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

WASHINGTON, DC—In recognition of World Rivers Day, celebrated Sunday the 28^th, Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-7) reintroduced the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that restores and protects the vital water resources of the Hudson, Mohawk, and Raritan Rivers and their tributaries.

The legislation is also being introduced in the Senate by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“When we invest in protecting our rivers and waterways, the ripple effects and benefits are endless—from protecting communities from flood risks and supporting local wildlife, to improving water quality and driving economic growth,” Congressman Tonko said. “Despite these great benefits, and despite being the most populous watershed in the nation, our New York-New Jersey Watershed has been grossly underfunded. Our bipartisan NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act seeks to right that wrong and ensure this iconic waterway can thrive for decades to come. I’m thankful to my colleagues who have joined me in this bipartisan effort and who recognize the environmental economic and community significance of protecting our watershed.”

“New York and New Jersey share nearly 500 miles of coastline that play a critical role in generating billions in revenue, promoting tourism, and protecting our communities from storm surges and rising seas,” Malliotakis said. “In recent years, hazardous waste, chemicals, and untreated wastewater have diminished the quality of water in the NY-NJ watershed, putting our already vulnerable waterways at risk. I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in cosponsoring this critical piece of legislation that supports federal restoration efforts, improves our water quality, and mitigates flood risks in our communities.”

“Our waterways are central to the lives of millions of New Yorkers. They protect our neighborhoods from flooding, support small businesses, and provide places for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “Unfortunately, too many communities across our state are still dealing with consequences of years of pollution and neglect. This bill will deliver the federal investment needed to restore these waters, promote environmental justice, and ensure future generations inherit cleaner, healthier rivers and coastlines.”

“The New York-New Jersey Watershed is an essential resource that supports our economy and millions of people across our region. This bill provides the necessary funding for coordinated restoration efforts and prioritizes frontline communities,” said Senator Booker. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, improve climate resilience and mitigate flood risk, and increase educational opportunities and public access to the watershed.” 

“Our waterways are critical to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the New York–New Jersey Watershed recovers from legacy pollution and faces increasing challenges — from harmful algal blooms to extreme rainfall — it is essential that we invest in restoration and fund effective watershed management and conservation strategies. I will keep fighting to get this critical legislation across the finish line so that our economy and communities across New York can continue to benefit from these vital waterways for generations to come.”

“The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act will help cleanup and restore our waterways from the Hudson River to Jamaica Bay to reduce pollution and ensure the longevity of these precious resources for generations to come,” said Democratic Leader Schumer. “New York’s beautiful rivers and waterways generate billions in economic activity, provide critical pathways for both commerce and recreation, and improve the quality of life for millions of residents across the state. I am proud to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation, which aims to address negative impacts of legacy pollution while placing the needs of communities affected by environmental pollution at the forefront.”

“More people rely on the New York-New Jersey watershed than any other in our country, but it still goes without the support it needs to deliver for the communities it serves,” said Senator Andy Kim. “When we’re talking about taking care of these waterways, we’re talking about our environment, local economies, and most importantly millions of people’s health and well-being. Let’s come together to deliver the resources they need and deserve.”

The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2025:

• Establishes a new program, administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and modeled on other successful regional watershed restoration programs, to coordinate restoration efforts  
• Ensures that restoration efforts follow science-based principles to protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, increase public access to the watershed, mitigate flood risks, and develop public outreach and educational activities.  
• Creates a restoration grant program for community-led restoration activities, prioritizing the needs of frontline communities experiencing environmental injustice.  
• Authorizes $20,000,000 annually for watershed restoration grants through Fiscal Year 2031.  

Organizations that have stated their support of the legislation include: Riverkeeper; Waterfront Alliance; The Nature Conservancy; National Parks Conservation Association; Hudson River Foundation; Environmental Defense Fund; Scenic Hudson; New York League of Conservation Voters; and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.  

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives: Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ-7), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), John Mannion (D-NY-22), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5), Grace Meng (D-NY-6), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-2), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

A full list of supporting organizations and their statements can be found HERE.

A fact sheet on the bill can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Separation of powers requires that the Executive Branch not usurp Congress’s power to make laws; it mandates that the Executive Branch not override the Judiciary’s power to declare what the law is; and it obligates the Judiciary to not shy from its duty to prevent Executive Branch overreach that upsets the carefully calibrated role each co-equal branch plays in our constitutional democracy,” said the Members in the brief’s introduction. The brief continues, “The Secretary’s actions not only violate the TPS statute but also contradict the bipartisan opposition to terminating Venezuela TPS. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have long supported temporary protected status for Venezuelans who fled dangerous conditions in their country—conditions that persist today.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Republicans have acted responsibly by advancing a clean, nonpartisan 24-page continuing resolution that keeps funding at current levels through November 21 with no partisan policy riders. It averts a government shutdown and ensures essential services and benefits continue uninterrupted for the American people.

Meanwhile, Democrats are doubling down on false narratives as the threat of a Democrat-led government shutdown looms.

Democrats – who once claimed that shutdowns would be “dangerous,” “disastrous,” and “self-inflicted harm” to seniors, veterans, servicemembers, families, and the economy – are now actively trying to force one over policies completely unrelated to government funding.

Democrats must stop using lies to manufacture a shutdown and do what’s right for the American people by voting to keep the government open.

Exposing Democrats’ Shutdown Lies

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Democrats will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that “rips health care away” from the American people.

REALITY: The current funding bill is a simple short-term funding extension with no policy changes and health care programs are fully funded at the current levels. Democrats want to hold September government funding hostage over an unrelated December policy fight of their own making. Policy debates can happen separately, and Democrats don’t need to shut down the government to do it. 

As Democrats have even admitted, “There is a time and a place to debate health care, just like there is a time and place to debate energy policy and immigration and education — but not when the funding of the federal government, and all the lives that are impacted by it, hang in the balance.” — Senator Chris Murphy

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Republicans are pushing a partisan bill passed on a strict party-line vote.

REALITY: The nonpartisan clean CR only appears “partisan” because 212 House Democrats and 46 Senate Democrats chose to make it that way. This CR is the same short-term funding extension that virtually all Democrats voted to pass 13 times during the Biden Administration. Despite this voting history, nearly every Democrat has refused to support the current clean, nonpartisan funding extension to keep the government open and operational.

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Democrats have made a serious counterproposal to keep the government running.

REALITY: Democrats so-called proposal is a partisan wish list with a $1.5 trillion spending increase tacked onto a four-week funding bill. Democrats demand:

• Free health care for illegal aliens
• $500 million in taxpayer funding to prop up liberal news outlets
• A $50 billion cut in investments for improving rural health care
• Billions in funding for DEI and climate projects in foreign countries

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: The American people will blame Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress if a government shutdown happens.

REALITY: House Republicans, Senate Republicans and the White House all support the clean CR to keep the government open. Passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution in the Senate requires 60 votes, and there are 53 total Republican senators. Meanwhile, 212 House Democrats and 46 Senate Democrats are on the record voting against it. Democrats are willing to force a government shutdown just to oppose President Trump even if it means abandoning the American people. 

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Republicans have not tried to convene a bipartisan process.

REALITY: No matter how hard Democrats try to characterize a clean short-term funding extension as a “partisan” product, it does not make it true. Appropriators held bipartisan talks on a nonpartisan, clean funding extension to keep the government open. Republicans made the conscious decision to offer a clean, short-term, 24-page long continuing resolution – with no policy riders – meant to solely keep the government open while full-year funding negotiations continue among Appropriators. That’s what the American people expect and deserve.

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Donald Trump and Republicans are walking away from the needs of the American people.

REALITY: It’s the radical Democrats who have walked away from the American people to cower to their far-left base. The only ones walking away from solutions are Democrats. In recent days, the House and Senate voted on a simple question: do you want to keep the government open? That’s it. No extraneous issues, just a clean funding extension. Democrats voted to shut down. Republicans voted to stay open. It’s that simple. 

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: President Trump and Republicans are using our federal workforce as political pawns and Democrats must stop them from doing even more damage before it’s too late.

REALITY: President Trump and Congressional Republicans fully support keeping the government open and have put forward a clean, short-term funding extension to do so. If Democrats choose to force a shutdown, the Trump Administration must be ready to responsibly manage the situation, including making tough personnel decisions to prioritize operations. But this disruption is entirely avoidable should Democrats support the responsible solution is on the table. If Democrats reject it, they alone will bear the blame for using federal workers as pawns in their political games.

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Democrats are fighting to protect health care access for Americans. Republicans are forcing hospitals, nursing homes, and health clinics to close.

REALITY: Democrats are forcing to shut down the federal government because President Trump and Republicans won’t force American taxpayers to pay for free health care for illegal aliens. Democrats’ “dirty” CR proposal repeals a historic $50 billion investment in improving rural health care.

In contrast, Republicans offered a nonpartisan bill that is a straightforward, short-term funding extension with no policy changes and health care programs are fully funded at the current levels. By voting against it, Democrats are on the record for blocking the continuation of a program that allows low-income and Medicare patients to be treated at home rather than in a hospital.

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Republicans are putting our communities at risk of increased hunger.

REALITY: Democrats are taking the food out of the mouths of children by rejecting a clean, nonpartisan CR to continue funding food assistance programs that help families feed their kids. A government shutdown would significantly disrupt the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

DEMOCRAT DELUSION: Democrats will not “write a blank check” to the Trump Administration to avert a government shutdown.

REALITY: Republicans put forward a clean, short-term continuing resolution that responsibly extends government funding at current levels to avoid a government shut down and to protect any interruption of essential services and benefits to the American people. Meanwhile, Democrats threaten a shutdown unless their radical $1.5 trillion spending spree increase is approved and paid for by American taxpayers.

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

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

McGovern, Jacobs, Omar Ask Secretary Rubio to Preserve Global Criminal Justice Office Functions

Lawmakers press for clarity on how atrocity prevention, transitional justice, and survivor engagement will continue under State Department reorganization

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

BUTLER, PA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a disaster designation in Pennsylvania due to recent drought, including Butler and Lawrence counties.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Butler and Lawrence counties are among those that have suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of:

• 1) D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks or
• 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional

This designation also includes additional counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. 

The designated counties are listed in this letter.

Farmers and other agricultural businesses can find additional resources available at www.farmers.gov/recover. 

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

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the City of Galax a $700,000 grant for a project to revitalize the Rex Theater. The funding will support renovation work and upgrades at the Rex Theater. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Rex Theater is an iconic venue that has attracted scores of visitors over the decades and boosted the local economy. The venue is an excellent host for theater as well as civic activities that include judging the popular ‘Smoke on the Mountain’ barbecue competition in Galax.

“This ARC grant for $700,000 helps Galax pursue essential upgrades to a staple of their community.”

BACKGROUND

Last year, Congressman Griffith announced $50,000 to support a strategic business plan and architectural study to assess long-term viability of the facility.

Galax will work with Mount Rogers Planning District Commission to complete renovations.

Once completed, the theater is projected to attract over 7,000 visitors, host nearly 600 programs, and generate more than $315,000 in revenue within three years.

This July, Congressman Griffith attended the annual “Smoke on the Mountain” barbecue competition.

 

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

The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-H) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $39.9 million award. The funding will support development of a new biosensor that enables real-time, ultrasensitive detection of specific pathogens and allergens using nanobody-based technology. The funding is supported by the agency’s Building Resilient Environments for Air and Total Health (BREATHE) program. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“ARPA-H is dedicated to reducing airborne threats to human health. 

“This $39.9 million award to Virginia Tech as part of the BREATHE program solidifies the university’s commitment to advancing indoor air quality solutions for the benefit of public health.”

BACKGROUND

The BREATHE program aims to advance the next generation of smart and healthy buildings. BREATHE awards go towards developing integrated systems that provide continual measurement and risk assessment of indoor air quality and deploy real-time interventions to reduce airborne threats to human health.

Groups also selected to participate in the program include the Mayo Clinic, Poppy Health, Inc. and SafeTraces, Inc.

This project will also deliver software that translates data from the biosensor, building, community and environment to respiratory risk, and tools to optimize proven interventions that reduce bioaerosol concentrations and maintain healthy conditions.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, today introduced legislation to enable Medicare beneficiaries to get blood tested for toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals at no cost. 
 
“PFAS are an urgent public health threat, and we need to ensure everyone, especially seniors, have the resources to keep themselves safe,” Dingell said. “We know that virtually all Americans have at least some PFAS in our bodies. Being able to test for PFAS in the blood can be critical in assessing risk and making informed health care decisions, especially for seniors who are more vulnerable to many of the health conditions connected to PFAS contamination. This care should be easy, accessible, and cost-free.” 
 
“Too many seniors have been exposed to PFAS without ever getting the chance to ask the most basic question: was I affected?” said Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan bill delivers a straightforward solution—requiring Medicare to cover PFAS blood testing at no cost. It gives older Americans the answers they’ve been denied, strengthens the data guiding cleanup efforts, and puts us one step closer to real accountability. We can’t fix what we don’t measure, and ensuring access to testing is where a serious federal response begins.”
 
Scientific studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, including various cancers, increases in cholesterol levels, reproductive problems, as well as low birth weight and weakened childhood immunity. People are at higher risk for these health impacts when repeatedly exposed to PFAS, given that they bioaccumulate and do not degrade in the environment. 
 
Across the country, PFAS contamination has left a devastating legacy of poisoned drinking water, rising health risks, and broken public trust—often without families even knowing they had been exposed. Thousands of communities continue to grapple with the long-term consequences of decades of unregulated chemical use. 
 
Dingell has long led the fight against PFAS as the sponsor of the PFAS Action Act, which includes establishing a strong national drinking water standard. Additionally, Dingell has introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act and PFAS Alternatives Act. The designation of PFOS and PFOA – two of the most widely used and notoriously harmful PFAS substances – as hazardous substances by the EPA under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), is a key pillar of Dingell’s bipartisan PFAS Action Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today led her Democratic Michigan House Delegation colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State urging them to consider the impact of changes to H-1B visa process on healthcare, and to adopt exemptions for healthcare workers.

“We deeply understand the importance of investing in American workers, supporting high-paying American job opportunities, and strengthening the STEM pipeline,” the lawmakers write. “However, some industries– like the healthcare industry–struggle to recruit workers for positions in rural or underserved communities and rely on the H-1B visa program to fill critical gaps. As hospitals continue to face severe shortages of healthcare workers, this program has played an essential role in allowing them to recruit highly-skilled healthcare professionals to ensure that patients’ access to care is not disrupted. This has been particularly important for rural and underserved communities that have historically faced significant barriers to accessing the care they need.”

Limiting primary care access has damaging cascading consequences. People who have restricted access or go without primary care are more likely to develop serious illnesses and die earlier than they would if they had a primary care provider,” the lawmakers continue. “When people lose access to care, they do not stop needing healthcare. Instead, they show up later on with more acute conditions, leading to higher healthcare costs. Access to primary care is essential to both keeping communities healthy and to avoiding high-cost medical services that increase costs for everyone.”

“This fee is causing serious concerns for hospitals and other employers that utilize the program, and we urge you to seriously consider the impacts this decision will have on healthcare access across America–particularly in communities that are already underserved,” the lawmakers conclude. “We also urge you to offer clear guidance on how this proclamation plans to be implemented and more information regarding exemptions. As we work to bolster our domestic healthcare workforce, Congress and the administration should work together to ensure that H-1B continues to serve as a backstop to avoid communities losing further access to care.

The letter is signed by Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Haley Stevens, Hillary Scholten, Shri Thanedar, and Kristen McDonald Rivet.

View the full text of the letter here.