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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Half of all Stockton residents are diabetic or pre-diabetic, one of many chronic diseases made worse by food insecurity

Harder’s bill expands local partnerships focused on tackling high rates of chronic disease through nutrition

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to fight high rates of chronic diseases like diabetes in the Valley by investing in nutrition support services and new health care partnerships. Harder’s Partnerships for Better Health Act creates a new grant program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to expand access to healthy food and connect people with the support they need to stay healthy.

Chronic disease takes a heavy toll on Valley families:

• For the half of Stockton residents who are diabetic or pre-diabetic, managing this kind of challenging chronic disease becomes even harder when health care is sparse, good nutrition is hard to find, and community services are disconnected.

• The Valley’s provider shortage also contributes to worsening chronic disease outcomes – San Joaquin County alone has 16 health professional shortage areas, and more than 500,000 new health care workers are needed across the state to meet demand by 2030.

• Despite being the fruit and nut basket of the country, one in ten residents of San Joaquin County are struggling with food insecurity – for those with chronic diseases, that means every meal can become part of the fight to keep their condition from getting worse.

“People with chronic diseases like diabetes shouldn’t be struggling with poor nutrition and worse health outcomes in a place that grows a quarter of the nation’s food,” said Rep. Harder. “Washington isn’t doing enough to close the gaps between patients and the amazing local services that work night and day to deliver support. My bill changes that by investing in community partnerships to ensure our neighbors aren’t falling through the cracks and making good quality food a pillar of health care.”

How the Partnerships for Better Health Act improves chronic disease health outcomes in the Valley:

• Direct Funding – Provides $15 million annually through 2031 for integrated medical care, nutrition support and education, and social services.

• Wrap Around Care – Bridges the gap between patients and the patchwork of providers, advocates, and nonprofits to establish a coordinated, wrap-around system of care in the communities that need it most, like underserved and rural areas.

• Fewer Hospitalizations– By investing in prevention and nutrition, this program will ultimately help keep patients out of the emergency room and reduce the mental and financial strain that comes with it.

The Partnerships for Better Health Act would build on successful community partnerships like the Future Well Communities program, launched by Abbott in 2019 in Stockton and run jointly by the Stockton Emergency Food Bank, University of the Pacific, and other leading community organizations including Community Medical Centers, El Concilio, and APSARA to provide integrated care and nutrition services for people with diabetes. 

“Food is medicine, but it is also one of the ways we stabilize our community,” said Leonard Hansen, Stockton Emergency Food Bank President and CEO. “Through our work with Abbott, University of the Pacific and our health care partners, we have seen what happens when nutritious food, diabetes education and health care are brought together around the patient. Congressman Harder’s Partnerships for Better Health Act recognizes something we have learned here in Stockton: strong community partnerships can improve health, help prevent chronic disease from becoming a crisis, and give families a better opportunity to thrive.”

 “Complex health challenges require bold, innovative solutions, and University of the Pacific is honored to be part of the solution here in Stockton,” said University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “We have seen the impact when higher education, health care providers and community organizations work together to address health disparities. The Partnerships for Better Health Act will build on our proven successes here in Stockton, providing opportunities for communities across the country to create similar solutions for their residents.”

“The work we’ve done in Stockton over the past seven years has had significant impact, and we are optimistic that it can serve as a model for other communities looking for real-world answers to address chronic disease,” said Melissa Brotz, senior vice president, Abbott and president of Abbott Fund, the company’s philanthropic foundation. “When we build sustainable, community-driven partnerships, we can help more families live healthier lives.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This morning, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg for the launch of Foundry School at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The Leader highlighted America’s manufacturing comeback under President Trump and the importance of preparing the next generation of industry leaders and staying ahead of China.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
Remarks Below As Delivered:“I want to start by first congratulating Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Undersecretary Helberg, Stanford University, and all the university and business leaders who have worked so hard to make Foundry School possible. “What you’re launching today comes at an incredibly exciting time for our country.”When President Trump was swept back into office, he made it clear that American manufacturing was going to be at the heart of America’s golden age. “For too long, we watched factories shutter and good-paying jobs leave our shores. “President Trump promised we were going to reverse that trend and bring manufacturing back to America. “And that’s exactly what’s happening. U.S. manufacturing activity surged in July at the strongest rate in over four years.“More than 18,000 manufacturing jobs have been created this year alone. And manufacturing wages are up more than 4% over the last year, putting more money in the pockets of American workers. “That is a remarkable turnaround. And Republicans in Congress have been proud to work with President Trump to help make this possible. “Last year, we passed the transformational Working Families Tax Cut to make America the best place in the world to build, invest, and create good-paying jobs.“Now we have to keep building on that momentum, because at the same time American manufacturing is coming back, there is a global race underway for industries that will define the next century. “China wants to dominate artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, energy defense, and advanced manufacturing. “We cannot let China win this race. America has the best workers, entrepreneurs, universities, and innovators in the world. “But maintaining that advantage means making the next generation of Americans—making sure they have the skills to lead in these industries.“And the demand is going to be huge. As you’ve heard this morning, American manufacturers are expected to need nearly four million skilled workers by 2033. “It’s engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders. “But this isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about making sure America has the best talent to out-innovate, out-build, and out-compete China for decades to come. “And that’s why the Foundry School is so important.”What I especially like about this program is the partnership behind it. “You’re bringing together some of the best universities in America with founders and CEOs who are actually on the front lines of innovation. “These are people building companies, creating jobs, and developing new technologies. They know what skills they need. “They know where the technology is going, and they know what it takes to compete. And now they’re going to be bringing that expertise directly into our universities to help prepare the next generation. “That’s exactly the kind of partnership we need.”Government does have a role to play. We can cut taxes. We can get unnecessary regulations out of the way. We can unleash American energy, and we can make it easier to build things in this country. “And that’s exactly what President Trump and Republicans in Congress have been doing. “In the Working Families Tax Cut, we allowed companies to fully expense the cost of building new factories in America, one of President Trump’s top priorities. “We restored full expensing for domestic research and development, and we provided full expensing for investments in new equipment and machinery.”We’re making it easier to build here, innovate here, and create good-paying jobs here. And you’re seeing the results—trillions of dollars of new investment coming into America. “But government can only create the conditions for success. “The ingenuity that has always made America the greatest economy in the world comes from our entrepreneurs, our businesses, and most importantly, our workers. “That’s why it’s so important that the private sector is helping lead this effort.“And it’s also why what you’re doing here fits so well with the work Secretary Rubio, Undersecretary Holberg, and the State Department are doing through Pax Silica. “If we’re going to beat China, we can’t remain dependent on them for critical products and supply chains that our economy and national security depend on. “Through Pax Silica, the United States is working with trusted partners like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and India to strengthen those supply chains and reduce our dependence on China. “At the same time, Foundry School is bringing together our universities and the private sector to strengthen America’s greatest competitive advantage. “That’s our people. “That’s what excites me about this initiative.“President Trump has changed the trajectory of American manufacturing. Republicans in Congress are putting policies in place to make it easier to build and invest here. “Our businesses are leading the world in innovation. And now we have an opportunity to make sure the next generation of Americans is prepared to take that progress even further.“Because if we get this right, we’re not just going to bring back industries and jobs that America lost, we’re going to lead the industries of the future. “And there is no country in the world I would bet more on than the United States of America. “That’s why I’m excited about the Foundry School and what you’re building here.”So congratulations again to Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Undersecretary Helberg, Stanford, and all the participating universities and the business leaders who are investing their time and experience in our next generation. “Thank you. God bless you, and God bless these United States of America.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

WASHINGTON — This week, Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., and Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., introduced the Advancing American Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to reform Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and ensure the U.S. International Trade Commission’s resources are focused on protecting genuine domestic industries and safeguarding public health and welfare and the U.S. economy.

The legislation strengthens the domestic industry requirement so that complainants must show their licensing activity actually leads to products made and sold in the United States. It requires the ITC to consider the public interest, including public health and welfare and competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, before excluding products from the American market. The bill also creates an expedited 100-day process for resolving dispositive issues early in an investigation and requires complainants to disclose the third party funders financing patent cases at the agency.

“Section 337 exists to protect companies that make things in this country,” Schweikert said. “Right now, a complainant with hidden financial backers can ask a trade agency to block products from the American market without ever showing an industry here at home. If you want the federal government to keep products out of the country on your behalf, you should be able to show what you build here and who is financing your case. Any legitimate patent holder can do both.”

“The ITC is a critical forum that was created to shield U.S. businesses from unfair foreign competition,” said Rep. Beyer. “It is a powerful tool but unfortunately it has been misused by patent licensing entities who target American companies with needless and unjustified litigation. This legislation would help refocus the Commission on its core mission and protect the U.S. economy and American jobs.”

“The ITC Modernization Alliance applauds Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Don Beyer (D-VA) for introducing the Advancing American Innovation Act,” said Sarah Beth Jansen, executive director of the ITC Modernization Alliance. “This bipartisan bill provides targeted reforms to rebalance the ITC’s patent process, including much needed transparency of the parties using our trade agency. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Schweikert and Beyer and urge Congress to move this common-sense legislation forward.”

Background on the Advancing American Innovation Act:

• Clarifies that licensing activity satisfies the domestic industry requirement under Section 337 only when it leads to the adoption and development of products incorporating the patent for sale in the United States.
• Requires that any person relied upon to establish a domestic industry join the complaint under oath.
• Directs the ITC to identify dispositive issues at the outset of an investigation and requires an initial determination on those issues within 100 days.
• Requires the Commission to weigh the effect of an exclusion order on public health and welfare, the U.S. economy, competitive conditions and American consumers before barring products from entry.
• Requires complainants in patent cases to disclose the identity of any third party litigation funder and file funding agreements with the Commission, with sanctions for noncompliance.

The amendments would apply to complaints filed under Section 337 on or after the date of enactment.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Diana DeGette (CO-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, along with Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kim Schrier(WA-08), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Angie Craig (MN-02), introduced the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (“INSULIN”) Act. This bill will cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for insured individuals.

“Insulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It’s a life-or-death issue,” said Rep. DeGette. “I have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. No one in America should be forced to choose between their life-saving medication or feeding their families.”

“As a doctor, I have spent my career fighting for patients, and I’ve watched too many of them ration a hundred-year-old medicine because the price tag made it impossible to afford,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D.. “That’s not right, and it never should have taken this long to fix. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House, and I won’t stop until every American with diabetes can afford the insulin that keeps them alive.” 

“As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin – especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,” said Rep. Schrier. “I am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.”

“Diabetes stole the lives of 100,000 Americans last year. Tens of millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and for many, insulin is a matter of life and death,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “No American should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the insulin they need, or risk their life rationing the doses they have left. This legislation isn’t just a Band-Aid on the problem. It delivers immediate relief for patients and reforms that will increase competition and drive down prices over the long term. Lowering the cost of insulin puts money back where it belongs: in the pockets of working families who need every dollar they earn. Middlemen and big corporations shouldn’t be making extra cash off the backs of working people who rely on insulin to survive.”

View the bill text here.

Background:

With more than 40.1 million Americans estimated to be living with diabetes, the INSULIN Act is the result of Rep. DeGette’s commitment to making health care affordable for more Americans.

The INSULIN Act will:

As co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, Rep. Diana DeGette has championed a multi-year, comprehensive effort to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin and improve care for millions of Americans living with diabetes, and she has worked to ensure people with diabetes have access to the latest standard of care in medicine and technology.

Before becoming the top Democrat on the Health subcommittee, Rep. DeGette launched the first-ever Congressional study to find legislative solutions for the worsening insulin pricing crisis. 

Building on the study’s framework, Rep. DeGette convened a historic Congressional hearing in April 2019. For the first time, all three U.S. insulin manufacturers and the nation’s three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were called to testify jointly about surging costs. Following nearly three hours of testimony, Rep. DeGette declared the current pricing system “fully broken” and issued a mandate to the executives to immediately develop collaborative cost-lowering solutions.

A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and John Kennedy (R-LA).

This bill has broad support among diabetes advocates.

“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates and applauds the House’s bipartisan introduction of the INSULIN Act, which would limit out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month,” said Lisa Murdock, Chief Advocacy Officer of ADA. “A recent survey, commissioned by ADA, showed that 40% of insulin users currently pay $150 each month, and there is widespread bipartisan support across the U.S. for making insulin affordable. The INSULIN Act would ensure no one has to choose between paying for insulin and other necessities. This bill puts people first and is a commonsense way to lower health care costs for Americans depending on insulin to live.”

“For the millions of Americans who rely on insulin every day, no one should have to choose between paying for their medication and meeting other basic needs, said Dr. Robert Lash, Chief Medical Officer with the Endocrine Society. “The Endocrine Society applauds Representatives DeGette, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the INSULIN Act, which would help make insulin more affordable for people with private insurance while connecting uninsured patients to resources that can help them access this lifesaving medication. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all people who need insulin can obtain it and stay healthy.”

“The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) applaud and thank Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act of 2026,” said George Huntley, CEO. “This legislation will greatly improve access to affordable insulins for people living with diabetes, and it is time that the $35 monthly insulin co-pay cap apply to everyone as it does to Medicare beneficiaries today. We look forward to working to get this legislation across the finish line before the end of the 119th Congress.”

“For the more than 1.5 million Americans with type one diabetes (T1D), insulin access is life-or-death,” said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer. “By capping out-of-pocket cost at $35, the INSULIN Act ensures that people have dependable, affordable access to the insulin they require to live. We applaud Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the House INSULIN Act and urge their colleagues to stand with them on the side of all those living with T1D. While there is still more work to be done, we are hopeful that, together with the Senate, we will finally have the access to affordable insulin the entire T1D community deserves and depends on.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse and Governor Jared Polis called on the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to immediately halt wild horse helicopter roundups in Colorado. Their letter comes on the heels of public reports that in the month of August alone 800 wild horses were captured and hauled away from public lands in the northwestern part of the state. This is part of a costly federal plan to thin the state’s herds, with the next roundup in the region scheduled to begin as soon as September 10th, 2026. 

In their letter, Neguse and Polis labeled the use of helicopters in herd management inhumane and unnecessary. Six horses have died so far during the helicopter roundups in other parts of the state.

BLM has been responsible for protecting and managing wild horse herds for decades, however, under the Trump administration there’s been a troubling uptick in the U.S. government’s sale of these animals. According to records reviewed by The New York Times, in 2025, sales of wild horses more than doubled and traders are using a legal loophole to increase profits when selling them for slaughter.  

They lawmakers echoed pleas from Coloradans across the state who are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of these horses. 

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Dianna DeGette (CO-01), and Jason Crow (CO-06).  

The full letter is available HERE and below: 

September 3, 2026

Secretary Burgum and Deputy Director Heinlein,

We write with grave concern regarding recent wild horse helicopter roundups in Northwest Colorado and urge your agencies to implement an immediate freeze on upcoming roundups. Our wild horses provide significant benefit to the region and State of Colorado and should be treated with care.

This month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has captured around 800 wild horses in the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area, six of which died during the roundups. Another roundup in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area (HMA) is scheduled for early September, which will reduce the size of the herd by more than 60 percent. While we understand the need to reduce the size of these herds in accordance with the level that can be sustained on the land, the current methods being used by your agencies, including helicopter roundups, are inhumane and unnecessary. Helicopter roundups are known to cause extreme panic, exhaustion, and frequent and severe injuries to the animals. Coloradans themselves have voiced deep concern over the safety and well-being of these horses, whose risks only multiply during roundups of this scale and continue long after the gathering ends.

We would encourage you to consider postponing the scheduled roundups in order to have a more thorough and robust stakeholder and community engagement process, and work with local and state partners – such as the state’s Wild Horse Advisory Committee – to craft a solution for the long-term wellbeing of these horses. We also request any evidence your agencies may have that supports the need for continued use of helicopter roundups as a more effective means for horse control against other more humane methods.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

September 3, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement regarding the health of Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew:

“My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Terrance Drew, his family, and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as he receives care. Dr. Drew has given himself to his people twice over — first as a physician and now as the leader of his nation — and I am praying for his full and swift recovery.

“At moments like this, titles and offices fall away and what remains is a family hoping for good news. I join all who are keeping Prime Minister Drew in their prayers and wish him strength, healing, and a speedy return to the work he loves.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

“At its core this proposal threatens America’s scientific leadership by undermining scientific integrity and allowing political ideology rather than evidence to drive research,” the letter reads. “Since Trump came into office, his administration has taken a sledgehammer to federal funding of science. These cuts are a violation of clear direction from Congress, which, on a bipartisan basis, unambiguously rejected the Administration’s destructive budget request for NSF.”

The letter concludes, “Genuine scientific progress demands sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and the freedom to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without censorship, coercion, or fear. America became a scientific powerhouse by trusting and funding our scientists. We will only remain a global leader if we continue to do so. We urge you to withdraw this revision and focus on supporting policies that meaningfully uphold the independence, integrity, and funding of American science — not just in rhetoric, but in practice.”

September 3, 2026

Mr. Brian Stone
Chief of Staff, Performing the Duties of the Director
National Science Foundation
401 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Dear Mr. Stone:

We write in opposition to the proposed changes to NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, now titled Guidance on Financial Assistance (GFA). At its core this proposal threatens America’s scientific leadership by undermining scientific integrity and allowing political ideology rather than evidence to drive research.

This revision would prematurely align NSF policy with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed revisions to federal financial assistance regulation 2 CFR 200. These efforts, along with aligning with Trump Executive Orders, threaten to decimate our federal scientific enterprise and inflict real harm on our nation’s scientific experts. We urge NSF to rescind these proposed revisions.

An unprecedented attack on American science

Since Trump came into office, his administration has taken a sledgehammer to federal funding of science. In 2025, NSF had over 1,300 grants cut, totaling over $700 million. In June, reporting showed that NSF has cut basic science programs across its directorates by an average of 20 to 30%, according to an internal memo from the agency received by the publication. These cuts are a violation of clear direction from Congress, which, on a bipartisan basis, unambiguously rejected the Administration’s destructive budget request for NSF.

Cancellation of NSF grants does more than stifle scientific progress, it destabilizes the entire research pipeline. Uncertainty in program funding leaves laboratories with fewer resources to support the next generation of scientists, while making it increasingly difficult for early-career researchers to build a future in American science. The consequences are already clear with three in four U.S. based researchers overall having considered leaving the country for countries where science is still valued. We are at risk of losing both an entire generation of researchers and the discoveries they would have made.

Scientific merit and integrity must come before political priorities

Guide 8 of the GFA eliminates guardrails that protect merit-based review. The summary of the draft states that “no significant changes are made” and that grant reviews will continue to be led by NSF Program Directors. However, authorities derived from 2 CFR 200 ultimately govern the GFA where applicable. OMB’s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200 takes a dangerous step in the science-based merit review process by empowering senior political appointees to make ultimate grantmaking decisions based on politics and requiring discretionary awards to advance the President’s policy priorities. The scientific merit of innovative, fundamental, high-risk, and emerging technology research should be determined through rigorous peer review by scientific experts without political interference. Authorizing senior political staff to oversee the merit review process will systematically destroy American science as we know it and is a mistake our research communities will take generations to recover from.

Guide 13 states that “NSF expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to the tenets of Gold Standard Science in proposals” but gives no operational framework for how it will be implemented or whether a proposal or award meets the standard. Executive Order 14303 “Restoring Gold Standard Science” weakens scientific integrity policies, removes safeguards, and leaves our scientific enterprise more vulnerable to the ever-changing political whims of the White House. Scientific Integrity means protecting the independence of science from external manipulation. This administration has been relentless in its attacks on science with more than 562 unique instances documented since January 20, 2025. When scientific integrity is undermined and expert voices are pushed aside for political priorities, the repercussions for our environment, technological advancement, public health and safety, will be disastrous.

Guide 25 on Suspensions, Terminations and Research Misconduct creates another dangerous avenue for political interference. Guide 25, to align with OMB’s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200, enables NSF to suspend or terminate an award when it believes it is necessary to “protect the interests of the government.” NSF has already terminated awards under the vague auspices of no longer effectuating agency priorities. Guide 25 language for these authorities are concerningly broad, and in effect, codifies the requirement for NSF to comply with the political whims of the White House without regard for merit. Researchers should not have to ask whether their work is politically acceptable before they pursue it. NSF has not had a Congressionally confirmed leader since Director Panchanathan resigned last year, meaning that these proposed rule changes, including the expanded termination authority, will be exercised by unknown political actors with no accountability to Congress or the taxpayer. Ambiguous authority to terminate awards invites political interference and creates uncertainty that our research institutions cannot afford.

Barriers to communication and collaboration will slow scientific progress

Attending conferences is an essential part of the scientific process and an invaluable opportunity for early-career scientists to connect with other researchers, build collaborations, and receive feedback on their work. Guide 12, in alignment with OMB’s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200, adds restrictions and layers of bureaucracy for researchers to get approval to attend conferences. This proposed change limits researchers’ opportunities to build upon their research by finding new collaborators and unlocking new perspectives for interdisciplinary problems. Real scientific progress only happens when researchers can openly share ideas, challenge one another, and collaborate. NSF should be breaking down barriers to discovery rather than building new ones.

Guide 12 also restricts federal funds from being utilized for publication of research. Publication of science is not just how scientists are able to communicate their findings with each other but how American taxpayers can access the research that they have funded. Restricting opportunities for researchers to present and disseminate their research will diminish the impact of American research and erode the United States’ position as a global leader in science.

The actions in this proposed revision will weaken America’s scientific credibility and further erode trust with our international allies. Genuine scientific progress demands sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and the freedom to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without censorship, coercion, or fear.

America became a scientific powerhouse by trusting and funding our scientists. We will only remain a global leader if we continue to do so. We urge you to withdraw this revision and focus on supporting policies that meaningfully uphold the independence, integrity, and funding of American science — not just in rhetoric, but in practice.

Sincerely,

Paul D. Tonko

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while Donald Trump and Republicans continue to prioritize the interests of their wealthy donors, Democrats are committed to rooting out Republican corruption and lowering the cost of living for everyday Americans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but under Donald Trump and Republican control of government, costs in the United States of America haven’t gone down. They’ve gone up. Life has gotten far too expensive in this country, and Republicans don’t give a damn about it. The Republican priorities, as evidenced by the One Big Ugly Bill, in the entire Congress has been focused on ripping healthcare away from the American people, enacting the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, literally stealing food from the mouths of seniors, hungry children and veterans, giving ICE billions of taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill American citizens, all to reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks.

Life hasn’t gotten better under the Republican-controlled Congress. Life has gotten worse, and we need a dramatic change in direction. House Democrats will continue to focus on fighting for an affordable America, lowering the high cost of groceries, gas and housing. We’re committed to making healthcare affordable for every single American and, at the same time, to combating corruption and holding the crooks accountable beginning on day one, because there’s a direct link between the unbelievable levels of corruption being visited on the American people and the continued rise in the cost of living.

If you have people in high office in this town who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members and their donors, that means they’re not focused on making life better for everyday Americans. And it’s one of the many reasons why the economy under Donald Trump and Republicans is a disaster. It continues to move in the wrong direction. The decisions that have been made, like this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, have been a failure, and it’s time for dramatic change. 

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

“We must carry Gloria’s example forward the only way she would have wanted: by refusing to accept less than full equality for women, and by getting back to work.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Legislation would guarantee that no charity or nonprofit can lose its tax-exempt status without evidence and without due process

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, introduced the Protecting the Rights Of Organizations Fairly (PROOF) Act of 2026, legislation to guarantee that the IRS cannot strip a nonprofit of its tax-exempt status without evidence and without a fair process.

“The IRS should never be a weapon to punish a President’s political enemies. No organization — left, right, or center — should lose its tax-exempt status on an accusation, without evidence, and without a fair chance to be heard” said Representative Doggett. “The PROOF Act is simple: if the government wants to take away a nonprofit’s status, it has to show its proof and follow the law. Today, it may be an organization to which the Trump regime objects. Tomorrow, it could be any of us.” 

“Donald Trump is attempting to weaponize the IRS and intimidate groups that do not align with his radical political agenda.  Therefore, nonprofit organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center must have due process protections so their tax-exempt status cannot be revoked for political purposes,” said Representative Terri Sewell. “That is why I am proud to support The PROOF Act to ensure the government cannot take away a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status without due process protections.”

Under current law, many due process protections that are supposed to apply when the IRS examines most nonprofits exist only in the agency’s own internal manual — guidance the IRS can rewrite or suspend on its own authority through an internal memo with no public comment, no rulemaking, and no vote, and that carries no force of law. A targeted organization is left with no way to prevent due process rights from being weakened or withdrawn. The PROOF Act writes those protections into the tax code, so they carry the force of law and cannot be waived, rewritten, or set aside at the discretion of the IRS or the White House.

The bill responds to an unprecedented campaign to weaponize the IRS against Trump’s perceived opponents. In 2025, the administration directed the IRS to begin the process of revoking the tax-exempt status of Harvard University after the university refused to comply with the President’s demands — a step the President publicly vowed to carry out. Since then, reporting has revealed that officials compiled a list of Democratic donors and “left-leaning” nonprofit organizations for potential IRS scrutiny, and that the IRS Criminal Investigation division partnered with the FBI to investigate nonprofits over alleged “domestic terrorism” ties. In a December 2025 memo, the Justice Department defined domestic terrorism to reach constitutionally protected speech and advocacy. 

Last week, the New York Post reported that the Treasury Department and IRS are drawing up a sweeping audit blueprint that could revoke the tax-exempt status of a list of progressive and advocacy organizations, leaning on a 2025 executive order aimed at nonprofits the administration accuses of a “substantial illegal purpose.” Treasury Secretary Bessent had publicly confirmed months earlier that work compiling such a list was underway. These actions break sharply from a commitment the IRS’s own chief executive made to the House Ways and Means Committee. In responding to Congressman Doggett’s questioning during a March 2026 hearing, Bisignano assured “100 percent” that the agency would not initiate audits, investigations, or revocations of tax-exempt status based on politics, and “We’re here to administer the law, uphold the law.” 

The administration has refused to answer for its weaponization campaign. In April 2026, Congressman Doggett and Congresswoman Terri Sewell wrote to the IRS demanding answers about the targeting of tax-exempt organizations. The response deadline passed months ago with no reply, and the members renewed their demand in a follow-up letter this week.

The PROOF Act guarantees that before the government can take away a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, it has to follow basic due process. 

What the PROOF Act Does

In plain terms, the bill guarantees every tax-exempt organization:

1. Fair notice before an examination begins. Written notice that the organization has been selected, what the examination is about, which years are involved, and who the examiner is.
2. A reason, in writing. The IRS must explain the legal authority under which it is proceeding. No open-ended fishing expeditions with no stated basis.
3. Evidence, not accusation. The IRS must build a documented record that actually supports its conclusions — and it cannot revoke an organization’s status unless that record supports the decision. No nonprofit can be stripped of its status on an unsupported allegation.
4. Fair document requests. Requests must be specific and connected to the examination, with a reasonable time to respond — and an organization cannot be punished for failing to answer a defective or improper request.
5. A right to be heard. The organization can bring a dispute to the examiner’s supervisor during the examination, and the IRS must hold a closing conference — explaining its findings, its legal and factual basis, and the organization’s appeal rights — before it takes any adverse action.
6. A clear explanation and a real right to appeal. Before any final action, the organization receives a written explanation of the proposed decision, the specific findings and legal authorities behind it, and at least 30 days to protest and seek review by the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, followed by judicial review in court.
7. No revocation without proof or process. At its core, the bill establishes a single guarantee: the IRS cannot revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status unless the examination supports the decision and the organization’s due process rights have been honored.

Rep. Doggett Questions Trump IRS CEO Bisignano March 2026

Doggett: If you would sir, with a simple yes or no, tell us whether you have received either directly or indirectly any communication from anyone in the Trump regime suggesting that specific tax-exempt organizations should be scrutinized because of their political views? 

Bisignano: No.

Doggett. You have not. Good. And will you commit today that under your leadership the IRS will not initiate audits, investigations, or revocations of tax-exempt status based on political targeting?

Bisignano: 100%. We’re here to administer the law, uphold the law, uphold the law.

Doggett: Thank you. Just to be clear what I’m talking about though, in that regard, the Wall Street Journal reported “the Trump administration is preparing sweeping changes at the Internal Revenue Service that would allow the agency to pursue criminal inquiries of some groups more easily.” So are they in error and no such sweeping changes or any changes are being prepared there to use the IRS?

Bisignano: I hope that you understand that every form of the daily news is not a Bible.

Doggett: That’s why I’m asking.

Bisignano: Not a Bible, sir.

Doggett Yeah, that’s absolutely right. And I’m asking you about this.

Bisignano: I’ve actually never heard that or seen.

Doggett: You’ve never heard that the Trump administration was trying to weaponize the IRS?

Bisignano: 100% not. 

Doggett: Then you’re not familiar with President Trump’s tweet specifically attacking Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, asking that it’s tax-exempt status should be re-evaluated? You didn’t . . . you’re not aware of that?

Bisignano: I don’t track tweets sir.

Doggett: You don’t track Truth Social. It doesn’t have anything to do with your work? 

Bisignano: You will not find my social media presence anywhere.

Doggett: Well, this is the President of course not very interested in ethics so I was very concerned about that. 

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