Ranking Member Maxine Waters Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman and House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement after the passing of former Congressman and Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank:

“Barney Frank was a transformational force in Congress, a brilliant legislator, and one of the most fearless champions for working people and communities I have ever met. Throughout his time in Congress and after, he never lost sight of who he was fighting for, which was everyday families, the communities he proudly represented in Massachusetts, and the LGBTQ community, especially at a time when many of them could not speak out openly in their own defense. His constituents knew Barney Frank not only as a powerful voice in Washington, but as a public servant who never stopped fighting to improve their lives.

As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney helped lead our country through one of the most devastating financial crises in modern history and played a central role in delivering historic reforms to hold Wall Street accountable and protect consumers from abuse and exploitation. His leadership reshaped our financial system and restored faith that government
could stand up for the people, not just the powerful.

Barney led with intellect, conviction, humor, and courage, and he never backed down from speaking truth to power or standing up for what was right. When I first stepped into the leadership role on the Committee, it was Barney who mentored and guided me. He taught me how to build coalitions, to work with my Members, and to never forget who I am and what I stand for. But Barney was more than a mentor. He was a friend, a fighter, and a trailblazer, whose impact on our country cannot be overstated.

His legacy of fighting for justice, fairness, and accountability will endure for generations to come.

My prayers and deepest condolences are with Barney’s husband, family, friends, former colleagues, staff, constituents, and all who loved him during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
 

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Miller, Colleagues Introduce Rural Hospital Revitalization Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), joined her colleagues, Reps. Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Jeff Hurd (CO-03) and Lauren Boebert (CO-04), in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen rural hospital infrastructure and enhance patient care.

The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act would provide interest-free loans of up to 10 years through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Program to support the construction and renovation of rural hospitals. The bill would allow rural hospitals to reinvest the savings from reduced debt costs into clinical care, workforce retention, and other operational needs.

“Many hospitals in West Virginia serve rural communities, adding unique hurdles for patients when accessing care and stretching thin already limited resources. This legislation ensures rural hospitals can modernize their facilities, meet today’s healthcare standards, and continue delivering dependable care to those who rely on them. It represents a clear commitment to our rural communities by providing the federal support necessary to strengthen hospital infrastructure and safeguard access to care for some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“From Kula to Kahuku, rural hospitals across Hawai’i are grappling with rising expenses and deteriorating facilities, putting their future at risk and making it increasingly difficult to ensure care remains accessible in our local communities. No one should have to buy a plane ticket, catch a ferry, or drive for hours just to see a doctor. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act to help rural hospitals improve their infrastructure and capacity to keep essential medical services close to home,”said Congresswoman Tokuda.

 

“Every single person should be able to see a doctor of their choice in the community of their choosing. That means the federal government must incentivize the outcomes we want to see: a strong network of rural hospitals in every corner of this country. I am proud to support this legislation, which will help rural hospitals improve their infrastructure and capacity so they can keep essential medical services close to home,” said Congresswoman Dexter.

“Rural hospitals are already hanging on by a thread, and extreme Medicaid cuts are now forcing closures and leaving families with hour-long drives just to see a doctor. This bipartisan bill helps keep rural hospitals open by strengthening the resources they need to provide care close to home, so people aren’t left scrambling when they need help the most,” said Congresswoman Davids.

“Rural hospitals provide critical care and jobs for communities across the country. Unfortunately, many of these facilities are struggling to keep their doors open due to financial challenges. This bill offers a targeted solution to help improve the financial standing and long-term viability of rural hospitals nationwide,”said Congressman Figures.

“Across rural Colorado, local hospitals are more than healthcare providers. They are lifelines for entire communities. Colorado’s Third District families rely on these hospitals for emergency care, long term treatment, and good paying local jobs. No family should have to drive hours to access basic healthcare. The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act helps communities keep their hospitals open, modernize critical facilities, and continue delivering quality care close to home,” said Congressman Hurd.

“Colorado’s 4th Congressional District depends on strong rural communities and access to quality healthcare. This bipartisan legislation would help stabilize our rural hospitals, protect care for families across Eastern Colorado, and support the doctors, nurses, and emergency services our communities rely on every day. Keeping healthcare local to Colorado is critical for our farmers, ranchers, seniors, and small towns in our district,” said Congresswoman Boebert.

“Every American deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, no matter their zip code. Rural hospitals are lifelines for communities throughout the Big First and rural America, and they need the tools to keep serving patients close to home. The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act helps rural hospitals build new facilities or renovate existing ones so rural Americans don’t have to drive hours to see a health care professional. This commonsense bill strengthens rural America and gives rural hospitals the ability to treat patients with care,” said Congressman Mann. 

National and regional organizations endorsing the bill include the National Rural Health Association, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, the Eastern Plains Healthcare Consortium, the Association of Washington Public Health Districts, and Lincoln Health.

Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Senate version of this legislation in March 2026. 

Read the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act bill text.

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Reps. Mike Levin, Jason Crow, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Launch End Corruption Caucus

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

May 27, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) launched the End Corruption Caucus alongside Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06).

This new caucus will work to advance legislation, bring together like-minded partners, and aim to root out corruption in government, to restore the American people’s trust in their leaders.

As part of the launch, Levin, Crow, and Ocasio-Cortez introduced a congressional resolution asking Congress to denounce corruption in all its forms and oppose the implementation of policies that benefit special interests and corrupt politicians at the expense of the American people.

“At no other point in American history have we seen corruption so rampant in our politics. We have a president using the office to enrich himself, his family, and his friends. He has traded thousands of stocks in companies that benefit from his own policies and created a billion-dollar slush fund, paid for by taxpayers, to reward his allies,” said Congressman Levin. “The American people are the ones paying the price while the well-connected cash in. We must confront this corruption head-on, hold the powerful accountable, and ensure our government works for the people again.”

“Corruption is poisoning our politics. From the disastrous Citizens United decision, to the President using his office to enrich himself and his family, our democracy is buckling under the influence of billionaire donors and special interests,” said Congressman Crow. “Corruption is why costs are so high, why the government feels unresponsive, and why the system seems to only benefit the wealthy and well-connected. We must take on corruption to lower prices, restore trust, and help working families.”

“The influence of big money in politics is a major reason why everyday Americans struggle to trust our institutions and our work in Congress,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “That is why I am proud to co-chair the End Corruption Caucus, alongside Congressmen Jason Crow and Mike Levin, to remove dark money and special interests from our government, shut the lobbying revolving door, and enforce accountability in all branches of government. It is time that we put Americans first and earnestly work to restore the faith and integrity of our lawmaking.”

As working-class Americans struggle to afford housing and put food on the table, President Trump has used his office to personally enrich himself and his family by at least $3.4 billion.

Trump has also weaponized the federal government against his perceived political opponents and those that speak out in opposition to his policies. Trump stalled government investigations into Elon Musk’s companies; weaponized the IRS against universities; attacked the free press; used the FCC to silence Jimmy Kimmel; and more. He has taken a page out of the authoritarian playbook and wielded the Department of Justice to levy bogus criminal indictments against his personal and political enemies.

You can read the full text of the resolution here:

Denouncing corruption in all its forms.

Whereas 3 quarters of Americans think United States Government corruption poses a critical threat to the vital interests of the United States;

Whereas public trust in government is near historic lows;

Whereas only 17 percent of United States adults say they trust the Federal Government to do the right thing just about always or most of the time;

Whereas a vast majority of Americans, regardless of their partisan identification, view unlimited political spending as weakening democracy and believe wealthy donors have too much power in elections;

Whereas a vast majority of Americans support anticorruption rules that strengthen democracy and constitutional rights by ensuring everyone has equal political representation, regardless of money;

Whereas corruption, self-dealing and dark money in our political system undermine public confidence in the democratic process and democratic institutions;

Whereas the revolving door between the private and public sector can create conflicts of interest that prioritize special interests over the public good and reduce the public’s confidence that their representatives are working for them;

Whereas using public office to attack political enemies and for personal enrichment are hallmarks of autocratic and kleptocratic regimes;

Whereas using public office for personal enrichment through insider trading, foreign licensing deals, gifts from foreign nations, and the sale of various cryptocurrencies corrupts the basic oath taken by elected officials to serve the American people and further erodes the public’s faith in government;

Whereas promising industries favorable policies, tax incentives, and an end to regulatory oversight in exchange for extensive campaign donations further drowns out the voices of the people and increases the risk of systemic corruption; and

Whereas providing pardons to individuals who have provided millions of dollars in donations to associated political action committees (PACs), special projects, and inauguration funds creates a system where political donations can cancel out justice and further erodes the public’s trust in our systems of government: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the House of Representatives denounces corruption in all its forms and opposes the implementation of policies that benefit special interests and corrupt politicians at the expense of the American people.

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ENERGY AND COMMERCE ADVANCES TWO MATSUI BILLS TARGETING TOXIC CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AND LIFE-SAVING PATIENT CARE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce overwhelmingly passed Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s (D-CA-07) Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act and Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization ActTogether, the bills advance a simple promise that families deserve stronger health and safety protections in their daily lives, from reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in the cars they drive to improving access to lifesaving treatments when illness strikes. 

“Sacramento families deserve to know that the cars they drive, the products they use and the healthcare systems they rely on are built around their safety and well-being,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “These bipartisan bills are about meeting people where they are, whether that means protecting families from unnecessary toxic chemical exposure in their vehicles or helping patients find a lifesaving stem cell match when they need it most. I’m proud to work with the Committee to pass these bills and bring us one step closer to ensuring better, safer standards, stronger patient access, and real peace of mind for families in Sacramento and across the country.”

Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act

Families should be able to trust that the cars they drive are safe without being exposed to unnecessary toxic chemicals in the process. The Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a study that identifies potential safety risks from hazardous chemicals used as flame retardants in the interior of motor vehicles. The study will help update federal motor vehicle safety standards to protect Americans from vehicle fires while also preventing exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Congresswoman Matsui previously led the Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act (SOFFA) to modernize household furniture fire safety standards and remove harmful flame retardants that offered little proven safety benefit.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act 

For patients facing blood cancers, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening conditions, finding a stem cell match can mean the difference between life and death. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the national bone marrow and cord blood programs that help connect patients with lifesaving donors, support transplant research and expand access to treatment. The legislation authorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program for five years at $33 million annually and the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. 

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

Clyburn, Davis, Cohen Lead Legislation to Create Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)


Legislation would honor the Chicago business leader and philanthropist whose partnership with Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee Institute, and Black communities helped educate generations of African American children across the South

WASHINGTON, DC — This month, Representatives James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) led the House introduction of the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act, legislation to establish a multi-site National Historical Park honoring Julius Rosenwald, the Rosenwald Schools, and one of the most consequential educational and philanthropic partnerships in American history. The bill’s introduction aligns with the anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which the Rosenwald Fund helped fund in its early stages, and with May being Jewish American Heritage Month.

Julius Rosenwald, the son of German-Jewish immigrants, helped build Sears, Roebuck and Company into a retail powerhouse from its base in Chicago. He then used his fortune to expand opportunities for others. During the Jim Crow era, Rosenwald partnered with Booker T. Washington, the Tuskegee Institute, and thousands of Black communities across the South to help build Rosenwald Schools, which educated more than 600,000 African American children and helped narrow the education gap in the South.

The Rosenwald Fund supported institutions and initiatives that shaped American life, including early NAACP legal efforts that helped lead to Brown v. Board of Education, fellowships for African American artists and scholars such as Jacob Lawrence, Marian Anderson, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes, and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In Chicago, Rosenwald’s civic legacy includes support for major institutions such as the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act would:

  • Establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park to commemorate Rosenwald’s life, philanthropy, and partnership with African American communities.
  • Preserve representative Rosenwald Schools, including San Domingo School in Maryland, St. George Rosenwald School in South Carolina, and Woodville Rosenwald School in Virginia.
  • Create a National Park Service network to connect remaining Rosenwald Schools and related sites nationwide.
  • Interpret Rosenwald’s legacy at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama.

“It is fitting and proper to honor Julius Rosenwald for his enduring legacy of opportunity, education, and community.  I am proud to support a historic national park that bears the name of this man who has impacted so many lives,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “Julius Rosenwald helped establish and develop thousands of schools for Black children across the segregated South in the early 20th century. Documenting and preserving African American’s rich history and enduring struggle for freedom and liberty are essential in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. Rosenwald’s legacy and contributions will tell the story of struggle and perseverance for years to come.”

“Julius Rosenwald’s story is a Chicago story, a civil rights story, a Jewish American story, and an American story,” said Congressman Davis. “From the Sears complex in Chicago to the rural schoolhouses built through the sacrifice and determination of Black communities across the South, this legislation will help ensure that future generations understand how education, philanthropy, interracial cooperation, and community action changed the course of our nation. I am proud to lead this bill to preserve and interpret the legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools.”

“Julius Rosenwald was a visionary philanthropist whose altruism and philosophy of giving embodied the Jewish concept of tzedakah – social justice and charity to those in need,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “Decades before Brown v Board of Education overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine, he partnered with African American communities across the South to help build schools for children with limited access to good public education. At one time, one-third of all Black students in the rural South received their education in a Rosenwald School. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congressmen Davis and Clyburn to preserve Rosenwald’s legacy so that others may learn and be inspired by his story.”

“Between 1912 and 1932 Julius Rosenwald partnered first with Booker T Washington and then with African-American communities in 15 southern states to build nearly 5,000 schools for their children who previously had little or no access to education.  The two men had one dream, and the communities through their hope, faith, courage, determination, and resilience made that dream a reality. Over 600,000 students attended the schools and were given the opportunity to lead a better life. And they did! This is a remarkable story of how people of different backgrounds and cultures worked together to make our country a better place. It needs to be told in a new National Historical Park,” said Dorothy Canter, President, Campaign to Create Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park

The legislation builds on Rep. Davis’s and Rep. Cohen’s enacted Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act, which required the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study of sites associated with Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools.  In the Senate, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) champions companion legislation.  The bill is supported by more than 200 nonprofit organizations, including national parks, civil rights, African American, Jewish, historic preservation, cultural, educational, museum, synagogue, church, and Rosenwald School preservation organizations.

A summary of the legislation, including supporting organizations, is available HERE.

Congressman Al Green Releases Statement in Response to President Trump’s Truth Social Post About the Election

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX) — On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

“Friends, click here to see President Trump’s comments about my election. Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. President, but you will hear from me again. I have more than enough time left in Congress to continue calling out your corruption. Sincerely, your unbought, unbossed, unafraid, unelected, liberated democrat – Al Green, The People’s Congressman.”

Reps. Davis, Cohen, Clyburn Lead Legislation to Create Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Legislation Would Honor the Chicago Business Leader and Philanthropist Whose Partnership with Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee Institute, and Black Communities Helped Educate Generations of African American Children across the South.

 

Washington, D.C. — This month, Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and James E. Clyburn (D-SC) led the House introduction of the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act, legislation to establish a multi-site National Historical Park honoring Julius Rosenwald, the Rosenwald Schools, and one of the most consequential educational and philanthropic partnerships in American history. The bill’s introduction aligns with the anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which the Rosenwald Fund helped fund in its early stages, and with May being Jewish American Heritage Month.

Julius Rosenwald, the son of German-Jewish immigrants, helped build Sears, Roebuck and Company into a retail powerhouse from its base in Chicago. He then used his fortune to expand opportunities for others. During the Jim Crow era, Rosenwald partnered with Booker T. Washington, the Tuskegee Institute, and thousands of Black communities across the South to help build Rosenwald Schools, which educated more than 600,000 African American children and helped narrow the education gap in the South.

The Rosenwald Fund supported institutions and initiatives that shaped American life, including early NAACP legal efforts that helped lead to Brown v. Board of Education, fellowships for African American artists and scholars such as Jacob Lawrence, Marian Anderson, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes, and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In Chicago, Rosenwald’s civic legacy includes support for major institutions such as the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act would:

  • Establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park to commemorate Rosenwald’s life, philanthropy, and partnership with African American communities.

  • Preserve representative Rosenwald Schools, including San Domingo School in Maryland, St. George Rosenwald School in South Carolina, and Woodville Rosenwald School in Virginia.

  • Create a National Park Service network to connect remaining Rosenwald Schools and related sites nationwide.

  • Interpret Rosenwald’s legacy at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama.

“Julius Rosenwald’s story is a Chicago story, a civil rights story, a Jewish American story, and an American story,” said Congressman Davis. “From the Sears complex in Chicago to the rural schoolhouses built through the sacrifice and determination of Black communities across the South, this legislation will help ensure that future generations understand how education, philanthropy, interracial cooperation, and community action changed the course of our nation. I am proud to lead this bill to preserve and interpret the legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools.”

“Julius Rosenwald was a visionary philanthropist whose altruism and philosophy of giving embodied the Jewish concept of tzedakah – social justice and charity to those in need,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “Decades before Brown v Board of Education overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine, he partnered with African American communities across the South to help build schools for children with limited access to good public education. At one time, one-third of all Black students in the rural South received their education in a Rosenwald School. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congressmen Davis and Clyburn to preserve Rosenwald’s legacy so that others may learn and be inspired by his story.”

“It is fitting and proper to honor Julius Rosenwald for his enduring legacy of opportunity, education, and community.  I am proud to support a historic national park that bears the name of this man who has impacted so many lives,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “Julius Rosenwald helped establish and develop thousands of schools for Black children across the segregated South in the early 20th century. Documenting and preserving African American’s rich history and enduring struggle for freedom and liberty are essential in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. Rosenwald’s legacy and contributions will tell the story of struggle and perseverance for years to come.”

“Between 1912 and 1932 Julius Rosenwald partnered first with Booker T Washington and then with African-American communities in 15 southern states to build nearly 5,000 schools for their children who previously had little or no access to education.  The two men had one dream, and the communities through their hope, faith, courage, determination, and resilience made that dream a reality. Over 600,000 students attended the schools and were given the opportunity to lead a better life. And they did! This is a remarkable story of how people of different backgrounds and cultures worked together to make our country a better place. It needs to be told in a new National Historical Park.”  — Dorothy Canter, President, Campaign to Create Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park

The legislation builds on Rep. Davis’s and Rep. Cohen’s enacted Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act, which required the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study of sites associated with Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools.  In the Senate, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) champions companion legislation.  The bill is supported by more than 200 nonprofit organizations, including national parks, civil rights, African American, Jewish, historic preservation, cultural, educational, museum, synagogue, church, and Rosenwald School preservation organizations.

A summary of the legislation, including supporting organizations, is available HERE.

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DelBene Introduces Bill to Invest $200 Billion in America’s High-Speed Rail Future

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

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the American High Speed Rail Act, which would invest $200 billion over five years to build a world-class high-speed passenger rail system.

This legislation lays out a comprehensive foundation for America’s rail resurgence and would put the United States on par with nations in Europe and Asia that have long led the world in modern rail travel. It standardizes definitions for high-speed rail (186+ mph) and higher-speed rail (110-186 mph), establishes robust public-private partnership frameworks to maximize federal investment, and targets grants to projects that deliver equity, resilience, sustainability, and economic development for the communities they serve. 

The bill also expands transit-oriented development incentives to grow affordable housing and spur commercial development around new rail hubs. It also streamlines project delivery by eliminating expenditure timelines, modernizing labor protections, and directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to fast-track performance-based safety regulations for advanced technologies already proven in global markets. 

“This legislation marks a transformative step toward creating a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Americans,” said DelBene. “By investing in a national high-speed rail network, we are not only alleviating strain on our highways and airports and creating safer communities, but we are also strengthening productivity and lowering carbon emissions. An expanded high-speed rail system would have an incredible value in the Pacific Northwest, connecting key population centers from Vancouver to Portland and beyond.”

“America deserves the same world-class high-speed rail system that other countries across the globe have had now for decades,” said Moulton. “This isn’t just about improving convenience, it’s about creating smart, business-driven investment that will create millions of good-paying jobs, connect communities big and small, fight climate change, and ensure America leads the way in the infrastructure of the future.”

The text of the legislation can be found here

Rep. Dina Titus Legislation to Safeguard Water Security and Expand Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Signed into Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus’s Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, H.R. 972, was signed into law this week, increasing Southern Nevada’s water security while enhancing environmental conservation. 

“This is a critical step in ensuring our water future,” Congresswoman Titus (NV-01) said. “Southern Nevada is the epicenter of the climate crisis with rising temperatures and dwindling water resources. Our precious water supply must be protected. The Horizon Lateral pipeline strikes an important balance. It will protect and enhance water access for Southern Nevada residents and businesses while preserving more of the unique habitat and cultural history of Sloan Canyon.” 

The Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act will allow a portion of the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Horizon Lateral water pipeline project to tunnel beneath the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA), increasing water reliability for over a million Southern Nevadans, fortifying the region’s water infrastructure against potential outages, and minimizing disruptions and impacts to the surrounding communities from water infrastructure projects.

The legislation will also expand the 48,438-acre Sloan Canyon NCA by 9,290 acres to enhance the preservation of the desert landscapes and habitat unique to Southern Nevada. The Sloan Canyon NCA contains the Sloan Petroglyph Site, which includes thousands of petroglyphs created by native cultures.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority has affirmed its support for the legislation, emphasizing the significance of ensuring water service reliability for the Las Vegas Valley.

“This legislation increases water service reliability for more than one million residents and hundreds of businesses in Southern Nevada, helping ensure the long-term viability of our regional water system while also expanding and protecting environmental resources for our community,” said John Ensminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Background:

The proposed underground route beneath Sloan Canyon NCA is estimated to save Southern Nevadans at least $200 million while minimizing disturbances to both residents and the local environment.

Additionally, this route ensures the water delivery system’s redundancy in emergency situations and offers flexibility to accommodate the needs of a growing community.

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Rep. Titus Champions Committee Passage of the Bipartisan Build America 250 Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, helped pass the Build America 250 Act. This legislation includes several highway and hazardous materials provisions championed by Congresswoman Titus. 

“It feels like just yesterday that we enacted the most significant infrastructure investment in our nation’s history through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “I am proud to help pass this bipartisan package to build on that progress that includes my provisions to help prevent thermal runaway accidents, make our busses more resilient in the face of extreme heat, protect our children in school zones, keep children out of emergency rooms from e-bike and e-scooter accidents, increase funding for critical infrastructure projects across Southern Nevada, and keep animals and drivers out of harm’s way.” 

Highways and Hazardous Materials Provisions Championed by Congresswoman Titus include:

  • Thermal Runaway Reduction Act (H.R.7928): helps communities prepare for and respond to lithium-ion battery fires by creating a $2 million/year grant program at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to test effective strategies to extinguish thermal runaway. These provisions also modernize the federal regulations for the commercial transportation of lithium-ion batteries.
  • BUFFER Act (H.R.5216): eliminates the Federal Transit Administration’s arbitrary spare bus ratio cap, helping buses run on time even during extreme heat waves.
  • Protect Our Students Act (H.R.3265): makes safety improvements in school zones eligible for federal highway safety funding. 
  • MOVE Act (H.R.6702): helps families make more informed decisions about e-bikes and e-scooters, keeping children out of the emergency room.
  • Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act (H.R.2992): helps prevent roadside vehicle crashes and work zone crashes. 
  • Modal Parity in Permitting Act (H.R.8315): aligns the permitting process for transit and rail projects with the permitting process for highway projects. 
  • Protecting Horses (H.R.1661): prevents the transport of equines for slaughter for human consumption. 
  • Wildlife Crossings Program: makes the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program permanent.

Rail Provisions Championed by Congresswoman Titus include: 

Congresswoman Titus, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, also secured comprehensive rail safety provisions to finally implement the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations on the causes of the derailment in East Palestine in 2023. 

This includes the Railway Safety Act, which was enacted through a bipartisan amendment introduced by Congresswoman Titus. Among other provisions, it would phase out the use of DOT-111 tank cars, the type of car that was punctured and caused a hazardous fire after the derailment, strengthen the standards for wayside detectors, and codify the two-person crew rule. 

The package also includes Congresswoman Titus’s Secure Tracks Act, legislation that requires visual track inspections be conducted by a human track inspector at least twice a week. These provisions also require railroads to use Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology at regular intervals to supplement and support visual track inspections.

“Trains carrying hazardous materials run right through my District in the heart of Las Vegas,” said Congresswoman Titus. “The railway safety provisions I secured in the BUILD America 250 Act will prevent future derailments like the one in East Palestine and keep communities safe across the United States. I am proud to have championed multiple bipartisan amendments that were adopted to put the safety of our communities first.” 

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