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Amata Welcomes $300,000 HHS Grant for LBJ

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting a federal funding notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for American Samoa Medical Center Authority.

This discretionary grant of $306,604 for programs under the American Samoa Department of Health at LBJ Tropical Medical Center is for family planning services, covering one year of the five-year project. The funding is through the federal Office of Family Planning, within the HHS Office of Public Health and Science. HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“Thank you especially to Bethel Mussau-Howard regarding this grant and effort, and all involved. We’re grateful always to the health professionals at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and our Health Department for medical care for our people,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to HHS for supporting our hospital programs, and congratulations to ASG for their roles ensuring federal funds are obtained.”

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Beyer, Dingell, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 16 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America’s imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife,” said Congressman Beyer. 

“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction, ” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”

“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures,” said Congressman Buchanan. 

In the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet’s current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.

View the full text of the resolution here. Learn more about the ESA Caucus here.

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Griffith Honors Fallen SWVA Officer on House Floor, Takes Action to Support Law Enforcement

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

The United States of America observes National Police Week from May 10, 2026, through May 16, 2026. As part of the weeklong observance, officers killed in the line of duty continued to be honored. This includes Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, who was killed by an inmate attack in November 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith spoke on the House floor to honor Officer Hall’s service. His remarks can be watched below.

Griffith Speaks on House Floor

“I would be remiss if I didn’t speak about the fact that this is police week. It’s one of the reasons why we have these bills and others in front of us. 

“And this year, and unfortunately, it has happened before since I’ve been in office, an officer was killed in the Ninth Congressional District. Officer Hall was killed in an inmate attack at the North River Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, which is in Grayson County, in November of last year. 

“Two additional officers were attacked at that time. Both are physically doing okay. But, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know how you ever get over an act of violence where you witness a colleague, a friend, a brother in law enforcement being murdered. 

“That’s really what we’re about this week. And this rule promotes four bills that will help, doesn’t solve everything, doesn’t resolve everything. But Jeremy Hall will be remembered in another resolution coming up this week that we will be voting on to honor fallen law enforcement officers.”

In addition to his House floor remarks, Congressman Griffith is sponsor of H. Res. 1252, a resolution that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The resolution recognizes Officer Hall among the other 2025 fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution passed the House.

Further, Congressman Griffith supported other measures this week for National Police Week. These measures include:

  • H.R. 5625 – Cashless Bail Reporting Act
  • H.R. 6260 – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025
  • H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record that honors Officer Hall can be found here.

Congressman Griffith’s Statement on National Police Week can be found here.

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Gomez: Trump’s War With Iran Is Driving Inflation Higher and Making Life More Expensive for Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Gomez: Trump’s War With Iran Is Driving Inflation Higher and Making Life More Expensive for Families

Washington, May 12, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Gomez warns that President Trump’s war with Iran is driving up inflation, raising costs for working families, and making it harder for Americans to afford basic necessities as gas prices and supply chain costs continue to climb.


 Watch full video here
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Rep. Gomez Slams Republicans for Having No Real Plan to Lower Health Care Costs for American Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Rep. Gomez Slams Republicans for Having No Real Plan to Lower Health Care Costs for American Families

Washington, April 29, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Gomez criticized Republicans during a Ways and Means Committee hearing for pushing a health care agenda that would leave Americans to fend for themselves while families across the country struggle with rising medical bills and insurance premiums. Gomez warned that Republicans have no serious plan to lower costs because they refuse to be honest about what they actually believe when it comes to health care.


Watch full video here
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RELEASE: REP. HILL VOTES TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND THE ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after voting for H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, which passed the House by a vote of 400-15. The bipartisan bill fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits while securing critical investments that can be used for the Arkansas National Guard. 

Rep. Hill said, “Our veterans and service members have earned every benefit they were promised, and it is Congress’s job to make sure they receive it. This bill fully funds veterans’ health care, protects veterans’ mental health programs, and keeps faith with those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I am also proud that this bill gives the Arkansas National Guard a path to compete for critical infrastructure funding, including a new hangar and medical building our Guard members need. Taking care of the men and women in uniform and the families who stand beside them will always be one of my top priorities.” 

Background 

H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, provides $469.49 billion in total funding, including $157 billion in discretionary spending and $329.9 billion in mandatory spending, approximately 3 percent above FY26 enacted levels. 

Several of Rep. Hill’s priorities were included in the bill: 

  • A pathway for the Arkansas National Guard to compete for funding for a new hangar and medical building  
  • Supporting efforts to address the unique challenges facing female veterans  
  • Funding for the VA Office of Enterprise Integration  
  • Support for the VA data governance and analytics efforts, which strengthen the VA’s delivery of services and benefits 
  • Funding for VA medical services 

Other key wins in the bill include: 

  • Fully funds veterans’ health care at $138.2 billion, equal to the FY27 Budget Request 
  • Fully funds veterans’ benefits, including $54.6 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund to address toxic exposure-related needs, building off of the PACT Act 
  • Maintains mental health and suicide prevention programs relied upon by veterans 
  • Protects Second Amendment rights for veterans by prohibiting the VA from sharing veterans’ information with the FBI without a judge’s consent 
  • Prohibits the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from China 
  • Provides $19.2 billion for Department of Defense military construction and family housing 
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Congressman Cohen Announces Plan for His Political Future

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen, who has represented Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District for more than 19 years, held a press conference at his office in Washington this morning to announced that he will not be a candidate for any of the newly drawn Congressional seats carved out of the 9th. His majority-Black district was gerrymandered into three Republican-leaning districts by the state General Assembly last week.

He made the following statement:

“This morning I made public my decision not to run in any of the three gerrymandered congressional districts carved out of the 9th District I have represented for more than 19 years. The state General Assembly last week diluted the Black vote in thirds to make Republican victories likely. Cases are pending that could restore the 9th District to its current contours until 2028 and, if we prevail, I will remain a candidate in the 9th, but that appears unlikely. It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of Memphis in my 47 years of public service, first at the state Constitutional Convention and on the Shelby County Commission, then 24 years in the state Senate and now more than 19 years in Congress. There’s no reason to be modest: No other politician has done more for the city and region – from my decisive vote to create the Regional Medical Center at Memphis (now Regional One), to the state lottery and Hope scholarships that have helped tens of thousands get a college education, to persuading the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest more than $393 million to replace the Interstate 55 bridge, the largest infrastructure investment in the state’s history. At the national level, I was Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties when we held hearings to strengthen the Voting Rights Act that the Supreme Court has now destroyed. I was the first to introduce complete Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump. The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a project of the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, named me the fifth most effective legislator in the 118th Congress in its assessment last year. If we prevail in the courts and the 9th District remains intact for the 2026 mid-term election, I will remain a candidate and will be proud to represent its people for another two years. If not, it has been an honor serving you.”

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Adams, Underwood Announce Maternal Health Priorities Included in FY25 Appropriations Law

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

Over $72 million directly based on the Momnibus signed into law, bringing total to $253 million+ to date

WASHINGTON — The Black Maternal Health Caucus (BMHC) secured over $363 million for critical maternal health priorities in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2025, including $72 million in “Momnibus” funding based on the Momnibus Act, comprehensive legislation to end America’s maternal health crisis. The Momnibus is sponsored by BMHC Co-Founders and Co-Chairs Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) and Rep. Lauren Underwood. Since it was founded, the Caucus has secured over $253 million in NEW funding directly through the federal appropriations process based on the Kira Johnson, Data to Save Moms, and NIH IMPROVE Acts in the Momnibus.

The BMHC led efforts to secure these resources in the final FY25 appropriations package; their inclusion reflects the strength of the BMHC’s advocacy and broad, bipartisan recognition of the urgent need to address our nation’s growing maternal health crisis and its disproportionate impact on Black moms.

“For the sixth year in a row, the Black Maternal Health Caucus secured significant federal resources to address our maternal health crisis and save moms’ lives. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought to ensure that evidence-based maternal health priorities were funded at the highest levels to support moms across the country and to directly address the drivers of maternal mortality and morbidity,” Rep. Lauren Underwood said. “But our work is far from done. Moms across America are demanding a comprehensive solution, and they cannot afford to wait any longer. We must pass the Momnibus now.”

“Through a hard-fought budget process emerges good news for mothers – especially expectant Black mothers,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. “Funding increases for vital research like the NIH IMPROVE Initiative will help reduce maternal mortality and by addressing the disparities that have made the childbirth more dangerous for so many women. Other critical maternal health projects Congresswoman Underwood and I have been fighting for through our work with the Black Maternal Health Caucus were preserved as well. As we work to close racial health gaps, Congressional Democratic Leadership continues to show their commitment to creating an equitable society for all Americans.”

The FY25 appropriations package includes:

  • $53.4 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) initiative.
    • The BMHC has championed IMPROVE since its establishment in 2019 and secured robust funding every year since. The FY25 funds will allow NIH to expand research on the leading causes of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities, and identify clinical and non-clinical interventions that will save lives and promote maternal health equity. BMHC Co-Chair Underwood has also introduced legislation, the NIH IMPROVE Act, to permanently authorize this program. The list of FY24 funding announcements is available here.   
  • $10 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund research grants at minority serving institutions to study maternal health disparities.
    • This funding is based on the Data to Save Moms Act in the Momnibus. The BMHC worked with the House Appropriations Committee to secure this NEW funding for the first time in FY23 and has successfully secured additional funding every year since. 
  • $9.3 million, an increase of $2.3 million, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health to fund community-based organizations that are supporting moms in geographic areas with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes.
    • This funding is based on Co-Chair Adams’s Kira Johnson Act in the Momnibus.
  • $23 million to fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers & Babies (SET-NET) program, which detects the effects of new health threats on pregnant people and their babies by collecting key data.
    • This funding is based on Co-Chair Underwood’s Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act in the Momnibus. 
  • Report Language that continues to support $15 million for implementation of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act (P.L.117-69) at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • Co-Chair Underwood’s Protecting Moms Who Served Act, enacted in 2021 under the Biden-Harris Administration, was the first Momnibus bill signed into law.
  • $55 million through HRSA to fund State Maternal Health Innovation Grants.
    • With this funding requested by the BMHC, states collaborate with maternal health experts to implement state-specific action plans to improve access to maternal care services, identify and address workforce needs, and support postpartum and interconception care services. These grants play an important role in improving access to comprehensive and high-quality care for populations disproportionately impacted by maternal mortality and severe morbidity.
  • $110.5 million through CDC for Safe Motherhood programs.
    • This funding requested by the BMHC will help to improve health outcomes during and after pregnancy, including reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes.
  • $8 million through HRSA to expand the maternal health workforce in Maternity Care Target Areas.
    • This funding requested by the BMHC supports efforts through the National Health Service Corps to identify areas experiencing a shortage of maternity care providers and provide loan repayment and scholarships for the maternal health workforce in these underserved areas. 
  • $5 million in funding for midwifery education and training through HRSA.
    • This funding will support grants to educate midwives and address the national shortage of maternity care providers, one of BMHC’s key priorities. 
  • $8 million through HRSA to support training for Certified Nurse Midwives.
    • This funding supports loan repayment and scholarships for Certified Nurse Midwives who commit to serve in “Maternity Care Target Areas.”  
  • $10 million in funding for Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategic (RMOMS) program at HRSA.
    • The RMOMS program funds critical initiatives to expand access to services in rural communities and is strongly supported by the BMHC. 
  • $38.1 million to fund substance use disorder treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
    • This funding requested by the BMHC addresses one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in states across the country. 
  • $11 million, a $1 million increase, through HRSA for Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression and Related Disorders.
    • This funding will expand access to community treatment and recovery support services for pregnant people and new mothers with maternal mental and behavioral health conditions, a major priority of the BMHC. 
  • $200,000 to fund an Advisory Committee to monitor and report on the implementation of the recommendations from the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC) through the HHS Office of the Secretary.
    • This funding will advance efforts to promote the safe inclusion of pregnant and lactating individuals in clinical trials for vaccines and therapeutics, a priority supported by BMHC.
  • $7 million in funding for the Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
    • The hotline, a BMHC priority, provides 24/7 free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy, including phone or text access to professional counselors, real-time support and information, and services in both English and Spanish. The hotline is available at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
  • Prioritization of birth center expansions at HRSA
    • HRSA must develop a plan to assist in birth center expansion in rural and urban maternity care deserts.

Underwood and Adams co-founded the BMHC in 2019 to advance federal solutions that save moms’ lives. The United States is one of the most dangerous countries on earth to give birth, with the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country. The situation is even more dire for Black women, who are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications. Our moms are dying, and the Momnibus is the only comprehensive federal legislation that will address every driver of our maternal health crisis. 

As we consider future Appropriations bills, the BMHC is continuing to advocate for urgent federal action to fully fund the Momnibus and solve our nation’s maternal health crisis.

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Congressman Danny K. Davis Statement on the Retirement Announcement of Congressman Steve Cohen

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Danny K. Davis today issued the following statement regarding Congressman Steve Cohen’s announcement that he will not seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives:

Congressman Steve Cohen has dedicated his life to public service and social justice, and his retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the United States Congress.

Throughout his career, Congressman Cohen has been a fearless advocate for civil rights, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and equality under the law. His leadership and moral clarity have helped move our nation forward on some of the most important issues facing the American people.

For many years, Congressman Cohen and I worked together as partners within the House Democratic Caucus and alongside members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other coalitions committed to advancing civil rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights protections, and racial justice. We stood together on efforts to strengthen our democracy, address inequities within the justice system, and ensure that the promise of equality under the law applied to every American. His partnership and willingness to build bridges across communities and coalitions made him an effective and respected voice in Congress.

As a proud son of Memphis and the first Jewish member elected to Congress from Tennessee, Congressman Cohen brought both courage and conviction to public service. He consistently used his voice to stand up for working families, expand access to healthcare and education, and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans.

I especially appreciate Congressman Cohen’s unwavering commitment to racial justice and his efforts to confront difficult truths in our nation’s history, including his leadership on the historic congressional apology for slavery.

Steve Cohen leaves behind a remarkable legacy of principled leadership and dedicated service. I thank him for his friendship, his partnership, and his many years of service to the people of Tennessee and the nation. I wish him continued health, happiness, and success in the years ahead.

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Rep. Gomez Votes Again to Stop Trump’s Unauthorized War with Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Gomez released the following statement after voting for the third time for a War Powers Resolution to force an end to President Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran. 

“I voted once again to end Trump’s reckless war with Iran,” said Congressman Gomez. This was the third time I voted to stop Trump from taking us even further down this disastrous path, and support for these resolutions keeps growing because more Republicans are realizing the American people are paying the price for Trump’s chaos.

“Trump blew past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution and is pretending this war has somehow magically ‘ended’ while U.S. troops remain deployed and military operations continue. That’s not how the law works.

“Families are already feeling the consequences. Gas prices are rising. Costs are going up. Meanwhile, Trump refuses to take responsibility for the mess he created.

“The closer these votes get, the more obvious it becomes that support for Trump’s war is collapsing. Congress has a constitutional duty to act, and I’ll keep voting to end this war for as long as it takes.”

The House vote marked the third congressional vote this year on legislation seeking to limit President Trump’s military actions against Iran without congressional authorization. The latest resolution came after the expiration of the 60-day deadline established under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.