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

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF VIOLETTE ROACH BROWNE

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

Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Congresswoman  Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) introduced the Water Access and Affordability Act to establish the first-ever permanent, federal low-income water affordability program in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Access to clean water is a basic human right, but too many families struggle to cover the cost of their water bills,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This legislation provides much-needed support to help meet those basic needs, take on the cost of living crisis, and ensure no family has to go without clean water in their home.”

“Our families can’t live without access to water. We have a federal program for electricity and gas, but no permanent program for water. Millions of our neighbors across our country are having their water shut off simply because they cannot afford the rising bills,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “Safe, accessible, and affordable drinking water is essential to public health, and many water utilities cannot afford to maintain their infrastructure. I am proud to introduce this legislation to create a permanent water affordability program at the EPA.”

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) that Congresswomen Dingell and Tlaib helped establish in 2021 kept people’s water flowing during the pandemic and saved countless lives—but that money has now run out and Congress has failed to appropriate new funding. The federal government must rapidly increase water assistance to households and public water utilities so that every low-income household has the safe, reliable water they need to live and thrive. Thousands of Michigan families depend on water assistance, and thousands more are still waiting for help, as available support falls well short of the need.

The Water Access and Affordability Act amends part of the Safe Drinking Water Act to establish the Low-Income Drinking Water Assistance Program. The program will include drinking water access financial assistance to low-income households, technical assistance for community water systems, and data collection and reporting. $20 billion would be appropriated annually for the next 10 years to carry out the program. The program will promote universal access to drinking water for all low-income households.

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07).

The Water Access and Affordability Act is endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

A full copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) introduced the Concurrent Care for Comfort Act, legislation that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes for Americans on Medicare who receive dialysis treatment.

Currently, Americans living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are not permitted to continue their dialysis treatment under Medicare to enter palliative hospice care. This legislation would amend Medicare policy to allow for Americans to continue their treatment, enter hospice, and be with their family pain-free.

“The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act gives patients greater choice and accessibility to care while they receive their critical dialysis treatments,” said Rep. Kelly. “It’s a practical solution for both patients in what is often one of the most trying times of their life.”

“At the end-of-life, patients with kidney failure often have to choose between hospice care or continuing dialysis, making them half as likely to receive hospice care than patients with other end-stage diagnoses,” said Rep. DelBene. “Hospice care is meant to provide comfort and dignity for people nearing the end of life, but for patients in kidney failure this decision is much more complicated. Our bipartisan bill addresses this issue and ensures patients have access to therapies that improve comfort at the end of life.”

“Medicare patients with ESRD deserve a choice in all aspects of their care, including end-of-life”, said Monica Massaro, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance (NKCA). “NKCA is grateful to Representatives Kelly and DelBene for their leadership in sponsoring the Concurrent Care for Comfort Act, which will provide a dignified end-of-life experience for patients and their families.”

“Puget Sound Kidney Centers commends Representatives Kelly and DelBene for their leadership in introducing The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act,” said Tom DeBord, President & CEO of Puget Sound Kidney Centers. “We urge Congress to pass this important legislation to ensure dialysis patients have the choice to elect hospice with the knowledge that dialysis treatment, not “maintenance dialysis,” will be available as needed to address symptom management and provide comfort as they approach the end of life.”

“Currently, people receiving dialysis care, despite a strong clinical need for hospice, have limited access because they must make the excruciating decision to stop dialysis before they can receive hospice services. In Western Pennsylvania, we have piloted a concurrent hospice and dialysis program for eight years offering more individuals the opportunity to pass away in comfort with their family compared to most Medicare beneficiaries on dialysis. We applaud Rep. Kelly’s leadership on this important issue to allow all individuals on dialysis to make the choice that’s right for them,” said Doug Johnson, MD, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, Dialysis Clinic Inc.

BACKGROUND

The Concurrent Care for Comfort Act would clarify the policy for coverage under the Medicare program for palliative dialysis services, and clarify separate payment for such palliative dialysis services, furnished by renal dialysis facilities and providers of services to certain individuals electing hospice care.

Rep. Kelly is strong advocate on Capitol Hill for kidney and dialysis patients. He leads the RESTORE Act, which ensures that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare.

You can read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – On the 31^st anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:

“On April 19, 1995, the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history took place at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Today marks thirty-one years since that tragic and memorable day. However, even though the time has passed, as Oklahomans, the Oklahoma City bombing will forever be imprinted in our minds and hearts,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today, we first remember and grieve the 168 innocent lives that were cut short on that dark day. I will never forget the heartbreak, grief, and distress I felt as I witnessed mothers, fathers, children, and friends watch their loved ones be brutally taken from them,” said Congressman Cole.

“I will also never forget the way Oklahoma responded to such a tragedy. After being rattled and thrown onto the world stage without any warning, we could have panicked. Yet, we didn’t. Instead, our state responded strongly, quickly, and empathetically. To this day, I can truly say this is one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Oklahoman,” said Congressman Cole.

“In conclusion, today, on the 31^st anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, let us take the time to mourn the lives that were prematurely taken, grieve with those who lost a loved one that day, and thank our first responders and governing officials like Governor and First Lady Frank and Cathy Keating, Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, and Congressman Frank Lucas who responded with courage. We must ensure they are not forgotten,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Following Iran’s latest closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s illegal war is making us weaker and more vulnerable to our adversaries. Because of his reckless, unauthorized escalation, Iran can now open and close the Strait of Hormuz at will—rattling global markets and exposing how much damage a single chokepoint can do to our economy. His threats have escalated a crisis he has no plan to end. These erratic moves raise serious questions about insider trading—and whether profiteering is influencing decision-making inside the Trump Administration. We are worse off today than when this war started. The Trump Administration must negotiate an end to this war now.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.- This month, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) co-led a letter with Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09) to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, urging the release of federal funds from the Bureau of Reclamation to address the ongoing drought across the Colorado River Basin (Basin).

In 2022, Congress secured $4 billion in funding through fiscal year 2026 to support drought mitigation efforts in the Reclamation states and territories with priority given to Basin states. The release of these funds would help address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River, including expanded capacity at the Yuma Desalting Plant, long-term investments adding water to the Basin system, and vital resources to Lakes Mead and Powell for American energy requirements.

“One of the most critical issues Arizona faces is the future allocation of water from the Colorado River,” said Congressman Biggs. “Arizona stakeholders have long been leaders in conserving and managing their water allotments, and they are counting on these dollars to maintain our national-security and food-security industries. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support from Congressman Stanton for this effort, as we advocate for our constituents in our great state.” 

Read the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

This week, I was proud to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that recognizes April as Second Chance Month. This resolution raises awareness for unlocking opportunities for successful reentry into society following incarceration that ultimately reduces recidivism rates.

Arkansas’ ranking as the third highest for recidivism rates in the nation highlights the need for us to look at opportunities to enact real change and ultimately create a more prosperous future for our state. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, forty-six percent of those released from prison in the state are readmitted within three years.

Offering incarcerated Arkansans the opportunity to succeed by reducing the barriers that keep them from establishing good-paying jobs and earning sought-after respect after being released is proven to be a critical key to reducing recidivism rates. Investing in these individuals who have proven to be committed to rectifying their mistakes is ultimately an investment in the future success and safety of our communities.

While the true hope is that crimes are not committed, it remains an unfortunate reality. Over twenty years ago in his State of the Union Speech, President George W. Bush said, “We know from long experience that if [incarcerated individuals] can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison…. America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”

The United States of America stands apart from the rest of the world. Other countries and nations have centuries of history and stories to tell. But we are a young nation – only 250 years old – so what makes us so revered by the world?

There are many ways to answer this question, but there is one constant theme that has been woven like a thread into the fabric of our nation’s history: the hope of a second chance. The dream of starting over and building a new life that isn’t weighed down by past mistakes. We know this to be called the “American Dream.”

A concept first penned by James Truslow Adams in 1931, the term was described as, “not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”

We are the living legacies of men and women who desired a second chance and the opportunity to experience the American Dream. Because of that, giving a second chance to those who are committed to reconciling with society and looking to contribute positively to their communities after serving their sentence is one of the most American things we can do.

It’s a privilege to work in Congress on efforts that truly lead to the betterment of our communities. Getting down to the root of the issue and learning how we can apply real opportunities for real change is a great honor that I look forward to continuing to work toward.

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
April 17, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO RESTORE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OF HAITIAN NATIONALS

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the statement below following the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until April 20, 2029.

The vote to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until April 20, 2029 follows the successful adoption of H. Res. 965, the Discharge Petition led by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) to consider H.R. 1689. This marks a significant milestone in Congresswoman Plaskett’s longstanding efforts to protect Haitian TPS holders. Congresswoman Plaskett assisted this week in whipping votes for passage of the legislation.  The bipartisan vote comes after the Administration moved to revoke TPS from more than 350,000 Haitian nationals; protections that a federal court order has been keeping in place.

Congresswoman Plaskett has been instrumental in Congress to defend these protections. In 2025, she led a congressional letter with 48 of her colleagues to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of TPS for Haitian nationals, detailing the catastrophic humanitarian conditions on the island, including gang violence that has killed thousands of civilians and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians. Congresswoman Plaskett has continued to advocate for Haitian TPS holders through legislation, coalition building, and direct engagement with the Administration.

“Our immigrant neighbors and their children are not our enemies, and today this body affirmed that reality,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Haitian TPS holders contribute nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy each year and annually pay $1.56 billion in taxes, as they are required to do, even though they are not eligible for the benefits that they directly help fund, like Social Security. For over 15 years, Haitian TPS holders have started families, built businesses, and contributed to communities throughout this country as teachers, caregivers, and more. Today’s vote is a critical step toward restoring their protections.”

Haiti’s TPS designation was first granted after the deadliest earthquake in the history of the Western Hemisphere killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than a million Haitians. Despite these deep roots in American communities, President Trump stripped legal status from otherwise law-abiding Haitian nationals.

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “It is notable that even members of the Trump Cabinet understand this reality and the profound negative consequences of this decision. According to HHS Secretary Kennedy, there is already a shortage of health care workers. A mass deportation of Haitians will worsen the caregiving crisis. More than 20 percent of Haitians in the United States work in healthcare and help comprise the 1 in 4 long-term care workers who are immigrants. This decision is counterproductive, and even one of the most questionable members of this Cabinet understands that reality.”

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “Arbitrarily stripping Temporary Protected Status from Haitians is cruel and unconscionable. It forces Haitian people to return to a nation in abject chaos. Congress took a stand against pulling the rug out from under our law-abiding neighbors. We must now see this bill through the Senate and to the President’s desk.”

BACKGROUND: Discharge Petitions are a procedural tool that allow Members of Congress to bring to the House floor for consideration a public bill or resolution that has been referred to committee but not reported, once 218 Members have signed the petition. This allows the consideration of legislation outside of regular order, which is controlled by the Speaker of the House.

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Pictured below: Congresswoman Plaskett and Haitian Ambassador Lionel Delatour

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement on the passing of longtime Central Valley news anchor Nancy Osborne:
“Nancy Osborne was a trusted voice in the San Joaquin Valley for nearly four decades and a pioneer in broadcast journalism who broke glass ceilings for women in the field.
I had the privilege of knowing Nancy, and like so many in our Valley, I respected her professionalism and her deep commitment to telling the stories of our community. She had a unique ability to connect with people and bring their stories to life with honesty and care.
I send my condolences to Rance, her family and loved ones. She will be deeply missed.”