Congressman Valadao Applauds USDA Disaster Recovery Assistance Rollout

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement to applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of new disaster recovery assistance for livestock producers impacted by floods and wildfires. Through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW), USDA will provide $1 billion to help producers offset rising supplemental feed costs caused by natural disasters. 

“The flooding of Tulare Lake in 2023 was devastating for the Central Valley, and I’ve worked for years to make sure our producers have the tools they need to recover,” said Congressman Valadao. “Dairy farmers faced heavy property damage, feed losses, and transportation costs from moving livestock, and today’s USDA announcement is a major step forward. Expanding the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) will help address these losses and move us closer to making our farmers and dairymen whole. I’m grateful to USDA for their partnership throughout this process and look forward to working directly with the administration to make sure we get relief into the hands of CA-22 producers as soon as possible.”

Background:

Congressman Valadao has long led efforts to secure relief for Central Valley producers. In the 118th Congress, he introduced the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which would provide an additional $14 billion to USDA to aid producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023. He also introduced the Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act, which aimed to ensure dairy producers impacted by the historic flooding of Tulare Lake in 2023 could qualify for Commodity Credit Corporation emergency assistance funds.

Visit the USDA website to learn more.

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CONGRESSMAN VICENTE GONZALEZ SECURES LANGUAGE IN HOUSE ENERGY & WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO ADVANCE KEY WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN SOUTH TEXAS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Provisions will support water infrastructure, mitigate flooding in coastal areas and continue advancing efforts to deepen the Port of Brownsville

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that three of his amendments were included in the House Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water funding bill.  

“While I am pleased to see the passage of my amendments to make the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend more resilient and open to greater economic opportunity, I could not turn a blind eye to raising energy costs and the $5.1 billion in cuts to energy infrastructure projects. Cuts like these could stand to jeopardize further funding from our very own South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “While I voted against this bill, my vote does not dismiss the vital provisions that mitigate flooding in our coastal communities, advance efforts to deepen the Port of Brownsville, and direct federal agencies to prioritize funding for water and wastewater infrastructure in South Texas.”

The first amendment expresses the importance of providing $40 million for water and wastewater infrastructure developments in South Texas. This amendment highlights the urgency to provide the City of Brownsville $40 million for water and wastewater infrastructure development as authorized in the passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resource Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), a bill Congressman Gonzalez supported.

“We commend Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for his leadership in spotlighting the urgent need for water and wastewater infrastructure investment through his ongoing efforts for the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” said Marilyn D. Gilbert, General Manager & CEO of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board.“ This proposed bill is designated to support infrastructure projects and sends a clear message to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that communities like Brownsville are ready to partner on critical water and wastewater projects that strengthen resilience and improve service for generations to come.”  

The second amendment would urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to reimburse the Port of Brownsville for the $27 million in advance funding that the Port provided for Segment B of the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project. This project will deepen the existing channel which will allow existing industries in the Rio Grande Valley to expand while also attracting new economic opportunities for the region.

“Time and time again, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez continues to deliver for South Texas. On behalf of the Port of Brownsville, we are grateful for his unwavering support and for being a true champion for our region. We look forward to collaborating with him and his office on transforming the economic landscape of the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Esteban Guerra, Chairman of the Port of Brownsville.

The third amendment stresses the importance of increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account to assist coastal communities through flood prevention and improved emergency recovery from natural disasters.

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CONGRESSMAN VICENTE GONZALEZ’S AMENDMENT PASSES HOUSE FISCAL YEAR 2026 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT TO HOLD MILITARY ACCOUNTABLE FOR HANDLING OF MISSING AND DECEASED SERVICE MEMBERS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

This amendment comes as a response to the tragic passing of Brownsville native, Seaman Angelina Resendiz

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that his amendment was included in the House Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.  

The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on how many service members found deceased over the last 10 years were first designated as “Absent Without Leave (AWOL)” or “Unauthorized Absence (UA)” instead of “Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN).”  

This amendment comes as a response to the tragic death of Seaman Angelina Resendiz. Despite early warnings from her colleagues, friends, and family of her disappearance, the U.S. Navy classified Resendiz as “Unauthorized Absence” instead of “Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown.” 
This report is the first step to preventing the mislabeling of service members who go missing while serving.  

“I am pleased to see that my amendment received overwhelming support. This report is an important step towards ensuring that any service member who goes missing receives the proper classification and investigatory response which can be the crossroads between life or death,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This is not a partisan issue; we have a responsibility to protect our brave service members who take an oath to defend our country. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the critical need to build safeguards for our service members.”

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Rep. Richard Hudson Joins Colleagues to Introduce the RESULTS Act to Protect Seniors’ Access to Laboratory Testing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (NC) and Raphael Warnock (GA) to introduce the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Services (RESULTS) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reforms Medicare’s Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule to protect timely access to routine and lifesaving lab tests for seniors. 

“Clinical labs are the backbone of modern medicine, providing diagnostics and detections to inform decisions and give patients and doctors the answers they need,” Said Rep. Hudson. “By passing the RESULTS Act, we can stop devastating cuts that would have threatened access to routine and lifesaving tests. This bipartisan bill delivers stability, cuts red tape, and ensures seniors and families can continue to count on timely, accurate results. I’m proud to have led this fight and deliver a commonsense solution that protects patients and strengthens care.” 

Overview:

Currently, reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory tests are based on data from less than one percent of labs. While the potential cuts have been continuously delayed by Congress, without permanent action, there will be increasing cuts to payments for tests, jeopardizing care. The RESULTS Act will strengthen how Medicare sets and updates payment rates for these tests. It builds on prior efforts from Congress by allowing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use comprehensive private claims data to establish fair, market-based rates for widely available tests. The bill reduces administrative burden on labs, adds guardrails to avoid destabilizing cuts, and updates reporting timelines so patients, providers, and payers can plan with confidence.

American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) President Susan Van Meter: “Clinical laboratory services, from the most routine to those driving personalized medicine, are indispensable to clinicians and patients. ACLA is grateful to the bipartisan sponsors of the RESULTS Act for advancing a smart solution that brings stability and ensures seniors get the essential results they deserve.”

National Independent Laboratory Association (NILA) Executive Director Mark S. Birenbaum, Ph.D.: “Many common tests are facing cuts of up to 15 percent. Without immediate reform, regional and community labs could be forced to close, leaving patients without access to critical testing. NILA applauds the bipartisan introduction of the RESULTS Act and urges swift passage.”

“I’ve long championed early detection as the cornerstone of prevention and quality care. Through my work with PA-1 health advocates and partners, I know how critical clinical labs are to keeping our seniors healthy and strengthening our health system. Without ensuring a sustainable solution, labs will close, care will be delayed, and our seniors will pay the price. The RESULTS Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution to block these cuts, protect essential services, and ensure seniors across the country have access to timely care,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The RESULTS Act will protect access to these essential services and help ensure that families in Florida—and across the country—can continue to receive the care they need.”

“Clinical labs drive innovation in health care, from early detection to guiding lifesaving treatments,” said Rep. Peters. “The RESULTS Act protects access to these essential services and ensures our health system can keep pace with the needs of patients. I’m proud to support this effort to strengthen care for seniors and families in California and across the nation.”

“Seniors across America rely on timely, accurate lab tests to detect disease, guide treatment, and prevent serious health problems. The RESULTS Act ensures those services remain accessible and affordable while fostering innovation in our health system. I’m proud to partner with colleagues from both sides of the aisle on this legislation to safeguard this lifeline for families in Illinois and nationwide.” Said Rep. Krishnamorthi.

“It is critically important that seniors have uninterrupted access to innovative diagnostic tests,” said Senator Tillis. “The Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act is a necessary step toward ensuring this access and supporting seniors’ health care needs. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to permanently fix flawed data collection and reporting methods which will allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving quality and affordable lab services.”    

Senator Raphael Warnock: “Access to quality clinical labs is essential to keeping our seniors living long, healthy lives,”said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m proud to partner with my colleague Senator Tillis to put forward this legislative fix that will help ensure Georgia seniors will continue to have access to high-quality diagnostic services.”

What the RESULTS Act Does:

• Uses an independent, comprehensive commercial claims database to set fair, market-based rates for widely available tests

• Cancels pending cuts in 2026 by freezing rates at 2025 levels during implementation

• Caps future year-over-year reductions at 5 percent once fully implemented in 2029

• Excludes non-market Medicaid managed care rates from payment calculations

• Dramatically reduces reporting burden by shifting data collection for widely available tests away from individual labs

• Extends the interval between data collection periods from three to four years

• Maintains direct reporting only for non-widely available tests and Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Tests

Read the full bill text here: [LINK]

Congressman Hudson Secures NDAA Wins for Fort Bragg and North Carolina’s Military Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) issued this statement following the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I’m proud to deliver a defense authorization bill that puts our troops, their families, and our veterans first. This NDAA secures critical investments for our military, and North Carolina’s military community. The bill implements President Trump’s agenda, restores America’s commitment to Peace Through Strength, and ensures our Armed Forces remain the most lethal and capable in the world. From pay raises to readiness upgrades at Fort Bragg, this bill is a win for every soldier and family who sacrifices everything for our nation.”

Fort Bragg & NC-09 Wins:

  • $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg.
  • $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg.
  • $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course.
  • $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
  • $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid.
  • $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center.
  • $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina. 

National Defense Priorities Delivered:

  • Delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops—strengthening quality of life for military families.
  • Codifies 15 Trump Executive Orders, reinforcing priorities like lethality, merit-based promotion, and accountability in the ranks.
  • Provides new DoD authorities and funding to support border security operations in coordination with DHS.
  • Funds President Trump’s signature defense platforms: the Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems.
  • Drastically reforms the DoD acquisition process, cutting red tape and letting innovation reach the battlefield faster.
  • Strengthens the defense industrial base, boosting American manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
  • Further counters China, Iran, North Korea, and other threats with investments in artificial intelligence, hypersonics, unmanned systems, and advanced warfighting tech.

House Republicans are implementing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda and are delivering generational investments in America’s national security.

DelBene, Leader Jeffries, Gov. Ferguson, Schrier Sound Alarm on Republican Care Assault

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08) held a press event to call out President Trump and Congressional Republican’s assault on our health care system that is raising prices, kicking people off their health coverage, and making families sicker.

The leaders emphasized the urgent need to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, which lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans, including 218,000 in Washington. These enhanced subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, and Republicans have voted multiple times against extending them.

This week, Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer released final 2026 health insurance rates for the individual exchange, showing a 21% increase from 2025. The rate increases, combined with the expiring subsidies, are estimated to increase premiums by 65% next year for people who received subsidized coverage through WA Health Plan Finder. 80,000 Washingtonians are expected to lose coverage if the subsidies expire.

The event also featured health care providers and Washingtonians who have benefited from the ACA subsidies, underscoring the real-life impact of these policies on families’ ability to access care.

“One of the biggest concerns I hear from Washington families is how fast health care costs are rising. Since taking office, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have done nothing but break their promise to lower the high cost of living. Their megabill and other policies are an assault on the health care system that is driving health care costs higher and kicking people off their coverage,” said DelBene. “Congress must act immediately to prevent millions of families across the country from losing their Exchange coverage by extending the subsidies. We have to prioritize policies that help address the needs of working families, not the wealthy and well-connected.”

“I’m grateful to be in the great state of Washington today alongside my colleagues Rep. Suzan DelBene and Dr. Rep. Kim Schrier, Governor Bob Ferguson, Commissioner Patty Kuderer and medical professionals to stand up against the all-out Republican assault on health care,” said Jeffries. “Donald Trump and House Republicans have created a health care crisis in the United States of America. They have imposed the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, ripping health care away from tens of millions of Americans, forcing the possible closure of hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics while millions will face dramatic increases in their health care premiums, co-pays and deductibles. No matter what it takes, House Democrats are committed to making sure we bring the right to high-quality health care to life and aggressively push back against this unprecedented Republican assault on the health and well-being of the American people.”

“The cruel attacks on health care access by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans are morally bankrupt,” Ferguson said. “Failing to extend these common-sense tax credits is one more way the federal government is making health care less affordable and less accessible to residents across our state. Congress must act now to extend these credits and protect health care access for tens of thousands of Washingtonians.”

“It is morally bankrupt that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are giving tax breaks to billionaires while ripping away health insurance from working families across my district. At a time when so many are already struggling, their Big Ugly Bill is about to skyrocket health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians. I will continue to fight, along with my Democratic colleagues, to reverse these reckless policies,” said Schrier.

“Affordable health care is a cornerstone of community well-being,” said Jon Duarte, President and CEO of Overlake Medical Center & Clinics. “Yet rising costs compounded by escalating payment shortfalls and federal funding cuts threaten access to that care. Both Overlake and MultiCare are committed to meeting the health needs of our communities — now and in the years to come. To fulfill that commitment, we must protect the programs that make care accessible and sustainable.”

You can watch the video of the event here.

Rep. David Kustoff Delivers Statement on President Trump’s Deployment of the National Guard to Memphis

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

WASHINGTON – Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of federal National Guard support for Memphis, Congressman David Kustoff released the following statement:

“I support President Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Memphis. I thank the President for his commitment to curb violent crime. It is important for the long term success in Memphis to have additional and permanent federal law enforcement officers and agents who can work in conjunction with state and local officials. I will continue to work with the White House to secure these important resources.”

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Latta Announces Marcia Latta, Ed.D., Honored with Congressional Families Leadership Award

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced that Marcia Latta, Ed.D., has been named one of three winners of this year’s Congressional Families Leadership Award. The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s bipartisan Congressional Families Program recognizes two members of Congress or their spouses, a celebrity, and a healthcare organization each year for their significant contributions to cancer prevention and early detection. 

The Program’s signature event brings together lawmakers, spouses, and leaders in the cancer prevention community to celebrate individuals who use their platforms to educate the public on lifesaving prevention and early detection practices. Dr. Latta is an active member of the Congressional Families Program Advisory Committee and serves on its Executive Council, the Program’s leadership team. 

“I am incredibly proud that my wife, Marcia, is being honored with the Congressional Families Leadership Award from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. For years, she has been a strong advocate for cancer prevention and awareness, supporting families and encouraging healthier communities. Her dedication and leadership have made a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. This recognition is a testament to her steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of others,” Congressman Latta said.  

“I am so honored to receive the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Leadership Award. As someone who has lost loved ones to these diseases, this effort is deeply personal,” Dr. Latta said. “Cancer is a disease that impacts nearly every family at some point. Anytime I can, I share insights and information to help reduce cancer risks. Hopefully, with progress being made we will see all forms of this terrible disease eradicated in the foreseeable future.”   

“Through this award, we recognize Marcia for her impactful work to bring awareness of cancer prevention and early detection to fellow Ohioans to help them stay ahead of cancer,” said Lisa McGovern, Executive Director of the Congressional Families Program. “As a lifelong educator, she knows the importance of using her voice to inspire others, and we are proud of her commitment to sharing vital information with her community.” 

A member of the Congressional Families Program Executive Council and dedicated advocate involved in the Program since 2012, Dr. Marcia Latta brings a personal passion to the fight against cancer. She has been deeply affected by these diseases—losing a close friend to breast cancer and witnessing her father’s battle with melanoma, diagnosed at age 70 after a lifetime of working under the sun as a farmer. His early diagnosis and multiple surgeries reshaped Dr. Latta’s perspective on sun safety and cancer prevention, a message she shares with constituents. Motivated by these personal experiences, Dr. Latta has become a powerful voice for cancer awareness and education, leveraging her platform to inform and inspire others through compelling op-eds, impactful social media outreach and public service announcements for skin cancer prevention. 

Others being honored this year are actress Olivia Munn, who is a breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Wayne Kye, husband of U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-6). 

Rep. Weber Announces Reconstitution of Flood Resilience Caucus

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Mike Ezell (MS-04) reconstituted the Flood Resilience Caucus for the 119th Congress.  The bipartisan caucus will serve as a forum to foster open and meaningful conversations regarding flood management capabilities and promote effective policy solutions that protect the coastal communities that we call home.  The need for these discussions is critical, particularly as Texas continues to recover from the deadly floods that took place over the Fourth of July.  The recent tragedy shows that it is not only our coastal communities that are at risk, but our nation at large.  However, improving flood resilience starts at our coastline.  By strengthening our natural defenses through investments in wetland management and infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Texas project, we CAN meet these challenges.  Through effective collaboration as a Caucus, we can make a real difference in protecting the lives of innocent Americans.

“As a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, I have seen numerous storms and other natural disasters wreak havoc on our communities,” said Rep. Weber.  “Over 120 million people live in coastal communities across the country, and ensuring our government can help uplift those impacted by natural disasters is a key goal of mine.  As a co-leader of the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities.”

“Once again this year, we have seen the devastating impacts of flooding in Texas,” said Rep. Fletcher.  “It is critical that Congress works to protect communities across the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, and so I am glad to reestablish the Congressional Flood Resilience Caucus.  I look forward to working with Representatives Weber, Carter, and Ezell and all of the caucus members to address the needs of our communities and develop policies to prepare for and respond to the threats that flooding poses across the country.”

“My district knows firsthand the danger and destruction that flooding brings,” said Rep. Carter, Sr.  “As the climate changes, more and more communities will also be threatened by extreme flooding.  We must take federal action to ensure that our nation is not only prepared to respond to flooding disasters, but to adapt our systems and infrastructure to be more resilient and better able to weather any storm.  I’m proud to be a part of this caucus and to be a leader in this effort.”

“I’m proud to co-lead the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus to help make sure our coastal communities have the tools they need to prepare for and recover from flooding,” said Rep. Ezell.  “In South Mississippi, we know how important strong infrastructure and smart planning are.  Flooding is the most common—and costly—natural disaster in the U.S., and it can affect anyone, even those outside high-risk areas.  That’s why flood insurance and strong federal support are so important.  I look forward to working with our co-chairs and across the aisle to protect lives, property, and our economy from future flood risks.”

Rep. Weber, along with his colleagues, founded the Flood Resilience Caucus in 2023 and has worked tirelessly to promote practical policies to strengthen our coastal communities.

Rep. Cline Named Republican Conferee for FY26 Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Bills

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Rep. Cline Named Republican Conferee for FY26 Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Bills

ROANOKE, September 12, 2025

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) was appointed as a Republican conferee for the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch appropriations bills. In this role, Rep. Cline will join 18 of his colleagues in negotiating with the Senate to finalize these funding measures.

“I am proud to join my Republican colleagues in the conference process with the Senate on these critical appropriations bills. It’s been nearly six years since Congress last convened a conference committee, and House Republicans are steadfast in our commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington. This role gives me a vital opportunity to advocate for provisions that best serve the interests of America and Virginia’s Sixth District,” said Rep. Ben Cline.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.