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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), introduced the Innovation Fund Act to establish a program to reward communities that are taking innovative steps to increase housing supply. The bill creates a competitive pot of highly flexible funding for communities that are building more housing, which can be used to improve community infrastructure, build housing, and supplement water and sewer grants. The bill is included in the landmark bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which recently passed the Senate in the FY2026 NDAA.

The Innovation Fund Act:

• Will award competitive grants to cities, counties, other units of local government or Indian tribes that have demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply.
• Requires applicants to describe how they are currently facilitating the expansion of their housing supply.
• Will prioritize eligible entities that demonstrate the use of innovative policies, interventions, or programs to increase housing supply.
• Allows eligible entities to use the funds to carry out CDBG eligible activities, as matching funds for water and sewer grants, and for initiatives that facilitate the expansion of the supply of attainable housing and supplement initiatives the eligible entity has carried out.

Official bill text is available here.

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Chairman Mike Flood (R-NE) introduced the HOME Reform Act of 2025, legislation that overhauls the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bipartisan legislation will streamline regulations to strengthen public-private partnerships in efforts to encourage the building of more housing and rental properties to bring down the cost of housing.

“Americans in every community are struggling to stay afloat financially due to the high cost of housing, which is limiting opportunities for families to get ahead and weighing down local economies,” said Ranking Member Cleaver. “This is a crisis that demands immediate bipartisan action to lower costs, and I’m pleased to join Chairman Flood in the effort to provide relief nationwide. By revamping and revitalizing the HOME Program—one of our greatest tools to expand the supply of affordable housing for working-class families—we can ensure that affordable housing and the American Dream of homeownership are once again attainable from the heartland to the coasts. After months of meetings and hearings with local leaders, housing stakeholders, and American families from across the country, I’m proud to introduce the Home Reform Act with Chairman Flood to lower housing costs in Missouri and beyond.”

“America is in the midst of a housing crisis as families struggle to live the American dream due to the of a shortage of millions of homes,” said Chairman Flood. “The HOME program is a federal program that builds housing supply, but it has previously been weighed down by regulatory burdens that make it hard to build housing. Thanks to the insights of those who work directly with HOME, and the invaluable teamwork of my colleague Ranking Member Cleaver, I believe the HOME Reform Act of 2025 will cut the red tape that has been holding this program back. The reforms in this legislation will result in more homebuilding across the country as we work to tackle our nation’s housing shortage. From Columbus, Nebraska to Columbus, Ohio and beyond, local communities will have an unprecedented opportunity to build affordable homes and directly address the housing crisis gripping our nation. I look forward to working to pass this legislation with broad bipartisan support.”

The HOME Reform Act represents the first major reform to the program since its authorization in 1990 as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. The legislation provides greater flexibility for states and localities, cuts red tape, and supports the development and preservation of affordable housing.

The HOME Reform Act is the result of a bipartisan effort kickstarted by Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver earlier this year to develop meaningful solutions to the housing crisis in America. In April, Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Flood released a joint request for feedback on the HOME and CDBG programs. In July, the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “HOME 2.0: Modern Solutions to the Housing Shortage.”

The HOME Reform Act is endorsed by Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, American Planning Association (APA), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA), Community Opportunity Alliance, Enterprise Community Partners, Fahe, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Partnership Network (HPN), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Lincoln Avenue Communities, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), National Apartment Association (NAA), National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL), National Association of County Community and Economic Development (NACCED), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Community Development Association (NCDA), National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), National Housing Conference (NHC), National Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NH&RA), National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National NeighborWorks Association (NNA), Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF), Up for Growth and the US Conference of Mayors.

Official text of the HOME Reform Act is available here.

A detailed section-by-section of the HOME Reform Act is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the latest Senate spending proposal.

“For months now, as Americans plead for reforms that will address our national cost-of-living crisis, Democrats have called on Republicans in control of the White House, House of Representatives, and Senate to work with Democrats in Congress to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower health care costs for working-class families. However, instead of working in a bipartisan fashion to avoid a shutdown and protect the health care of the American people, Republicans chose to slash taxes for the wealthy and well-connected while making the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs in history.

“From the very beginning of the Republican shutdown, I have said that I cannot support legislation that raises the health care costs of hardworking families across Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District. Unfortunately, the legislation proposed in the Senate will ensure that tens of thousands of my constituents see their health care premiums skyrocket, some by more than double what they are today. That is a heartless way to govern, particularly at a time when the president is giving $40 billion-dollar bailouts to Argentina and spending hundreds of millions to build a gilded ballroom at the White House.

“Therefore, I will not support the legislation if it comes to a vote in the House of Representatives.”

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to end the longest shutdown in American history. Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) issued the following statement:

“Tonight, I voted to reopen the federal government—ending 43 days of unnecessary pain inflicted by Democrats. They shut down the government, held Americans hostage, and walked away with nothing. This is the same deal that was available before their shutdown stunt began. The Left’s political stunt accomplished only one thing: it reminded the country that Washington Democrats will always put power and partisanship above the American people.

“While reopening the government is the right decision, we cannot return to business as usual. Washington’s size and power continue to suffocate our states and citizens. We must seize this moment to permanently shrink the federal bureaucracy, restore constitutional limits, and return power to the states—just as President Trump is doing through his executive actions.

“It’s time to rein in Washington and put our Republic back on the foundation our Framers intended.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced three bills reaffirming America’s commitment to those who served our nation. The legislation strengthens care, accountability, and dignity for veterans and their families by reforming outdated systems and expanding access to benefits without increasing taxpayer costs.

• The Veterans’ Cremation Certainty Acteases a long-standing financial and emotional burden on military families by allowing veterans to pre-designate direct cremation as part of their VA burial benefits. The bill extends the VA’s pre-approval process, currently limited to burials, to include cremation services and enables the VA to pay cremation providers directly, reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs.
• TheHSAs for Heroes Actallows all veterans to open and use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) while maintaining their VA benefits. The bill also broadens the range of eligible expenses—incorporating language from Congressman Biggs’s existing Freedom for Families Act—to include caregiving costs.
• The Claims Legitimacy and Evaluation Accountability Nationwide for VA (CLEAN VA) Act strengthens oversight, ethics, and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs to protect both taxpayer dollars and veterans’ benefits. This bill:
  • Enforces time-limited disciplinary processes and streamlined appeals for misconduct;
  • Increases penalties for fraud and abuse, expands whistleblower safeguards, and incentivizes reporting through disclosure rewards;
  • Directs integration of AI tools to identify fraud vulnerabilities and ensure accurate, fair disability determinations; and
  • Requires annual department-wide training under Inspector General oversight to reinforce a culture of integrity and compliance.

“This Veterans Day, Congress must recommit to honoring our nation’s heroes not just in word, but in deed,” said Congressman Biggs.

“Veterans deserve more than speeches and ceremonies — they deserve action. These bills deliver meaningful reforms that ease financial burdens, expand healthcare freedom, and hold the VA accountable to the men and women it serves. We owe our veterans the dignity of a government that keeps its word, honors their sacrifices, and works as hard for them as they did for us.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) sent a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz urging the approval of Arizona’s application for the federal government’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Congressman Biggs also invited Dr. Oz to visit Arizona’s rural communities to see firsthand the distance, limited resources, and unique challenges that rural residents face in accessing care.

The letter highlights Arizona’s vast geography and the significant challenges rural communities face in accessing healthcare. More than 500,000 Arizonans live over 30 minutes from a hospital—among the highest rates in the nation—and many rely on limited Critical Access Hospitals rather than full-service facilities.

The Rural Health Transformation Program was created through President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which expanded resources to strengthen healthcare delivery and infrastructure in rural America. Arizona’s application seeks to utilize these funds to expand access and develop innovative local care models for underserved areas.

Congressmen Eli Crane (AZ-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-05) joined in signing the letter. 

“Arizona’s rural communities are the backbone of our state,” said Congressman Biggs. “Many residents live more than thirty minutes from the nearest hospital, and for some, it can take close to an hour just to reach a critical care facility. That distance can determine whether or not a patient receives timely care.

“President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill made important investments to strengthen local communities and improve access to essential services, including healthcare. Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead the way in advancing these reforms and setting a standard for rural healthcare innovation.

“I’m inviting Dr. Oz to visit our great state and witness firsthand the challenges faced by Arizona’s rural communities. Arizona is ready to lead in this effort, and I urge CMS to afford our state the opportunity to do so.”

Congressman Eli Crane said,“Rural Arizona matters, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to advocate for these critical needs. We all passed the working families tax cut, which included a historic investment in rural hospitals.”

“Access to quality healthcare remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural America. The Working Families Tax Cut, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, helps address the provider shortages, limited facilities, and resource gaps that rural communities in Arizona face.  Arizona’s healthcare providers continue to lead with innovative solutions—demonstrating why sustained federal partnership and investment are vital to ensuring quality care for all Arizonans,”stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

The letter may be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a resolution allowing the U.S. House of Representatives to  accept and prominently display a statue of Charlie Kirk in the U.S. Capitol, honoring his enduring legacy as a conservative leader, devoted husband and father, and unapologetic man of faith.

Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, inspiring an entire generation of young Americans to embrace the principles of free markets, limited government, and the God-given rights enshrined in our founding documents. Under his leadership, millions were drawn to civic engagement, debate, and faith-based action rooted in love of country. Charlie’s message was simple but powerful: America is worth fighting for. He believed in the promise of this nation and never hesitated to challenge young people to stand boldly for truth. His voice bridged divides, encouraged peaceful dialogue, and reminded us that the health of our Republic depends on moral courage and open debate. Charlie’s work transcended politics—it was a ministry of conviction and purpose.

“In September, we lost a tremendous leader and a dear friend,” said Congressman Biggs. “A cowardly, deranged assassin—radicalized by left-wing ideology—murdered Charlie Kirk for his beliefs. He was targeted for speaking truth, for defending faith, family, and freedom. This resolution ensures that his courage and conviction will never be forgotten.

“Charlie’s assassination was meant to silence a conservative voice, but we will not be silenced. We will double down on the work Charlie dedicated his life to—defending liberty, strengthening families, and speaking truth boldly. His life reminds us that the Republic depends on peaceful debate, the rule of law, and the courage to stand firm in the face of evil.

“Charlie changed the course of our country—and his legacy will now stand in the Capitol as a permanent reminder that light is stronger than darkness, and truth will prevail.”

Cosponsors of the resolution include: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO).

Breitbart News covered the legislation here.

The resolution may be read here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Deportation Disclosure Act. The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make public the name, photograph, aliases, and last known state of residence for all illegal aliens with final removal orders from the United States. 

In September, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Guyana national Ian Roberts, who was serving as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent despite having a final order of deportation. Roberts, an illegal alien with an extensive criminal history, falsely claimed U.S. citizenship and American work authorization to gain employment. The Des Moines School Board’s failure to use E-Verify allowed his ineligibility to go unnoticed. Congressman Biggs’s legislation will increase transparency and accountability to the United States’ immigration enforcement and removal processes, ensuring such a situation will never happen again.

“President Trump’s Administration is working tirelessly to undo the chaos caused by the radical Biden-Harris-Mayorkas regime’s reckless border policies,” said Congressman Biggs. 

“At the end 2024, more than a million illegal aliens, including Ian Roberts, had final orders of removal against them, but were roaming freely in the United States. Instead of enforcing our immigration laws and deporting illegal aliens who had due process in our immigration courts, the Biden administration focused on making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens of any and every criminal background to enter and stay in our nation. Making final orders of removal readily accessible to the public will only increase public safety and ensure incidents like this one don’t happen again.”

“The Deportation Disclosure Act would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to our immigration enforcement process. By making final orders of removal accessible, this bill would empower communities and law enforcement, ensuring that individuals who have already received due process in our courts cannot hide in plain sight,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations at Immigration Accountability Project.

Fox News covered the legislation here.

The legislation may be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement on air safety amid the ongoing government shutdown and in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cancel thousands of flights beginning today.

“The safety of the flying public is something that cannot be compromised. But it’s also something that shouldn’t be used as a political maneuver. Cancelling thousands of flights per day should not have been a decision that was made lightly, but still we’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, like why now, why this many flights, why these airports, what was the danger, and more. The American people deserve to know what motivated this decision.

I have been engaged with aviation stakeholders throughout the shutdown and one thing is clear—they are more committed than ever to the safety of the system, but the shutdown needs to end so the hardworking air traffic control professionals, who are already overworked, get paid. We in Congress should all be working every minute of every day to address health care costs and end the shutdown.”

Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he serves on the Aviation Subcommittee, and the Education and Workforce Committee. As part of his ongoing effort to improve aviation safety, Congressman DeSaulnier authored provisions that were included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935), which reauthorizes the FAA for five years while creating a safer, cleaner, more sustainable, and more accessible U.S. aviation system.