MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass H.J. Res. 1, Congressman Andy Biggs’s (AZ-05) proposed constitutional amendment to permanently establish the Supreme Court of the United States at nine justices.

Because H.J. Res. 1 proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passage required the support of two-thirds of the Members present and voting. All except one Democrat opposed this common-sense measure, demonstrating their resolve to expand the Court as soon as they regain the majority.

Congressman Biggs, the sponsor of the resolution, issued the following statement:

“For years now, Democrats have made their desire to pack the U.S. Supreme Court with liberal justices known. But don’t be fooled – this desire doesn’t stem from concern that the Court’s workload is too high, or the nation has outgrown the Court. It stems only from a dissatisfaction that the Court hasn’t rubber-stamped the blatantly unconstitutional, leftist, heavy-handed policies they want to impose on the American people.

“The Court has been set at nine justices for more than 150 years. In accordance with the Constitution, Justices are appointed by the sitting President at the time of a vacancy, and with the advice and consent of the Senate. But Ranking Member Raskin made clear in his remarks: he believes President Trump’s ability to appoint two Justices who more closely adhere to the Constitution than the Justices replaced is simply unfair. In fact, he said the quiet part out loud, accusing President Trump of ‘stealing’ the two seats and calling it ‘the rightwing capture of the Court.’ This is a dangerous narrative that undermines the system established by the Founders and creates a slippery slope ending in the total decimation of the integrity of the Court.

“The reality is that when Democrats are unable to convince the American people of the validity of their own policies and capture the Presidency and majority in both chambers, they demand to change the rules of the game. Just look to the extreme ideas of the socialists being elected to Congress, calling for the transformation of the Court into one elected and subordinate to the legislature.

“It’s a blessing and a miracle that our great nation celebrated 250 years of self-government. But allowing the Democrats to pack the Court is sure fire way to change the fundamental nature of our Republic and quickly devolve to the socialist dystopia they so badly desire.”

###

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.

The resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Cañada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu’s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy. 

“Establishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. “It is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I’m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.”

“Mikaela Hong has shown extraordinary courage and determination in turning her own experience with neuroblastoma into action for other children and families,” said Rep. Chu. “Neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult childhood cancers to treat, and far too many families face limited treatment options and uncertain outcomes. I am incredibly proud to work with Mikaela to bring this effort to the national level. By recognizing September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, we can honor every child and family affected by this devastating disease, recognize the doctors and researchers working tirelessly on their behalf, and bring greater attention to the urgent need for continued research and better treatments.”

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants and the most common solid tumor outside the brain in children. Approximately 600 to 800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and roughly 90 percent of cases are diagnosed before age five. Despite accounting for only 8 to 10 percent of childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is responsible for approximately 15 percent of childhood cancer deaths.

Children with high-risk neuroblastoma often undergo intensive treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Even after treatment, survivors can face significant lifelong health complications, while children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma continue to have limited effective treatment options.

“Neuroblastoma has been part of my life since I was very young, so I know firsthand how hard this disease is for children and their families. This is why having September 3 recognized as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day means so much to me. I’m incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Chu for helping bring more attention to neuroblastoma, a cancer that most people still know very little about. I hope this day helps more families feel seen and brings more attention to the need for better treatments and a cure,” said Mikaela Hong, Founder & Executive Director of Pediatric Hope Project, Founder of the National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day initiative, and seven-year neuroblastoma patient.

The resolution is endorsed by Band of Parents, Children’s Cancer Cause, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, City of Hope, Corporate Angel Network, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Friends of Cathryn Foundation, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, National Brain Tumor Society, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Pediatric Hope Project, Rady Children’s Hospital, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Riley Hospital for Children, Stanford Medicine Children’s Hospital, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stupid Cancer, The Andrew McDonough B+® Foundation, and The First Night Project.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) today introduced the bipartisan Kids Safety on Set Act to implement mandatory criminal background checks for entertainment professionals who have supervisory roles over or spend significant time with minors and impose penalties on productions that fail to comply.

“Children across the entertainment industry have been vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse for far too long, and as the entertainment industry continues to grow, we need basic federal protections to keep child performers safe. Child performers deserve safe work environments where they can focus on performing,” said Congressman Beyer. “Schools protect children by mandating all personnel pass a criminal background check and our bill follows that same model. The safety and wellbeing of children is our priority, whether they are at school or at work.”

“Working in a secure and productive environment is everyone’s right. It’s long past due that we modernize on-set safeguards. I’m proud to co-sponsor this commonsense, bi-partisan legislation,” said Congresswoman Boebert.

This legislation would require individuals working on entertainment industry projects to complete and successfully pass a criminal background check if they have supervisory duties or compulsory authority over minors that are not their child or ward, or if their work involves frequent or private interaction with minors. The criminal background check must be completed within 90 days before beginning work on or taking ownership of the project, would screen for offenses involving minors, and would be paid for by the production company or entertainment industry entity.

The bill also requires the Attorney General to seek an ex-parte temporary restraining order to halt any production that employs a professional who fails to complete or pass the required criminal background check, followed by a preliminary or permanent injunction to maintain the suspension. The production would remain suspended until the employee completes the required background check or is terminated. The Attorney General would also be authorized to impose a civil monetary penalty of up to twice the cost of producing the project involving the unauthorized employee. For individuals with ownership stakes, the bill mandates that their equity interest be reduced to 2% or less and that their physical access to production sets be permanently revoked if they fail to meet these basic safety standards.

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) are original co-sponsors of the Kids Safety on Set Act.

This legislation is also supported by SAG-AFTRA, The BizParentz Foundation, and Hire Survivors Hollywood.

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

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes Arlington National Cemetery, issued the following statement after Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the Trump Administration would “start, over the next two-week period, the excavation work necessary” for President Trump’s illegal, gridlock-increasing, narcissistic arch project that the National Park Service admits would disrupt Arlington National Cemetery:

“Burgum and the Trump Administration are disregarding the risks and rushing this towering monument to Trump’s vanity because they believe Republicans will get crushed in November. They believe, I hope correctly, that the project will be endangered by a new Democratic majority that actually stands up to Trump.

“This project is not even close to being ready for prime time. The Administration has not won the legal battle over the proposal, which is plainly illegal without congressional authorization. They have not responded to or addressed my warnings about how construction would significantly increase traffic problems across the region. They have not addressed Arlington County’s red flags about impacts on transportation infrastructure – including the ability of emergency responders to move to and through the major roadways around the site – and about environmental impacts. They have not completed and released a full aeronautical study to evaluate flight risks to air traffic at DCA, which are especially important following the National Transportation Safety Board’s finding that White House construction may have contributed to a recent, concerning incident involving Marine One. The only study they have completed and released, from the National Park Service, confirms my admonition that the arch would be a massive, unnecessary disruption to iconic and historic sites across the region.

“Donald Trump boasted aloud that his sole intent for building this arch is to honor himself. Even Doug Burgum, in his heart, knows that this is immoral and disrespectful to America’s fallen heroes. All of us who oppose it must stand up and redouble our efforts to stop this monstrosity.”

Rep. Don Beyer is leading congressional efforts to block construction of Trump’s arch. His Northern Virginia district includes the Arlington National Cemetery, where his parents, grandparents, and sister are buried. He is the author of the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, which would explicitly prohibit construction of the arch. He previously raised concerns about the projects impacts on traffic in the region, which the Trump Administration has yet to address. The arch has been a consistent source of anger and concern to Beyer’s constituents, who like much of the country, vociferously oppose the project.

The National Park Service’s “Assessment of Effect” on President Trump’s proposed 250-foot “triumphal arch” found that the arch would “adversely affect” dozens of nearby historic sites and monuments, including Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the National Cathedral, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and many others. The proposal currently faces legal challenges, which allege that it violates the National Historic Preservation Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member on the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, along with U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15), and U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), wrote to Peter Feldman, Acting Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), calling on the Commission to immediately suspend efforts to pressure some of the nation’s largest hospital systems to hand over the detailed, personally identifiable medical records of every patient who visits their emergency departments. 

Recent reporting has revealed that the Commission is directing hospitals to transmit sensitive records—including patient names, birthdates, addresses, and diagnoses—to its private contractor as part of changes to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). For decades, hospitals across the country have voluntarily participated in NEISS to report injuries involving consumer products, such as kitchen appliances and toys, to help identify products with a pattern of injuring consumers. But now, the Commission is amassing an unprecedented trove of identifiable health data of emergency department patients, regardless of whether an injury involved a consumer product. This sweeping data collection initiative is particularly alarming considering the Trump administration’s broader pattern of amassing Americans’ sensitive data and repurposing it to advance political priorities. In the letter, the lawmakers raised concerns regarding the necessity and legality of this initiative, the adequacy of its privacy protections, and the purposes to which this trove of sensitive data may ultimately be put. 

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Commission is advancing this effort amid a broader pattern of the Trump administration seeking unprecedented access to Americans’ private data. From the Office of Personnel Management’s demand for federal workers’ health information to the Department of Health and Human Services sharing Medicaid enrollee data with the Department of Homeland Security, this administration has repeatedly sought to collect sensitive data from everyday Americans without a semblance of transparency.”

The lawmakers continued, “Against that backdrop, creating a federal repository of identifiable medical records—with no evidence of any limits on how that data may be used, shared, or repurposed—is deeply alarming. Such data collection could easily discourage people in need from seeking care at an emergency department or from being transparent with their medical providers out of fear of federal surveillance or inappropriate use of their information. Even if the Commission uses these records solely to advance consumer protection, creating a federal database of identifiable medical records gives an administration that has repeatedly sought access Americans’ sensitive data another powerful tool for surveillance and misuse.”

Cosigners of the letter include U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to immediately direct the California Energy Commission (CEC) to withdraw its proposed Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). The proposed regulation would restrict consumers to purchase only replacement tires that meet CEC’s unfounded climate goals. It would also dramatically reduce the choices available to California drivers, eliminating 70 percent of current tire offerings in the state by 2033 and significantly increasing costs.

Congressmen Valadao and Gallagher were joined in the letter by Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

“Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and instead of working to give people some relief, the Newsom Administration is making things worse,” said Congressman Valadao. “Last month, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved a harmful regulation that will severely limit consumer choice and raise costs for replacement tires. Governor Newsom is advancing a misguided policy in the name of unproven climate goals that will make driving less efficient, less safe, and more expensive. I’m proud to lead this letter alongside Congressman Gallagher and our California colleagues urging his administration to withdraw this rule as soon as possible.”

“Californians are already getting hammered by the cost of living, and now Sacramento wants to tell them what tires they can buy. Give me a break,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Families should be able to choose the tires that work best for their car and their budget without Gavin Newsom and unelected regulators making that decision for them. I’m proud to join Congressman Valadao in telling the Governor to put the brakes on this ridiculous mandate.”

This letter comes one month after the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously finalized its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). While this regulation will directly impact California drivers, its consequences could extend far beyond the state’s borders, as increased manufacturing and production costs are likely to drive up prices for consumers nationwide.

“These added expenses come at a time when Californians are already struggling with the high cost of living,” the letter states. “From housing and transportation to insurance, gas, and food, prices have increased substantially under your administration. By materially increasing the cost of replacement tires, the proposed standards would impose hundreds of dollars in new upfront expenses—costs that disproportionately affect working families, rural residents, seniors on fixed incomes, and lower-income households that often have longer commutes and fewer transportation alternatives.”

The lawmakers urge Governor Newsom to prioritize common sense and affordability over arbitrary climate goals. 

“California has banned 70 percent of tires that don’t meet performance standards, a mandate that exists nowhere else in the country,” said Rep. Kiley. “By some estimates, Californians will have to pay hundreds of dollars more, and these tires will wear out quicker, which means people will have to buy more expensive tires and buy them more often. Californians simply cannot afford this when the cost of living is already the highest in the country. Governor Newsom and the California Legislature must reverse this absurd proposal.”

“Consumers know what is best for them. Government interference will lead to higher costs for already overtaxed and over regulated Californians,” said Rep. McClintock.

“California is facing an energy crisis, with two refineries closing, nearly 20% of refining capacity disappearing, and families already paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation,” said Rep. Fong. “Yet instead of fixing their failed energy policies, Sacramento Democrats are micromanaging the tires Californians can buy. This regulation would eliminate 70% of current tire options and impose hundreds of dollars in new costs on drivers. At a time when families and businesses are struggling with rising costs, Californians need more affordable choices — not another costly Sacramento mandate.”

“This proposed regulation is a clear overreach that will hurt Californians by increasing costs and limiting consumer choice,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Drivers should not be forced to pay more for replacement tires based on theoretical fuel savings that may never materialize. The CEC should immediately withdraw this misguided rule.”

“California families are already struggling with some of the highest costs in the nation, yet Sacramento continues to regulate nearly every part of their daily lives, from the gas they put in their cars to the tires they put on them,” said Rep. Kim. “Californians want more options and lower prices. They don’t need politicians regulating the shirts off their backs and the tires off their cars. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting this misguided mandate and standing up for consumer choice.”

“The Californians who already pay the highest gas prices in the country, the highest housing prices in the country, the highest taxes in the country, and highest energy costs in the country simply cannot afford to also pay the highest tire prices in the country,” said Rep. Calvert.

“California’s leaders continue to choose partisan climate politics over economic opportunity and consumer choice,” said Rep. Issa. “California’s latest scheme – the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program – isn’t about “efficiency” at all – but enlarging the state’s regulatory reach at the expense of common-sense energy policies.”

Read the full letter here.

###

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

Resolution builds on California effort led by La Cañada High School student and Pediatric Hope Project founder Mikaela Hong

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.

The resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Cañada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu’s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy. 

“Mikaela Hong has shown extraordinary courage and determination in turning her own experience with neuroblastoma into action for other children and families,” said Rep. Chu. “Neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult childhood cancers to treat, and far too many families face limited treatment options and uncertain outcomes. I am incredibly proud to work with Mikaela to bring this effort to the national level. By recognizing September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, we can honor every child and family affected by this devastating disease, recognize the doctors and researchers working tirelessly on their behalf, and bring greater attention to the urgent need for continued research and better treatments.”

“Establishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. “It is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I’m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.”

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants and the most common solid tumor outside the brain in children. Approximately 600 to 800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and roughly 90 percent of cases are diagnosed before age five. Despite accounting for only 8 to 10 percent of childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is responsible for approximately 15 percent of childhood cancer deaths.

Children with high-risk neuroblastoma often undergo intensive treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Even after treatment, survivors can face significant lifelong health complications, while children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma continue to have limited effective treatment options.

“Neuroblastoma has been part of my life since I was very young, so I know firsthand how hard this disease is for children and their families. This is why having September 3 recognized as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day means so much to me. I’m incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Chu for helping bring more attention to neuroblastoma, a cancer that most people still know very little about. I hope this day helps more families feel seen and brings more attention to the need for better treatments and a cure,” said Mikaela Hong, Founder & Executive Director of Pediatric Hope Project, Founder of the National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day initiative, and seven-year neuroblastoma patient.

Hong has experienced these challenges firsthand. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma six years ago, she became an advocate for greater awareness, research, and support for children facing cancer and other serious illnesses. She also works as a research assistant in the Neuroblastoma Basic and Translational Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she has gained firsthand experience with research into new treatments for the disease.

Hong founded the Pediatric Hope Project, which provides free, virtual, one-on-one tutoring and emotional support to K–12 students with cancer and other serious illnesses. In just a year and a half, the organization has grown to serve families across more than 43 states and nine countries, with more than 600 registered tutors and 30 university chapters.

Rep. Chu’s resolution builds on Hong’s successful advocacy in California. Working closely with California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Hong and the Pediatric Hope Project helped secure passage of California Senate Resolution 128, which officially recognizes September 3 as California Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. Rep. Chu’s resolution would bring that effort to the national level by calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize September 3, 2026, as Neuroblastoma Awareness Day.

“During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day is an important opportunity to raise national awareness of one of the most complex childhood cancers and reaffirm our commitment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to advancing research, expanding access to innovative therapies and improving outcomes for children and families affected by this disease.” – Araz Marachelian, MD, MS, Medical Director of the Neuroblastoma MIBG Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

“Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is proud to support the resolution recognizing September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. Greater awareness of neuroblastoma is important to advancing research, improving treatment options, and supporting the children and families affected by this challenging disease. We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring greater national attention to neuroblastoma and the continued need for progress.” – Dr. Stephen P. Hunger, Chief of the Division of Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.

“Neuroblastoma is the most common childhood malignant solid tumor. Hundreds of patients and their families are fighting this aggressive tumor daily with heart and bravery.  We come together to recognize September 3rd as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day in solidarity with patients, families and the medical community.” – Dr Hung C. Tran, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope National Cancer Center 

“Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and aggressive solid tumors affecting children, accounting for a significant number of childhood cancer deaths each year. While remarkable progress has been made in pediatric cancer research, far too many children still face difficult treatments, long-term side effects, and uncertain outcomes. National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day serves as an important opportunity to raise awareness, honor those impacted, and renew our commitment to finding safer and more effective cures. In honor of some of our country’s youngest cancer fighters, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is proud to support Representative Chu in designating September 3rd as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day.” – Rosalie Abbott, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, St. Baldrick’s Foundation

“National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of a rare and challenging childhood cancer and to recognize the strength of the patients and families affected by it. Continued awareness is critical to advancing research, improving treatment options and outcomes, and ensuring that every child diagnosed with neuroblastoma has the best possible chance for a healthy future. It is a day to honor the extraordinary effort of patients and their families who face this disease with remarkable fortitude, a day to reaffirm our commitment as health care professionals and researchers to continue to strive towards cures with the least possible toxicities for our patients.” – Dr. Shakeel Modak, MD, Chief of the Neuroblastoma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

“National recognition of the lives impacted and lost to Neuroblastoma is critical. We wholly encourage a national day of recognition which the hundreds of Neuroblastoma families in the US will whole heartedly support.” – Susan Giusto, Chair NANT Parent Advisor Council

“Neuroblastoma remains one of the most challenging childhood cancers to treat, especially for patients with metastatic disease or high-risk types of disease. While advances in therapy, including stem cell transplant, focal radiation treatments including proton therapy, plus recent advances in immunotherapy, have improved outcomes for some patients, survival rates for high-risk and relapsed cases remain unacceptably low. Early diagnosis and timely referral to specialized centers are critical to improving prognosis, yet awareness of neuroblastoma, particularly in older children, is still pretty limited. A nationally recognized awareness day would surely help elevate public understanding of this disease, promote earlier detection, and underscore the ongoing need for continued research and improved therapies for children affected by this disease.” – Dr. Brian Chou, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences at UC San Diego and Co-Director of the Rady Children’s Hospital Pediatric Proton Clinical Program

“By establishing a nationally recognized awareness day, Congress would bring important visibility to this rare and devastating disease. This recognition would promote earlier diagnosis, highlight the need for continued research and innovation in treatment, and honor the children and families affected by neuroblastoma across the United States. A National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day would also strengthen efforts to improve access to advanced therapies and clinical trials, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge treatments.” – Dr. Iain Macewan, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, UC San Diego; Associate Medical Director, California Proton Therapy Center; Pediatric Radiation Oncologist, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego

“Expanding this effort to a national level would significantly strengthen opportunities for children across the United States to access appropriate care, cutting-edge therapies, and clinical trials. Increased awareness and advocacy are essential to advancing research, improving access to innovative treatments, and supporting families affected by this devastating disease. By establishing a nationally recognized Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, Congress would bring

much-needed attention to this childhood cancer and to the children and families who face it with extraordinary courage. This designation would also hopefully reinforce the United States government’s commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research and providing the needed resources for the critical research and the discovery and development of novel therapies to improve outcomes for these young patients nationwide.” – Dr. Peter E. Zage, MD, PhD, Associate Professor-in-Residence in Pediatric Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center; Attending Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Principal Investigator, Zage Laboratory

“Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research is proud to support this resolution recognizing Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. Neuroblastoma represents a disproportionate share of childhood cancer deaths. While neuroblastoma research has progressed since Rally Foundation’s founding in 2005, children with high-risk or relapsed disease still face far too few effective treatment options. Greater awareness can help build the public will and investment necessary to accelerate research, advance new therapies and give more children the chance to survive and thrive.” – Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO of Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research 

“We strongly endorse the resolution to establish a national Neuroblastoma Day. Though we have doubled the cure rate of neuroblastoma in the past 25 years, we still are unable to cure about the half the children with this devastating disease, despite receiving amongst the harshest regimens of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, cellular therapy and surgery. Thank you for your work on drawing attention to neuroblastoma and bringing us closer to curing all children with cancer.” – Dr. Brian Weiss MD, Nora Letzter Professor of Pediatrics, IU Health Foundation Master Clinician Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children

“Neuroblastoma remains one of the most devastating diagnoses in pediatric oncology — children with high-risk disease face survival odds below 50%, and survivors endure lifelong health problems due to the intensive therapy. Despite being the most common cancer diagnosed in infants, it remains largely unknown to the public, limiting the research funding and support families need. A National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day would help these children and families be seen, and build momentum toward the research investment needed to change these outcomes.” – Dr. Stephen S. Roberts, MD, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Division Head, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Robert C. Neerhout Chair of Pediatric Oncology, Associate Director for Pediatric Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute

“We hope that the creation of National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day helps those facing Neuroblastoma find hope, strength, and joy. Something every child facing a critical illness deserves.” – Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles

“The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is honored to recognize National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day and stand alongside the children, families, researchers, and advocates impacted by this disease. Raising awareness is an important step, but we must turn that awareness into action- accelerating research, advancing more effective treatments, and creating brighter futures for every child facing neuroblastoma.” – Danielle Fragalla, CEO, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

“For many families, neuroblastoma enters their lives suddenly and changes everything. While progress has been made, too many children still face intensive treatment and uncertain outcomes. This resolution is an important step toward raising awareness, supporting families, and advancing the research needed to develop safer, more effective therapies and improve outcomes for every child diagnosed with this disease.” – Suzanne Shusterman, MD, Medical Director of the Jimmy Fund Clinic, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center

“Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is proud to support the resolution recognizing September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. Raising awareness of neuroblastoma is essential to advancing research, improving treatment options, and supporting the children and families affected by this disease. We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring greater national attention to neuroblastoma and the continued need for progress.” – Stanford Children’s Hospital

Rep. Chu’s resolution recognizes the extraordinary resilience and courage of children and families fighting neuroblastoma and the efforts of clinicians and researchers working to address the disease. It also highlights the need for continued research and therapeutic development, including emerging treatments under investigation for children with relapsed disease.

The resolution is endorsed by Band of Parents, Children’s Cancer Cause, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, City of Hope, Corporate Angel Network, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Friends of Cathryn Foundation, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, National Brain Tumor Society, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Pediatric Hope Project, Rady Children’s Hospital, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Riley Hospital for Children, Stanford Medicine Children’s Hospital, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stupid Cancer, The Andrew McDonough B+® Foundation, The First Night Project.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

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

Congressman Don Beyer, who represents a Northern Virginia district that is home to many of the former U.S. Agency For International Development (USAID) employees who were fired by President Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE through no fault of their own last year, spoke yesterday evening on the House floor on the short- and long-term impacts of dismantling the United States’ largest foreign assistance agency.

Along with Representative Beyer, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) spoke in support of restoring funding to the critical agency, and rehiring the dedicated civil servants who provided essential supplies and assistance to people around the world.

Beyer’s remarks follow below, and video is available here.

Last year, President Trump teamed up with his trillionaire donor Elon Musk to dismantle USAID and pause or permanently cancel a large portion of our international assistance programs.

This was done in the name of furthering Trump’s “America First” policy, but it’s mostly combating mostly fictional and exaggerated claims of waste.

The authors of this policy claimed their goal is to achieve “deficit reduction,” to further “America First” policy on largely imaginary claims of waste.

But far from reducing waste, the headlong rush to shutter USAID has forced the government to set aside billions of dollars for lawsuits, pay former employees to stay at home, and settle outstanding agreements with contractors.

Our national debt passed 40 trillion dollars this week, the latest in a long string of facts that show how little Trump and company actually care about fiscal responsibility.

The decision and the chaotic and callous way it was implemented has led to needless death, suffering, and damage to our national security and international reputation.

But the worst impacts have been the devastation this has inflicted on poor and sick people around the world.

You know, in defense of the aid cuts, Elon Musk claimed “zero” people in Africa died. Secretary Rubio likewise claimed “no one has died,” claiming that lifesaving aid and programs would be maintained or replaced.

But these statements are lies and they’re insults to our intelligence.

Available government data shows large reductions in spending from 2024 to 2025: 48% to global health programs, 39% cut to the Food for Peace Program, a 65% cut in development assistance, and a 21% cut to international disaster assistance.

Several large-scale independent studies and reporting from numerous news outlets have shown the human toll of these reductions.

I want to thank my colleagues who have pointed out names and photographs.

Let me give you some examples:

The Gates Foundation estimates that child deaths will rise for the first time in the 21st century in 2025, and projects that if the aid cuts continue at a similar scale, we should expect an additional 12 million child deaths by 2045.

12 million kids.

Harvard University’s Atul Gawande, look, he’s one of the leading public health experts in the world, published everywhere, [he] published analysis nearly a year ago finding that hundreds of thousands have already died as a result of the USAID cuts, less than ten months after they were implemented.

A study published by UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health projected that the elimination of foreign aid funding last year would lead to 14 million preventable deaths by the end of this decade, over a third of them children.

And in a more granular report, research from Oxfam has shown that cholera cases have risen by 62% in 2025 compared to the previous year, just as USAID clean water and sanitation programs were cut.

One to one correspondence.

Look, these are numbers, but these statistics represent suffering and misery that our government chose to inflict on some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

I love and greatly appreciate the New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof. He has gone to Africa and written in heartbreaking detail about the individual human cost of the aid cuts.

He writes about the deaths of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Uganda dying due to the lack of ordinarily available food assistance, medicine, mosquito nets, and other US-provided aid.

I’m a Representative serving Northern Virginia, so I’ve heard from hundreds of former USAID employees and private sectors partners who worked on these cut programs.

Besides the justifiable outrage felt by these men and women due to how they were treated by this Administration, Elon Musk, and his band of DOGE acolytes, what’s really struck me is the grief that they feel being unable to continue to serve our country and help some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

And they understand that U.S. international assistance is not charity. It is a critical component of our national security strategy, alongside diplomacy and defense.

They reduce the risk of lethal diseases like Ebola and avian flu from spreading to our shores, promote economic growth and democracy in developing nations, enhance counterterrorism initiatives, and alleviated international crises and disasters.

But it’s up to us to build and improve on what remains of our aid infrastructure.

We can and should work to reduce the risk of this happening again.

And I look forward to rebuilding USAID in the years to come.

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a grant for $588,671. The funding supports research of a mosquito that carries yellow fever (Aedes aeqypti).

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Many countries in the Western Hemisphere are at risk of yellow fever outbreaks, according to the World Mosquito Program.

“This HHS grant for more than $588,000 helps Virginia Tech study the mosquito that carries this harmful disease.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Institutes of Health and its division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

This project will be administered by faculty of the Entomology department at Virginia Tech.

###