MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Condemns Rescission of Affirmative Action Guidance

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded the 1979 rule that establishes affirmative action guidelines for employers.

“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) decision to rescind its long-standing guidelines on affirmative action in the workplace is another step in the Trump Administration’s campaign to dismantle civil rights and equal opportunity for workers. For nearly 50 years, the rule has established clear guidelines for employers on when and how to implement strategies to address race and gender imbalances and protect Americans from workplace discrimination.

“Even without this guidance, employers are still required to follow Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the Supreme Court has limited the use of race in the admissions process to increase diversity in higher education, its earlier decisions, United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979) and Johnson v. Transportation Agency (1987), that guide the use of affirmative action in the private sector have not been overturned and remain the law of the land.As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I am committed to fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on workers and to ensuring that all Americans are given an equal chance to get ahead.”

Background: Following Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of two of the three Democratic Commissioners on the five-seat Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the elevation of Andrea Lucas as Chair of the Commission, the EEOC has taken numerous actions that undermine rather than advance equal opportunity for workers.

On September 22, 2025, Ranking Member Scott condemned the EEOC after it was reported that it would end investigations where an employee alleges solely disparate impact workplace discrimination charges.

On January 23, 2026, Ranking Member Scott expressed his concern that the EEOC had taken numerous actions at the direction of Chair Andrea Lucas that undermined the EEOC’s mission to protect workers from discrimination. In his letter to Chair Lucas, Ranking Member Scott noted that the Commission has abandoned cases alleging disparate impact, singled out white men as a group that should reach out to the EEOC with discrimination claims, and rescinded guidance that served as an important resource for both workers and employers regarding prohibitions against discrimination, including harassment.

On June 29, 2026, Ranking Member Scott condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a decision that also undermines the independence of the EEOC.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Huffman (CA-02), and Congressman Raskin (MD-08), alongside other democratic colleagues, introduced a resolution in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. As the United States prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, the resolution recognizes the nation’s long tradition of protecting religious liberty through a secular government, celebrates America’s growing religious diversity, and rejects efforts to use the power of government to impose any one religious belief on the American people.

This resolution comes at a pivotal moment for religious freedom in America. Last week, Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission released a dangerous 224-page draft report proposing policies that would expand the role of religion in government and weaken safeguards that have protected religious freedom for generations. The commission is stacked with mostly right-wing Christian nationalists, and one conservative Jewish member, all of whom endorse claims that America was founded as a Chrisian nation.

“Last week Trump’s so called Religious Liberty Commission released an absurd report launching a direct attack on one of America’s greatest constitutional achievements: the separation of church and state,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The Constitution doesn’t belong to Christian nationalists, and it doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to all of us, and its promise of religious freedom protects every American, regardless of what they believe. No president, no matter how determined to erode our constitutional freedoms, can change what has always been at the heart of this country: a belief in liberty and freedom for all. That includes the freedom to worship as you choose, or not at all, without government interference or religious coercion. That’s the America worth celebrating after 250 years, and it’s the America we must continue to defend.”

“Our Founders rebelled against centuries of state-controlled churches, religious warfare, Crusades, inquisitions, witchcraft trials, and other expressions of religious authoritarianism to create a secular Constitution,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, our resolution is a necessary reminder to guard religious freedom, one of our nation’s founding principles, from those seeking to destroy it by using the government to impose white Christian nationalism. Mr. President, read the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of our Constitution.”

The resolution draws on the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and other Founders, as well as longstanding constitutional precedent, to underscore that religious freedom flourishes when government remains neutral in matters of faith. It also recognizes that the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses have safeguarded Americans of every religion, and those of no religion, for nearly 250 years.

A full copy of the resolution can be found here.

In addition to Brownley, Huffman, and Raskin, the resolution is cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42).

The resolution is endorsed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Humanist Association, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Coalition, The Center for Inquiry, and Interfaith Alliance, and Baptist Joint Committee, Ex-Muslims of North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jews for Secular Democracy, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Emgage, Vote Common Good, Sikh Coalition.

A full list of quotes from endorsed organizations can be found here.

Issues: 119th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Federal Assistance Now Available to Michigan Residents Affected by Flooding

Last week, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration in the State of Michigan in response to severe flooding, storms, and tornadoes which impacted the state in April. Congressman John Moolenaar supports the President’s announcement and joined his colleagues from Michigan in Congress in urging him to approve Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for federal assistance. 

“I am grateful President Trump stepped in to approve the major disaster declaration in our state,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “April’s flooding and storms devastated communities across the Second District, and now FEMA will be able to assist residents and local organizations as they continue to recover. I encourage all Michigan families who were affected by the flooding to apply for assistance before the August 31 deadline.” 

The President’s declaration includes direct federal assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the flooding in the following counties in Michigan’s Second Congressional District: Barry, Gratiot, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford.

Michigan residents who experienced property loss or damage from the flooding in these counties may apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA requires homeowners and renters seeking individual assistance to file an insurance claim prior to submitting an application.

FEMA’s declaration also includes Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, tribal agencies, and certain non-profit organizations for response costs, infrastructure repair, and debris removal in Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford counties.  

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Kristian Richard, a Lafayette homeschool student, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s 3rd District. 
 

Download the full image here. 

Kristian’s piece, titled “With God All Things Are Possible”, captures the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Congressman Higgins hosted Kristian and her family at the U.S. Capitol last week, where her artwork will remain on display for a year.
 

“Kristian’s art reflects the spirit that defines South Louisiana, and I was honored to see her work displayed in the Capitol, said Rep. Higgins. “St. John the Evangelist is a beautiful cathedral, and Kristian captured it with great artistic skill. I’m proud to see one of our youth use her gifts to honor faith and South Louisiana culture.”

About the Congressional Art Competition:
 
Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art competition for high school students. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved in the nationwide competition.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to reintroduce the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This bipartisan bill would help lower the rate of drug overdoses among older adults by authorizing residential and in-patient treatment of opioid-use disorder under Medicare.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I’ve heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Rep. Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

Supporting organizations include the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would:

• Create a new Medicare benefit to cover residential and inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder according to American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.
• Include coverage for:
• Low-intensity residential treatment for individuals who need ongoing support in a structured setting.
• High-intensity residential treatment for individuals requiring more comprehensive clinical care.
• Medically managed residential treatment for patients with more complex medical and addiction treatment needs.
• Establish a predictable Medicare payment system that reimburses treatment providers through a fixed payment amount, helping improve access to care and encourage provider participation.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Bipartisan Moolenaar Resolution Recognizes America's 250th Anniversary, Michigan's Role in National History

This week, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and recognize the State of Michigan’s role in our nation’s history.  

“Michigan and its residents have played a crucial role in our nation’s history, making significant contributions in manufacturing, medicine, government, and more. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence serves as an important opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the principles that make our nation the greatest country on earth and educate young people on the legacy of the Founders and these great Michiganders. As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, I encourage all Michigan residents to reflect on the ideals set forth by our Founders in the Declaration of Independence,” said Moolenaar.  

Moolenaar was joined in introducing his resolution by every member of the Michigan Congressional delegation including Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), John James (R-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI). 

The text of the resolution can be found here.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representatives GT Thompson (PA-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. Senators and Representatives, including the full New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, in a new letter urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explicitly include American hardwood lumber within the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade. Due to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American hardwood lumber, American hardwood manufactures have ceded market share to countries such as China, Russia and Thailand—resulting in a cumulative cost of over $9.5 billion in foregone hardwood sales and a significant decline in domestic hardwood production. The American hardwood industry is critical to local economies across the country, including in New Hampshire. Ensuring hardwood lumber is included in China’s procurement commitments under the new Board of Trade would protect this key industry and boost American manufacturing.

The members of Congress wrote, in part: “We write to urge the Administration to include American hardwood lumber in the framework for the newly formed U.S.-China Board of Trade and to ensure that any Chinese procurement commitments include American hardwood lumber, not logs, so that domestic lumber manufacturing is not undercut by China. The American hardwood lumber industry is vital to our states and the U.S. economy overall, supporting sawmills, loggers and rural economies across the country. We believe that if the Board of Trade focuses on hardwood lumber, it can provide much needed economic relief for domestic lumber manufacturers and support communities that depend on a competitive American hardwood industry.”

They continued: “The cumulative cost of lost market access is estimated at $9.882 billion in foregone sales. This loss in sales led to a massive decline in production; domestic hardwood lumber production has dropped 48.3 percent since 2018, capacity was down 6 percent between 2020 and 2022 and output in the first quarter of 2025 declined 19 percent from 2024.”

The lawmakers concluded: “Historically, China has accounted for roughly 25% of U.S. hardwood lumber production, and restoring this relationship is essential to communities in our states and across the county. We support the Administration’s interest supporting American manufacturing and request that USTR to take the following steps:

1. Explicitly include American hardwood lumber in the Board of Trade framework;
2. Include American hardwood lumber – not logs – in China’s $17 billion procurement commitment; and
3. Include enforceable compliance mechanisms with measurable targets specific to hardwood lumber and regularly review hardwood lumber purchases at the Board of Trade to ensure actual purchases are made.”

 A full copy of the letter can be found HERE.

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

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to substance use disorder treatment for seniors. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would require Medicare to cover high-quality residential addiction treatment programs. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Carol Miller (WV-01), and David Valadao (CA-22).

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I’ve heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge. This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

Around 7 million seniors have a substance use disorder, but accessing addiction treatment is difficult for many seniors because Medicare does not cover the residential treatment many patients require. This gap in coverage can cause delays in care, seriously worsening their condition or even leading to hospitalization.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would expand Medicare coverage for residential treatment options for older adults, and people with disabilities, by creating a new benefit under Medicare Part A.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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