MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture Angie Craig led 53 of her colleagues in calling on Congressional Republican leadership to work with Democrats to pass a funding bill that will reopen the government and extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits that millions of farmers and rural Americans rely on for affordable health care. 

In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Rep. Craig and her colleagues highlighted the damage President Trump and Congressional Republicans have already inflicted on rural Americans by failing to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year and enacting the deepest cuts to Medicaid in American history through their One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

“We write today on behalf of millions of farmers and rural Americans who are facing increased health costs and decreased access to critical health care services if Congressional Republicans do not work with Democrats to reach a bipartisan deal to open the government and remedy the health care crisis that is already roiling rural America,” Rep. Craig wrote. “Your inaction on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, combined with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s draconian cuts to Medicaid, are a betrayal of all Americans. But the burden of these cuts falls heavily on those who live in rural communities and those who work tirelessly to feed and fuel our nation.”

The Members went on to blast Republicans’ insufficient efforts to mitigate the damage they did to rural health care providers through their One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

“Further, the Rural Health Transformation Program that Republicans are touting as a new investment does not come close to correcting the damage that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is already doing to rural America’s health infrastructure,” Rep. Craig continued. “This temporary infusion of funds fails to make whole rural hospitals and health care providers that stand to lose a total of $137 billion between the expiration of the ACA enhanced tax credits and cuts to Medicaid. As a result, rural hospitals across the country are closing their doors – forcing those in rural areas to travel further for care or forgo treatment altogether.”

As farmers and rural Americans grapple with the impacts of the President’s trade policies, which have decimated American export markets while increasing the cost of living, Rep. Craig and her colleagues expressed that they are committed to working across the aisle to support our nation’s rural communities. 

“We stand ready to work with you to uplift our nation’s farmers, invest in rural America and avoid a health care cliff that will endanger the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans who are depending on us to do better by them,” Rep. Craig concluded.

If Republicans fail to extend the ACA enhanced tax credits, Minnesotans who get their health insurance through MNSure will see their health insurance premiums increase by an average of 21.5%, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Middle class Minnesotans will be hit the hardest by these price hikes – especially farmers, small business owners and early retirees.

You can read the full text of the letter here.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig called on the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to execute mass layoffs in the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). In a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought and Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Rep. Craig and 116 of her House colleagues condemned the decision and demanded that the Education Department immediately rescind the termination notices that were sent to OSERS workers.

“These firings, along with other decisions you have made that directly undermine special education, will have a devastating impact on the more than 7.5 million students with disabilities across the country and their families just one month before the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),” the Members wrote.  

 “Decimating these offices threatens accountability for special education and vocational rehabilitation funds, as well as the civil rights Congress has enshrined in federal law, at a time when schools nationwide are already struggling to meet the needs of students and when people with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment,” they continued. “Federal employees at OSERS play a key role in ensuring that federal dollars are spent appropriately and effectively to support students with disabilities.”

 “These reckless terminations are just another in a line of actions by your administration that threaten the rights that individuals with disabilities have fought long and hard for,” the Members concluded. “We urge you to immediately rescind your plans to wrongly fire employees at the agencies listed above so that they can continue working to ensure that every family, no matter where they live or their income, has access to an education that will set them up for a successful future regardless of their child’s disability.”

 Since she came to Congress, Rep. Craig has been a strong advocate for Minnesota’s special education programs – consistently leading legislation to fully fund IDEA.

 Last month, Rep. Craig and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) introduced their Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act to help schools recruit, train and retain paraeducators. The bill would establish a grant program to fund pipeline and credentialing programs, high-quality professional development and higher wages for paraprofessionals and special education teachers.   

In April, Rep. Craig introduced the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, which would finally ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). She is also a cosponsor of the Protecting Students with Disabilities Act, which would prohibit the use of appropriated funds to eliminate, consolidate or restructure any office with the Department of Education that administers or enforces programs under the IDEA. 

And earlier this year, Rep. Craig brought together special educators, paraprofessionals and parents from Minnesota’s Congressional District to form her inaugural Special Education Advisory Council.

You can read the full text of the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited a Kansas-based beef company that handles every step of the process — from raising the cattle to butchering, transporting, and selling. Last month, she demanded President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins rethink their decision to spend $20 billion to bail out Argentina and increase beef imports from the country.

 

“Kansas ranchers work tirelessly to provide quality beef for our communities and across the country,” said Davids. “Bailing out Argentina and increasing their beef imports threatens local jobs, drives up costs for American families, and undermines our farmers and ranchers like Booth Creek Wagyu. We need policies that support Kansans first, not foreign governments.”

 

“Supporting Kansas ag supply chains is vital because our producers face some of the highest levels of risk and complexity of any industry,” said Jarett Wright, Vice President of Supply Chains, Sales, and Marketing, Booth Creek Wagyu. “Weather, disease, and market volatility all impact the flow of products that feed our communities, yet Kansas farmers and ranchers continue to adapt and deliver. Strengthening local supply chains ensures that the hard work, care, and quality that go into raising Kansas beef, often over years, stay right here in our state and benefit the communities that make it possible.”

Booth Creek Wagyu is a fully integrated beef company based in Kansas. The company raises premium Wagyu cattle, oversees processing and butchering, manages transportation, and delivers high-quality beef directly to restaurants and consumers, ensuring a locally sourced, sustainable product from farm to table.

 

Most of Kansas’ congressional delegation, including Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and the state’s other three House members, has also expressed concern about how the President’s trade policies with Argentina could harm Kansas farmers and ranchers.

 

The administration’s plan includes a $20 billion bailout of Argentina’s government and expanded imports of Argentinian beef, despite warnings from industry experts that such policies would undercut U.S. producers. According to recent reports, U.S. farm bankruptcies have risen 60 percent this year, and American soybean exports to China have dropped to zero as Argentina fills the gap left by ongoing tariff disputes.

Davids has made strengthening agriculture supply chains and lowering the cost of groceries a priority, including by: 

 

Reckless tariffs have forced many Kansas producers to pay higher costs for equipment and materials while reducing access to international markets for crops and livestock. Similarly, cuts to USAID programs disrupt food-aid delivery abroad, which in turn affects demand for U.S. agricultural products. Davids has been a consistent advocate for fair-trade policies that hold foreign actors accountable while protecting U.S. competitiveness, and has joined Senator Moran in sounding the alarm.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Rep. Sharice Davids issued the following statement after the U.S. House passage of the government funding bill.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

OVERLAND PARK, KS – Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a Veterans Day appreciation event to recognize the service and sacrifices of local veterans. As part of the event, Davids, whose mom served in the Army for 20 years, presented a Vietnam veteran with his stolen medals, including a Bronze Star, which her office helped recover.

 

“As the daughter of an Army veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices that service members and their families make. This Veterans Day, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of all our local veterans,” said Davids. “Returning these medals is a small way to show respect for someone who served our country with bravery and honor. To all Kansas veterans and military families, thank you for your service and your sacrifices.”

 

The event brought together veterans from across the Third District and provided a chance for the community to show appreciation for their service and dedication to the nation.

Davids has been a dedicated advocate for the support of Kansas veterans after their return from active duty. She helped pass the Honoring our PACT Act, which expands Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health care eligibility to 3.5 million American veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic airborne hazards while deployed. Most recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed her bipartisan bill to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed. 

 

Davids’ office also helps military and veteran constituents access VA health care and benefits and acts as a facilitator between federal, state, and local agencies. For more information on how veterans can receive assistance, constituents are encouraged to visit Davids’ website or call her office at (913) 621-0832.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Yesterday, KCUR reported on Representative Sharice Davids’ (KS-03) efforts to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits before Kansans face “dramatically increased premiums.” While those monthly premiums are set to increase by an average of 77 percent, Davids emphasized there’s still time to act before costs go up for everyone.

 

In Kansas alone, more than 160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on their health care. Davids previously urged congressional leadership to include an extension of these ACA health care tax credits in any government funding bill. She also hosted a virtual press conference with Kansans who rely on these savings to afford other everyday necessities.

 

Read more from KCUR’s Noah Taborda:

 

“The Affordable Care Act marketplace for health insurance opened Saturday. With an enhanced tax credit set to expire at the end of the year, Kansans face dramatically increased premiums.

 

Stephanie Barr of Prairie Village, Kansas, is a breast cancer survivor. Her healing journey, however, is still going on.

 

[…]

 

‘I am so close to having this wound healed but I am also now at a risk of losing my health insurance because my health insurance is set to go from $21.70 a month to well over $600,’ Barr said. That’s an increase of nearly $8,000 a year for Barr.

 

As of 2024, 160,000 Kansans face surging health care costs like this if the ACA enhanced premium tax credit expires. On average, those credits helped insured clients save about $700 according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis.

 

[…]

 

Although open enrollment started Saturday, Congress can still act to prevent the tax credit from expiring.

 

[…]

 

Kansas Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids said during a virtual press conference Tuesday that she is cautiously optimistic about some of the ideas floating around D.C. ‘You know, when you’ve got me and Marjorie Taylor Greene on the same page on a piece of policy, that tells me there’s a reason to be cautiously optimistic,’ she said.

 

Any extension at this point would likely still result in major disruptions, lawmakers say, but it would still help lessen the burden. Davids warned the price hike would likely result in many healthy people dropping coverage, driving up premiums for people with chronic conditions or already expensive medical needs. These, she said, are often the people most in need of health insurance benefits.

 

‘No Kansan should have to choose between paying for health care and putting food on the table,’ said Davids.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids heard directly from Kansans whose health care premiums are set to rise dramatically next year for everyone. Because Congress has failed to act on her calls to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, Kansans will see their monthly premiums increase by an average of 77 percent, potentially forcing 4.2 million Americans off their health insurance. One participant faces a staggering increase of more than 3,000 percent, while another will pay more than $17,000 next year.

“No Kansan should have to choose between paying for health care and putting food on the table,” said Davids. “Now that open enrollment has begun, every day counts for families facing skyrocketing premiums. We need Congress to work across the aisle to extend these tax credits immediately, because delaying action will only make it harder for Kansans to afford their health care.”

WATCH: Kansans share how much their health care premiums will rise

The ACA’s premium tax credits have lowered health care costs for millions of Americans, leading to the lowest uninsured rate in modern history. In Kansas alone, more than 160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on their health care. But now, premiums will skyrocket, including for the Kansans who joined Davids for today’s press conference. Specifically:

• Nancy Mays, Mission Woods
  • 2025: $560 per month
  • 2026: $2,030 per month
  • Increase: $17,640 per year (263 percent increase)
• Stephanie Barr, Prairie Village
  • 2025: $20 per month
  • 2026: $646 per month
  • Increase: $7,752 per year (3,130 percent increase)
• Dawn Wheeler, Edwardsville
  • 2025: $69 per month
  • 2026: $248 per month
  • Increase: $2,148 per year (259 percent increase)

Even though open enrollment has begun, Congress can still take action to prevent the steep premium increases Kansans face in 2026. Forecasting models show that extending the enhanced ACA tax credits now could still slow or reduce the premium hikes.

 

Because of the expected price hikes, many healthy people may be forced to drop coverage, leaving the insurance pool made up of individuals with chronic conditions or high-cost medical needs. That would drive premiums even higher for those who remain on ACA plans, compounding the financial burden on families who can least afford it.

 

Davids previously urged Congressional leadership to include an extension of these ACA health care tax credits in any government funding bill. A few weeks ago, she also hosted a virtual press conference with Kansans, who rely on these savings to afford other everyday necessities.

Kansans looking for help during open enrollment can visit https://kansascares.org/open-enrollment/ for assistance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), recently reintroduced H.R. 5961, the Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2025, which ensures agricultural producers are not saddled with thousands of dollars in unnecessary government-imposed fees when obtaining flood insurance and have access to the financial tools they need to expand or conduct business by making reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“Farmers shouldn’t be punished just because their operations happen to be near or in a floodplain,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The current Federal flood insurance program sticks farmers with unnecessary fees, making already expensive flood insurance even more costly, and can prevent them from getting loans to expand or make repairs. The NFIP can help America’s farmers after floods, but if it’s so expensive and cumbersome that they ultimately receive little or no benefit, then it defeats the purpose of this program. Our bill cuts through NFIP bureaucracy and reduces program costs so farmers can stay competitive and keep producing while helping them manage flood risk.”

“For generations, California families have farmed the floodplain, and this legislation ensures that they can continue to do so by keeping agricultural land in production,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Our bill protects farmers from hidden fees, unnecessary costs, and excessive paperwork, allowing them to focus on their essential work—producing the food that sustains our communities. As a former Insurance Commissioner and a farmer myself, I am committed to standing up for family farmers and fighting against unfair insurance practices. This legislation fulfills that commitment.” 

“This is a plain and simple pocketbook issue that will help farmers across the country,” said Marc J. Boomgaarden, SBFCA Board Chair & Vice Mayor of Yuba City. “The Sutter Basin may be rich in almonds and peaches, but our farmers need relief from flood insurance policies that view premiums for sheds the same way they view premiums for homes. The Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency is dedicated to reducing flood risks for the community and NFIP is an important component of those efforts. We applaud the commonsense approach that Congressman LaMalfa and Garamendi are working on to help farmers back home.”

Under current law, agricultural producers with property located in certain flood areas designated by FEMA are required to purchase flood insurance in order to qualify for a federally backed mortgage. However, NFIP commercial policies charge a $250 surcharge per structure, meaning farmers with multiple barns, sheds, or storage facilities can be hit with thousands of dollars in additional costs on top of high insurance premiums.

The Flood Insurance for Farmers Act would allow farmers to bundle multiple structures under a single commercial NFIP policy, meaning they would only pay one $250 surcharge instead of being charged per building.

The legislation also gives counties flexibility to grant variances from FEMA’s minimum floodplain standards for new or expanded agricultural structures, allowing them to remain in the NFIP while recognizing the practical needs of farmers. Counties could issue variances when elevating or flood-proofing a structure isn’t practical, the variance wouldn’t increase threats to public safety, and no significant flood claims have been made on the property in the past decade.

Together, these reforms reduce government-imposed costs and red tape, helping farmers continue to modernize and operate efficiently while maintaining participation in the federal flood insurance program.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced that $22 million for Beale Air Force Base has been included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, secured in coordination with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) to ensure the base can continue its vital missions. 

“This funding is a needed step to ensure Beale Air Force Base can continue its vital missions well into the future,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The MDOC will modernize the base’s facilities, improve efficiency, and allow Beale to incorporate next generation technology like the new Collaborative Combat Aircraft program while expanding and strengthening its role in high-altitude intelligence and reconnaissance. Working together with Senator Schiff, we made sure this project, which had been identified as an unfunded priority, finally got the support it needs. It keeps Beale at the forefront of our national defense, supporting our airmen, and investing in the capabilities our country needs for national security.”

“As the West Coast remains on the front line of deterring adversaries in the Pacific and the home of the nation’s technological innovation, supporting Beale Air Force Base in Congress remains a bipartisan priority for our California delegation,” said Senator Schiff. “And with the Air Force’s selection in May of Beale for testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the funding we secured in this year’s budget will reinforce the base’s new mission and support thousands of jobs in Yuba County. I was proud to work with Congressman LaMalfa to support this important funding, and the efforts of the dedicated servicemembers that I had a chance to meet at Beale earlier this year.”

The funding will construct a new Multi-Domain Operations Complex (MDOC) at Beale Air Force Base. The two-story facility will consolidate aircraft maintenance, training, and operational planning for Beale’s high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, as well as support new missions planned for the base.

The funding complements Beale’s new role as the preferred location for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a next-generation defense initiative that will integrate advanced autonomous aircraft with existing missions. Together, these efforts solidify Beale’s position as a cornerstone of the Air Force’s modernization strategy.

The project was included in the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2025 Unfunded Priority List and is authorized in Title XXII, Section 2301(a) of Public Law 118-159.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, to reopen the government after six weeks of closure.

“After forty-three days, I was pleased to vote in favor of H.R. 5371 to end this unnecessary government shutdown,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Senate Democrats refused to act on the House’s clean funding bill and instead chose to hold the government hostage for political leverage. Because of their political games, millions of people—including many in District 1—experienced a lapse in SNAP benefits, critical disaster payments and agricultural loans were stalled, prescribed burns and hazardous forest fuels projects were delayed, and air travel spun into chaos. I appreciate our Congressional Leadership for getting the government back to work where we should’ve been all along. I’m looking forward to refocusing on the priorities that have sat in limbo over the last six weeks and resuming work on the issues that matter most to the people I represent.”

Background:

H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, reopens the federal government and extends funding through January 30, 2026. The measure also includes three full-year appropriations bills covering Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration, and the Legislative Branch.

H.R. 5371 ensures critical operations—such as veterans’ services, agricultural programs, SNAP benefits, and essential federal oversight—continue without interruption while Congress completes work on the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills through regular order.

Approved Community Project Funding requests that benefit District 1 include:

• $22M for Beale Air Force Base to construct a new Mission Data Operations Center to support and enhance the base’s capabilities.
• $2.5M for Collins Pine Forest Health and Resiliency Partnership in Tehama County to reduce wildfire risk.
• $2M for the Durham Irrigation District 1.0 Million Gallon Water Storage Tank Project to provide the area with reliable, clean drinking water.
• $605,000 for the City of Willows to purchase a Type 1 Fire Engine to serve the local area.
• $256,150 for the Siskiyou Business Innovation and Community Resilience Center for structural upgrades and critical renovations.

Other priorities in H.R. 5371:

• Waives the pay cap limitation for wildland fire personnel through January 30th.
• Provides an increase of $500,000 to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for the suppression of grasshoppers to prevent crop losses, an important issue in Modoc and Siskiyou counties.
• Includes a $250,000 funding increase for smoke exposure research, a larger priority for northern California winegrape growers.
• Includes $15M for the IR-4 program, which supports research into safe and effective specialty risk management tools to reduce pest and disease outbreaks.
• Extends the Farm Bill for one full calendar year, along with the Grain Standards Act full extension, to ensure continuity of critical farm safety net programs that help our farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers manage risk and grow the food we all eat.
• Closes the hemp loophole that has resulted in the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating, synthetic hemp products, including Delta-8 and hemp flower, being sold online and in gas stations across the country.
• Provides full funding of $107.4B for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $8.2B to the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) beneficiary payments.
• Reimburses states for certain expenses and benefits incurred during the shutdown that would otherwise have been covered by Federal funding.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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