MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2026 to expand the types of student loan repayment plans eligible for forgiveness and support those who forgo potentially lucrative careers to work in public service.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was established in 2007 and requires the Department of Education to forgive federal student loans after borrowers make at least 10 years of qualifying payments while working for certain public service employers. Currently, 97 percent of public servants who have applied for loan forgiveness have been denied. Millions of borrowers who enrolled in the PSLF program were told after they had already made payments that they had the wrong type of loan or repayment plan and would not qualify for forgiveness under the program. 

This bill would allow payments made under a broader range of payment plans—including graduated repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and the new tiered standard repayment plans—to count toward PSLF for a borrower’s first 60 qualifying payments.

“The rising cost of higher education is forcing more Americans to take on significant student debt. This financial burden can often discourage talented individuals from pursuing a career in public service,” said Rep. Foster. “It’s past time to expand which student loan repayment plans qualify for forgiveness and make the process easier to navigate.” 

The bill is supported by the American Council on Education (ACE), the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Young Invincibles, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Education, Healthcare, Public Services.

It is cosponsored by Reps. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García (D-IL), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), André Carson (D-IN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Shomari Figures (D-AL), and Alma Adams (D-NC).

A copy of the legislation is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, introduced the bipartisan 988 Implementation Act, a comprehensive bipartisan legislative package that will provide states with federal funding and resources to build a crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The legislative package is also co-led by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).
“Calling 988 takes courage, and answering takes patience and care. Our job is to support both,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “We all know someone who has struggled with mental health or substance use and wished there was more help within reach. This bill delivers it, with a faster response, a real place to turn, and trained professionals ready to pick up the phone.”
“When someone reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, we have a responsibility to make sure help is there,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “988 has become a lifesaving resource for millions of Americans, but answering the call cannot be where our responsibility ends. We built a national front door to crisis care with 988. Now we need to strengthen what comes next by expanding mobile crisis response, increasing access to immediate community-based care, and connecting people to the treatment and support they need.”
“Everyday, millions of Americans face mental challenges and are unsure where to go for help,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The 988 hotline streamlines resources for those in need, as part of a network of over 200 local crisis centers, yet only thirteen-percent of adults are aware of this critical resource. I am proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the 988 Implementation Act to build upon the critical progress we have made, and further ensure that our communities are properly equipped with crisis-response services.”
As America’s mental health crisis worsens, 988 has spent the past four years demonstrating the lifesaving power of connecting people in crisis with the right help at the right time. A study published this year by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found that suicide deaths among children and young adults fell 11% below projected levels following the launch of 988, the largest declines were seen in states where 988 use increased most.
The 988 Implementation Act will help address those gaps in access to care by:

Strengthening federal funding for 988 regional and local call centers to deliver timely, 24/7 response to callers;

Expanding community-based and mobile crisis response so trained behavioral health professionals can reach someone who needs in-person support;

Improving access and affordability by requiring health insurance plans to cover crisis services;

Growing crisis workforce development with more funding for training and scholarship opportunities;

Increasing awareness of 988 through a national suicide prevention and crisis services campaign.

Trahan, Matsui and Fitzpatrick are joined by original cosponsors Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL).
Since being sworn into Congress in 2019, Trahan has led efforts to expand access to quality mental health care and improve the resources and support of those in need of care. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed Trahan’s Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Reauthorization Act which ensured the continuation and strengthening of community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts. 
Earlier this year, she spearheaded a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country. This past May, Trahan led the bipartisan introduction of the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026, legislation aiming to expand awareness and access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for students and young adults. 
Full text of the 988 Implementation Act can be found HERE.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as reporting indicates that ICE is weakening detention safety standards, even as 56 people have died in these facilities under ICE’s watch. Loosening standards will allow for-profit, private prison operators to continue cutting corners on food, medical care, and safety. ICE Acting Director David Venturella is the former Vice President of GEO Group, the largest of these private, for-profit prison corporations. Reporting suggests that these private contractors were consulted in the adoption of these new standards.

“Detention standards are meant to guide the entities operating immigration detention centers – they should not be written by them. And yet, it appears that that is precisely what occurred here,” wrote the Members. “At a time when there are numerous documented cases of abuse and neglect within the immigration detention system, when deaths of detained people, including at least one homicide, have more than doubled from previous years, and when the oversight mechanisms within the system have been gutted, we should not be lowering detention standards, especially not to pad the bottom line of companies getting rich off of taxpayer funds and human suffering.”

Since the start of the second Trump administration, over 400,000 people have been arrested and sent to immigration detention facilities. From these facilities, there have been reports of inadequate medical care, spoiled food, overcrowded cells, and physical beatings. Guards beat one teenager so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Pregnant women have miscarried inside detention centers because of the appalling conditions, with some reporting receiving no medical care after miscarrying.

Lowering already failing standards will make these facilities less safe and increase profits for the contractors running these facilities, including GEO Group and CoreCivic. These private, for-profit prison corporations have already benefited significantly from the expansion of immigration detention, with both GEO Group and CoreCivic reporting an additional $2 billion in profits in 2025. 

Jayapal is demanding information regarding the new standards and what they entail, as well as any communications between DHS officials and officials at GEO Group or CoreCivic. 

The full text of the letter can be found here.

The letter was also signed by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-16), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL) (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert J. Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

Issues: Immigration

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Miller (R-WV), Horsford (D-NV), Salazar (R-FL), and Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Stronger Start for Working Families Act, which would lower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1.  Under this change, a taxpayer would qualify for a portion of the refundable CTC beginning with their first dollar of earned income, providing meaningful tax relief to families and encouraging more Americans to enter into the workforce.

“The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a common-sense piece of legislation designed to help our families across the country who are struggling with the rising costs of raising a child. By lowering the earned income limit, we can ensure parents start receiving much-needed Child Tax Credit benefits from the very first dollar they earn, providing tax relief and improved peace of mind to those needing it most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller. 

“The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a bipartisan solution for working families who have watched relief stay just out of reach. Lowering the qualifying threshold from $2,500 to just $1 means that so many families below the poverty line who were previously prevented from qualifying now have access to the assistance they deserve. That can be the difference between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. There is still more work to be done for families who need support, but this is a positive first step. I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this much needed relief, and I will continue to ensure working families can get ahead, not just get by,” said Rep. Horsford. 

“Families in New Hampshire are working hard and still coming up short. Child care for a family with two kids costs close to $32,000 a year here, more than a quarter of our state’s median family income. It makes no sense that parents who need the Child Tax Credit most are the ones missing out. This bill is a simple and straightforward fix: let families start earning the credit with their first dollar of work so we can put money back in their pockets,” said Congressman Chris Pappas.

The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is supported by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Third Way, Bread for the World, America Forward, Save the Children, Niskanen Center, Family Matters, and RESULTS. 

“Parents are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, with majorities of low-income parents saying they have increased spending on groceries and utilities this year. The Stronger Start for Working Families Act will help families access a larger Child Tax Credit sooner, which helps them afford basic necessities that help children thrive and incentivizes parents to join or stay in the workforce. BPC Action commends Reps. Miller (R-WV) and Horsford (D-NV) for leading this bill in the House,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

“The Stronger Start for Working Families Act will meaningfully expand the Child Tax Credit for families struggling with the rising cost of child care, groceries, and other essentials. We applaud Representatives Carol Miller and Steven Horsford for their bipartisan leadership on a working-family tax cut that is simple, effective, and fiscally responsible,” said Zach Moller, Senior Director of the Economic Program, Third Way.

“We applaud Representatives Miller (R-WV), Horsford (D-NV), Salazar (R-FL), and Pappas (D-NH) for championing the House version of the Stronger Start for Working Families Act. Lowering the earnings threshold for the Child Tax Credit is a critical step toward reducing child poverty, improving health outcomes, and ending hunger. This legislation would provide meaningful support to the families who need it most and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.” said Rev. Heather Taylor, Interim President/CEO, Bread for the World.

“We applaud Representative Miller for this important legislation that expands the accessibility of the Child Tax Credit. America Forward Coalition organizations implement innovative, evidence-based economic mobility strategies nationwide. While the Child Tax Credit is a powerful tool to support families’ financial security and economic mobility, Coalition members know the CTC’s earned income threshold excludes many families who could benefit. This critical bill will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families across the country,” said Deborah Smolover, Executive Director, America Forward.

“Save the Children applauds Representatives Miller, Horsford, Pappas, and Salazar for leading the Stronger Start for Working Families Act, which would expand access to the Child Tax Credit for families in rural America. This pro-family, pro-growth legislation puts families first by helping ease financial pressures and ensuring more families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Allison Dembeck, Director of Policy, Save the Children.

“Years of inflation have eroded the purchasing power of struggling working-class families. Representatives Miller and Horsford’s Stronger Start for Working Families Act would tap into the Child Tax Credit’s long history of bipartisan support to supplement working families’ earnings with a much-needed boost at tax time.” said Josh McCabe, Director of Social Policy, Niskanen Center.

“The Child Tax Credit is the primary way our tax code supports parents in their hard work of raising the next generation, but too many working families are unable to fully benefit from it. This bill is a smart, targeted way of ensuring that hard work pays, and that more parents have a little more support in covering the expenses of everyday life,” said Patrick T. Brown, Family Matters. 

“RESULTS and its national network of advocates applaud Congresswoman Miller(R-WV) and Congressman Horsford (D-NV) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Stronger Start for Working Families Act. This legislation will improve the Child Tax Credit (CTC) so that it better rewards the hard work that millions of families employed in low to moderate wage jobs do to support their families. Congress must follow their lead and ensure expanded Child Tax Credit benefits reach families who need them the most,” said RESULTS Executive Director Joanne Carter.

A copy of the bill text can be found here. 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) is recapping a busy August District Work Period, which included more than 80 stops in all six counties covering Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District.

Highlights include Kelly’s annual Veteran Resource Fair, tours of local businesses, and constituent meetings in his three district offices.

“The August District Work Period allows us to take a little more time to have meaningful conversations with our constituents face-to-face. It’s always great to meet directly with folks around the region to hear how we can best serve them in Washington. Thank you to everyone who hosted us over the last few weeks,” said Rep. Kelly.

Below, you can find some of Kelly’s stops around the region during the August District Work Period.

50+ organizations join the Veteran Resource Fair in Meadville

On August 6, Rep. Kelly hosted his annual Veteran Resource Fair at the Downtown Mall in Meadville.

The Fair, which is hosted together with Crawford County Veterans Services, connected veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with more than 50 organizations offering important services, resources, and support.

Did you know: More than 42,000 civilian veterans reside in PA-16, according to Census data.

Seeking answers about the future of the 
South Erie Post Office

Throughout August, Rep. Kelly met with Erie residents who remain concerned that the South Erie Post Office has been closed for nearly a year.

Soon after his initial meeting, he sent a letter with U.S. Senator John Fetterman to the Postmaster General urging the U.S. Postal Service to reopen the South Erie Post Office to properly serve Erie residents who rely on this facility for essential services.

The South Erie Post Office, located on Poplar Street, suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs and remains closed as of August 2026. USPS officials have informed the lawmakers that the facility is expected to reopen in November 2026.

WATCH: Rep. Kelly spoke with Erie News Now about the ongoing efforts to reopen the facility.

Federal funding for Butler County first responders

On Friday, Aug. 28, Rep. Kelly joined the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company in Butler County for a groundbreaking ceremony at their new department headquarters. Kelly secured $2 million in federal funding for the project in 2024.

READ MORE: Rep. Kelly spoke with the Butler Eagle about the funding process and the future of the project.

Meeting with businesses & organizations around the region

Above: Rep. Kelly tours JM Eagle in Cochranton.

Above: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited as they dedicated new, restored wetlands in Grove City.

Above: Rep. Kelly joined North American Forgemasters in New Castle to discuss their efforts to strengthen America’s industrial base and to support our nation’s defense needs.

Above: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a tour of its Erie County facilities.

Above: Rep. Kelly meets with Venango County officials to discuss important projects and priorities across the county, including the critical public safety radio improvements included in his latest Community Project Funding requests.

Above: Rep. Kelly presents Butler County Community College with a Congressional Commendation to mark their 60th anniversary. BC3 has served generations of students, and they continue to develop the workforce that serves our region.

Constituents are invited to follow Rep. Kelly on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and his email newsletter to receive his latest updates.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced legislation alongside Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) to lower the cost of insulin for insured Americans and expand access to resources for uninsured Americans living with diabetes. 

Their Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving InsulinNow (INSULIN) Act would build on the progress made through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by extending the $35 per month cap on insulin for seniors to all insured individuals. The bill also establishes an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs.

“Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we made great strides toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs by capping the cost of insulin for our nation’s seniors,” Rep. Craig said. “Now, it’s time to extend that benefit to all Americans. I’m proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing this critical bill that will ensure no Minnesotan has to choose between putting food on the table and picking up lifesaving medication.” 

Since entering Congress, Rep. Craig has been a leader in the fight to lower prescription drug prices with a specific focus on insulin. In 2022, the provision of Rep. Craig’s bill that capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare recipients was signed into law as part of the IRA. Earlier this Congress, she introduced the Affordable Insulin Now Act to help Americans with private insurance afford insulin.

Last Congress, Rep. Craig also introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act to help Americans without health insurance afford insulin. This bill would expand emergency insulin access, lower costs for those without health insurance and take additional steps to hold drug companies accountable for price gouging Americans.

During IRA negotiations, Rep. Craig stood with House progressives, refusing to support the bill until it included provisions to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. She is also cosponsor of the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act, which would expand Medicare drug price negotiation to lower the price of additional prescription drugs.

You can read the full text of the bill HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. –This week, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined her colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opposing Australia’s discriminatory taxes and fines targeting American digital service providers.

Just last month, Australia’s Parliament passed the News Bargaining Charge Bill 2026, which imposes a 2.75% tax on certain American digital service providers, ultimately undermining U.S. commerce. This letter urges Ambassador Greer to oppose these measures before they have serious negative effects on American businesses, commercial interests, and the U.S. economy.

The full letter can be found here. 

Representatives who joined Miller in sending the letter include: Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Randy Fenstra (R-IA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), and Darin LaHood (R-IL).  

“Australia must be held accountable for its unfair legislation that targets U.S. digital service providers. These discriminatory barriers will undermine fair competition and harm American businesses, ultimately straining the strong economic relationship between our two nations. I urge Ambassador Greer to stand up for American companies and launch a 301 digital probe into Australia immediately, ” said Congresswoman Miller.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians

On Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.

Individuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:

• All TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status. 
• Visit the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.
• Contact the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.

Donald Trump’s cruel immigration agenda will force hundreds of thousands of TPS holders to return to a dangerous and deeply unstable environment, putting people at great risk. House Democrats will continue pushing back to protect our communities, including the vibrant Haitian diaspora that calls New York City home.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the 988 Crisis Response Act, bipartisan legislation to fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and David Valadao (CA-22) as part of the larger 988 Implementation Act.

“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how severe our youth and adult mental health crisis has become,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is so important that when our family members, loved ones, and neighbors are in crisis, they can get immediate help. Mobile crisis response teams, with licensed counselors, physicians, crisis workers, and paramedics, dispatched by 988 save lives, deescalate dangerous situations, and keep us all safe. We need to make sure these teams are always available for every American as a reliable resource when our community members need help.”

BACKGROUND: The 988 Crisis Response Act provides sustainable funding streams for mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) and other elements of the crisis care continuum. This includes Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers, MCRTs, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) recommendation that insurers cover all three pillars of the crisis care continuum. The bill also provides grant funding to build MCRT capacity.

Specifically, this bill:

• Authorizes $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers. Teams must respond to people in crisis and provide immediate stabilization and referral to behavioral health services and supports.
• Makes permanent the 85% federal matching assistance percentage (FMAP) for mobile crisis response teams and expands the FMAP to crisis call centers and crisis stabilizing and receiving facilities, ensuring unambiguous Medicaid financing for all three pillars of the crisis care continuum.

“When someone has a mental health crisis, they deserve timely, comprehensive treatment — not just a trip to an overcrowded emergency room,” said Congressman Smith. “I’ve witnessed the important work of our mobile crisis response teams and broader behavioral health workforce in King County, and I appreciate their dedication to providing critical care to our community’s most vulnerable. This bill will provide the reliable funding needed to strengthen these teams and help expand this model of care nationwide. Everyone deserves the right help, in the right setting, at the right time. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.”

“A mental health crisis does not wait for business hours, and a family asking for help should never be left wondering whether anyone will come,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “For years, I have worked with families, first responders, providers, and advocates who understand that the right intervention at the right moment can change the course of a life. The 988 Lifeline gave Americans a number to call; now we must make certain there is a strong system of care ready to answer that call. Our bipartisan 988 Crisis Response Act will help communities put trained professionals on the ground, strengthen crisis stabilization services, and ensure that when someone reaches out in their most vulnerable hour, help is not merely promised—it arrives.”

“Across the Central Valley, mobile crisis response teams work alongside law enforcement to respond to individuals in crisis, deescalate difficult situations, and connect people with vital mental health services,” said Congressman Valadao. “I know how deeply personal and impactful this work is for our community, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the 988 Crisis Response Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen federal support for mobile crisis response teams and the broader crisis care continuum, helping ensure these critical services remain available to those who need them most.”

If you or a loved one needs help, call or text 988.

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