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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata’s Statement Celebrating Manu’a Flag Day

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Manu’a Flag Day 2026, sometimes called Manu’a Cession Day, which celebrates the historic decision in 1904 to officially join the United States. 

Manua Flag Day flag raising 

Manua Flag Day Pledge of Allegiance

“It will be a delight to be in Manu’a celebrating with our people and Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula. Wherever American Samoans are on July 16^th, we all think of our people in beautiful Manu’a, celebrating this important anniversary. In 1904, the chiefs of Manu’a made their major decision for future generations, resulting in the first official U.S. flag-raising in the islands of Ta’u, Ofu, and Olosega. Manu’a is a vital part of American Samoa, and I appreciate their warm welcome every time I’m there. I love to be there as often as possible each year when the wind and waves allow! Manu’a Flag Day is a wonderful tradition, and in just a few years now will be the milestone 125^th anniversary. We honor and bless the memory of the islands’ wise forefathers, and we are thankful to be part of the United States, as well as to be together in one territory. For each patriotic day, we want to always be sure to especially appreciate our Toa o Samoa, past and present, in every Service of the Armed Forces, and our many military families who support their careers and take part in their sacrifice. May God bless the people of Manu’a, and this year’s celebration!” 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the public disclosure of the White House’s 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. 

“Floridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,” said Rep. Castor. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the White House claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.” 

“President Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration’s private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that’s true, then he should have nothing to hide,” said Rep. Chu. “Democrats didn’t ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.”

“No one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,” said Rep. Lee. “More than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I’m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.”

“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 Rep. 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 White House 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, 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 and Senate Democrats.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Funding will be used to upgrade airfield signage.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement announcing his intent to vote for an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to H.R. 8595, the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would cut U.S. assistance to Israel, primarily through reducing Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Israel by $3.3 billion:

“It is past time for our nation to fundamentally reevaluate its security relationship with the state of Israel.

“A military response to the heinous October 7th attacks was justifiable, but Israel’s ongoing campaigns across the region have cost the lives of tens of thousands of innocents and isolated Israel on the world stage. The wanton disregard for the human rights of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon shown by the Israeli government and security forces, along with their contempt for international and U.S. law and implacable commitment to an ever-expanding campaign of settlement and occupation have made a dramatic course correction in the U.S.-Israeli partnership long overdue.

“The disastrous Iran War has further demonstrated the strategic costs of our alliance which has grown closer even as it makes less sense for the United States. No foreign government is entitled to American taxpayer dollars or assistance, particularly those that have acted against U.S. interests and values, as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has done increasingly in recent years.

“While imperfectly written, this amendment serves as a powerful message to the Israeli government that it cannot take U.S. security assistance for granted any longer. The enormous numbers of civilians killed in recent Israel Defense Force operations and the government’s tacit approval for the ongoing violence carried out by settlers in the West Bank has cost Israel the broad support among Americans it once enjoyed. It will likely take years to repair the ties between our two nations and for Israel’s government to regain the trust of the American people.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.

“America’s airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact, 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work.”

“Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Actestablishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system—and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics — yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs,” said Senator Markey. “Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation.”

“Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day—and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they’ve earned. It’s past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America,” said Senator Schumer.

“I’ve given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can’t afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I’m choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”

“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”

“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Actwould set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.

“Airline passenger service agents are on the frontlines of the airline industry in our nation’s airports – ticketing and boarding passengers, loading and unloading baggage and performing other essential services. Despite their indispensable role in keeping air travel efficient and the flying public safe, they are underpaid and overworked. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is a long overdue step towards closing wage and benefit disparities that will allow essential airport employees to live and work with dignity,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is cosponsored by Representatives: Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Greg Casar (TX-35), Angie Craig (MN-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Maxine Waters (CA-43). 

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). 

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.

 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor in opposition to an amendment from U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (KY-04) to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, that would eliminate $3.3 billion in military aid funding for Israel. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“I rise in strong disagreement with this amendment, which would dangerously undermine America’s national security. If adopted, it would – as Leader Jeffries rightly pointed out – limit our ability to confront terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah that expressly target American citizens and military personnel. And it would make it harder for America to use our relationships with Israel and regional partners to promote a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic path to deliver on the promise of peace, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

“I understand the frustration many Members feel with some of the policies and actions of the current Israeli government – as well as their concerns about its commitment to the peace process and a two-state solution. However, this amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those who seek the complete elimination of Israel, and those looking for an excuse to murder Jews. It is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region, and it is a vote against American security, against American interests, and against Americans’ safety. Vote ‘no.'”

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor during general debate on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
 

“I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Sadly, I could not agree with Chairman Cole. This bill does not send a strong message to our friends, nor does it send an unmistakable message to our adversaries. Sadly, this bill has zero [funding] for Ukraine, our ally fighting the Russian invader. That is a grave mistake and absolutely the wrong approach and a dangerous signal at a time when we ought to show unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense of its homeland. Yesterday marked 40 days since the House passed the Ukraine Support Act. That bipartisan legislation would provide Ukraine with an additional $8 billion in loans for military procurement, as well as $1.3 billion [for] direct security assistance. It also would impose new sanctions that will further erode Vladimir Putin’s ability to continue this illegal, immoral, and unjust war. Now it’s the Senate’s turn to act.

“Over the weekend, America lost a champion in the effort to stand with Ukraine. Senator Graham understood that America’s responsibility was to ensure that Ukraine has every resource it needs – but none in this bill – not just to survive, but to win. Senator Graham died just hours after returning from Ukraine and securing bipartisan agreement on a new punishing sanctions bill. I hope that all of us in this House and Senate will honor his memory by continuing to vigorously support Ukraine. Its drone strategy is creating space on the battlefield for real movement. Something is in the air, and it’s the feeling that victory is not only achievable, but increasingly within reach. This bill does not send a strong message of that objective. Not the end of the beginning, but finally, hopefully, perhaps the beginning of the end. Ten additional seconds? Let us be clear: America does not abandon our allies. America does not shrink from the fight. Democracy will not yield one inch to tyranny. We should be saying that in this bill. And I yield back my time, but not my opposition to tyranny.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Passes Committee Unanimously

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar’s legislation H.R. 9642, the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act, passed the Ways and Means Committee unanimously. The legislation would allow hospitals in rural communities to utilize Medicare funds already available to them to hire and pay physician anesthesiologists. Current law only permits these hospitals to use these funds to hire nurse anesthetists or certified anesthesiologist assistants.  

“Rural Michiganders should be able to receive the same quality of health care as non-rural residents. My Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act will help rural hospitals recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists so their patients can access the level of care they deserve. I am grateful for Chairman Jason Smith and his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee to advance this commonsense, bipartisan legislation,” said Moolenaar.  

“Rural Americans deserve access to reliable, high-quality health care regardless of where they live,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO-08). “Representative Moolenaar has consistently worked to address the challenges facing rural communities, and the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act continues that effort by helping rural hospitals maintain access to critical anesthesia services. Too many patients today face long travel times or limited options because of provider shortages. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring Michigan seniors in rural communities can receive the care they need closer to home.” 

Video of the markup of H.R. 9642 can be found here. The legislation passed the Ways and Means Committee in a vote of 41-0. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, 27 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.

“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.

“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.” 

The statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Jill N. Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement on the amendment that would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

 

“Today, I will vote YES on the Massie amendment that addresses U.S. military aid to Israel.

 

“Existing U.S. law prohibits military aid from being provided to entities found to be implicated in gross human rights violations. I believe the Netanyahu government met this standard with their horrific conduct in Gaza.  Since then, Israel has sought to further entangle the United States in a war of choice against Iran and undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire. These actions have only destabilized the region and are actively harming efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for all sides.

 

“This is far from a perfect amendment, and I support steps to allow for the continuation of funding for peacebuilding and humanitarian programs that are captured in this overly broad prohibition. However, I will not support additional military aid that enables Netanyahu to bomb other countries relentlessly with the implicit support of the American taxpayers.

 

“While I strongly oppose the actions of Israel’s current government, I continue to stand in strong support of our local Jewish community and stand firmly against hate and antisemitism in any form. All Israelis and Palestinians deserve a future where they can live in peace and security. Unfortunately, the actions of the Netanyahu government, supported by U.S. assistance, take us farther away from that future every day.

 

“It’s time to chart a new course.”