MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Without substantial reforms, HSAs will continue to benefit the wealthiest few at a decade cost of nearly $180 billion

 (202) 429-4620

“Our health care system is riddled with loopholes to benefit those at the top while doing little for most Americans,” said Rep. Doggett. “Denying health coverage to 15 million Americans and spiking insurance premiums on millions more, Republicans are now offering more help to their wealthy contributors through HSA tax shelters. Meanwhile, most Americans do not have enough savings to afford emergency care, let alone pay an HSA sky-high deductible. My bill seeks to establish reasonable guardrails to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and to ensure HSAs deliver more Health, not just more tax shelter for the Affluent.”

The HSA Consumer Protection Act would:

• Remove the exception that permits HSA use for non-health care services without penalty at age 65. Currently, withdrawals can be used for any purpose, with no penalty, including day-to-day expenses, a vacation, a boat, or home renovations.
• Place income limitations around the payroll tax exemption for HSA contributions, so that HSAs cannot be used as an income tax shelter for wealthy individuals. There is currently no such limitation.
• Limit the window for reimbursement to two years from when a qualified medical expense was paid. Currently, accountholders can reimburse themselves for expenses incurred decades before—so long as they had an HSA at the time of the expense.
• Require individuals to substantiate that their distributions from HSAs are for qualified medical expenses. Currently, accountholders are not required to substantiate their expenses when withdrawing funds from their HSA, which is a break from requirements for other tax-preferred health accounts.
• Prevent waste, fraud, and abuse by strengthening guardrails protecting against the misuse of HSAs for non-qualified medical expenses.
• Ensure that institutions offering HSAs do not charge excessive fees and meet basic transparency requirements, including those related to the fees charged for opening and maintaining an HSA.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the bipartisan Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls (DO NOT Call) Act. This legislation is aimed at cracking down on unsolicited robocalls by increasing penalties for bad actors who harass and defraud consumers. Nevada Senator Cortez Masto introduced the Senate companion version of this bill.

Americans received more than 52.8 billion robocalls in 2024 and lost over $40 billion to scams and fraudulent schemes. That number continues to climb, even after years of work by Congress, regulators, and the telecommunications industry to curb illegal calls.

“Americans are receiving these disruptive robocalls every day. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and spoof Caller ID, making these calls even harder to detect,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This bipartisan bill gives our justice system more power to crack down on these bad actors and protect vulnerable people from fraud.”

“Robocalls are becoming more aggressive, and North Carolinians are feeling the impact every day,” said Congresswoman Ross (NC-02). “As technology advances, scammers find new ways to misuse personal information and to deceive the public – particularly targeting seniors and other vulnerable people. Congress has a responsibility to step up with stronger protections and clear consequences for those who profit from these harmful tactics. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill with Representative Kustoff and will keep working with our partners in the Senate to see it signed into law.”

“Spam calls and texts are not just a nuisance – they erode public trust and have real consequences for everyday Nevadans,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I fought them on behalf of consumers as Attorney General, and it’s past time to protect the seniors and vulnerable Americans that these scammers prey on and give our law enforcement the tools they need to bring them to justice.”

“Alabamians are fed up with incessant scam calls that harass families, target seniors, and cost consumers billions every year. The DO NOT Call Act cracks down on this issue by strengthening penalties for illegal robocalls and closing loopholes in the law. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation as an original cosponsor in the 119th Congress,” said Congressman Strong (AL-05).

“Everybody hates robocalls. While there are certain limited situations where they make sense, by and large they are a way of letting someone waste our time without wasting their time. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Kustoff to stop this relentless annoyance and look forward to using the tools he is providing to protect Tennesseans from obnoxious interruptions,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

Background:
The DO NOT Call Act strengthens penalties for companies and individuals who deliberately harass consumers. Under this legislation, willful or knowing violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) could result in prison sentences of up to one year, while repeated or excessive violations could lead to sentences of up to three years. It also raises the maximum fine for falsifying caller ID information from $10,000 to $20,000.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

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

Today, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) — alongside Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), and Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) — introduced the Securing America’s Fuels (SAF) Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, create economic opportunities for farmers, and reduce emissions in the transportation sector.

“Investing in sustainable aviation fuel isn’t just good for the environment — it’s good for Kansas farmers, our communities, and our economy,” said Davids. “The SAF Act ensures that clean fuel production incentives are strong and long-term so businesses, farmers, and innovators can plan for the future with confidence. The bipartisan support shows the incredible potential we have to build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous future for generations to come.”

“America is on the cusp of the next great biofuels revolution,” said Representative Mike Flood (R-NE-01). “The Securing America’s Fuels Act is yet another way Congress can grow our bio economy and encourage innovation that creates great jobs across rural America. Sustainable aviation fuel will help lower emissions while expanding domestic markets for our nation’s farmers, ensuring that our ag economy thrives for generations to come. I want to thank Congresswoman Davids for introducing this much-needed bill and look forward to working together to advance this commonsense, bipartisan bill through Congress.”

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry currently relies on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit to make production economically viable. While recent legislation extended the credit for all clean fuels, it eliminated the SAF-specific bonus. To address this challenge, the SAF Act would:

• Reinstate the SAF bonus credit eliminated under the recent federal budget, allowing qualifying SAF producers to receive up to $0.35 or $1.75 per gallon.
• Extend the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for all clean fuels through 2033, providing long-term stability for the growing clean fuels industry.

SAF is a game-changer for local communities, agriculture, and the transportation industry. Scaling SAF to meet U.S. goals could generate 33,000 construction jobs over five years, sustain 4,500 permanent operations jobs, and support 60,000 jobs in agriculture and logistics by 2030. SAF can also reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent, delivering major environmental benefits while using existing aviation infrastructure.

“Without coordinated action between government and industry, greenhouse gas emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through our skies,” said Representative Troy Carter (D-LA-02). “Sustainable aviation fuel is an exciting, new green fuel that’s creating jobs in Louisiana and driving demand for American agricultural products. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure America is on track to meet the growing demand for cleaner transportation and healthier communities.”

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a worthwhile investment for American agriculture and for American energy dominance,” said Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). “The Securing America’s Fuels Act gives Kansas farmers the certainty they need to plan, invest, and keep supplying fuel to the country and our aviation sector. I will always support legislation that supports rural communities and helps the United States continue to lead the world in producing the fuels of tomorrow.”

Davids co-chairs the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus (CSAC), which works to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact and maximize its financial sustainability. By leveraging federal policy, holding forums, and bringing together public and private partners, the caucus plays a key role in the integration of new technologies into the nation’s aviation network.

The bipartisan legislation is endorsed by major industry and agricultural groups, including National Corn Growers Association, SAF Coalition, Airlines for America, Kansas Farm Bureau, Renew Kansas, Kansas Corn, Kansas Soybean Association, Greater New Orleans Inc., Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Twelve, Darling Ingredients, Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation, Advanced Biofuels Association, Global Business Travel Association, and American Sugarcane League.

“The SAF Coalition applauds Reps. Sharice Davids and Mike Flood for their leadership in introducing The Securing America’s Fuels Act,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition. “This legislation continues the broad, bipartisan support for SAF in Congress and recognizes SAF’s unique ability to fuel America’s energy dominance while supporting American farmers. The SAF Coalition urges Congress to pass this legislation so we can grow America’s rural economies, create new markets for our farmers and secure a stronger energy future for our nation.” 

“Agriculture and aviation are crucial to Kansas’ economy and Kansas Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. Sharice Davids’ leadership in introducing the Securing America’s Fuels Act alongside Rep. Tracey Mann. Incentivizing the use of domestic crops to produce sustainable fuels creates a new market for Kansas farmers while lowering the carbon emissions of the aviation industry,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau.

“The development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) holds great promise for Nebraska biofuels producers as well as Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers,” said Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. “We appreciate the leadership of Nebraska Congressman Mike Flood in offering this legislation that provides incentives that will help get this emerging industry off the ground. Nebraska Farm Bureau stands ready to work to get this legislation approved and help Nebraska become the SAF epicenter of the country.”

“It is crucial that Congress finds ways to support farmers with good domestic policy, at this time when international trade negotiations have left farmers in difficult market conditions,” said Richard Fotenot, President, Louisiana Farm Bureau. “Congressional policy changes can also provide relief to American consumers. The SAF Act does both. It creates consistency in domestic aviation fuel markets in a sustainable manner important to consumers. We are grateful to Congressman Carter and his colleagues for continuing to find ways to support these efforts through ideas like the SAF Act.”

“SAF may offer a great opportunity for sugarcane farmers,” said Jack Pettus, VP of Government Relations, American Sugar Cane League. “Our mills use bagasse, the fibrous byproduct of recovering sugar from the sugarcane plant, to power their operations during harvest season. Our farmers have been growing and delivering this renewable fuel for over a century and we are anxious to find new uses for the excess biofuel (bagasse) that we currently produce. The American Sugar Cane League appreciates this bipartisan effort to identify and encourage demand for domestic renewable energy feedstocks in markets like aviation fuels.”

“The Advanced Biofuels Association strongly supports this bipartisan effort to strengthen sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers and improve the overall availability of renewable fuels for America’s airline industry,” said Michael McAdams, President, Advanced Biofuels Association. “This type of legislation is essential in the United States’ effort to achieve its energy dominance policy agenda.”

“Delta applauds Reps. Flood, Davids, Mann, and Carter for their leadership in introducing the Securing America’s Fuels Act, which will ensure 45Z reaches its full potential and provides the critical investment certainty necessary to bring additional SAF production facilities online to meet our industry’s unprecedented demand for cost-competitive, homegrown fuels,” said Cherie Wilson, Vice President, Government Affairs – Sustainability, Delta Air Lines.

“U.S. airlines are grateful to Representatives Flood, Davids, Carter, and Mann for introducing legislation that would restore and extend the full 45Z tax credit,” said Airlines for America. “This will stimulate private sector investment in SAF while also bolstering American energy dominance. This credit is a win-win for both the aviation and agriculture industries, supporting U.S. job growth across the country.”

“The Clean Fuel Production Credit is an extremely valuable economic support policy for the rural economy, and we are pleased to see Kansas taking the lead in extending and expanding it,” said Kaleb Little, Kansas Soybean Association CEO. “We thank Representative Davids and Representative Mann for co-sponsoring this bi-partisan legislation. Biomass-based diesel production supports approximately 10 percent of the value of every bushel of soybeans grown in the United States, or an additional $149 million for Kansas farmers in 2024. Farmers and fuel producers have made tremendous investments to build a biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry that can help meet America’s energy needs.”

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) responded to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a relief package for farmers facing economic hardship caused by the administration’s reckless tariffs. Davids welcomed the step as overdue recognition of the urgent needs she raised with the President last month, while underscoring that Kansas farmers need long-term trade certainty — not temporary fixes.

“After hearing directly from Kansas farmers and ranchers about the economic challenges caused by the administration’s self-inflicted trade war, I urged the President to take immediate action. I welcome today’s announcement,” said Davids. “While relief can help farmers stay afloat today, it cannot replace the stable trade relationships they rely on. Our farmers deserve long-term certainty — not whiplash from economic policies that put their livelihoods at risk. I’m pushing for responsible solutions that restore market access, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure our producers can keep doing what they do best: feeding Kansas, the country, and the world.”

Background:

Despite the administration’s new announcement, Kansas farmers and ranchers are facing deep economic strain from reckless tariff policies, which contributed to an estimated $27 billion in lost farm exports during the first Trump Administration. Rising input costs, high interest rates, and growing farm bankruptcies have only made things worse.

In her letter to the President last month, Davids emphasized that, while short-term support may now be necessary, Kansas producers consistently say they prefer “trade, not aid.” She renewed her call for the administration to work with Congress and agriculture stakeholders to rebuild trade stability, restore lost export markets, and address the long-term damage caused by the administration’s tariff policies.

Davids’ letter outlined three key requirements for any tariff relief program:

• Learn from past failures: The 2018–2019 ad hoc relief programs were riddled with inefficiencies and inequities, as documented by multiple Government Accountability Office reports. Any new plan must incorporate those lessons to avoid repeating those mistakes.
• Protect taxpayer dollars: Relief must include strong guardrails, transparency, and robust federal oversight to ensure funds are used appropriately and reach producers who truly need them.
• Support small and mid-sized farms: Assistance should be fair and equitable, not skewed toward the largest operations at the expense of family farms that form the backbone of Kansas agriculture.

Davids pledged to continue pressing for comprehensive solutions that address both immediate needs and the long-term health of rural communities.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields program, which helps communities clean up contaminated or abandoned sites and turn them into new housing, businesses, and public spaces.

 

“Kansas communities have seen how cleaning up contaminated sites can spark new economic growth and improve quality of life,” said Davids. “This bipartisan effort brings more resources to local leaders working to turn unused, polluted land into new housing, green space, and business opportunities. I’m proud to partner across the aisle with Rep. Fitzpatrick to build on a program that delivers real results.”

 

By reauthorizing the EPA’s Brownfields program, the bipartisan legislation would:

• Increase the maximum cleanup award from $500,000 to $1 million;
• Increase total program funding from $200 million to $250 million per year; and
• Maintain State Response Program funding at $50 million per year — totaling $1.5 billion over five years, consistent with bipartisan infrastructure law funding levels.

 

“Across the country, communities are working to reclaim former industrial sites and turn them into places that support jobs, housing, and opportunity,” said Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). “The EPA’s Brownfields program has been central to that progress. This reauthorization strengthens and modernizes the program — updating grant levels, reducing cost barriers, and making these tools accessible to the communities working hardest to redevelop. It’s a smart investment in safer land, stronger economies, and the future of our towns.”

 

The EPA Brownfields program has a proven record of success, leveraging an average of $20 in additional public and private investment for every federal dollar spent and supporting redevelopment projects that strengthen local economies. A version of this bipartisan proposal is expected to be included in a U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee markup later this year.

 

Kansas has already seen major benefits from the program, including $2.5 million awarded in September 2025, $4 million in May 2025, and $1.5 million in May 2024. These investments also help boost local economies — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and increasing property values for families living nearby.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Aviation Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released a statement following the fifth session of the bipartisan Air Traffic Control (ATC)/National Airspace System (NAS) Modernization Working Group:

“Today’s session brought together leaders from the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), and emerging aviation technology sectors. New entrants are continuing to shape how people and goods move across the country, and the discussion focused on airspace integration, traffic management, and safety as these industries grow.

“The productive dialogue during these working group sessions is providing critical insight as we work to modernize our air traffic control and national airspace systems to support the technology that will drive the next generation of air travel. We look forward to hosting additional sessions to give more aviation stakeholders the opportunity to share their perspectives.”  

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that President Donald Trump signed her bipartisan bill into law, aimed at addressing the impact of substance use on America’s workforce. The legislation would reauthorize the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act, which supports individuals recovering from substance use disorder, ensuring they can reenter the workforce and maintain gainful employment.

“Addiction has torn through families across Kansas, and those in recovery deserve a fair shot at rebuilding their lives,” said Davids. “I want to thank President Trump for signing this bipartisan bill — together, we’re giving people the support they need to get back to work, stay healthy, and live independently. This is about second chances and restoring stability for families, and I’m proud to champion it.”

The CAREER Act assists individuals recovering from substance use disorders by helping them access stable, transitional housing and offering essential support to reenter the workforce and sustain employment. This legislation strengthens two successful programs, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program.

The bill, originally introduced alongside RepresentativeAndy Barr (R-KY-06) and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), was signed into law as part of the bipartisan Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act.

To ensure a safer and healthier community, Davids has made it a priority to address the opioid and fentanyl epidemic head-on. She hosted multiple summits with law enforcement, health care workers, and education professionals on combating the fentanyl epidemic and has taken a number of legislative actions based on the specific needs of the Kansas Third District, including:

• Securing a nearly $16 million grant to help law enforcement seize illicit drugs like fentanyl, reduce violent crime associated with drug trafficking, and improve data collection.
• Voting to permanently place all fentanyl-related substances into a Schedule I class, labeling the drug as having a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.
• Joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers to request funding for new handheld mass spectrometry trace-level chemical detection devices at domestic ports.
• Urging the FDA to take up expert recommendations and make Narcan, a common naloxone nasal spray, available without a prescription — which they did earlier this year.
• Helping pass a bipartisan bill to create a public awareness campaign about synthetic opioids. This came after meeting with Libby Davis, a Johnson County resident whose son passed away after taking a counterfeit pill that was unknowingly laced with fentanyl.
• Pushing for expanded federal grant opportunities so law enforcement and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) can easily acquire life-saving naloxone kits.
• Visiting the Port of Long Beach to see how the port uses state-of-the-art technologies to prevent harmful substances — like fentanyl — from entering the country illegally.

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 President Trump announced an economic assistance package for American farm producers:

“I appreciate the Trump Administration for taking important action to protect farm country,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “American agriculture is faced with skyrocketing input prices and rising labor costs and is in much need of assistance. This year we achieved monumental successes for farming via H.R 1. We increased the Death Tax exemption so that family farms can stay in families. We achieved wins in the Farm Bill like crop insurance reforms and updated reference prices. Importantly, passage of the Secure Rural Schools act is on the horizon as well. However, there is still much work to be done, and I am actively working with the Trump Administration and the House Agriculture Committee to make sure all the farm commodities we have here in Northern California are supported as well. Food security is national security, and I commend the Administration for the release of this farm aid package.”

Last week, Congressman LaMalfa introduced bipartisan legislation with Reps. Thompson (D-CA), Newhouse (R-WA), Salinas (D-OR), and Panetta (D-CA): the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act. The bill provides direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from trade relations and serves as a blueprint for supporting all of farm country, not just the crops covered in today’s announcement. Rep. LaMalfa is committed to working with the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins to find a way to include specialty crops in future packages. Countless specialty crops have been affected by trade relations, and they need to be considered in any path forward.

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) and Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO), alongside their colleagues Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) Ron Wyden (D-OR), are leading a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in sending a letter to House leadership requesting urgent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act. The bill, which unanimously passed in the Senate in June, would reauthorize the program through Fiscal Year 2026 and provide lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025.

Funding for the SRS program lapsed in September of 2023, with the last authorized payments distributed to counties in early 2024.

“. . . Counties and school districts across 41 states have seen a 63 percent cut in funding.  This $177 million loss is devastating for rural communities, leading to school closures, delayed road and bridge maintenance and reduced public safety services.  These are not abstract policy debates; they are tangible consequences for local governments and the communities that steward untaxed federal lands,” the letter reads. 

View the full text of the letter here.

“Counties applaud Senators Crapo and Wyden and Representatives LaMalfa and Neguse for leading this bipartisan push to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools,” said National Association of Counties (NACo) Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With unanimous Senate support and strong bipartisan support in the House, the path forward should be clear: SRS keeps schools operating, roads maintained and public safety services funded in communities that manage vast federal lands, and must be reauthorized now. Given that more than 700 rural counties have been awaiting these payments since the program lapsed at the end of FY 2023, we urge House leadership to act expeditiously by including SRS reauthorization in any end-of-year package.”

“Every public school student in this country should have opportunities and resources that are not determined by their ZIP code,” said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association. “Our students deserve access to a wide range of learning experiences that prepare them for the real world. Today, one in five public school students attends a rural public school. Rural students and the communities that support them need sustained investment. That is why we applaud the bipartisan, bicameral call for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act and send it to the President for signature. Our nation’s rural students need this support to reach their full potential. We are grateful to Senators Crapo and Wyden and Representatives LaMalfa and Neguse for their steadfast commitment to rural communities, their families, and their students through their leadership on this important measure.”

Background on the SRS program: 

• The first SRS program was authorized in 2000 with enactment of the SRS and Community Self-Determination Act.
• This legislation specifically assists counties containing tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt.
• The program provides payments to county governments in areas where those forests are located because counties do not receive tax revenue from federal land; the payments come through timber receipts and other revenue generating activities within U.S. national forests.
• Since the program was not reauthorized, county payments reverted to 1908 timber sharing law, which represents about an 80 percent cut for some counties.

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 Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Geneva, IL — Today, Representative Bill Foster (D-IL) fulfilled his pledge and donated the salary he received during the government shutdown to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. During the Republican shutdowns in 2013 and 2019, Rep. Foster also donated his pay to the food bank. 

“Even before the government shutdown, increasing grocery costs and Republican cuts to SNAP have left too many families in Illinois struggling to put food on the table. During the shutdown, Trump did everything he could to avoid fully funding SNAP and leave families without their food assistance. Now, Trump’s USDA is threatening to withhold SNAP funding from Democratic-led states if they don’t hand over SNAP recipients’ personal information.

“While uncertainty over SNAP funding still remains, I’m happy to support the Northern Illinois Food Bank. They have been an invaluable resource to those in our community struggling with hunger and food insecurity, and I’m committed to doing everything I can in Congress to support their work by pushing back against SNAP cuts and fighting for a more affordable future,” said Rep. Foster.

Earlier this year, Republicans passed a budget bill that put 360,000 people in Illinois at risk of losing their SNAP benefits—the largest cut to food assistance in U.S. history.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is a non-profit organization focused on providing food to those in need across northern Illinois.

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