Congresswoman McCollum Votes Present on Massie Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

ASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after voting against the Massie amendment, which would strike all $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel.

“I have long been a vocal opponent of the way the United States provides a blank check to the Netanyahu government. For the last nine years, I have carried a bill to put limits on how all US dollars to Israel may be used, which would ensure that not one penny of taxpayer dollars is used by Israel to violate the human rights of Palestinian children. I am also a cosponsor on legislation like the Block the Bombs Act, which also places limits on US assistance to Israel

“However, I cannot support Mr. Massie’s amendment as I have serious concerns that with the way it is so broadly written. As drafted, other foreign assistance—including vital assistance to Palestinians—could be cut off as well. For many of my colleagues in the majority, this amendment is just another way for them to carry out President Trump’s isolationist agenda to limit and, in some cases completely cease, US foreign assistance.”

Read more Congresswoman McCollum’s bill The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

Pappas Introduces Drug Deal Disclosure Act to Force Transparency for Trump's Secret Big Pharma Deals

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) in introducing the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the Trump administration to publicly disclose its prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.

As Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs, the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that a series of agreements negotiated with pharmaceutical companies will lower costs for patients. Yet despite public announcements and White House events promoting these arrangements, the Administration has refused to disclose the terms of the agreements, the concessions offered in exchange, and evidence that they will actually deliver lower prices.

“Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Congressman Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.”

The Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements’ economic and budgetary impacts.

Specifically, the legislation would:

  • Require HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;
  • Require disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, TrumpRx participation, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;
  • Require HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and
  • Direct CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements’ impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.

The Drug Deal Disclosure Act is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, Senator Maggie Hassan, and Senate Democrats.

Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Massie Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

July 15, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on the Massie amendment:

“The suffering caused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is staggering. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and families across the region, Israeli and Palestinian alike, have endured unimaginable loss. American policy must confront these realities honestly, not diminish them.

“The Massie amendment on the House floor today does not live up to that standard. Its overly broad language could strip funding from peacebuilding initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians, humanitarian aid for Palestinians in desperate need, refugee resettlement, and American diplomacy. It would hand the Trump Administration the power to decide what gets funded and what does not.

“The communities I represent know all too well what happens when President Trump spends taxpayer dollars however he sees fit. In my role on the House Appropriations Committee, I refuse to cede a single inch of my fight to reclaim Congress’s power of the purse from rogue, unelected Trump officials like Russ Vought. This amendment gives them more discretion, not less.

“I firmly believe in a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace, security, and self-determination. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the extremists he has empowered are actively working to make that future impossible. He has prolonged the war to preserve his own political survival and given a platform to those who dream of permanent occupation and annexation. I have made clear that Netanyahu must go. This fall, Israelis will have the chance to elect a new government dedicated to the dignity and security of both peoples, and I hope they will seize it.

“The violence settlers are inflicting on Palestinian families in the West Bank is abhorrent. It must end. That is why I have cosponsored the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Gaza must be rebuilt, and aid to its residents must flow unimpeded. Palestinians deserve to live free from bombardment, displacement, and blockade. Hamas must be disarmed so a viable path to peace exists. And as the United States negotiates the next Memorandum of Understanding on security assistance, I will insist it include real accountability. American aid must comply fully with American law, and it must never underwrite settlement expansion, annexation, or the collective punishment of civilians.

“None of this is easy. It demands a more principled, inclusive, and constructive kind of American leadership than the one we have now. I will keep fighting for policies that bring us closer to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

Speaker Johnson on Reconciliation 3.0: Safeguarding American Elections is Important to the American People and it’s Important for the Future

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks following House Republicans’ conference meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance regarding the budget resolution for Congressional Republicans third reconciliation bill — the SAVE and Protect America Act.

“It’s our best shot at enacting our party’s top priority legislation, the SAVE America Act. It is important to the American people and it’s important to the future. And there is nothing in this bill that every Republican in Congress cannot proudly get behind,” Speaker Johnson said. “Republicans support election integrity, our troops, and of course our farmers, and this vehicle will demonstrate all of that.”

 

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

Below are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:

We just had a great meeting with the House Republican Conference. We’re delighted to have been joined by the Vice President, J.D Vance. You’ll hear from him in just a moment. What we were here to address today, what you’re all here to hear about is we’re moving forward with Reconciliation 3.0 this morning. After many months of deliberation and discussion and contemplation, the House Budget Committee is moving forward with the budget resolution that will get us to Reconciliation 3.0.

Let me tell you a few of the details about it. Given the Democrats’ absolute refusal to work with us on the nation’s top priorities – and that includes election integrity and strengthening our nation’s defense – we’re moving forward with a narrow, streamlined package to deliver on some of America’s top priorities. It is a sad situation. This is where we are; Republicans have to do this on our own.

The budget resolution instructs four House committees to write Reconciliation 3.0. Those committees are the House Administration Committee, House Armed Services Committee, House Agriculture, and House Intelligence Committee. Each of them will have an important component part of it. The forthcoming reconciliation legislation sets out to accomplish two very important goals: one, to secure America’s elections. We’re going to pass the SAVE America Act into law as much of that as possible. The SAVE America Act ensures, as you know, that voters have proof of citizenship to register to vote, and they show a valid ID when they turn up to vote at the ballot box. These commonsense policies are reported by 83% of the American people. It’s almost a 9 out of 10 public opinion poll in most of the polls that you look at.

The second objective is to protect and strengthen our homeland. How will we do that? We will provide supplemental funding for our troops with the Administration’s request to support national defense and our farmers. That’s very important stuff. The Budget Committee is scheduled to vote this budget resolution out of committee tomorrow, and we will pass it through the House next week. We’ll send it to the Senate, and then they will pass it before the August district work period. After the Senate passes the budget resolution, our four instructed House committees can go to work to write the reconciliation bill itself. We’re looking forward to this process. We intend for this to be a law-making exercise, which means the House and the Senate both have to pass the bill, and of course, the President signs it into law.

This budget resolution, which kickstarts Reconciliation 3.0 is a process. It’s our best shot at enacting our party’s top priority legislation, the SAVE America Act. It is important to the American people and it’s important to the future. There is nothing in this bill that every Republican in Congress cannot proudly get behind. Republicans support election integrity, our troops, and of course our farmers, and this vehicle will demonstrate all of that. Once again, we’re delighted again to have been joined by our Vice President who had a lot to say to the Republicans. They’re very encouraged – he got multiple standing ovations. It’s a good day to be a Republican.

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Congressman Riley M. Moore Applauds Passage of FY2027 National Security and State Department Appropriations Bill, Secures Key Wins to Protect Persecuted Christians and Advance America First Priorities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore applauded House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, legislation that advances President Trump’s America First foreign policy agenda, includes important language to further Rep. Moore’s efforts to stop the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, strengthens U.S. national security, and defends American taxpayers by cutting federal funding for the third year in a row.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Christians in Nigeria continue to endure horrific violence, murder, and persecution while a majority of the world turns a blind eye to their suffering. President Trump has taken bold actions to strike the terrorists in Nigeria, and this bill sends a clear message that the United States will continue to stand with persecuted Christians across the globe, especially in Nigeria. 

The bill conditions US assistance to Nigeria on tangible progress in protecting Christians, particularly in addressing the threat posed by Fulani terrorists and returning internally displaced people to their ancestral lands. The bill also provides funding to support training and increasing accountability for police forces in Nigeria, and reaffirms the recommendations made in my recommendations to President Trump.

This important bill also holds foreign governments accountable and ensures American taxpayer dollars advance our national interests. I was proud to secure provisions that strengthen accountability, combat human trafficking, protect free speech, push back on mass migration, and advance President Trump’s America First foreign policy.”

The bill provides $47.32 billion in discretionary funding while reducing overall spending by $2.69 billion below Fiscal Year 2026 levels. It prioritizes support for allies and counters threats posed by Communist China, Iran, the Taliban, and transnational criminal organizations. It also eliminates funding for numerous Biden-era programs centered on climate mandates, DEI initiatives, and radical gender ideology.

Congressman Moore, alongside NSRP Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, secured several provisions in both the NSRP appropriations bill and the accompanying committee report focused on combating religious persecution, particularly against Christian communities in Nigeria.

Among Rep. Moore’s victories are provisions conditioning 50% of U.S. assistance to Nigeria on measurable actions to U.S. assistance to Nigeria based upon Nigeria’s measurable actions to protect Christians against religiously-motivated violence. Rep. Moore also secured language prioritizing law enforcement partnerships with Nigeria, expanding efforts to prevent atrocities and human trafficking, documenting the effects of mass migration on host populations, protecting natural rights and national sovereignty initiatives, and preserving longstanding pro-life protections.

The legislation also includes language directing the State Department to report to Congress and the President on efforts needed to end targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, dedicates funding to combat ritualized murder and organ trafficking in Africa, strengthens oversight of foreign assistance programs, and restricts the use of federal funds for censorship activities directed at American citizens.

Additionally, the bill maintains all longstanding pro-life protections, including the Helms, Kemp-Kasten, Siljander, Tiahrt, Hyde-Lantos, and other pro-life amendments.

The FY2027 NSRP Appropriations Act now advances as part of the House appropriations process for the upcoming fiscal year.

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Congressman García Votes to End Blank Check for Weapons to Israel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued the following statement on his vote for the Massie amendment to the FY27 State Department appropriations bill. The amendment would cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently advocated to end our government’s use of our tax dollars to fund death and destruction abroad. As the Israeli government continues to commit genocide in Gaza, occupy the West Bank and southern Lebanon, and fuel the illegal war in Iran, my constituents and working people nationwide who are struggling to make ends meet are demanding an end to the blank check for weapons of war. As the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I was proud to vote for this amendment and to urge my colleagues to do the same. Today’s historic vote illustrates the momentum behind our movement for peace, justice, and dignity for all people without exception. We must build on this vote to achieve a long overdue change in U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine, and finally uphold the values we stand for.” 

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Rep. Huffman Statement on State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Amendment #8 Vote

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

July 15, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement after voting on the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act and Representative Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) amendment #8:

“I almost never vote ‘present,’ but this amendment leaves me little choice. I support the central message behind it and have consistently opposed the Israeli government’s unhinged policies of aggression, brutality, and territorial expansion. I’ve demonstrated that through my support for measures like the Lebanon War Powers Resolution, the Block the Bombs Act, Rep. McCollum’s justice for Palestinians initiatives, and countless other legislative efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for reprehensible actions.

But I cannot offer blanket support for an amendment so poorly drafted that it could be construed to go far beyond blocking offensive military assistance. As written, it risks cutting off support for humanitarian organizations, peacebuilding efforts, and protections for vulnerable Palestinians. On an issue this consequential, Congress has a responsibility to legislate with precision, not substitute sloppy drafting for serious policymaking.”

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Brownley Statement on Massie Amendment to Foreign Aid Budget Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement after passage of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8595). 

“I unequivocally believe in Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign Jewish state, and I am unwavering in my belief that Israel has the right to defend its people against hostile governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. I also firmly believe that the Palestinian people have a right to dignity, security, and self-determination.

“However, I also believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions in the Middle East have deeply undermined these efforts and recklessly escalated tensions in the region. His government’s actions have not advanced the cause of peace or security and have instead left both Israelis and Palestinians less safe. I do not see how we can continue down this path without a course correction.

“I recognize that Rep. Massie’s amendment is not a serious effort to solve the current state of affairs in the Middle East. It’s also clear to me that the Republicans and the President have long ago ceased to want to take this historically bipartisan issue seriously, and to thoughtfully engage with Democrats to provide the leadership necessary to find a path forward to ending the violence, rebuilding Gaza, and securing the region.

“My vote in favor of the Massie amendment is simply a vote for that course correction.”

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DelBene Statement on the Massie Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement:

“The American relationship with Israel must change for the good of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must find a path towards peace, and that requires thoughtful discussions and vetted policy. This poorly drafted and overly broad amendment does not just cut military aid to Israel. It also eliminates vital humanitarian assistance, halts funding that supports refugee resettlement, prevents the rebuilding of Gaza, disrupts U.S. diplomatic efforts, and weakens our ability to fight terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. We should not let Republicans dictate America’s position on the Middle East.

“The way forward must be anchored in a two-state solution that provides a commitment for Israel’s security alongside a viable, independent Palestinian state. This must include a surge of humanitarian aid to alleviate civilian suffering, aid to rebuild Gaza, and an end to the illegal settler expansion in the West Bank.

“The Netanyahu government is actively blocking this path. By pursuing a military-only strategy, Netanyahu has isolated Israel internationally, damaged its standing in the United States, and killed and displaced civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Americans should not be subsidizing this reckless and dangerous behavior. As the Israeli Prime Minister says, Israel can finance its own military. While Israel has a right to exist and defend itself from Iran and terrorists, that right does not excuse the horrifying destruction of innocent life or actions that destabilize the entire region.

“The path forward will not be an easy one, but we cannot accept the status quo. Today’s amendment would move us in the wrong direction by cutting humanitarian assistance and diplomatic aid. I voted against it and the underlying funding bill. I will keep working toward real solutions that bring us closer to a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.”

Newhouse Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support American Allies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support American Allies

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting in support of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027. This legislation passed the House by a vote of 217-209. 

At a time when our Nation’s national security is under constant threat from adversaries, we are delivering on legislation to provide resources to critical agencies that keep us safe,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continued,Peace through strength will ensure the United States remains the shining city on the hill as a diplomatic and economic powerhouse. I applaud Chairman Diaz-Balart’s efforts to eliminate wasteful spending while prioritizing the programs that keep Americans safe.

Background 

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level, and reflects priorities of the America First agenda. 

Within the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan and counters adversaries such as the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent in a manner consistent with relevant executive orders.