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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and all Democratic members of the Health Subcommittee urged Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to withdraw the proposed rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (OMB-2026-0034).”

In a letter sent to Director Vought, the members outlined their concerns with the proposed rule.

“The proposed rule threatens a world-leading biomedical research enterprise that has taken decades to build. It adds unnecessary bureaucracy to a federal grantmaking process that has already slowed precipitously under the Trump Administration,”the letter reads.

The OMB rule would significantly change the awarding, management, and termination of federal grants and cooperative agreements across the federal government, placing unprecedented power in the hands of political appointees and shifting it away from scientists and career professionals. 

The members illustrated the impact the proposed rule would have on biomedical research, scientific discovery, and public health. As a result, the rule would mean fewer new cures and fewer Americans in need receiving care.

The letter urges Director Vought to consider Congress’ intention that grantmaking be first in service of science and public health, not the political whims of any administration. It also emphasizes that Congress designed the grantmaking process to center peer review and merit, a system the proposed rule would obliterate, if implemented.

Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Greg Landsman (OH-01), who comprise the Democratic membership of the Health Subcommittee, all signed the letter.

Read the full letter here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement on his intent to dismantle the International Criminal Court:

“Secretary Rubio’s announcement that he will dismantle the International Criminal Court is reckless and dangerous. It undermines the rule of law, weakens global accountability, and turns America’s back on the values we claim to champion.

“The ICC is an independent international court created to ensure that perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes—genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—cannot escape justice. 

“Secretary Rubio claims that the ICC poses ‘an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty’ and that American servicemembers could be prosecuted simply for serving our country. That is simply not true. The ICC is an international court of last resort, intended to prosecute only the most horrific crimes – war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity – when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. The best way to avoid ICC scrutiny is simple: don’t commit atrocity crimes, and if credible allegations arise, investigate them transparently and hold those responsible accountable.

“The United States should lead by example, not exempt itself from the standards it expects everyone else to follow. In 2022, I introduced a resolution calling on the United States to join the ICC because I believe America should stand with victims of atrocities, defend human rights, and strengthen the international rule of law. I will reintroduce that resolution in the coming days, and I urge my colleagues who believe in justice and human rights to join me.

“America is strongest when we lead with our values, not when we demand immunity from them. If we respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others, we have nothing to fear from the ICC.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), introduced a resolution to recognize the second anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. The resolution also honors the life of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the shooting; and, the resolution honors Corey’s wife, Helen, and their daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, who survive him.

Kelly, of Butler, chaired the bipartisan U.S. House task force that investigated the events of that day. 

“Today, as we mark two years since the tragic events in Butler, I continue to pray for President Trump and for the Comperatore family. What happened in Butler that day will forever be a part of not only our local history, but our national history. It is providential that the President is leading our great nation today. Political violence has no place in America,” said Rep. Kelly.

BACKGROUND

Mr. Comperatore shielded his family from gunfire during the rally, ultimately saving their lives. He leaves behind his wife, Helen, and daughters Allyson and Kaylee. Mr. Comperatore was 50-years-old.

Mr. Comperatore is remembered for his dedication to his family, especially as a “girl dad;” his strong Christian faith as an active member at the Cabot Church, and as a lifetime member of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department in Sarver, Pa. He also served as the department’s fire chief in the early 2000s. Mr. Comperatore was a 1992 graduate of Freeport High School. After high school, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Kelly first introduced a resolution honoring Corey Comperatore in 2024.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Clay Fuller (R-GA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Michael Rulli (R-OH), and Barry Moore (R-AL).

You can read the text of the new resolution here.

You can find the Task Force’s final report from December 2024 here.

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump promised the American people that Republicans would lower the high cost of living on day one, but costs haven’t gone down during Donald Trump’s presidency. Costs have gone up. Donald Trump promised that ICE enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. But instead, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used by ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens and violently target law-abiding immigrant families and communities, including in Maine earlier today. Donald Trump promised that he was elected not to start wars in the Middle East, but to stop them. He then turned around, along with compliant Republicans, and launched a reckless and costly war of choice in Iran that’s ongoing and now has been taking place for more than 100 days with over $100 billion in taxpayer money being wasted, while leaving Iran in a stronger position than they were in before the war and the American people economically in a weaker position, particularly as it relates to high gas prices.

Donald Trump and the Republican majority in the House and the Senate has been a complete and total failure. Life hasn’t gotten better under Republicans in Washington, D.C. It’s gotten much worse. And as House Democrats, we continue to be committed to doing the things that are necessary to drive down the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system, get ICE under control, end the reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East and clean up corruption in this town.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

COLUMBIA, SC — Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Our political relationship was sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Darlene and the entire Graham family.

“For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto state together in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on Governor Henry McMaster’s appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of South Carolina:

“I congratulate Darline Graham Nordone on her appointment to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of South Carolina for the remainder of the 119th Congress. While this moment comes in the shadow of the profound loss of her beloved brother, it is my hope that we will continue to diligently work together as we have in the past.

“I wish her success as she takes on this new role, and I have confidence we will use every opportunity in the months ahead to do all we can to help make America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life of Senator Lindsey Graham, a Veteran, and a statesman, who championed a strong U.S. military and the nation’s obligations to Service Members, and a belief in a pro-active foreign policy that emphasized freedom. 

File photo in the White House Rose Garden with Sen. Lindsey Graham

“I was blessed to know and be friends with Senator Graham, and he was also a friend to America Samoa, with influential roles in the Senate regarding appropriations, budget, military, and foreign affairs. I was shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic news. 

“His legacy is secure, starting out as an admirable American success story. He grew up in apartment over the family business, then following his parents’ death, took on the responsibilities of raising and supporting his younger sister, Darline, then 13 years old. 

Senator Graham with Congresswoman Amata

“He served in the U.S. Senate for more than 20 years, including numerous key committees and chairmanships, and prior to that as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lindsey Graham was a lifelong public servant, including 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, and he didn’t retire from that service until 2015, with the rank of Colonel. That’s a patriotic record that American Samoans will appreciate and honor. 

“He was outgoing, hopeful, persuasive, personable, enthusiastic about legislating, willing to work with anyone where he could build a point of agreement, and always happy to share in a joke.

“I take comfort from his Christian faith. He was open about his beliefs without seeking attention, respected others, and defended religious freedom. I join the many prayers and condolences for his family, his sister, the people of South Carolina, his Senate staff, and all who knew him. He will be widely missed and remembered.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, joined Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) in introducing the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act, bipartisan legislation that would accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage.

The legislation builds on efforts to harness emerging technologies to advance pediatric cancer research, improve patient care, and expand treatment opportunities for children battling cancer.

“Congress should always consider new, innovative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer,” said Rep. Kelly. “This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes. I’m proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve.”

 “Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare,” said Rep. McCaul. “We owe it to our nation’s children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I’m proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump’s executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all.”

“Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” said Rep. Bera. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.”

The Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, enhance data storage and sharing, and support more personalized treatment options for children with cancer.

Click herefor the full text of the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has been closely following events involving two recent fatal shootings by members of the Memphis Safe Task Force, and made the following statement:

“As I have said before, ICE and the National Guard are not needed in Memphis and should go home. These deadly encounters are the result of stepped-up law enforcement. I continue to be concerned, as I told former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at an oversight hearing, that we don’t know where ICE agents are being recruited from, who they are, or what kind of training they receive in firearms or policing. They showed us in Minneapolis, in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, that they don’t use deadly force as a last resort and, in both cases, the public has not been given the kind of information that would result in accountability for the officers involved.

“These killings are tragic, and we must do better.  In Tennessee, individuals don’t need a permit to carry a firearm.  That makes guns more common and law enforcement more difficult. All of this leads to a dangerous situation ripe for the use of deadly force.  

“One thing is clearly needed: an independent review of these incidents.  A thorough, credible investigation is needed to understand exactly what happened, why, and to ensure accountability.  We need to make it necessary to assure the public that proper procedures were in place and followed, and reduce the likelihood of these horrible incidents.  My Deadly Force Independent Review Act, introduced in February, would require law federal enforcement agencies establish procedures to immediately, independently and impartially review every use of deadly force and conform to a uniform standard set by organizations evaluating best practices. We owe that comprehensive review to the victims and the officers. I will continue to monitor the response to the most recent incidents.”

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