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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Woodland, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he has secured into law $375,000 in federal funding for Yolo Food Bank’s mobile pantry truck project. The funding will go toward purchasing a truck for Yolo Food Bank to start a mobile pantry program serving Yolo County’s residents.

“Almost one-third of Yolo County residents face food insecurity and not everybody has the means to travel to our local food bank. Investing in a mobile food pantry just makes sense. That’s why I’m proud to have secured $375,000 in federal funds to purchase a truck and kickstart Yolo Food Bank’s mobile pantry program to bring fresh, locally sourced food to our community members. Thank you to the team at Yolo Food Bank for identifying the need for these funds and partnering with me to make this happen,” said Rep. Thompson.

“This generous gift of a mobile Food Truck will help Yolo Food Bank efficiently distribute fresh, locally-sources free free food to our community members at a time when they need it most. Our thanks goes to Congressman Thompson who always prioritizes our hard-working, rural communities and their needs—what a passionate champion!” said Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank.

The funding secured by Rep. Thompson will go towards purchasing a truck to start a mobile pantry program that will serve Yolo County’s rural residents, providing a unique and convenient method for the community to access fresh produce. According to the Yolo Food Bank’s 2023 Yolo County Food Access Survey, almost one-third of Yolo County residents experience food insecurity. Nearly 20 percent of those who need food assistance do not access food relief resources. One of the reasons for this gap is the lack of access to transportation. By purchasing a food truck, Yolo Food Bank will be able to bring fresh, locally sourced food to our community. The mobile pantry will operate year-round and focus on seasonal produce purchased from local farmers. Yolo Food Bank will also hire an Ag Procurement Manager who will leverage relationships with local farmers and food hubs to help purchase fresh, local produce that Yolo Food Bank can provide on the Mobile Pantry Truck.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Rep. Thompson requested funding for this project through Congress’ Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.

Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa, CA — Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that he secured a $6.8 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase six new Gillig hybrid-electric buses for the Napa Valley Transit Authority’s Vine Transit fleet. The funding comes from the FTA’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, which helps communities replace aging buses with cleaner, more efficient transit options.

“I’m proud to have helped NVTA secure this $6.8 million federal grant to purchase six new hybrid-electric buses for our Vine Transit system,” said Rep. Thompson. “With these new buses, NVTA will both improve rider experience and reduce emissions. It’s a win-win for Napa Valley residents and our planet.”  

“It’s an honor to have the Federal Transit Administration recognize the work of NVTA once again, helping us to enhance our lifeline public transportation services,” said Antonio Onorato, NVTA’s Director of Administration, Finance, and Policy. “For a small agency, we have been very fortunate with competitive grants and punching above our weight class when it comes to securing federal funds.”

The new hybrid buses will operate on several of Vine Transit’s busiest routes, including those connecting to BART, the Vallejo Ferry, and Capitol Corridor trains. Once deployed, they will improve the rider experience, reduce emissions, and strengthen transit connections throughout Napa County.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced Ishaan Dhaliwal from Davis Senior High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. Ishaan’s app “Anchor: Surgery Recovery” helps patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries stay on track during the recovery process.

“STEM education is critical to prepare our nation’s middle- and high-schoolers for the future workforce. That’s why I look forward to hosting the Congressional App Challenge each year. It’s a great opportunity to engage our community’s students in creative, innovative coding projects,” said Thompson.

“Congratulations to Ishaan on his outstanding app to help patients recover from surgeries virtually, and congratulations to Shirochka Janapati from Technology High School for winning second place, and Logan Anello, Kevin Corrales, Maria Torres, and Cheyenne Williams from Winters High School for winning third place! I’m blown away by this year’s submissions. I encourage each and every one of our participants to continue to work hard to develop their coding skills and to spread the word so we can expand our competition even more in 2026.”

The apps were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Fourth District: Laura Swart from Keysight Technologies, Michael Silva from Solano Community College, and Joel Pyzer from Woodland Community College.

The final standings were:

1st Place: Ishaan Dhaliwal from Davis Senior High School for “Anchor: Surgery Recovery” helps patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries stay on track during the recovery process.

2nd Place: Shirochka Janapati from Technology High School in Rohnert Park for “CommUnity,” an app designed to help users track community service and volunteer opportunities.

3rd Place: Logan Anello, Kevin Corrales, Maria Torres, and Cheyenne Williams from Winters High School for “CammyFit,” an app designed to help users track their healthy habits including diet and exercise.

BACKGROUND

Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts the Congressional App Challenge to encourage middle school and high school student participation in computer science. The App Challenge is an opportunity for students to compete against peers within their congressional district to design and code an original application. The student or students behind each winning application are invited to Washington, D.C. to present their application to members of Congress and leaders in the technology sector. Each winning app is also displayed in the U.S. Capitol and shown on House.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Thompson was selected for the task force by Democratic Assistant Leader Joe Neguse due to his experience fighting for our democracy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) released the following statement in response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) new proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that gut common-sense fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicle model years 2022–2031.

“President Trump promised to lower costs for American families, but the Trump Administration is working hard to make sure Americans are paying more at the pump,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “For decades, fuel efficiency standards have reduced the cost of filling up the tank, but in yet another reckless and misguided attack on the American middle class, the Trump Administration is rolling back these standards, ensuring it costs American families more to get from point A to point B.”

“Once again, President Trump and Republicans are choosing to boost profits for oil and gas CEOs, rather than bring down costs for the average American,” Matsui continued. “Killing the fuel-efficiency standards is a lose-lose-lose situation: losing out on $84 billion in total savings, losing out on 50.4 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency by 2031, and losing out to our foreign competitors who are rapidly innovating in more efficient vehicle technologies. It is becoming clearer by the day just how far the Trump Administration will go to renege on their promise of lowering costs for the American people.” 

Since 1975, CAFE fuel efficiency standards have saved American drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs. The current existing standards were expected to save Americans more than $84 billion in fuel costs and other health benefits. However, the Trump Administration’s new proposed CAFE standards would not only rollback the existing standards; they would also end fuel-efficiency credits that help lower the cost of manufacturing electric vehicles—yet another thinly veiled attack on EVs. 

This follows Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, which eliminated penalties for automakers that fail to comply with fuel-efficiency standards. This means there’s effectively no requirement to follow the standards at all. The “standards” aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. It’s a one-two gut punch directly to Americans’ wallets.

Congresswoman Matsui has been a leading voice in the fight for clean air and serves as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). She has consistently advocated for stronger vehicle pollution standards, fought to preserve California’s Clean Air Act waiver, championed the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, and pushed for ambitious clean vehicle deployment. In September, she led over 100 lawmakers in opposing the rollback of EPA emission standards.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“Given the scale of detention being carried out by this Administration, we urge DHS and ICE to provide answers about food service operations within detention facilities,” the Members wrote in the letter. “It is important to note, detention is a civil, not criminal, process as ICE’s own website notes ‘Detention is non-punitive.’ While individuals are held in ICE custody, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which includes providing all detainees with complete and nutritious meals.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

Mercedes Wells gave birth on the side of the road after being discharged from an Indiana hospital

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 to expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition plans and addressing health disparities. 

“Far too many people in underserved communities experience adverse health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare, healthy foods, and opportunities for exercise,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “Medical nutrition therapy is a proven method for managing and alleviating symptoms of many chronic illnesses and diseases beyond diabetes and kidney diseases. It is essential that Congress ensures affordable access to this proven treatment for all diseases related to nutrition. Through this legislation, I’m committed to expanding access to nutritious foods for everyone.”

“I’m proud to join Rep. Kelly in leading the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how often the value of medical nutrition therapy is overlooked—and yet how important it is for patients, especially our older population,” said Rep. Kiggans. “This legislation takes an important step forward by expanding access to MNT for patients living with multiple chronic conditions, helping them better manage their health and improve their quality of life. Our seniors and families deserve every tool available to stay healthy, and expanding access to proven, preventive care like MNT is a commonsense way to do just that.”

Currently, Medicare only covers medical nutrition therapy for patients with diabetes or renal disease. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 will provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater access to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) by expanding the availability of nutrition services under Medicare Part B. 

This expansion would include coverage for the following diseases: diabetes and prediabetes; renal disease; obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; malnutrition; eating disorders; cancer; gastrointestinal diseases, including celiac disease; HIV and AIDS; cardiovascular disease; and any other disease or condition specified by the Secretary related to unintentional weight loss.

Furthermore, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act will authorize nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists to refer their patients for medical nutrition therapy.

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act is endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Despite proven success, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) continues to be underutilized and under covered across our health care system, including Medicare,” said Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, CDN, FAND, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2025-26 President. “Currently, Medicare covers MNT for people with kidney disease and diabetes. With this bill, coverage of MNT would expand to include other chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and Americans will see overall health improvements, from weight management and lower blood pressure to improved blood lipids and blood sugar control. America’s health is at a crossroads and with the current spotlight on nutrition, the time to act is now. The Academy applauds Representatives Kelly and Kiggans for leading the charge to increase access to MNT provided by registered dietitians, a practical, cost-effective way to improve health outcomes, prevent complications and reduce health care spending. It’s one of many steps we must take to address the nation’s health concerns.”

Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“Today, I voted for the victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein who deserve justice and for the American people who deserve the truth. After years of peddling conspiracy theories and hoaxes about the Epstein Files, President Trump buckled under bipartisan pressure and now must release the Epstein Files. He cannot hide or try to cover up the truth anymore. The Epstein Files will be brought to the light.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) led 61 Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Members of Congress in a letter to demand the release and investigation of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women currently detained by Immigration and Custody Enforcement. After hearing reports of pregnant women detained in several ICE facilities in Illinois, Louisiana, and Georgia, the Members expressed their extreme concern and urgency to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is instructed not to detain pregnant, postpartum, or nursing people under its own policy; however, there have been multiple reports of pregnant and nursing women shackled, placed in solitary confinement, or deprived of proper prenatal or lactation care.

“The health and safety of pregnant women should not be threatened as a result of the administration choosing not to adhere to Federal regulations,” the Members wrote. “That is why we urge the administration to fully comply with the existing regulations and immediately correct the violations.

“By detaining vulnerable women in appalling conditions while pregnant, you are subjecting both the pregnant individual and the unborn child to significant risks and possible death,” the Members continued. “We urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE to follow its own rules and regulations on detention of pregnant women and demand their humane treatment.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Robin Kelly, Delia Ramirez, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Sylvia Garcia, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, André Carson, Troy Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, Angie Craig, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Veronica Escobar, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Jahana Hayes, Val Hoyle, Glenn Ivey, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Zoe Lofgren, Lucy McBath, Jennifer McClellan, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Kelly Morrison, Eleanor Norton, Mike Quigley, Emily Randall, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Melanie Stansbury, Shri Thanedar, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Norma Torres, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.