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

Headline: Moolenaar Votes for Military Pay Raise, Securing the Border, and Rural Health Care

Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation that funds the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor. The legislative package includes a military service member pay raise, funding to secure the border, and support rural health care. 

“Today’s bills fund important programs that support Michigan families. They deliver a pay raise for our brave men and women in the military, bolster funding for rural health care, and strengthen our border security,” said Moolenaar. “They also invest in housing to make it affordable again.” 

This package includes: 

• 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members.
• $418 million for rural health, including increased funding for America’s rural
  hospitals, specifically targeting facilities at risk of imminent closure and increasing rural
  residency opportunities.
• $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships.
• $18.3 billion for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding her vote to oppose the Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“Today, I voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which combines the funding bills for the Department of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development

“As Republicans refuse to address the affordability crisis and state that we don’t have enough money to fund healthcare for Americans, they are handing $838 billion to the Pentagon. That’s $8 billion more than was even requested by the President for a department that has never successfully passed an audit. Even a small portion of these funds could sustain health care subsidies for years, reinstate Medicaid funding for roughly 17 million people, eliminate homelessness, provide universal pre-K, or support proven anti-poverty measures like an expanded Child Tax Credit. 

“Thanks to the work of Democratic negotiators, this bill provides critical funding directly to our communities through Community Project Funding and preserves many programs that the Republicans tried to eliminate, including Continuum of Care, the Women’s Bureau, and Title II-A grants. It also expands our air traffic controller workforce by 2,500 personnel and boosts funding for rental assistance programs. However, like previous funding bills this Congress, it still lacks critical guardrails necessary to protect against this Administration’s illegal impoundments – or their refusal to spend money as directed by Congress – and therefore much of this funding may not reach the communities it is intended for. 

“Furthermore, it is irresponsible to continue to fund this runaway so-called ‘Department of War’ at a moment when President Trump is seeking out conflict in an egotistical campaign for power and Congressional Republicans refuse to assert their Constitutional power to authorize military force. This year started with Trump kidnapping the leader of Venezuela and since then he has threatened to use military force against Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, and Greenland, which would virtually destroy NATO and unnecessarily risk the safety of our troops.

“I am grateful that Democrat negotiators rejected partisan poison-pill policy riders. However, I was unable to vote for the bill as written.”

Issues: Arts & Education, Foreign Affairs & National Security, Health Care, Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) recently introduced H.R. 7195,  the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act. This legislation establishes a targeted federal assistance program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to provide temporary financial relief to eligible forest product harvesting and hauling businesses impacted by significant market disruptions. Upon introducing the bill, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Many of Georgia’s rural communities are dependent on timber production and forest management for their economic well-being. Unfortunately, our timber harvesting and hauling businesses are facing significant turmoil due to recent mill closures, natural disasters, trade barriers, and declines in stumpage and delivered timber prices. My legislation—the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act—seeks to provide landowners a lifeline during times of market uncertainty, restore our resilient forestry industry, and strengthen rural America. I am proud to lead this bill and will work diligently to bring it up for a House vote,” said Congressman Allen.

“NAFO applauds Rep. Allen for introducing the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act to help keep America’s forest supply chain strong while experiencing turbulent market conditions. By authorizing USDA to provide targeted assistance when wood markets contract sharply, this bill would help mill owners, loggers, and working forest owners cover essential operating costs until markets recover or new innovations take hold. Wood markets are regional, national, and global, but the impacts are local—and long-term investments in working forest ownership depends on stability. This legislation would provide a critical backstop during periods of major transition in forest products markets,” said Dave Tenny, President and CEO, National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO).

“The Forest Landowners Association represents timber producers and family businesses that are essential to rural economies and our domestic supply chain,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “Congressman Allen’s bill helps ensure these landowners can weather market disruptions and unfair trade practices while continuing to manage forests that are healthy, resilient, and productive.”

“The forestry sector depends on stable, functioning markets to support landowners, loggers, and haulers who manage and move forest products every day. Recent mill closures, trade disruptions, and sharp price declines have created real strain on these working businesses — particularly in rural communities where forestry is a cornerstone of the local economy. This legislation is critical to keeping forestry infrastructure intact during periods of severe market disruption, and we’re grateful to Representative Allen and his team for their advocacy for our sector. Maintaining a strong forest products supply chain is essential not only for rural jobs, but for long-term forest management, land stewardship, and the economic health of forestry communities,” said Tim Lowrimore, President and CEO, Georgia Forestry Association (GFA).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to Reject Funding for Trump’s ICE and CBP

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on his votes in the U.S. House against both pieces of the FY26 appropriations “minibus,” including the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“The Department of Homeland Security under Donald Trump and Kristi Noem is a lawless, corrupt organization that is bringing violence and mayhem to peaceful American communities. ICE, CBP, and other DHS entities are pursuing a mission to sow division and fear that is inflicting unimaginable cruelty on law-abiding immigrants and even U.S. citizens, sadly exemplified by the murder of Renee Good. They are engaging in deeply unlawful conduct, including breaking into homes without proper warrants, refusing to comply with court rulings, and blocking Congress from conducting meaningful oversight. DHS is fundamentally broken and completely out of control, and I certainly will not vote to fund their systematic violations of the Constitution.

“The other appropriations bills contained in the minibus have good elements, particularly in the provisions funding health research and aviation safety. But the Trump Administration is already threatening to withhold appropriated funding from numerous states Trump lost in 2024, including Virginia, after this legislation passes. I cannot support a funding deal that is premised on bad faith and punishing Virginians for exercising their right to vote. The absence of clear language barring further federal purges will also put my constituents’ jobs at risk. This bill will, I fear, lead to renewed illegal and unconstitutional acts by Trump and Russ Vought that do extensive harm to Virginia.

“I also cannot support passing a defense funding bill without sufficient guardrails under a president who is making overt threats to invade numerous countries and who is increasingly untethered from our national interests and security. The massive cuts of billions from the IRS further imperil our nation’s fiscal outlook, while making life even easier for wealthy tax cheats. And after promising a vote on restoring funding for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, which hundreds of constituents contacted me to support, Republicans simply refused to honor their agreement. The bad elements in this bill outweigh the good ones, and that is why I voted no.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Nikki Budzinski announced the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law, legislation to permanently close a loophole in federal law that has denied burial benefits to some Veterans based solely on where they spent their final days.

Gerald’s Law was previously included as a pilot provision in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, but that authority is set to expire later this year.

Under prior law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could provide a burial allowance to the surviving family of a Veteran who died while in the care of a qualifying VA facility, such as a VA hospital or VA-funded nursing home. However, terminally ill Veterans who were discharged from a VA facility and received VA-furnished hospice care at home were deemed to have died outside a qualifying facility, even though VA remained responsible for their care.

As a result, some families lost eligibility for burial benefits simply because their loved one chose to spend their final days at home. This gap in the law created a perverse incentive that discouraged Veterans from choosing home-based hospice care out of concern that doing so would forfeit their earned burial benefits.

Gerald’s Law is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran from Dickinson County, whose family was denied burial benefits under this loophole. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, originally brought Jerry’s story to Rep. Bergman, inspiring the legislation.

Rep. Bergman said, “Veterans should not be penalized for choosing to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. Forcing families to forfeit earned burial benefits is unacceptable, and what happened to Jerry must never happen again.”

“For surviving families, VA’s burial allowance eases the burden of funeral and burial costs, allowing them to properly honor their loved one who gave so much in service to our country. It’s wrong for a veteran to be denied this earned benefit just because they choose to pass away in the comfort of their own home. Congress temporarily closed this loophole last year, now it’s time to fix this injustice permanently,” said Rep. Budzinski

Gerald’s Law has received the support of a number of key stakeholders:

“We are deeply grateful for the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law by Representatives Bergman and Budzinski. This critical legislation ensures that veterans and their families can continue to choose comfort over cost when selecting an end-of-life care setting, without having to risk the loss of crucial burial benefits,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “While Congress previously addressed this issue on a temporary basis, veterans and their families deserve certainty and permanence. We thank both Representatives for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to supporting efforts to make this protection permanent and ensure continued access to care at home for our nation’s veterans.”

“No veteran should ever be forced to choose between the comfort of their own home and the burial benefits they earned through honorable service. The Gerald’s Law Act closes a technical loophole that currently penalizes families when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to VA approved and funded home hospice care. DAV is proud to support this bill and commends Reps. Bergman and Budzinski for their leadership in upholding the dignity of every veteran’s end-of-life journey,” said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.

“Gerald’s Law was introduced to ensure veterans who choose to receive VA-furnished hospice care at home with their families were not penalized and denied benefits based on that choice. The passage of S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, codified Gerald’s Law, but only until October 2026. As a pilot program, Gerald’s Law demonstrated how critical it was to address the gaps in veteran end of life benefits. NACVSO has long supported this initiative and looks forward to working with Representatives Bergman and Budzinski to make Gerald’s Law permanent. The pilot provision has been successful and now is the time to do the right thing for our veterans,” said Andrew Tangen, President of National Association of County Veteran Service Organizations.

“AMVETS fully supports making Gerald’s Law permanent, allowing veterans to receive hospice care at home without their families losing crucial burial benefits. By passing this legislation, Congress will ensure that veterans are never penalized for choosing to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones,” said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander.

“Veterans who choose to spend their last days in hospice care are being denied the burial benefits and dignity they deserve. Service to their nation should determine their benefits, not the location of their passing,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Gerald’s Law Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman for his commitment to our veterans and their right to choose the location of their treatment.”

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Bergman and Budzinski for reintroducing the Gerald’s Law Act. This vital bipartisan legislation ensures that veterans receiving VA-furnished hospice care qualify for the burial allowance, regardless of whether that care is provided at home,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “On behalf of our nation’s surviving families, who honor their loved one’s final wishes, TAPS looks forward to this important bill’s swift passage.”

“Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) understands firsthand the lasting impact that end-of-life decisions have on military families. Gerald’s Law ensures that Veterans are treated with equal respect at the end of life, supports family-centered care decisions, and provides clarity and fairness in VA burial benefits. It affirms that a Veteran’s final chapter, wherever it is written, does not diminish their service or sacrifice. Gold Star Spouses of America urges Congress to advance and pass Gerald’s Law without delay. This legislation is a meaningful step toward honoring Veterans, supporting surviving families, and ensuring compassion and equity in VA policy,” said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America.

Gerald’s Law has also been endorsed by the American Legion.

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

Washington D.C.— Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement after voting yes to fund federal agencies through the end of September 2026.  

“Congress has an obligation to fund federal agencies that provide essential public services and resources to all Americans. We need to prevent a lapse in government funding and fund FEMA assistance programs and U.S. Coast Guard operations as South Texas and nearly half the country braces for a dangerous winter storm.  

“Regrettably, this bill does nothing to stop ICE from continuing the shameful operations in South Texas and communities around the country – indiscriminate deportations that are causing businesses to shutter, putting construction at a standstill, and causing a major labor shortage. Congress must act to ensure transparency and accountability surrounding this Administration’s reckless immigration policies, but refusing to pass a Homeland Security funding bill would only create further harm to the American public. Just this week, I asked senior administration officials to let the President know about the negative effects ICE raids are having on our labor force and small business community in South Texas.  I urge the President and his Administration to work with me to fix this.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of appropriations legislation to maintain the United States military as the best in the world: 

“Today’s Appropriations legislation strengthens our national defense at a time when our adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are seeking to grow their own power and destabilize the world.  These dictatorial nations put American lives at risk, both at home and abroad, and we must take immediate action to strengthen our defenses and confront them head on.  

“I worked with my colleagues to secure over $4.7 billion for St. Louis-area programs built right here by our fellow Missourians. This includes $3.1 billion for the cutting-edge F-47 aircraft, cementing St. Louis’s storied legacy in aviation innovation. This legislation also makes robust investments in established St. Louis-area programs, including $233 million for the procurement and development of F-15EX tactical fighter aircraft, which will support a total of 22 critically-needed new aircraft this year, $439 million for the MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone, $400 million for F-18 Super Hornet sustainment and upgrades, $362 million for T-7A trainer aircraft, $187 million for Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and $90 million for the Small Diameter Bomb.

“My vote in support of these Missouri-made programs will reinforce American military strength and our region’s status as a central hub for the national defense industrial base. Resources are also increased to support our National Guard, secure the border, and protect our communities from terrorists and traffickers attempting to invade our nation. Across the United States, this bill will shore up missile defense programs, invest in advanced aircraft to maintain American air superiority, and ensure the brave men and women of our armed forces, as well as their families, get a much-needed raise for their many sacrifices.”

Additional Funding Secured through Rep. Wagner’s Efforts

• $145 million for peer-reviewed breast cancer research
• $20 million for peer-reviewed pancreatic cancer research
• $10 million for Military Burn Research

Additional provisions of note

• $49 billion for NIH research for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases
• $1.9 billion for community health centers
• $418 million for rural health
• $22 billion for FAA, including $10 billion to allow FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today delivered the following remarks, as prepared, to demand a vote on the House floor for S.J.Res.88, legislation to terminate the made-up national emergency the Trump administration is using as justification to impose tariffs on some of the United States’ closest trade partners.

“We should be voting today to end these tariffs and lower costs for everyday Americans. Instead, this house majority is paralyzed by fear, making it one of the least effective in modern American history.

“The American people sent us to Washington to address affordability. To lower the cost of health care, housing, and groceries. Yet this Congress has taken fewer votes in 2025 than in any non-pandemic year this century. Apparently, the Majority doesn’t think affordability is important enough to vote on.

“Instead of focusing on prices, the White House has spent the past week talking about invading Greenland or using your taxpayer dollars to buy an island that isn’t for sale. To advance this fantasy, President Trump threatened yet another round of tariffs that would raise prices even further, only to walk the threats back after the stock market tanked yesterday.

“Regardless of what the President does, we are a co-equal branch of government. We should be addressing affordability right now by passing the resolutions I have offered, and resolutions that have already passed the Senate, to terminate these tariffs.

“When asked to explain why we are not doing everything we can to lower costs for American families, the Speaker responded that the President is exercising Article II powers to impose tariffs. Only there’s one problem; the President has no Article II powers to tax or tariff. Those powers are explicitly assigned to Congress under Article I of the Constitution.

“So, the Republican Majority, more interested in providing cover for Donald Trump than honoring their oath to the Constitution, is deliberately avoiding doing its job to lower costs for Americans.

“I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question, demand a vote on terminating the tariffs, and yield back the balance of my time.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement marking one year since President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign assistance, an action that suspended nearly all foreign assistance programs and resulted in the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the needless deaths of millions of people around the world.

“President Trump’s executive order abruptly ended decades of bipartisan progress countering poverty, eradicating infectious diseases, and saving lives overseas around the world. As a direct result of President Trump’s actions, an estimated 3 million people will die from preventable causes, 95 million people will lose access to basic health care, and at least 23 million children will be forced out of school.

“As the Trump administration presides over an unprecedented retreat from global leadership, China has filled the void left by the United States’ absence, tightening its influence over the world’s fastest growing economies and undercutting American businesses’ ability to fairly compete in emerging markets. Actions such as the dismantling of USAID have left the United States with fewer tools to counter these trends and advance our strategic interests.

“I applaud the dedicated staff who supported U.S. efforts to save lives, promote democracy, counter poverty, and foster stability overseas. I will continue to champion this work and broader U.S. global leadership, which is critical to protecting our national security. Cutting foreign assistance has not saved the taxpayer money, balanced the budget, or made us safer, stronger, or more prosperous. Instead, it has pushed countless countries closer to China and left the United States weaker and more isolated than when President Trump assumed office.”