climate mitigation, worker well-being, resilient supply chains, and equity;
• Create new transparency in USDA purchasing by requiring reporting on the procurement process, including an estimate of associated greenhouse gas emissions;
• Provide grants and technical assistance to support small-scale and underserved producers and businesses in accessing market opportunities through USDA’s procurement; and,
• Study how USDA can shift its procurement toward a regional model and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food procurement.

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act is endorsed by 155 organizations. The full list of endorsing organizations can be found here.

“USDA’s purchasing practices concentrate power among a small number of multinational corporations, sideline independent and sustainable producers, and restrict healthy, sustainably sourced offerings for schools, food banks, and other program beneficiaries,” said Lisa Gonzalez, Senior Food and Climate Policy Analyst at Friends of the Earth U.S. “Thank you to Representative Adams and Senator Markey for introducing this important legislation to realign USDA’s commodity food procurement to better support sustainable and independent producers, food system workers, and the millions of Americans who rely on USDA’s commodity procurement.”

“This legislation is a critical step toward creating fair and sustainable markets for Massachusetts farmers and the communities they serve. By prioritizing values-based purchasing and opportunities for integrating culturally preferred foods, USDA can open new opportunities for beginning farmers, immigrant farmers, and small-scale producers who are committed to growing healthy food and stewarding our environment. For organizations like New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, this means more support for local supply chains, increased purchasing from small, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers, stronger regional food systems, and a future where diverse farmers can thrive—not just survive. This bill ensures that federal food dollars reflect our shared values of equity, sustainability, and resilience,” said Jennifer Hashley, Director, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

“Rural Coalition and our diverse membership have long recognized the value of a diversified, resilient agricultural system that often goes underrepresented in the federal government’s usual one-size-fits-all approach to procurement,” said Elliot Cordano, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at Rural Coalition. “We thank Senator Markey and Representative Adams for their leadership on this bill which reflects their commitment to the breadth of American agriculture. This Act provides USDA a unique opportunity to support our country’s small- and mid-sized family farmers and ranchers; steward our natural resources; ensure fair practices and protections for workers throughout the supply chain; invest in thriving rural communities; and recognize the value that all producers bring to the table.”

Bill text can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement following her vote against House Republicans’ 11^th hour bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits which expire at the end of the year or address the ongoing Republican healthcare crisis.

In addition to failing to extend the ACA tax credits, which will cause an estimated 4 million Americans to lose their health insurance, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will result in an additional 100,000 fewer Americans with health insurance. This is on top of the 10 million Americans that are projected to lose health insurance in the next decade because of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in July.

The bill has also drawn criticism for stripping away protections from patients, especially those with pre-existing conditions, and creating a back-door ban on abortion.

“As America suffers from the Republican healthcare and affordability crisis, the Republican solution is to make healthcare more expensive and ensure less people have access to it,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Their proposal raises healthcare costs without the ACA tax credits, forces Americans to lose coverage, takes away protections from our most vulnerable, and undermines women’s right to reproductive freedom. Americans deserve more than a shoddy, last-minute bill that doesn’t make their healthcare better or their lives more affordable. It’s time for Republicans to work with Democrats on a bipartisan healthcare solution because it’s clear they can’t handle it on their own.”

The Republican healthcare crisis is having a direct impact on North Carolina and the 12^th District. 88,000 NC-12 residents use the ACA tax credits to afford health insurance and without them, an estimated 157,000 North Carolinians will lose coverage entirely. At the same time, due to Medicaid and Medicare cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, at least five North Carolina rural hospitals are already at risk of closing, threatening healthcare access for thousands of residents.

Congresswoman Adams spoke on the House floor about the Republican healthcare crisis during the bill’s debate. A recording of her remarks can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter statement on House passage of bill to lower health care costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a bill lowering health care costs and providing American citizens with more affordable coverage:

“Liberal politicians like Jon Ossoff want to continue giving handouts to Big Insurance and illegal immigrants, making your health outcomes worse, instead of addressing the heart of the problem, which is that the UnAffordable Care Act isn’t working. Democrats spent years dismantling our health care system and causing an affordability crisis. With this vote, House Republicans began the hard work of undoing more than a decade of harm to patients nationwide. By driving down health insurance premiums, increasing pharmacy benefit manager transparency, and expanding affordable health care options, we are ensuring that American citizens have access to the high-quality health care they deserve at a rate they can afford.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act:

Lowers Premiums for all Americans

• Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency: Requires PBMs to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve.

• Appropriates Cost Sharing Reduction Payments: Provides necessary funding for CSR payments beginning in 2027, lowering premiums and stabilizing the individual market while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Relief would be better directed towards low-income enrollees that need them.

Improves Health Care Options for America’s Workers

• Association Health Plans: Expands access to Association Health Plans by allowing employers—including self-employed workers—to band together across industries to purchase affordable, high-quality coverage.

• Access to Stop-Loss Insurance: Ensures small and mid-sized employers can protect themselves from catastrophic claims by clarifying that stop-loss insurance is not “health insurance coverage.” This would allow small businesses to offer their employees more tailored, affordable care.

• CHOICE Arrangements: Codifies and strengthens 2019 rules allowing employers to offer defined contributions for employees to purchase their own coverage—renamed as CHOICE arrangements—and permits employees to pay premiums pre-tax.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after voting to pass H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. 

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act would expand association health plans (AHPs), safeguard access to employer-sponsored insurance, advance cost-sharing reductions, and increase transparency of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to help lower prescription drug costs.

“The ACA is a mess, and this bill is just a small correction. I supported the effort, but we have a tremendous amount of bad policy baked into the ACA,” said Congressman Higgins. “The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act promotes solutions that help stabilize the market, protect affordability, and expand access to quality care. My office will continue working to put patients first and protect Americans’ ability to have the freedom to choose health care that fits their individual needs.”

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

“As Floridians, we have no illusions about the brutality of the Maduro dictatorship. Venezuelans voted for a peaceful, democratic transition, but Maduro has clung to power through repression and corruption.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, House Republicans (and sadly, one spineless Democrat) shamefully rejected Congressman McGovern’s War Powers Resolution, which would have directed President Trump to cease all hostilities within or against Venezuela.

“I’m furious that cowardly lawmakers have once again surrendered Congress’ Constitutional responsibility on matters of war to a wannabe dictator in the White House,” said Ranking Member McGovern. “The Founders intentionally did not want any president to have unilateral power to start a war, much less one like Donald Trump, who campaigned on ending unnecessary foreign conflicts. He’s now breaking that promise—and his weak, pathetic lackeys in Congress are letting him drag us into yet another endless war that no one except their billionaire buddies in Big Oil want.”

McGovern’s resolution was a forceful response to the president’s recent threats to use military force against Venezuela—including airstrikes, American troops on the ground, and naval or air blockades. Under U.S. law, these actions are all considered hostilities.

“The Constitution is clear: only Congress can declare war,” continued McGovern. “Congress must affirm its authority and say no to an illegal war in Venezuela, no to yet another foreign conflict over oil, and no to more endless wars—and President Trump must obey the law.”

Notably, President Trump’s illegal attempt at regime change in Venezuela coincides with an affordability crisis in America—a crisis which the president calls a “con job,” and for which he has proposed no real plan or solution.

McGovern continued: “The American people have been clear: they don’t want another Iraq, and they don’t want to risk thousands of lives on another endless quagmire over oil. They want us to reform our rigged healthcare system, make housing more affordable, and lower costs. Rather than wasting trillions of dollars and thousands of lives on a war that the American people clearly oppose, Congress should spend its time and resources on fixing problems here at home. In a country with a trillionaire, it’s shameful that thousands of Americans go hungry, struggle to afford groceries, and worry about whether they’ll ever be able to buy a home. Those are the problems on which Congress ought to spend its time and resources.”

As Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Congressman McGovern also made clear that his opposition to war with Venezuela in no way excuses President Nicholas Maduro’s horrendous human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.

“Maduro is a thug and a tyrant, and I’m appalled by his government’s countless human rights abuses. But America cannot afford to engage in another doomed-to-fail attempt at regime change. It’s never worked before, and it won’t work now. We don’t waste our resources and threaten to derail global security by trying to overthrow Vladmir Putin, Xi Jinping, or Kim Jong Un. Maduro should be no different. We simply can’t go to war with every dictator in the world,” concluded McGovern.

Congressman McGovern has been a consistent critic of endless armed conflicts and executive overreach concerning military action not explicitly authorized by Congress. He voted against the war in Iraq, opposes illegal drone strikes—even when authorized by Democratic presidents—and has repeatedly introduced legislation to overturn the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

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

Legislation included in Senator Alex Padilla’s Package to Protect 1 Million Acres of California Public Lands

December 17, 2025

Washington, D.C.? – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) reintroduced his Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which would increase fire resilience, restore forests and fish habitat, rehabilitate lands impaired by illegal marijuana growing operations, increase recreation opportunities through new trails and visitor centers, and permanently protect many of northwest California’s most spectacular wild places and pristine streams.

“California has some of the most beautiful, iconic landscapes in America. My district is home to old-growth forests, rugged coastlines, and winding rivers that make up the heart and spirit of the North Coast,” said Huffman. “Our public lands don’t belong to any singular person – we all depend on the ecological, economic, cultural, and mental health benefits they provide. That’s why I met with folks from all across my district to create a bill that meets Northern CA’s diverse land management needs. I’m proud to partner with Senator Padilla on this legislative package that brings all our regions together, charting out a course to be good stewards of California’s treasured spaces so they can endure for generations.”

Huffman’s legislation was included in U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) sweeping public lands package. The Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act would support the conservation of over 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County.

“Our public lands and natural spaces are some of California’s greatest gifts — from the Northern California Redwoods, to the Carrizo Plain, to the San Gabriel Mountains,” said Senator Padilla. “As the Trump Administration tries to sell off our state’s precious public lands and waters, we must protect and restore these areas to mitigate wildfire risk, reach California’s conservation goals, protect our natural resources, and ensure generations to come can enjoy access to the outdoors. I was thrilled to see President Biden heed our calls to permanently protect the entire San Gabriel Mountains last year, and I urge my colleagues to pass this package to protect access to green space for millions of Californians.”

The larger package consists of three bills:

• Huffman’s Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which bill would permanently protect 484,733 acres of public lands and 479.8 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Carbajal. The bill would permanently protect 385,842 acres of public lands and 199.3 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Judy Chu. The bill would permanently protect 35,335 acres of public lands and 20.2 miles of wild and scenic rivers.

Background

To develop this legislation, Ranking Member Huffman conducted a sweeping public outreach effort in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties, consulting with dozens of community leaders, tourism organizations, outdoor recreation groups, restoration specialists, tribes, county supervisors, conservation groups, forestry experts, fisheries scientists, fire ecologists, timber industry, and other business owners. Huffman held four public meetings on the legislative proposal in Eureka, Crescent City, Weaverville, and Ukiah, and has continued to meet with constituents both in California and in Washington D.C. about the bill. The legislation incorporated several changes recommended by constituents, business interests, environmental advocates, landowners, and local elected officials following Huffman’s calls for feedback and based on numerous discussions on the bill throughout the last several years.

The legislation includes several innovative new programs to increase fire resilience; restore forests and fish habitat, as well as lands impaired by illegal marijuana growing operations; stimulate local economies through forest stewardship programs; enhance recreational opportunities including through trails and visitor centers; and permanently protect many of northwest California’s spectacular wild places and pristine streams. It would not limit hunting or fishing, close any legally open roads or trails to vehicles, or affect access to or the use of private property. The wilderness designations only apply to federal lands, and Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations do not impact existing rights and do not limit access. Maps of these proposals, a list of frequently asked questions, a one-page summary of the bill, photographs of the protected areas, and other background information is available here.

Original cosponsors for the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act of 2025 include Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.).

What Supporters Are Saying

“We’re grateful to Representative Huffman for proposing to restore National Forest lands in Trinity and Humboldt.? The bill will improve fire resilience for communities and for key wildlife habitat, especially in the South Fork Trinity River and Mad River watersheds,” said Larry Glass of the Northcoast Environmental Center.

Kent Collard, Director of the popular Camp Trinity near Hyampom, praised the bill for “Proposing to protect the Pattison Wilderness and lower Hayfork Creek, places that are critical to the continued success of our business.” 

“The bill will help restore degraded public lands, and permanently protect wild and scenic rivers and headwater streams, which are critical for the recovery of native salmon and trout in California,” said Curtis Knight, Executive Director, California Trout.

“I support the bill because it will improve fire resilience, protect pristine salmon streams, expand four existing wilderness areas and establish two new ones here in Mendocino County, and lead to the development of new trails closer to communities.? I’m grateful that Congressman?Huffman is continuing the effort to pass this important bill,” said John Haschak, Chair of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.?

“Congressman Huffman’s?Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act?is a visionary, locally crafted measure that will safeguard the federal lands and waters that make this region an iconic landscape for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. By protecting and restoring forests, rivers, trails, and shorelines, this legislation ensures that future generations of hikers, paddlers, and climbers can continue to enjoy the incredible landscapes in Northern California. It’s time to get this critical measure signed into law and secure these outdoor opportunities for years to come,” said Katie Hawkins, California Program Director, Outdoor Alliance.

Jora Fogg, California Associate Program Director said, “The Conservation Lands Foundation fully supports?The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act?because it helps conserve essential wilderness while ensuring Californians have access to outstanding natural areas and healthy rivers for recreation. By protecting more than 279,000 acres of Wilderness and 479.8 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, the bill helps sustain local economies and critical habitat for endangered species, restores fire-resilient forests, safeguards water sources, and cleans up public lands that have been damaged by illegal trespass activity such as marijuana grow sites. The legislation is endorsed by the State of California and we encourage Congress to enact it quickly.”

“For anglers, there is no substitute for good habitat. Some of the best steelhead and salmon waters in California, including sections of the Eel and Trinity Rivers, would be better protected under the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act. Trout Unlimited has worked for years to reconnect and restore habitat in many of these waters. We are grateful for Rep. Huffman’s commitment to conserving our native steelhead and salmon runs, and to supporting the fishing economies, cultures and communities dependent on them,” Sam Davidson, California Policy Director for Trout Unlimited.

“Representative Huffman’s Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act is a model of community-based conservation, demonstrating how forest restoration, economic development, habitat protection and recreation can work hand in hand in one of California’s most spectacular landscapes. This bill strengthens the conservation protections communities depend on, protects the freedom to explore and enjoy these lands and ensures these cherished places endure for future generations,” Helen O’Shea, California State Director, The Wilderness Society.

Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, said, “The PUBLIC Lands Act delivers the kind of durable, stakeholder-driven conservation solutions that hunters and anglers strongly support. By conserving more than 900,000 acres across California, this legislation safeguards wildlife habitat, clean water, and public access while promoting forest restoration and responsible recreation. BHA has long supported the PUBLIC Lands Act as a balanced, locally driven investment in our public lands and outdoor heritage, and we thank Sen. Padilla for continuing to champion this legislation.”

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