MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today reintroduced legislation that would mandate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans’ emergency health care expenses from non-VA facilities that are not covered by the veteran’s private insurance.

This legislation follows the 2016 Staab v. McDonald and 2019 Wolfe v. Wilkie decisions, which both ruled that the VA must reimburse veterans for these emergency medical expenses.

“No veteran should ever have to worry about whether they can afford costly medical expenses, especially when it comes to an emergency,” said Rep. Dingell. “Yet, the VA is still disregarding court rulings and continuing to deny veterans’ reimbursement claims for any non-VA emergency medical expense. With the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act, we can address this inexcusable issue head-on and ensure that those who put their lives on the line for us are receiving the proper support and care they deserve through the VA.”

Hundreds of thousands of veterans apply each year to the VA for reimbursement of emergency medical care expenses at non-VA facilities. The VA has always reimbursed emergency care expenses incurred by veterans who do not have health insurance. However, for over a decade, the VA has refused to pay for emergency care expenses if the veterans have other health insurance. This leaves insured veterans on the hook to pay deductibles and coinsurance, which can amount to thousands of dollars for just one episode of care. 

The Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act is endorsed by American Legion, VFW, DAV, PVA, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

“AMVETS fully supports the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025, which ensures veterans are not saddled with unfair medical debt when seeking emergency care outside the VA,”said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly. “By fixing existing gaps in the law, this bill provides veterans the full reimbursement they have earned and the peace of mind they deserve.”

“No veteran should face out-of-pocket costs for emergency care simply because they sought treatment outside a VA facility. DAV applauds Representative Dingell for introducing the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025, a vital measure to protect the health and financial security of our nation’s veterans,” said DAV Deputy National Legislative Director Jon Retzer. “Consistent with DAV Resolution No. 357, which calls for full reimbursement of emergency medical expenses for service-connected veterans, this legislation clarifies reimbursement rules, ensures retroactive relief for those previously denied, and removes unnecessary barriers to care. It is a clear reaffirmation of our nation’s promise to stand by those who served.”

“No veteran should face collections because two benefit systems can’t agree on an ER bill. This legislation brings clarity, fairness, and peace of mind to those who did the right thing and sought emergency care,”said Thomas Burke, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “It ensures emergency room cost-shares don’t fall on those who served. This bill closes costly loopholes and centers veterans where they belong, first. Vietnam Veterans of America supports its’ swift passage.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual comprehensive package of legislation that supports American defense and military service members.

The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The FY2026 NDAA includes a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America initiative, and authorizes President Trump’s budget request of over $900 million to fight drug trafficking, among other priorities.

“This year’s NDAA fulfills our America First commitment to protect our homeland and support our service members,” said Rep. Kelly. “This comprehensive defense legislation ensures we are strengthening our military both for today and for years to come.”

BACKGROUND

The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

Fully funds our national defense while cutting costs and improving efficiency

• Authorizes $892.6 billion for national defense discretionary programs. The FY26 NDAA saves taxpayers over $20 billion, including $15 billion in DOGE-initiated savings assumed in President Trump’s budget request.
• Saves taxpayers over $20 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.

Improves servicemember quality of life to address military recruitment, retention, and readiness
 

• Authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers.
• Reauthorizes and expands military bonuses and special pay.
• Authorizes over $1.4 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.

The FY26 bill codifies President Trump’s efforts to end left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI in the military and restores focus on lethality, meritocracy, and accountability.
 

• Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of CRT in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.
• Prohibits funds for any DEI activities at DoD.
• Repeals all existing DoD DEI offices, programs, training, activities, and authorities
• Prohibits DoD funding for colleges and universities that have not acted to prevent or mitigate antisemitic demonstrations on their campuses.
• Requires all selections for candidate admission to West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy be based on candidate merit. Service academies may no longer consider race or ethnicity in admissions decisions

Deters Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression
 

• Fully funds the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative at $1 billion
• Increases funding for innovative new technologies needed to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including hypersonics, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micronuclear reactors, and high-energy lasers
• Establishes a new Rapid Capabilities Program within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to enhance the nuclear enterprise’s ability to respond to growing nuclear threats from China and Russia.
• Authorizes funding for U.S. forces to continue training Taiwan and other partner nations in resisting China’s aggression and malign influence.

 

Provides unprecedented levels of support for, our ally, Israel, and the resources necessary to counter our adversaries.

Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.
 

• The FY26 NDAA supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America initiative to defend the nation against hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile attacks; enhances America’s nuclear deterrent; and accelerates delivery of space capabilities to deter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and space capabilities.

Continues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders.
 

• Fully funds and provides additional authorities to DoD to support DHS border security efforts
• Fully funds deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border
• Authorizes President Trump’s budget request of over $900 million to fight drug trafficking.

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

Latta Votes to Secure America’s Defense, Invest in U.S. Military Equipment, & Promote Peace Through Strength

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

Latta Statement on the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

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

WASHINGTON — Tonight, Speaker Johnson joined Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News and The Source with Kaitlin Collins on CNN to reflect on the profound life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

“He was a man of deep faith; he and I talked about that a lot. He was a man of deep conviction,” Speaker Johnson said. “I think he brought more productive content to the free marketplace of ideas than anybody in his generation. He’s a singular talent. He’ll be greatly missed.”

Watch Speaker Johnson on FOX and CNN.

On Charlie Kirk’s impact:

He was a good friend of mine. He was a man of deep faith as you know. He and I talked about that a lot. He was a man of deep conviction. I think he brought more productive content to the free marketplace of ideas than anybody in his generation. He’s a singular talent. He’ll be greatly missed. And it doesn’t even seem real tonight.

He had sharp debates, but he always went and was willing to put his arm around the person that he was debating. And the reason that he was so engaged and so passionate about what he did – I know because he and I talked about this – is because he genuinely loved everybody, and he wanted to bring them to the truth. And he was so effective at doing it. And I don’t know if anybody will be able to fill those shoes. 

On the example set by Charlie:

The great tragic irony about this, one of the tragedies, is that Charlie represented that the best of it. I mean, he’s the guy that was the champion out on the front lines, having the debate, but he loved on the people that disagreed with him, right? He loved it. And he didn’t regard them as enemies. That was the whole point. He loved it. And he loved the debate, he loved the exchange, and he loved the people that were on the other side of the table. And that’s what’s so important for us to remember. We shouldn’t regard one another as enemies. We’re fellow Americans and we should have vigorous debate, but it cannot lead to political violence. It’s just too much.

On the rise of political violence in America: 

We have to call out political violence. I think there is a recognition, some are saying it openly, some more quietly, that the vitriol, the level that is there now, the hatred that has been fomented, there’s a time that we’ve got to turn the volume down. And I think there’s a lot of the people that find pleasure in stoking that fire. And it’s dangerous. There are deranged people in society, and if they are encouraged along this way, they will do dangerous things, increasingly. We see that. I think that members of Congress have come to that recognition. I think many of them are nervous. Of course, they’re public figures. They’re exposed all the time everywhere. We have great security measures for members of Congress, but there’s a desire on many people’s parts to have more. Um, these are, these are the new realities. 

I think social media has been a toxin in politics. I think it has added to this vitriol. But at the end of the day, I think the call is that we’ve got to recognize once more that we are all fellow Americans. We should see one another as colleagues and fellow citizens and fellow countrymen and not as enemies. That’s not what Charlie Kirk represented. He genuinely loved the debate because he genuinely loved the people. And I think that’s a really important thing for us to remember.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Representative Veasey Condemns Republicans Use of Service Members as Pawns for Their Culture Wars

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey has released the following statement regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Traditionally, our country’s armed services have welcomed families of all backgrounds. Ever since President Truman integrated the military, our armed forces have been a place where you come as you are and serve your nation. For the last two iterations of the NDAA, Republicans have used this as a venue for their culture war against marginalized communities,” said Congressman Veasey. “This bill undermines the readiness of our troops and disrespects our service members by politicizing their health care needs. What should have been an apolitical process has been turned into political theater by Republicans. Therefore, I voted ‘No.’”

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Aviation Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the statement below following the third bipartisan Air Traffic Control (ATC)/National Airspace System (NAS) Modernization Working Group listening session: 

“Today marks the third session of the bipartisan ATC/NAS Modernization Working Group. We had a successful conversation with stakeholders who represent those on the frontlines of everyday aviation operations and those who represent the men and women responsible for transporting people, goods, and services across the country and beyond.

“The individuals we spoke with today provided first-hand insight into how our ATC and NAS systems affect airlines and pilots’ duties and how we, as Congress, can make improvements to make their jobs safer and more efficient. 

“From meeting with technology manufacturers to telecommunications providers and other relevant stakeholders, we are fostering an open dialogue that allows industry professionals and Members of Congress to share their perspectives to help guide the revitalization of both our ATC and NAS systems.”

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

This morning, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) published an opinion piece in the Kansas City Star highlighting the challenges Kansas families face with rising costs and the harmful impact of extreme politicians’ priorities in Washington. Davids also underscored her recent work across the aisle to deliver solutions that lower costs and strengthen Kansas communities.

Key Excerpts:

• “Everywhere I go in our community, I hear the same thing: families are stretched thin. From groceries to health care to housing, the cost of living has gone up, and people are working harder than ever just to make ends meet.”
• “Unfortunately, instead of tackling rising costs, extreme politicians in Washington, including President Trump, are making things worse. Their latest budget raises health care costs and threatens emergency food assistance for our kids — all to funnel tax breaks to billionaires and special interests.”
• “That’s why I’ve worked with both Democrats and Republicans to pass laws that actually help Kansans. I fought to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors. I passed bipartisan legislation to rebuild our roads, bridges, and water systems.”
• “The challenges we face are real, but so is our ability to overcome them — if we have leaders who put people first. Kansans deserve nothing less.”

In the piece, Davids shares her personal story, her mom’s service as an Army veteran and postal worker, and her commitment to ensuring hardworking Kansans get a fair shot. She has consistently focused on working with both parties to lower health care costs, protect Social Security, support Kansas farmers and workers, invest in local infrastructure, and more. She has also passed multiple bipartisan bills this year, even under Republican control of Washington.

Read the full essay in the Kansas City Star here or below:

Everywhere I go in our community, I hear the same thing: families are stretched thin. From groceries to health care to housing, the cost of living has gone up, and people are working harder than ever just to make ends meet.

I know what that feels like. I was raised by a single mom — a proud Army veteran who went on to work at the U.S. Postal Service. She worked long hours, sometimes juggling more than one job, to keep our family afloat. 

That experience shaped me. I later worked multiple jobs to get through college, and I’m still paying off my student loans. Now, I wake up every day determined to fight for Kansans who feel like the deck is stacked against them.

Unfortunately, instead of tackling rising costs, extreme politicians in Washington, including President Trump, are making things worse. Their latest budget raises health care costs and threatens emergency food assistance for our kids — all to funnel tax breaks to billionaires and special interests.

Here in Kansas, we’re already seeing the consequences: rural hospitals on the brink of closing, family farms squeezed by reckless trade policies, and parents worried about affording child care. That’s not leadership — it’s politics at the expense of hardworking Kansans.

Each August, Members of Congress spend an extended time back home, and for me, it’s the best part of this job because I get to spend most of my time listening. These conversations show me what’s working, what isn’t, and what more I can do to help hardworking Kansans.

Last month, I saw how the big debates in Washington translate into real impacts here at home. 

Families of children with disabilities and rural health leaders alike reminded me that Medicaid cuts aren’t abstract — they’re life-and-death decisions that put patients and entire communities at risk.

Seniors I joined at a Social Security 90th anniversary celebration spoke about how essential that program is to their retirement security — and how anxious they are about constant threats to cut it.

I also heard from workers at a local manufacturer about how reckless tariffs continue to raise their costs and strain operations, while Kansas farmers worry about unstable markets that threaten their livelihoods.

At a Head Start program, I sat with kids and teachers who reminded me how crucial affordable early childhood education is for parents’ ability to keep working and put food on the table.

And on a supply chain tour, from family farms to local grocery stores, I saw the power of investing in our local food system to lower grocery prices and strengthen our communities.

All of these conversations brought home one point: Kansans need leaders who are focused on solving problems, not creating them.

That means lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to affordable health care, investing in good-paying jobs, protecting Social Security, and making child care more affordable — not raising costs through shortsighted budgets and political power plays.

That’s why I’ve worked with both Democrats and Republicans to pass laws that actually help Kansans. I fought to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors. I passed bipartisan legislation to rebuild our roads, bridges, and water systems.

And I’ll keep working across the aisle whenever I can. Even in a Republican-controlled Washington, I’ve passed multiple bipartisan bills this year. Kansans can’t afford inaction or political gamesmanship.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I know this: all Kansans deserves a fair shot, no matter where they live or what challenges they face. That’s the promise my mom fought for in the Army and lives out every day. And it’s the promise I’ll keep fighting for in Congress.

The challenges we face are real, but so is our ability to overcome them — if we have leaders who put people first. Kansans deserve nothing less.

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

(Kansas City, KS) – Following a call from U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) to restore federal funding obligated to Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA), the FFNHA received its full federal funding for 2025 that had been frozen by the Department of Interior earlier this year. The announcement comes just weeks before the end of the federal fiscal year, when funds would have otherwise expired, ensuring uninterrupted support for local history projects, educational programs, and community partnerships across western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
 

“Freedom’s Frontier is more than a collection of historic sites — it’s a living story of who we are in the region. I’m glad we were able to secure this critical funding so that local partners can keep preserving our history, educating the next generation, and boosting our regional economy. This is what happens when communities speak up and we work together to get things done,” said Representative Sharice Davids.

 

“Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area plays a prominent role across the region in working with local partners to preserve our history and promote economic development that is vital to our communities,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Despite a regrettable delay, I’m pleased that Freedom’s Frontier has secured the funding provided by Congress and will now be capable of continuing their mission to tell our story to visitors from around the world while boosting economic activity.” 

 

“Because of the dedication and advocacy of our friends and partners across the region, we are now able to continue our core mission of promoting tourism and economic development in rural Kansas and Missouri,” said Lucinda Adams, executive director of FFNHA. “Your calls and conversations with your representatives mattered. We are deeply grateful.”

 

Despite being signed into law in March, federal funding for NHAs — including the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) in western Missouri and eastern Kansas — had been frozen for nearly six months. As a result, local sites struggled to keep staff employed, preserve historic landmarks, and continue educational programs that serve thousands of visitors and students each year.

 

NHAs are public-private partnerships that highlight culturally significant regions across the U.S., from Civil War battlefields to Indigenous heritage sites. Each federal dollar invested generates over $5 in private and local support. Without this timely funding, programs grind to a halt and community-driven preservation work suffers.

 

Established in 2006, the FFNHA is one of 55 National Heritage Areas throughout the United States. FFNHA tells the stories and builds awareness of western Missouri and eastern Kansas’ past, present, and future, including stories of American settlement of the western frontier, Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War, Brown v. Board of Education, and significant figures in our nation’s history such as President Harry Truman, Amelia Earhart, and the Native tribes of the Great Plains.

 

The FFNHA supports and promotes roughly 323 partners, including historic sites, museums, historical societies, libraries, and other cultural-heritage tourism destinations in 41 counties across the Missouri-Kansas border.

 

Some notable FFNHA partners in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri include the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Truman Presidential Library, American Jazz Museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and more.

 

Some notable FFNHA partners in the Third Congressional District of Kansas include Old Quindaro Museum, John Brown Museum, Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association, Kaw Point Park, Louisburg Historical Society, and more.

 

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

Today, the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee successfully passed two of Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan bills, sending them to the House floor for a full vote. These bills modernize emergency response systems and provide tribal governments with critical resources to respond to disasters.

“These bills are about keeping communities safe, empowering first responders, and ensuring people get timely alerts and support during emergencies,” said Davids. “In Kansas, where tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms can strike with little warning, having modern alert systems and strong support for emergency responders isn’t just important — it’s essential for protecting lives and property.”

The WARN Act would modernize the nation’s emergency alert systems. It would ensure that federal, state, and local authorities can send timely, reliable alerts during natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies — helping communities respond quickly and save lives.

The second bill would authorize the President to provide fire management assistance directly to Indian Tribal Governments. This ensures tribal nations have the federal support necessary to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies, protecting both people and property.

As a member of the House T&I Committee, Davids has championed pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to improve infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety nationwide. Today’s committee action underscores her commitment to delivering results for local communities, tribal nations, and first responders.

With committee approval secured, both bills will now move to the full House for a vote. Davids continues to work across the aisle to ensure these critical measures become law.