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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: A New Era for Patients: Carter celebrates President Trump signing PBM reforms into law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated President Trump’s signing into law key portions of Rep. Carter’s PBM Reform Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. 

After more than a decade of advocacy, Rep. Carter’s efforts have resulted in a major win for patients and pharmacies that will increase transparency, preserve patient access to care, and lower health care costs by reforming the middlemen – pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Rep. Carter stands beside President Trump during Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 bill signing

“As a pharmacist from coastal Georgia, I came to Congress with the goal of building a health care system that put patients before profits,” said Rep. Carter. “Today, I can proudly say that we have enacted the first major PBM reform in decades, a meaningful step toward achieving that goal. PBMs have been stealing hope and health from the American people for decades, inflating prescription drug costs, forcing pharmacy closures, and blocking access to medications. To that I say: Not on my watch. The PBM mafia has officially been put on notice. I’m excited to continue working with President Trump help build a quality, accessible, and affordable health care system for patients.”

Included in this funding package are Rep. Carter’s policies to:

• Prohibit PBMs and their affiliates from deriving remuneration for covered Part D drugs based on the price of a drug; Require PBMs to define and apply drug and drug pricing terms in contracts with Part D plan sponsors transparently and consistently; Set out annual requirements for PBMs to report on drug price and other information to Part D plan sponsor clients; and, Empower Part D plan sponsors with new audit rights with respect to PBMs.

• Promote price transparency for prescription drugs purchased by employer health plans by ensuring PBMs provide group health plans and issuers with detailed data on prescription drug spending at least semi-annually. Such data includes gross and net drug spending, drug rebates, spread pricing arrangements, formulary placement rationale, and information about benefit designs that encourage the use of pharmacies affiliated with PBMs. The section also ensures that health plans and individuals can receive a summary document regarding information about the plan’s prescription drug spending.

• Require Part D plans to allow any willing pharmacy that meets standardized, reasonable contract terms to participate in their networks, beginning in 2029, and direct CMS to gather input on contracting practices, ensure contract terms are fair, and improve oversight of pharmacy and plan relationships. Additionally, it establishes a new category of “essential retail pharmacies” in underserved areas and requires regular federal reporting on their reimbursement, participation in networks, and cost sharing impacts. It also establishes a formal process for pharmacies to report contract-related violations without fear of retaliation and authorizes enforcement actions and penalties against plans or PBMs that fail to comply.

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

Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law the appropriations package H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) secured federal funding in the appropriations package for the following Ninth District project: 

Project Name: Corridor Q – U.S. 460 Connector Phase II Paving Project

Recipient Name: Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority

Amount Received: $3,000,000

Following presidential approval of the appropriations package and the inclusion of federal funding for this Ninth District project, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“This government funding package, which I supported, delivers critical funds to Ninth District community projects. In this package, I helped secure $3 million for the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority.

“With this federal funding available to the Authority, the Virginia Coalfields Expressway will expand.”

BACKGROUND

In October 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a ribbon cutting for new sections to the Coalfields Expressway.

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Appropriations bills approved in this package include the labor, health and human services appropriations bill, defense appropriations bill and transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill.

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

Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law the appropriations package H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) secured federal funding in the appropriations package for the following Ninth District project: 

Project Name: Mitigating Against and Preventing Wastewater Bypass in Richlands, VA Project

Recipient Name: County of Tazewell, Virginia

Amount Received: $500,000

Following presidential approval of the appropriations package and the inclusion of federal funding for this Ninth District project, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“This government funding package, which I supported, delivers critical funds to Ninth District community projects. In this package, I helped secure $500,000 for Tazewell County.

“With this federal funding available to Tazewell County, local access to flood preventative measures and resources will improve.”

BACKGROUND

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Appropriations bills approved in this package include the labor, health and human services appropriations bill, defense appropriations bill and transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after voting ‘no’ on an extension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): 

“This is a moral moment for America. After the brutal murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the widespread abuse of power by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I cannot support one penny more for the lawless actions of the DHS.”

“Trump and Republicans in Congress ripped away Medicaid, health care and support for students in the Big Ugly Bill to pay for massive tax breaks for billionaires.  The Big Ugly Bill also ballooned ICE’s budget with no additional accountability or oversight.  Trump is expanding ICE into an unchecked paramilitary force, and its budget now exceeds all federal law enforcement agencies combined. Meanwhile DHS is building huge new detention camps and using technology to spy on and intimidate Americans.  More people have died in DHS custody than ever before and children are being ripped away from parents and communities.  DHS is routinely violating constitutional rights to free speech, freedom the press, due process and the right to be secure from unreasonable search and seizures.  I am going to do everything I can to claw back the $191B that Republicans sent to DHS in the Big Ugly Bill, and redirect those resources to address the high cost of living.

“Last month, I voted in support of our service members, MacDill AFB, and to address high energy costs and build safer communities, but I cannot vote for a package that includes funding for DHS without policies and safeguards to protect American citizens and immigrant families from ongoing abuse. The Trump Administration continues to misuse taxpayer dollars to brutalize U.S. citizens and immigrant families, so I voted no.”

“Democrats are committed to protecting our neighbors’ rights to peacefully protest and uphold all Americans’ constitutional rights. I am thankful for my neighbors’ countless calls to hold the Administration accountable for their lawless actions.”

“America needs real pathways to citizenship for people willing to work hard, pay taxes and play by the rules, and strong laws that keep our border secure from violent criminals and dangerous drugs. A path forward must include the following priorities:

• Make body cameras mandatory and disapprove of masking, so agents are identifiable and not roving our streets like a paramilitary organization.
• Require Judicial warrants according to due process and constitutional guarantees instead of ICE agents breaking into homes or ripping people out of cars. Reform to unlawful administrative warrants used to harass and intimidate innocent Americans.
• Complete, independent investigations conducted to hold agents accountable who break the law or violate our rights.
• Transparent guidelines instituted for the use of force by ICE, CBP, or other immigration enforcement officers.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement condemning the Trump administration’s efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians:   

“The Trump Administration’s reckless and immoral decision to end TPS for Haitians at a moment when Haiti is facing historic levels of gang violence, mass displacement, and food insecurity is unconscionable. 

“This cruel policy will have devastating consequences, including on the children of TPS holders. Without their parent’s income, half of these 50,000 children – who are U.S. citizens – would be immediately pushed into poverty. This decision will also impact American farmers who’ve already been devastated by Trump’s tariffs, forcing them to lose the 15,000 Haitian TPS holders that harvest 5,000 acres daily. And New York City will lose the $1.1 billion that Haitian TPS holders contribute to the economy and the $281 million they pay in annual federal, state and local taxes. 

“While a federal judge has postponed implementation of the administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Haitians, the Trump administration must immediately reverse course on this cruel policy and extend their status. Congress must also act, which is why I am proud to have signed Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s discharge petition to hold a vote on legislation that would extend TPS for Haitians until 2029.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) in introducing legislation to establish standards of care for individuals held in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act would require ICE and CBP to conduct timely, in-person medical screenings and ensure basic humanitarian standards for individuals in ICE and CBP custody. 

In 2025 alone, 53 people died in ICE and CBP custody. In fact, 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in more than two decades.

“President Trump and Kristi Noem can lie all they want, but we know from our constituents being held in ICE and CBP custody that the conditions inside these federal detention facilities are unlivable,” said Rep. Craig. “This administration has repeatedly ignored due process and treated our immigrant communities as subhuman, and we aren’t going to let them get away with it. That’s why I’m leading legislation to put common sense standards in place to ensure folks in ICE and CBP custody get the care they need.”

Last month, Rep. Craig attempted to conduct a Congressional oversight visit of the ICE detention facility at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. She and her colleagues Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Kelly Morrison (MN-03) were illegally turned away by ICE officials.

She helped lead articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in the House and voted against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill providing funding for ICE. 

Today, Rep. Craig joined her colleagues in a press conference outside the ICE headquarters in Washington, DC demanding Kristi Noem step down as Secretary of Homeland Security.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on his vote in favor of the funding package that reopens the government, locks in Democratic wins in the budget, and provides a two-week window to negotiate meaningful changes to ICE:

“Today’s vote is a win for Democrats and for the people we represent. This bill rejects the Trump Administration’s proposed $163 billion in cuts to public services, protects hard-won Democratic priorities, and funds an additional seven of my FY 2026 Community Project Funding selections—delivering $8.8 million for my district.

“Importantly, this agreement limits Homeland Security funding to a two-week continuing resolution, giving Democrats critical time and leverage to demand serious reforms and accountability at DHS. Right now, the vast majority of ICE’s funding comes from the One Big ‘Beautiful’ Bill, so prolonging a shutdown would not meaningfully reduce their budget or impact their operations. Passing this bill allows Congress to focus on enacting meaningful reforms to ICE without jeopardizing federal workers’ livelihoods or essential government programs.”

Democratic wins in the package include:

• Public health & research: increased NIH funding and stronger support for mental health and opioid response.
• Education & families: increased funding for child care and Head Start.
• Housing & homelessness: strengthened rental assistance and homelessness prevention programs.
• Infrastructure & security: investments in FAA modernization and air traffic controller staffing.
• Reasserts Congress’ power of the purse: reins in the Trump Administration and reasserts Congress’ power over government spending through increased requirements on the use of funds. 

More details on these legislative highlights can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Following the final passage of H.R. 7178, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) announced that they have helped to secure more than $23.25 million in federal funding to support much-needed upgrades for the Edmonson County Water District. This federal funding is in addition to the $6.5 million state funding secured by State Representative Michael Meredith (HD-19) as part of House Bill 1 in the 2024 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

“I am proud to have been able to help secure over $23 million in federal funding towards these important projects,” said Congressman Guthrie. “For years, my team and I have worked to provide reliable and practical solutions to the water quality issues facing Edmonson County Water District. Today’s milestone could not have been possible without the collaboration with Senator McConnell, Kentucky Senator Givens, State Representative Meredith, and all other local stakeholders involved in this project. I look forward to seeing this funding directly benefitting the lives of hardworking Kentuckians well into the future.”

“This critical federal investment for Edmonson County’s water and wastewater infrastructure will protect public health and ensure the community can continue to grow. Investing accordingly is among the core responsibilities of the Congress, and I’m proud to join Congressman Guthrie and local leaders to support essential federal funding that will help strengthen the quality of life for Kentuckians,” said Senator McConnell.

“This is truly wonderful news for our community! Thanks to federal funding, along with the state resources we were able to secure, Edmonson County’s water system will finally receive the long-overdue upgrades it needs. This achievement reflects years of dedicated collaboration among state, federal, and local officials and stands as a testament to the commitment that Congressman Guthrie and Senator McConnell have consistently shown for our community. Kentuckians rightly expect their elected leaders to work together—and to ensure taxpayer resources are invested in ways that will improve the quality of life for generations to come,” said Representative Meredith.

“There are no words that can say what this will mean to the customers of Edmonson County. After many years of limited system improvements, we will be able to upgrade our water treatment plant with the technology needed in today’s world of new regulations,” said Edmonson County Water District General Manager Kevin Shaw. “A very large portion of these funds will be used toward upgrading the water intake in Green River after the flow of the river was changed during the recent removal of the lock and dam below the current intake. My hat goes off to everyone who worked to make this funding available to the County Water System. These funds will greatly reduce the loan amount needed to complete these projects for the community,” said Edmonson County Water District General Manager Kevin Shaw.

Community Project Funding Details

• $14,000,000 – Edmonson County Water District Green River Intake Structures
  • This project will provide for the replacement and upgrade of intake structures and tower at the Edmonson County Water District’s Brownsville facility, ensuring more reliable access to the Green River, a primary source of potable water for residents in Edmonson, Hart, and Grayson Counties.
  • This project was requested and secured by Congressman Guthrie as a part of H. R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
• $9,256,000 – Edmonson County Water District for Water Treatment Plant Modernization
  • This project will modernize the water district’s aging water treatment plant in Brownsville to meet future demand and improve long-term reliability.
  • This project was requested and secured by Senator McConnell as a part of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.
• An additional $6.5 million in state funding towards improvements for projects within the Edmonson County Water District was secured by Representative Meredith as a part of House Bill 1 in 2024. This funding was shepherded through the appropriations process by Kentucky Senate President pro tempore David Givens (SD-09). Funding included:
  • $1,000,000 for the installation of a water line and booster pumping station.
  • $2,000,000 distributed to the Edmonson County Fiscal Court to provide an emergency infrastructure grant to the Edmonson County Water District. This funding required a $1,000,000 local match.
  • $3,500,000 to support operations and federal matching dollars towards the completion of upgrades at the Green River Water Intake if federal funds become available.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today after voting to pass the FY 2026 appropriations package to end the partial government shutdown:

“I voted yes on the bill to fund more than 75% of our government through the end of the fiscal year and the Department of Homeland Security for only ten days.

“The bill ensures two things. First, it prevents a shutdown of the Health and Human Services Department, the Treasury Department, the Department of Education, the State Department, the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation, and most other government services. Second, it does not provide any funding for the Department of Homeland Security beyond February 13.

“I will continue to vote against funding for the Department of Homeland Security until we adopt legislation to curb federal immigration agents’ unconstitutional, unlawful, and unaccountable conduct. We must stop the violence inflicted on Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and others. That means adopting strong, substantive reforms that ensure federal agents abide by the Constitution, the law, and the standards we set for local law enforcement.”