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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about the concerning state of American politics and the path forward to unite our country.  The full speech is available here.

President Trump and his administration have increasingly acted in ways antithetical to American and democratic values, including deploying the U.S. military to cities, labeling the Democratic Party as domestic terrorists, targeting non-profit organizations and civil society organizations, and intimidating media companies, law firms and universities that don’t align with Trump’s policies.

Congressman Crow’s speech underlined the stakes of this moment, and builds on Crow’s longstanding work to condemn political violence and stand up for our democracy.

On Political Violence: 

Watch: “Political violence in every form is abhorrent. I condemn every act of political violence regardless of the source or motivation. I went to war three times for this country to defend the Constitution and the rights of people to say things I may disagree with. The right of every American to speak freely, peacefully organize, and protest is fundamental to who we are. After all, what is more American than the ability to question authority? Questioning authority is, in fact, our foundation and how we came about as a nation.” 

On the Concerning State of US Politics: 

Watch: “An attack on one person’s freedom is an attack on all of us. And that is exactly what Donald Trump is doing – attacking all of our rights. Donald Trump and his cronies are now labeling those who disagree with them terrorists, scum, and enemies of the state. And only they will decide what is hateful, only they will decide what poses a threat, only they will decide who can speak and who will be silenced.” 

On the Path Forward to Unite Our Country:

Watch: “There is courage everywhere we look. We have not yet lost our power. So many Americans have been sounding the alarm bell for a long time, and they have been right.  We have now reached the inflection point. Now is the time for us to stand firm. For us to stand with them. And for us to stand with all those defending democracy. Defending free speech. Defending freedom of religion. Defending due process. Defending the rule of law. Defending the right of schoolchildren to learn without fear of being shot. Defending government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Watch: “I have taken many oaths to protect and defend our country and Constitution, first as a soldier and now as a member of Congress. I often think back to the start of my service to this nation. As a young paratrooper, leading an infantry platoon in the invasion of Iraq. I think about the faces of those young men I was responsible for. Black, White, Asian, Hispanic. From the North, South, East, and West. From farms and from cities. Rich and poor. When I think of America, I still think of those young paratroopers. How we came together, despite our differences, we served together, we fought together, we found great strength in one another. That is America. There’s a tradition in the paratroopers, that the leader of the unit jumps out of the plane first and then the others follow. I’m ready to jump.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement in celebration of Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. This year’s observance carries special meaning as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Introduced by Reps. Aderholt and Watson Coleman, the Constitution Day Resolution is a bipartisan resolution that expresses support for and honors September 17th, 2024, as “Constitution Day”, and calls on the people of the United States to observe the day. The resolution recognizes the importance of the Constitution, both at the time of its signing on September 17th, 1787, and the importance it still bears today.

Congressman Aderholt, who serves on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250), emphasized the enduring strength of the Constitution:

“The founders gave us a document that has withstood the test of time. For nearly two and a half centuries, the Constitution has been the guiding framework of our Republic, ensuring freedom, limiting government, and protecting the rights of the people. While nations around the world have risen and fallen, our Constitution has remained the foundation of American liberty and stability. As we honor Constitution Day, we should recommit ourselves to preserving its principles for future generations.”

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who also serves on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, added:

“As both a Representative and a citizen of the great state of New Jersey, the third state to ratify the Constitution and the first to ratify the Bill of Rights, it’s an honor to help introduce this resolution supporting and celebrating Constitution Day,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “The framers of the Constitution had both the ingenuity to craft such a profoundly democratic document and the foresight to include a process to reform and update it as our country grew and progressed. In this way the United States Constitution is the longest surviving written charter of government in the world. It has inspired freedom-seeking people here at home and across the globe. As we approach the nation’s 250th Anniversary next year, we should all take time to reflect on our blessings and examine how we can all make the United States a ‘more perfect union.'”

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, on which both Aderholt and Watson Coleman serve, is leading efforts to plan the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration in 2026. Constitution Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the document that continues to define the American experiment in self-government.

47 bipartisan members have signed on as original cosponsors Constitution Day resolution.

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

WASHINGTON– Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor to honor Donna Minter for her accomplishment of completing the “Grammy Climate Ride” to raise awareness and support for climate justice. Over her 3,000 mile journey, she raised over $25,000 for various Minnesota-based climate nonprofits.

The full video can be found here.

Full transcript below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna Minter from Minneapolis for her extraordinary feat, completing the “Grammy Climate Ride.”

Inspired by her love for her grandchildren and a vision for a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations, Donna spent 64 days traveling over 3,000 miles by bicycle to raise awareness and support for climate justice.

From California to Florida, Donna struck up conversations with those she met along the way to raise the alarm on the climate crisis.

Through this year’s ride, Donna raised over $25,000 for various Minnesota-based climate nonprofits.

Please join me in celebrating the extraordinary achievements and spirit of Donna Minter, and her strength and perseverance that made this possible.

Thank you and I yield back.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to better empower patients with up-to-date information on healthcare providers covered by their insurance plans.  The Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists (REAL) Health Providers Act would require Medicare Advantage insurance plans to update their provider directories annually starting in 2026.  This legislation is co-led by Reps. Greg Murphy (NC-03), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

Provider directories are supposed to help patients find doctors and specialists in their networks. But too often, insurers allow these directories to become outdated, creating so-called “ghost networks” of providers who are listed despite no longer practicing, not accepting patients, or not being in-network.  These errors can force patients into delays, denials, or unexpected bills.

A recent review of provider directories revealed that one in three listed providers had inaccurate or non-working numbers, and over 80% of listed mental health providers were either unreachable, not accepting new patients, or not actually in-network.  These gaps hit seniors, people with disabilities, and those with mental health needs especially hard.

“Patients shouldn’t have to waste hours chasing providers who don’t exist in their network, only to end up paying more or going without care,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan bill would provide a straightforward fix by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to regularly update their directories and give patients accurate information up front.  With this commonsense step, we can reduce frustration, lower costs, and make our health care system more accountable to the people it serves.”

“Ensuring seniors and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to accurate and updated provider directories is critical for navigating the complexities of in-network and out-of-network healthcare coverage,” said Rep. Murphy, M.D.  “I’m proud to support the REAL Health Providers Act which will protect seniors from unforeseen expenses and improve their ability to receive high quality, affordable care.”

 “No one should have to find out that their doctor’s appointment is out-of-network after the fact,” said Rep. Schneider. “This common-sense, bipartisan bill will create a more navigable health care system and protect seniors from unexpected costs.”

“When I sit with seniors in our community, I hear a consistent and serious problem: they rely on their plan’s directory to find care, only to discover the providers listed are no longer in-network, not taking patients, or unreachable,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.  “Outdated directories waste time, create confusion, and put health at risk.  The REAL Health Providers Act takes bipartisan action to fix that, making provider lists accurate, transparent, and dependable so seniors and every patient can quickly and confidently get the care they need.”

“Everyone should be able to know if their doctor is in-network before an appointment,” said Rep. Landsman.  “Right now, it’s confusing, especially for seniors, and too often ends with surprise bills.  This bipartisan bill fixes what’s broken by making it clear up front who’s covered and helping folks avoid unnecessary costs.” 

“Medicare Advantage beneficiaries should have full transparency of their plans’ provider network,” said Rep. Joyce, M.D.  “The bipartisan REAL Health Providers Act will require accurate and updated provider directories to provide clarity for Medicare Beneficiaries so they can better navigate our health care system and receive the highest quality of care.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act to ensure early childhood educators can claim the same federal tax deduction currently available to K-12 teachers.  Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-11) co-lead this legislation.  Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Research shows that educators spend an average of $860 annually on supplies for their students.  Yet, under current law, early childhood educators cannot deduct those out-of-pocket expenses.  The SEED Act would correct this and provide tax relief to the teachers working with America’s youngest learners.

The SEED Act would expand the above-the-line $300 educator expense deduction, established for K-12 teachers in 2002, to also include pre-K and early childhood educators.  This deduction helps offset the hundreds of dollars teachers spend out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies, books, and learning materials.

“Early childhood educators often reach into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials for their students,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The SEED Act would allow them to claim the same tax deduction already available to K-12 teachers.  This change not only provides relief for those educators but also shows that we value their commitment to giving our youngest children the foundation they need to thrive.”

“Access to quality education is one of the most important issues facing Central Valley families, and that begins with early childhood education,” said Rep. Valadao.  “Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot.  No teacher should have to choose between paying out of pocket or providing basic classroom needs, and this bipartisan bill expands the deduction so early childhood educators can focus on teaching the next generation rather than worrying about costs.”

“Teaching is the ultimate act of optimism and safeguard of our democracy. America’s early childhood educators pour their hearts into their work, and far too often, their own money, just to do their jobs,” said Rep. Goodlander.  “These educators deserve the same tax deduction other teachers get, and I am proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill that’ll do just that.”

“For early childhood teachers, every crayon, book, and learning tool is more than a supply — it’s an investment in a child’s future. In PA-1 and across the nation, our educators routinely reach into their own paychecks because they refuse to let a student go without,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.  “The SEED Act affirms their dedication by extending to pre-K educators the same classroom deduction K–12 teachers already receive, correcting an unfair exclusion, strengthening the workforce, and putting more resources into our children’s hands during their most critical years.”

“As a former school superintendent, I know that many educators often spend their own money to provide their students with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Sen. Bennet. “We must ensure that all educators – especially those who teach our youngest children – can deduct these costs from their taxes.  I’m grateful to work with bipartisan partners in Congress and in Colorado to pass this bill and deliver for educators and kids.”

“In Maine and across the country, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated educators who work hard to ensure that every child has a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and enriching,” said Sen. Collins. “In spite of tight budgets and their own modest salaries, it is truly remarkable how often teachers use money out of their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies for their children.  As the author of the original tax credit for K-12 teachers, I am delighted to join this effort to expand this benefit to pre-K educators.  This tax credit would help more people by reimbursing early childhood educators for the resources they invest in our children’s future.”

The SEED Act is supported by a broad coalition of education and child advocacy organizations, including the Center for American Progress, the American Federation of Teachers, Teach For America, the First Five Years Fund, and Trying Together.

“Early educators play a vital role in helping children learn and grow while preparing them to enter kindergarten ready to succeed, yet too often they pay out of pocket for necessary classroom supplies.  The SEED Act is a commonsense, bipartisan proposal from Representatives Panetta, Goodlander, Valadao, and Fitzpatrick that would ease this burden and support the educators our youngest learners and their families rely on every day,” said Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – Today, United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), alongside U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and members of the California congressional delegation demanded answers from the Trump administration on its involvement in Sable Offshore Corporation’s attempts to restart offshore oil drilling using the same pipelines that caused the Refugio State Beach oil spill of 2015.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)’s Principal Deputy Director Kenneth Stevens, the lawmakers requested information on what actions BSEE has taken to help Sable restart the project and question whether BSEE ignored their environmental responsibilities.  

“It is unclear whether the Trump administration bought into the company’s inaccurate statements or whether BSEE’s July 25 statement references different information entirely. BSEE’s July 25 statement also calls into question whether the Bureau had received accurate information from the company when the Bureau decided to issue 10 approvals for well modification permits for Sable in July” the lawmakers wrote.  

“Ensuring safety and reducing the environmental impact of oil production in the OCS are BSEE responsibilities, and they require careful consideration. As America has experienced throughout its history—such as the Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon, and California oil spills—the risk to the economy and the environment from oil spills is simply too great for hasty decisions that do not comprehensively take into account science or state and federal law,” the lawmakers concluded. 

The lawmakers emphasized how in addition to a series of misleading statements asserting that oil production has resumed, Sable has blatantly disobeyed directives from California agencies that are required for offshore oil and pipeline operations in the state.  

In addition to Panetta, Carbajal, Schiff and Padilla, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), and Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45). 

The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

Dear Secretary Burgum and Principal Deputy Director Stevens:  

We write to inquire and express concern regarding the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) public statement and involvement in the Sable Offshore Corp.’s (Sable) Santa Ynez Unit (SYU) offshore oil project near the coast of Santa Barbara, California. Given BSEE’s recent public statement, we request information on the agency’s involvement with the Sable offshore project.  

BSEE is the lead federal agency charged with improving safety and ensuring environmental protection related to the offshore energy industry on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Bureau is supposed to protect Americans from the threat of offshore oil spills, and Californians in the Santa Barbara region are unfortunately all too familiar with the damage oil spills can cause. On January 28, 1969, an oil well blowout leaked 4.2 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean for an entire year. This oil spill completely closed commercial fishing in the area from February to April and caused damage to recreational and personal property, resulting in extensive economic losses for the region. 

Further, on May 19, 2015, the SYU (the same operation now owned by Sable) ruptured near Refugio State Beach, leaking 143,000 gallons of crude oil into storm drains and ultimately the ocean. Marine life, including fish, birds, and mammals, washed up on beaches coated in oil, and fisheries and beaches were forced to shut down. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Final Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan assessed $22 million in damages to marine habitats, wildlife, and human uses due to the oil spill. The SYU was shut down after the 2015 Refugio State Beach oil spill until recent efforts to resume production. 

In February 2024, ExxonMobil sold the SYU to Sable, a Texas-based company that seeks to extract mineral resources from California’s coast. By late April 2025, Sable had accrued multiple lawsuits from environmental groups, three cease-and-desist orders from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), and a $18 million fine from CCC for operating without the appropriate entitlements. The CCC has argued that Sable violated the California Coastal Act for months by repairing and updating oil pipelines without permits. Because of its actions, Sable became subject to two court injunctions from the Santa Barbara County Superior Court ordering the company to stop repairs on the pipelines and to pause oil production. 

In spite of all this, on May 19, 2025—the 10-year anniversary of the Refugio State Beach oil spill—Sable announced the restart of oil production. Yet, in a letter sent to Sable on May 23, 2025, the California State Lands Commission wrote that the company appeared to “mischaracterize” its activities: “Characterizing testing activities as a restart of operations is not only misleading but also highly inappropriate – particularly given that Sable has not obtained the necessary regulatory approvals to fully resume operations at SYU.” As a result of Sable‘s confusing public statement, the company is facing class action lawsuits alleging that it misled investors. 

Then, in an apparent amplification of the company’s misleading statement, BSEE released a public statement on July 25, 2025, celebrating “the restart of production at SYU” and claiming that the U.S. Department of the Interior “successfully resumed production in just five months.” The statement also claimed that BSEE “continues to work with Sable to bring additional production online.” However, Sable has yet to receive all the appropriate permits from California state agencies that are required for offshore oil and pipeline operations in the state. Moreover, the company remains under multiple court injunctions that prevent the resumption of operations until certain conditions can be met. 
 

Therefore, BSEE’s statements are confusing at best and deceptive at worst. It is unclear whether the Trump administration bought into the company’s inaccurate statements or whether BSEE’s July 25 statement references different information entirely. BSEE’s July 25 statement also calls into question whether the Bureau had received accurate information from the company when the Bureau decided to issue 10 approvals for well modification permits for Sable in July. 

Considering BSEE’s stated involvement with Sable and Sable’s blatant attempts to circumvent state agency directives, we request answers to the following questions by September 29, 2025: 

1. What is BSEE’s role in efforts to restart the Sable project and what actions has BSEE taken to help Sable restart the project? Please provide a timeline of the communications between BSEE and Sable.
2. Please provide clarification on BSEE’s July 25, 2025, statement that Sable has resumed oil production. How is this possible if Sable does not have the permits to do so and was merely conducting testing activities? On the basis of what information did BSEE decide to issue the July 25, 2025 statement? 
3. Has BSEE made any determinations regarding whether Sable is in compliance with applicable state permits and related requirements? Why has BSEE failed to clearly communicate on these issues with California state agencies? 
4. Has BSEE or DOI encouraged Sable to disregard California state agency directives in any way? 
5. Why did BSEE provide 10 permit approvals (nine applications for permits to modify and one revised permit to modify) for Sable even though the company remains ensnarled in litigation and court injunctions? Is BSEE confident that the company provided accurate information to the agency when it submitted its well modification applications? 

Ensuring safety and reducing the environmental impact of oil production in the OCS are BSEE responsibilities, and they require careful consideration. As America has experienced throughout its history—such as the Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon, and California oil spills—the risk to the economy and the environment from oil spills is simply too great for hasty decisions that do not comprehensively take into account science or state and federal law. Thank you and we look forward to your response.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today celebrated the Committee’s bipartisan approval of his AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, legislation that safeguards free, reliable access to AM radio in all new motor vehicles sold in the United States.

Pallone’s bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM radios as standard equipment, ensuring drivers can continue to receive vital news, entertainment, and emergency alerts at no additional cost.

 

“Today’s markup moves us one step closer to protecting a service that millions of Americans rely on every day,” Pallone said. “During Superstorm Sandy and countless other emergencies, AM radio kept New Jersey families informed when other systems failed. AM radio is not only a forum for diverse community programming, it’s also an essential public-safety tool, and I’m committed to seeing this legislation through to the finish line.”

 

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 would:

• Require automakers to maintain free, easily accessible AM radios in all new vehicles sold in the United States.
• Mandate clear disclosure if a vehicle lacks AM access before the requirement takes effect.

Pallone, a longtime advocate for strong public-safety communications, vowed to continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote.

 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig and 94 of her colleagues condemned the Trump Administration’s blatant attacks on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, Rep. Craig cited several instances in which DACA recipients have been detained or deported by U.S. immigration authorities despite the legal and humanitarian protections they are afforded under the law.

“These developments raise serious concerns about compliance with established guidelines, court orders, and whether the due process rights of these individuals have been respected,” the Members wrote. “According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are approximately over 533,000 active DACA recipients in the U.S. These young adults are integral parts of our communities and undergo recurring vetting through the renewal process to retain protections and work authorization.”   

In the letter, the Members demanded answers about how many DACA recipients have been detained or deported since the beginning of the Trump Administration and what steps are being taken to remedy erroneous deportations.

“The recent enforcement actions against DACA recipients not only violate the spirit of the program but also disrupt families, harm communities, and inflict unnecessary social, emotional, and economic costs,” the Members concluded.

Rep. Craig has always fought for America’s DACA recipients and advocated for a legal pathway to citizenship for our nation’s Dreamers.

Rep. Craig has repeatedly cosponsored the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, and recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries. Last Congress, she was a cosponsor of the America’s CHILDREN Act, which would provide a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who were brought to the United States as dependent children of workers admitted under approved employer petitions, have maintained status in the United States for 10 years (including four years as a dependent) and have graduated from an institution of higher education.

You can read the full text of the letter here. 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig and Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced their bipartisan Diagnostic Accuracy in Sepsis Act to improve patient safety and lower health care costs by reducing blood culture contamination. This common-sense legislation requires CMS to add a blood culture contamination rate measure to the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction (HAC) Program.

Inaccurate sepsis tests due to blood culture contamination cost Medicare hundreds of millions of dollars annually, increase costs for patients, lead to unnecessary or not quick enough treatments and worsen the antimicrobial resistance crisis.

“Contaminated blood culture tests can lead to incorrect diagnoses and costly and unnecessary treatments,” said Rep. Craig. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with Rep. Kelly to help prevent false-positive sepsis results. Our legislation will keep patients safe while reducing health care costs.” 

“Patient safety should always be the top priority, and this legislation does just that,” Rep. Kelly said. “This legislation aims to improve both patient care and patient outcomes while ensuring thousands of Americans who receive this treatment each year can avoid false-positive sepsis test results.”

“Sepsis Alliance applauds Reps. Kelly and Craig for introducing the Diagnostic Accuracy in Sepsis Act,” said Thomas Heymann, Sepsis Alliance President and CEO. “This legislation will help thousands of patients avoid false-positive sepsis test results, and the potential overuse of antimicrobials, due to preventable blood culture contamination. This legislation will incentivize hospitals to take the steps necessary to address this critical patient safety issue.”

“We know from the experience of hospitals across the country that best practice techniques together with innovative technology can lead to substantial reduction in the number of contaminated blood culture tests,” said Dr. Lucy Tompkins, an expert in the fields of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control. “Getting to zero percent contamination is a goal that the Diagnostic Accuracy in Sepsis Act will help us achieve, allowing us to avoid administering unnecessary and costly treatment. It is also a critically important step in support of continued antimicrobial stewardship efforts.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON — Last week, Rep. Lauren Underwood introduced a bipartisan amendment to protect Job Corps Centers from reckless closure in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Funding Bill. The amendment was adopted unanimously by Republicans and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee.

This June, with no prior notice or warning, the Trump administration announced they would indefinitely pause operations for nearly a hundred Job Corps centers, serving 60,000 kids nationwide, including the one in Joliet. A federal court has ruled the Administration’s decision was illegal, and litigation is ongoing. 

These illegal actions devastated the Joliet Job Corps Center, forcing them to close their doors, lay off more than 50 employees, disrupting education and training for hundreds of students, and reportedly causing 20 program participants in Joliet to relocate to a shelter for temporary housing. The Joliet Center is one of just two Job Corps locations in the entire state of Illinois and serves most of northern and central Illinois.

Underwood’s amendment blocks future Job Corps Center closures unless the Secretary of Labor certifies they will not increase youth unemployment, homelessness, local government costs, or risk public safety.

“For so many of our kids Job Corps is the first place that they feel safe, supported, and believed in. It helps them find stability and purpose while equipping them with real-world skills and qualifications that employers are looking for,” Rep. Underwood said. “Donald Trump’s illegal actions devastated the Joliet families I represent and must be reversed. I’m committed to saving our Job Corps programs and am encouraged by the bipartisan adoption of my amendment.”

“Joblessness among young adults is on the rise,” said Donna Hay, President & CEO, National Job Corps Association. “By barring the arbitrary closure of Job Corps campuses, including the campus in Joliet, Congresswoman Underwood’s amendment provides greater stability to both disadvantaged young people who are struggling to find work as well as the Job Corps staff who have dedicated themselves to helping these young people gain the skills they need to thrive.”

The Job Corps program has been a trusted resource for young people to get free technical, computer, and job-related skills that a create a pathway to the middle class for decades. The program has helped thousands of young people in Joliet and the surrounding areas get jobs as welders, electricians, shipbuilders, carpenters, nurses, mechanics, and more.

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