Rep. Panetta, Mayor Bourbeau, Police Chief Suttles Announce $850K in Federal Funding for Upgrades to the Atascadero Police Station

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Atascadero, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau and Atascadero Police Chief Dan Suttles for a press conference to announce $850,000 in federal funding for improvements to the Atascadero Police Station. The funding announced will be used to make updates to the dispatch center. The Police Station is also currently planning larger updates to better serve and protect the people of Atascadero.

“Dispatch centers are the central nerve of any local police station, and a modern, well-equipped dispatch center is critical to public safety in Atascadero,” said Rep. Panetta. “The $850,000 in federal funding that I’ve secured isn’t just going to update the police station, it’s going to help our first responders save lives and serve the community. I’m proud to deliver this investment to make sure that the Congressional power of the purse is felt right here in our 19th Congressional District.”

The funding announced today is what Rep. Panetta worked for to be included in the most recent appropriations package. Rep. Panetta secured $2.6 million in community project funding for local projects in Northern San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Previously in FY 2024, Rep. Panetta secured $3.5 million in community project funding for Northern SLO County, which included $1 million for El Camino Real in Atascadero.

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Rep. Weber Introduces Resolution Recognizing 10th Anniversary of First Lower 48 LNG Export

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. –  Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Vice Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s House Energy Action Team (HEAT), introduced a House Resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the first export shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced in the lower 48 United States.

On February 24, 2016, the tanker Asia Vision departed Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility on the Texas Gulf Coast bound for Brazil. That historic shipment marked the first time LNG produced by American workers, using American technology, was exported from the continental United States to global markets. It signaled the beginning of a new era of American energy leadership.

The resolution:

  • Recognizes and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first LNG export shipment from the lower 48 states;
  • Honors the workers, innovators, and communities who made this milestone possible;
  • Acknowledges the role LNG exports play in strengthening U.S. economic growth, energy security, and international partnerships;
  • And reaffirms the importance of continued innovation and responsible development of American energy resources. 

Over the past decade, LNG exports from the lower 48 have supported an annual average of 273,000 American jobs and contributed more than $400 billion in economic growth. U.S. LNG terminals have shipped more than 8,500 cargoes to over 40 countries and regions around the world, strengthening alliances and reducing dependence on hostile energy suppliers.

“Ten years ago, the first LNG shipment from the Lower 48 left right here in Texas’ 14th Congressional District,” said Rep. Weber. “That moment proved what we’ve always known on the Texas Gulf Coast: when America produces, builds, and leads, we win. Today, the United States is the largest LNG exporter in the world because we didn’t sideline American energy, we unleashed it. Now it’s Congress’ job to protect that success and keep America energy dominant.”

“We applaud the work led by the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) to draw attention to the many economic, geopolitical, and environmental benefits of growing U.S. LNG exports,” said Charlie Riedl, Executive Director for the Center for LNG (CLNG). “As a coalition of companies representing the LNG supply chain, CLNG stands ready to support your efforts and continue to advocate for policies that will create American jobs and strengthen our national security. We look forward to working with you to advance this critical resolution and build awareness of the industry in Congress.”

Read CLNG’s full Letter of Support here.

“Over the past decade, U.S. LNG has strengthened our economy, supported hundreds of thousands of American jobs, and enhanced the energy security of our allies around the world,” said Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs, American Petroleum Institute. “We applaud Congressman Weber’s leadership in recognizing the workers, innovators, and communities who made the United States the world’s leading LNG exporter, and who will continue to drive American energy innovation and leadership for decades to come.”

“America’s leading independent producers are proud to power a decade of U.S. LNG export leadership, and we applaud Representative Weber for recognizing this historic turning point that helped transform the United States into a global energy superpower,” said Parker Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, of the American Exploration & Production Council. “Thanks to the ingenuity and investment of American natural gas producers, U.S. LNG has become a cornerstone of global energy security, powering homes and economies across Europe, Asia, and beyond. As we mark this milestone, we look forward to working with Congress to advance policies that expand the role of American-made natural gas in meeting the world’s growing demand for ever cleaner, reliable energy,”

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Mike Carey (OH-15), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Randy Fine (FL-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Vincent Gonzalez (TX-34), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Carol Miller (WV-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Troy Nehls (TX-22), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Roger Williams (TX-25).

Congressman Weber serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he is Vice Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee and serves on the Environment and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittees.

Rep. Weber’s district on the Texas Gulf Coast is home to critical LNG infrastructure that powers American energy production and strengthens national security.

Read more in the Orange Leader here.

Miller, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 10-Year Anniversary of Liquified Natural Gas Exports

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), alongside her House colleagues, introduced a resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the first export shipment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) produced in the continental United States. On February 24, 2016, the United States shipped its first LNG cargo, solidifying the nation’s status as a global energy powerhouse. This milestone marked a significant step forward for economic growth and helped position the U.S. as the world’s leading exporter of LNG.

“As Co-Chair of the Energy Export Caucus, I see the critical role LNG plays in strengthening America’s energy dominance. LNG is a cornerstone of U.S. energy exports and supports good-paying jobs, all while bolstering our national security. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution recognizing ten years of success since the first LNG export from the contiguous 48 states, and honoring the workers and innovators who made this historic achievement possible,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller. 

Background

  • The first LNG export from the continental United States occurred on February 24, 2016, marking a major milestone in America’s energy production and export capabilities.
  • Over the past decade, the United States has exported more than 8,500 LNG cargoes to over 40 countries and regions.
  • The rapid growth of LNG exports has helped establish the United States as the world’s largest exporter of LNG.
  • U.S. LNG exports have played a critical role in supporting global energy stability, reducing reliance on adversarial energy suppliers, and promoting economic growth and job creation at home.

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Congressman Gosar Thanks DHS Secretary Noem for Her Transparent Response to Surprise, AZ Processing Facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Washington, DC — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09) issued the following statement after receiving a detailed response from the Department of Homeland Security to his recent letter regarding the proposed ICE processing facility in Surprise, Arizona:

“I want to thank Secretary Noem for her prompt, direct, and transparent response to each of the questions I raised regarding the proposed ICE processing site in my district in Surprise, Arizona.  At a time when our nation faces unprecedented challenges from illegal immigration, largely caused by the previous administration’s open-border policies, I appreciate Secretary Noem’s willingness to work collaboratively with my office to ensure that this project is carried out responsibly, securely, and with full consideration for local communities.

According to the response, the Surprise site is under consideration to serve as a 500-1,500 bed processing facility used for intake and short-term transfer of illegals placed into removal proceedings.  The average length of stay would generally be three to seven days before transfer to a larger detention center.  DHS further indicated that ICE anticipates onboarding such facilities by the end of Fiscal Year 2026, subject to the procurement process and available funding.

Secretary Noem’s response outlined that the facility would adhere to ICE National Detention Standards, include a fully staffed on-site medical unit, reimburse local partners for emergency services, and maintain robust security staffing to ensure the safety of detainees, personnel, and surrounding communities.  DHS is also committed to continued engagement with state and local stakeholders and congressional oversight as the project advances.

However, DHS made clear that the Democrats’ current government shutdown is directly impacting its ability to provide specific timelines for development and operational commencement.

Nearly a century ago, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis warned that when a government fails to uphold the law, it “breeds contempt for law” and “invites anarchy.” His words remain relevant today.  When federal immigration law is ignored, unfunded, or obstructed for political gain, the result is disorder at our border and danger in our communities.  The American people deserve a federal government that enforces the law consistently and without apology.

Unfortunately, Democrats’ partisan political stunts are once again interfering with the core mission of protecting the American people. The ongoing shutdown is preventing DHS from establishing a realistic and transparent timetable for this critical public safety project.  Every day Democrats continue this reckless obstruction they delay border security efforts and put American lives at risk. 

Border security is national security.  Democrats must end their political games, reopen the government immediately, and allow DHS and ICE to do their jobs.  The safety of Arizona communities – and all Americans – cannot be held hostage to partisan theatrics.

I will continue to work closely with Secretary Noem, ICE officials and local stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and the safety of Arizona residents as this project moves forward,” concluded Congressman Paul Gosar.

Click here to read a copy of the response letter from DHS.

Rep. Chu to Boycott State of the Union, Invites Guest Harmed by Trump and Republicans’ Health Care Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) announced she will boycott President Trump’s State of the Union Address, and instead spend the day shining a light on his administration’s devastating cuts to health care coverage and affordability. 

“President Trump’s first thirteen months in office have been an utter failure, and a disaster for Americans facing an affordability crisis. He imposed sweeping tariffs that cost families $1,700 per year. He has unleashed masked federal agents to terrorize American cities like Los Angeles and Minneapolis. His signature legislative achievement is a big, ugly law that exploded the deficit with tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy while slashing health care coverage and food assistance for millions of working people. He eliminated the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which has resulted in a 97% increase in premiums for Covered California plans. And he’s used the presidency to enrich himself and target his political enemies,” said Rep. Chu. 

“This is the reality that President Trump will refuse to acknowledge in his State of the Union address. And that is the reason why I have chosen not to attend. Instead, I am spending the day alongside my guest, Becky Roberts, one of millions of Americans whose health care coverage was made unaffordable by President Trump and Republicans”

Ms. Roberts is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was born with a dislocated hip and has lived with mobility challenges her entire life. Although she could have relied on disability benefits, she chose to remain in the workforce, primarily at small businesses that did not offer employer-sponsored insurance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made coverage affordable, allowing her to secure health coverage for herself and her family. This summer, Ms. Roberts underwent surgery to correct her hip deformity and is now in physical therapy with the goal of regaining mobility.  However, her ACA premium recently skyrocketed by 110% following Trump and Republicans’ elimination of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. If she can maintain her coverage, doctors believe she could be out of her wheelchair within months; if not, she risks remaining in it permanently. 

Rep. Chu invited Ms. Roberts to share her story because it is one shared by millions of Americans whose health care costs have exploded as a result of President Trump and Republican’s decision to eliminate the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits.

“Becky Roberts is one of 22 million Americans now paying drastically higher health premiums because of Donald Trump and Republicans’ decision to end ACA enhanced premium tax credits,” Rep. Chu continued. “And that came after Republicans passed the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act last year, which ripped $1.5 trillion out of the health care system and will kick 15 million Americans – including children – off their coverage just to fund tax cuts for billionaires. I invited Ms. Roberts to the State of the Union so President Trump must face the Americans who have been forced to choose between basic necessities and health care.”

  • 39,373 people in CA-28 will lose health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid (also known in California as Medi-Cal) in the Big Ugly Law and Republicans’ decision to end enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits.
     
  • 25,073 people in CA-28 will lose access to health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid in the Big Ugly Law.
     
  • 14,300 people in CA-28 will lose access to health coverage because of Republicans’ decision to end enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits and add burdensome reporting requirements.

“I will continue fighting in Congress to lower health care costs, protect our cities from Trump’s brutal immigration enforcement, and make life better and more affordable for my constituents,” finished Rep. Chu. 

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Scalise Highlights State of the Union Guests Directly Benefitting from GOP Policies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to highlight President Trump’s record of lowering costs for hardworking Americans and securing the border. Leader Scalise also showcased two Louisianians directly benefiting from Republicans’ America First agenda.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On President Trump slashing costs:“We’re going to be celebrating a lot of other great things tonight as President Trump talks about the 250th birthday of America: How we got here, what we’ve done so well, what we still need to do to keep making this a more perfect union. And look, the state of the union is getting stronger, but make no mistake, when President Trump took office, this economy was on its knees after years of Democrat control, bringing record inflation, record interest rates. You saw energy prices through the roof, more than $5 a gallon in most places. Today, families are paying, in most states, about $2.50 a gallon. That’s half of what they were paying. And for a working family, just lower gas prices alone from President Trump’s policies means about $600 more in the pockets of hardworking families. It doesn’t mean that we’re finished. There’s a lot more work to do. But I think what you’re going to hear tonight from President Trump is a reminder of how great this country is, what that greatness has done to improve the lives of people, and what work we still have to do to continue getting this country back on track.”On Republicans securing the border:“We had a wide-open, porous border with millions of people coming across. Every single month, you would see record numbers coming in. And there were violent criminals coming into our country. Drug cartels… they were running our Southern border and bringing bad people and poisonous drugs into our country every single day. And Donald Trump ran for President, saying, ‘I’m going to do something about it.’ And he worked with this Republican Congress to fix that mess… Sadly, Democrats have voted no on just about every major policy that has fixed the mess that they made. And that’s okay, because we’re going to do the job anyway.”On Louisianians who have directly benefited from President Trump’s policies:“Some of those people that are benefiting from those policies are going to be in the balcony tonight… I’m going to highlight two of them right here with me. Two of my guests that I’m very proud of. We’ve got Heath Sykes, who’s a server, one of the best restaurants in New Orleans. We’re known for our food. We love our food. Drago’s restaurant is where they invented the charbroiled oysters. He gets to serve charbroiled oysters every day and so many other great meals from a true American dream success story. The Cvitanovich family is a second-generation family that fled communism to come seek the American dream, and they now have it in the Drago’s restaurants. And he serves there and no longer has to pay tax on tips. And he gets to celebrate what that means for having more money in his pocket, being able to do more for his family. “Then the other guest I have is Anthony Buttone, who’s a Deputy Sheriff in Jefferson Parish, where I live. Thank you for your service. We all celebrate our men and women in law enforcement. But so often our men and women in law enforcement are working extra hours to make ends meet to provide for their families. And when they work overtime, a lot of times they were paying so much more in overtime, it didn’t make it worthwhile. And we said, working with President Trump, why should people have to pay taxes on overtime? And now, because of that, Deputy Buttone is going to be able to have more money in his pocket to provide for his family. And by the way, his family is growing. He is now a girl dad like me. He’s got a one-year-old daughter, and he’s going to have more money in his pocket to provide for his daughter. And families all across the country are benefiting from what we did. Republicans are working with President Trump to make life more affordable for working families in America.”

Speaker Johnson on SOTU: Tonight, Republicans Will Demonstrate We’re the Only Team Bringing Back Common Sense and Affordability

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed President Trump’s historic and transformational first year back in office ahead of his State of the Union address tonight. Speaker Johnson also highlighted Democrats’ continued obstruction amid their third government shutdown this Congress.

“We’re putting more money back in your pockets, we’re restoring peace through strength, we’re defending our border and deporting criminal illegal aliens, we’re standing up for American industry and manufacturing and we’re making American workers – not foreign countries – the clear winners in this American economy,” Speaker Johnson said. “Those are not talking points; that is what we have delivered.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s press conference remarks here.  

On the State of the Union address:

Republicans have a far simpler and far superior message for Americans watching at home. We’re putting more money back in your pockets, we’re restoring peace through strength, we’re defending our border and deporting criminal illegal aliens, we’re standing up for American industry and manufacturing and we’re making American workers – not foreign countries – the clear winners in this American economy. Those are not talking points; that is what we have delivered. It’s called Republican results, and we are proud to run on that message in this fateful midterm election year.

So tonight, President Trump will demonstrate that Republicans are the only team working seriously to bring common sense back to our broken system. It’s promises made promises kept. And he’s working, and we’re all working together, to make the country stronger, safer more affordable, and more prosperous for all Americans, and many of them will be represented in that that big beautiful gallery tonight. The American people will see that reflected this evening and in the months ahead as we press forward on all of those promises and so much more. We’re excited; it’s a great time for America.

On the third Democrat shutdown:

It’s almost unbelievable to us not one not two but now three government shutdowns in just the last 100 days. What in the world are they thinking this time they’ve taken hostage as you know the Department of Homeland Security. The department that is literally in its name it’s very indicative of its of its duties it keeps Americans safe and so funding for the agencies that protect our borders and mitigate disasters and help keep all of us able to walk down the streets without fear. That’s the agency they’ve chosen to hold hostage well before the funding deadline Republicans as you know worked in good faith to pass a year-long full year funding for DHS and we did that through a bipartisan committee process Democrats in both the House and the Senate negotiated on that and now Democrats in both chambers have reneged on that bipartisan deal.

On the consequences of the Democrat shutdown of critical national security functions:

The consequences of Democrat shutdown are already painfully clear. Look at FEMA: their operations are really important right now. If they haven’t noticed, we have a historic season of winter storms slamming the East Coast, even as we speak, in the northern parts. TSA is having to make difficult resource decisions as you’ve seen, and agents are working another week without pay. Some of those are high stress positions and it’s not right and it’s not fair. The Secret Service, as you know, is charged among its other duties of protecting the President and yet another armed attempt was made on his life just this weekend. This is not a game. 

I don’t need to remind anybody. 2026 is an historic year for our country, and it will be a great year of celebration; it will be a part of the big golden era, the 250th celebration and our birthday. But you’re going to have during the year tens of millions of guests. We’re hosting the FIFA World Cup in 11 cities around America; we have festivals and tournaments and so many highly attended, high profile events around the country. Obviously, we need the protection of a fully funded Department of Homeland Security. We shouldn’t even have to say that this this gambit that the Democrats are involved in is as foolish as it is dangerous. They cannot hold up that critical funding any longer. There is planning that’s required for these events, there’s all sorts of logistics involved and personnel as well and it’s time for Democrats to do their job before they risk the literal lives of the American people any further.

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Congressman Harris Announces Launch of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is now open for submissions.
The annual competition highlights the creativity of high school artists nationwide and is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. Students from Maryland’s First Congressional District are invited to participate. One winner from each district is selected to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Since the program began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have entered the competition.

For full competition guidelines and the student release forms, please visit Congressman Harris’ website at Harris.House.Gov. Go to the “Services” tab at the top of the screen and click on “Art Competition.” Artwork can be submitted to any of our district offices on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Please call one of the offices listed below to schedule a time to drop off your artwork. 

Bel Air District Office – (410) 588-5670

Salisbury District Office – (443) 944-8624

Or contact Art Competition Staff to coordinate pickup by emailing MD01Art@mail.house.gov

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 24, 2026.

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Pappas Helps Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 175th Anniversary of YMCA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

YMCA delivers programming to 11 million adults and 6.5 million children each year

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Camp Caucus, joined Congressmen Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (IL) and Senator James Lankford (OK), in introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor the YMCA ahead of the organization’s 175th anniversary.  The YMCA has about 2,600 locations, serving more than 10,000 communities across the country. 

Since its founding in 1851, the YMCA has built its legacy around being a community space that meets the evolving needs of Americans and welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. In their resolution, the members of Congress recognize the YMCA’s history, which includes the invention of basketball and the first group swim lesson; providing safe housing during the Industrial Revolution; the establishment of the nation’s oldest and largest youth civics education program; and serving as the nation’s leading non-profit provider of early child care and education, before and after school programs, and summer camp. 

“For 175 years, YMCA has been a champion of youth development, healthy living, and community-building. It’s a place where people, young and old, can socialize, connect, and thrive,” said Congressman Pappas. “Today we celebrate YMCA, its contributions to our communities, and its continued success.”

“For 175 years, the YMCA has provided shelter, health services, and a place to stay active for Americans nationwide. It has also provided support for our young people, through sports, ESL, and nutrition programs not otherwise found in their communities,” said Congressman Quigley. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and my colleagues on this resolution to recognize the YMCA’s deep and lasting importance.”

“As the YMCA celebrates 175 years, I’m grateful for the impact our local Ys have had here in Western North Carolina,” said Congressman Edwards. “From supporting families and developing young leaders to promoting healthy living, the YMCA continues to be a pillar and resource throughout our nation. This milestone is a testament to the lasting difference YMCAs make in our communities.”

“The YMCA’s history is intrinsically tied to our nation’s history, and even 175 years later, it will be a piece of our nation’s future,” Senator Durbin said.  “Chicago is the proud home of the YMCA’s headquarters, and our state is better for the contributions of this organization, which has served as a community hub for nearly two centuries.  I’m joining my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution to celebrate the long and storied history of the YMCA and the work it does to support American communities.” 

“For 175 years, the YMCA has been a steady force for good in communities across America. Here in Oklahoma, 17 YMCAs are putting that mission into action every day, supporting families, mentoring young people, and strengthening the communities we’re proud to call home,” said Senator Lankford.

“We are honored by this recognition of the Y’s legacy of service, and we look forward to the next 175 years of helping people thrive and communities grow stronger together,” said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. 

This legislation is endorsed by the Congressional Camp Caucus. Text of the resolution is available here.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Joined by Tampa Small Business Owner Who Faces Crushing Cost Increase for Health Coverage for State of the Union

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced that Tampa small business owner Linda Misner will join her as her guest to President Trump’s State of the Union address to highlight how Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration are driving up health care costs for working families and small business owners while giving massive tax giveaways for the wealthy and well-connected.

For years, Linda and her husband relied on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace as their only affordable option for health insurance as small business owners. In 2025, their monthly premium for a high-deductible Florida Blue plan was about $238. After Republicans allowed the ACA enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTC) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) premium cap to expire at the end of 2025, their 2026 premium skyrocketed to more than $3,200 a month—nearly $39,000 a year—for a plan with a limited network and a sky-high deductible.

Like too many Floridians, Linda and her husband were priced out of the marketplace altogether and forced into a plan with nearly $900 in monthly premiums, $8,500 deductibles, no prescription coverage, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Now they are delaying care, avoiding the emergency room, and paying out of pocket for essential health needs.

Since taking office last year, Trump and Congressional Republicans have prioritized tax breaks for billionaires and special interests over the health and financial security of working families—gutting protections under the ACA and ripping away initiatives that made health care more affordable for hardworking Americans. Their agenda is forcing small business owners and older Americans to make impossible choices between paying for health care, putting food on the table, or keeping up with their mortgage.

“Congressional Republicans and Trump are draining my neighbors’ wallets dry and forcing families to choose between health care and other essential expenses,” said Rep. Castor. “For Linda and her husband, health care premiums went from about $300 a month to more than $3,200 a month—that is ludicrous. No one should have to choose between a mortgage payment and the medicine they need. While Republicans fight hard to protect tax handouts for billionaires, I am fighting to restore health care savings, cap costs, and protect people with preexisting conditions. I’m honored to have Linda with me to put a real face on the damage Trump and Congressional Republicans are doing to families and small businesses here in the Tampa Bay area and across the country.”

“As small business owners, the ACA was our only affordable option for health insurance,” said Linda Misner. “When Congressional Republicans let the premium tax credits and caps expire, our costs exploded overnight. We went from a few hundred dollars a month to being quoted more than $3,000 a month for minimal coverage—and many companies wouldn’t insure us at all because of our age and minor medical issues. We’re now paying thousands for a bad plan with huge deductibles, no prescription coverage, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It’s forcing us to delay care and avoid needed procedures. Health care should be a lifeline, not a financial trap. I’m joining Representative Castor to demand that Congress restore the ACA savings and protect affordable coverage for small business owners, workers, and families like mine.”