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Miller Releases Statement on U.S. Army’s Reversal of Decision to Inactivate WVSU ROTC Program

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) released the following statement on the U.S. Army’s reversal of their previous decision to inactivate the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program at West Virginia State University (WVSU). On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Army Cadet Command announced a nation-wide strategic rebalancing and optimization of the Senior ROTC program that would inactivate the Army ROTC host unit at West Virginia State University. As a longtime advocate of ROTC programs, Congresswoman Miller communicated her concerns with U.S. Army officials and received word on August 28, 2025 that the initial decision was being reversed and the ROTC program at WVSU would be retained as an extension unit following feedback from community leaders and stakeholders. 

“ROTC programs play a key role in addressing the recruiting crisis our military is currently facing as well as providing incredible opportunities for scholarships and financial benefits for young people. I am grateful that the U.S. Army Cadet Command has reversed their decision and the ROTC program at WVSU will be retained as an extension unit. Anyone hoping to serve the United States of America should have easy access to do so, and the continuation of this program will allow many of our young mountaineers here in southern West Virginia to receive a first-class education and prepare for a career in the armed services,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller. 

Background

  • On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Army Cadet Command announced the implementation of a strategic rebalance and optimization of the Senior ROTC program which would inactivate the host unit at West Virginia State University.
  • Last Congress, Congresswoman Miller sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall requesting the Air Force JROTC program at Cabell Midland High School in Ona, WV remain active after a similar decision was made to end the program. The program was continued following the Congresswoman’s request.
  • Congresswoman Miller previously worked closely with Congressman Walz to increase funding for the AFJROTC program in the Defense Appropriations Bill. 

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McGovern Statement on Passing of Father José María Tojeira

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released this statement following the passing of Father José María “Chema” Tojeira, a longtime human rights advocate who led Central American Jesuits during El Salvador’s civil-war:

“I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, Father José María “Chema” Tojeira. He was one of my heroes. A man of profound faith, courage, and conviction, Father Tojeira devoted his life to championing human rights, justice, and the dignity of the poor and oppressed.

He played a pivotal role in exposing the truth about the 1989 murders of his fellow Jesuit priests at the University of Central America in San Salvador. For speaking the truth, his life was threatened and he faced many hardships—but he never wavered. He continued to speak out with courage and with grace.

When I met with him last November in El Salvador during a fact finding trip, he shared with me his deep concerns—not only about those unjustly imprisoned and targeted in El Salvador, but also about the fragile state of democracy and human rights around the world. And yet, his message to me was simple: do not give up hope. We must never give up hope.

Father Tojeira’s voice, his wisdom, and his example will continue to inspire all of us who believe in justice, peace, and the defense of human dignity. He was a true companion in the struggle for human rights—and a dear friend who will be deeply, deeply missed.”

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Estes Recaps District Visits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

Estes Recaps District Visits

Last week, U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) made visits throughout the 4th District. He covered parts of the district from Caldwell to Andover and back to Wichita. Representative Estes met with many local businesses, toured manufacturing facilities, and met with constituents. He shared the pro-family, pro-worker provisions in the historic working families tax cut, passed by Republicans and signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. See photos below from each individual visit.

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Rep. Kelly signs discharge petition to force vote on releasing Epstein files

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) signed the bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on the House floor on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, sponsored by Reps. Ro Khanna (CA-17) and Thomas Massie (KY-04). The discharge petition needs the support of 218 U.S. Representatives.

“President Trump – once again – would rather protect himself and fellow elitists than giving the American people the truth about the Epstein Files. The Department of Justice tried to fool the public by releasing 33,000 pages of Epstein documents, but 97% of the documents were already public,” said Rep. Kelly. “I see the games they’re trying to play, and it won’t work. There’s a bipartisan push in Congress to stand with the brave survivors who have shared their traumatic stories with us and are demanding the full release of the Epstein Files. The American people deserve the truth, transparency, and accountability.”

Speaker Mike Johnson recessed early in July to block a vote on releasing the Epstein Files, however, as Congress returned, calls for transparency around the Epstein Files have continued. 

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Rep. Kelly condemns President Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard to Chicago

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement condemning President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. During a briefing in the Oval Office today, President Trump said the National Guard is going to Chicago, but did not specify a timeline.

“President Trump is wasting over $1 million every day for the National Guard to pick up trash on the National Mall in DC. Now, he plans to further misuse taxpayer dollars to send the National Guard to Chicago. We could use that money to fund community violence intervention initiatives, hire and train local police officers, and invest in mental health professionals — all real solutions to crime and gun violence.

“I have successfully fought for and passed CVI funding, but President Trump froze $66 million for the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative. He closed the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention on Day One of his second term. He, and his Congressional Republicans, have made it easier for people to buy, build, and rig guns with more dangerous features, like forced reset triggers. Let’s call it what it is: President Trump and his deployment of the National Guard is not a plan to reduce crime – it’s a gross abuse of power.”

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Rep. Kelly: ‘President Trump has blood on his hands’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released the following statement after a gunman killed two children and injured 14 children and three adults at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis:

“I am devastated by the horrific school shooting in Minneapolis. It was the first week of school and 30 minutes into mass service when tragedy struck. My heart is with the families who lost their beautiful children, the injured and traumatized survivors, and the entire grieving community. No parent should drop off their kid at school, wondering if it’s the last time they’ll see them.

“Gun violence in our country is all too common, and it takes many forms. Just this weekend in a Chicago neighborhood, a five-year-old boy unintentionally shot himself when he found an unsecured gun at home. These tragedies, including mass shootings, are preventable – but only if our country’s leaders reject the gun lobby and offer action instead of empty thoughts and prayers. President Trump and his Congressional Republicans have blood on their hands. They’ve made it easier for dangerous people to access guns and made those guns even deadlier by repealing regulation on features like bump stocks and forced reset triggers. Americans need stronger federal gun safety laws right now.”

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Golden leads effort to extend ACA marketplace tax credits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is leading a bipartisan effort to protect Maine families, seniors and small business owners from massive health care premium price spikes by extending tax credits that help individuals afford health insurance plans on the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, CoverME.gov. 

“Letting the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire would raise costs on Maine families. That’s simply not an option,” Golden said. “Mainers who buy private insurance on the ACA marketplace are staring down an average $180 monthly premium increase in January if Congress doesn’t extend these credits, with rural Mainers aged 60-64 facing the steepest increase. Many are likely to lose coverage in the face of this price spike.”

Golden is an original cosponsor of the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, introduced last night by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). Under current law, the enhanced Premium Tax Credit — established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanded during COVID under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and later extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — is set to expire at the end of this year. The bill would extend the credit through 2026. 

“I’ve always said I’ll work with anyone — Democrat or Republican — to serve my constituents. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Kiggans and this bipartisan coalition to protect Mainers from increased health care costs,” Golden said. 

Because of this income-based premium tax credit, a record 24.2 million people signed up for coverage during open enrollment in 2025. In fact, middle-income enrollees increased from 140,000 in 2021 to 900,000 in 2024. Without this extension, millions of self-employed workers and small business owners will see their premiums increase by more than $11,000 a year. 

According to CoverME.gov, 85 percent of people purchasing plans through Maine’s ACA marketplace receive financial savings through the ACA Premium Tax Credits, and “nearly all CoverME.gov consumers will likely see higher monthly premiums if Congress does not take action to extend, or make permanent, the enhanced tax credits.”

Other original cosponsors include: Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Don Davis (NC-01) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). The group spans members of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, the Republican Main Street Caucus, and the Bipartisan Problem Solvers’ Caucus — all of which are dedicated to pragmatic legislating and bipartisanship.

Full bill text is available here.

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Legislation to Prevent the Spread of HIV in Honor of the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS

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

Two-Bill Package Funds HIV Prevention Efforts and Improves Access to HIV Prevention Drugs

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, as part of her ongoing HIV/AIDS policy advocacy, introduced the HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) and the PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) in the House of Representatives today, in honor of the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS, which is being held in Washington, DC beginning today, through Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Congresswoman Waters has been spearheading initiatives to increase HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, screening, and treatment since the 1980s. In 1989, she worked with the Clinton administration to establish the Minority AIDS Initiative, which significantly expanded HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts for minority communities that are severely and disproportionately impacted by HIV. Because of her advocacy, the funding for this initiative has increased from the initial appropriation of $156 million in Fiscal Year 1999 to more than $400 million per year today.

“I am deeply concerned by the continuing spread of HIV in communities across the United States,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I am introducing these important HIV prevention bills to ensure that we can prevent new HIV infections, save lives, and stop the spread of HIV.”

The HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) will appropriate $2.165 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 for the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bill would restore HIV prevention funding that was eliminated in President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

“Eliminating HIV prevention funding could result in thousands of new HIV infections and would be devastating for our nation’s efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said Congresswoman Waters. “This bill will ensure that CDC’s vital disease prevention efforts will continue to save lives.”

The PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) will require health insurance plans to cover Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as preventive services, without out-of-pocket costs. PrEP is prescribed for people who are at risk of HIV. It reduces the risk of infection from sex by approximately 99 percent and from injection drug use by at least 74 percent. PEP is prescribed soon after a possible exposure to prevent HIV infection for people who may have been exposed (for example by unprotected sex, sexual assault, sharing needles, or an accidental needle stick).

“PrEP and PEP are extremely effective at preventing HIV infections,” said Congresswoman Waters. “My bill will save lives by requiring health plans to cover these essential drugs for people who need them.”

The PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) was endorsed by NMAC (formerly the National Minority AIDS Council), AIDS United, The AIDS Institute, National Association of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), National Coalition of STD Directors, PrEP4All, and the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute.

The HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) was also endorsed by the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute.

“Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ leadership in introducing the PrEP and PEP Prevention Act could not come at a more critical time. With the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, communities most impacted by HIV cannot afford to lose access to these lifesaving tools. PrEP is not optional—it is an essential component of our nation’s mission to end the HIV epidemic. This bill ensures that prevention remains a priority, and I applaud Congresswoman Waters for standing with the communities most at risk and moving us closer to a future free from HIV,” said Paul Kawata, Executive Director, NMAC.
 
“Legislation like the PrEP and PEP Prevention Act has never been more essential and more needed than it is in this moment. Rep. Maxine Waters understands that we are on the cusp on ending the HIV epidemic in the United States and that we cannot achieve that goal without widespread accessibility to PrEP and PEP. This bill centers the vital importance of HIV prevention efforts and works to increase access to these lifesaving tools without any significant barriers for communities impacted by and vulnerable to HIV,” said Carl Baloney, Jr., AIDS United President & CEO.

“Ending the HIV epidemic has been priority for our nation for over forty years. We are now closer to achieving that goal than ever before, thanks to highly effective HIV prevention medications. The ‘PrEP and PEP Prevention Act’ is necessary to remove barriers to these medications and ensure that the communities and individuals most vulnerable to HIV can protect themselves. The AIDS Institute strongly supports Congresswoman Waters’ introduction of this bill and its enactment,” said Michael Ruppal, Executive Director, The AIDS Institute.

“Congresswoman Maxine Waters has long been a champion for people living with and vulnerable to HIV, and she continues her leadership with the introduction of the PrEP and PEP Prevention Act. This legislation would ensure that communities most impacted by HIV would maintain access to PrEP and PEP – a necessary step if we are to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. We applaud Congresswoman Waters for continuing to prioritize these communities and working tirelessly to end the HIV epidemic once and for all,” said Stephen Lee, Executive Director, NASTAD.

“Access to PrEP is vital for our nation’s health—not just for HIV prevention, but STI prevention as well. Given our ongoing STI epidemic in this country, bills like this are needed ensure this access is protected and individuals received the HIV prevention medication and sexual health testing they need to stay healthy,” said Elizabeth Finely, Interim Executive Director, National Coalition of STD Directors.

“PrEP4All is extremely grateful for Congresswoman Waters’ leadership to protect no-cost access to PrEP and PEP from ongoing threats to preventive health services. American investment in groundbreaking HIV prevention research has provided us with an opportunity to end this terrible epidemic, but innovation means nothing if we can’t get it to the people who need it the most. As one of our greatest long-time HIV champions, Rep. Waters is working to safeguard coverage protections for rigorously evaluated, evidence-based HIV prevention, ensuring that hard working Americans continue to have free access to the medications they need to keep themselves and their communities healthy,” said Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director, PrEP4All.

“While we strongly support the legislation that requires payers to cover PrEP for people who have insurance, ensuring sufficient and stable funding for the CDC so that health departments, community-based organizations and other grantees can implement HIV and hepatitis prevention programs nationwide is also vitally important,” said Carl Schmid, Executive Director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “We commend Congresswoman Waters and her colleagues for introducing these bills and urge the Congress to support them so that we can eventually end HIV and hepatitis in the United States.”

The HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Andre’ Carson (IN-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Andre’ Carson (IN-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

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Colorado Delegation Statement on Decision to Move Space Command HQ

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Today, the full bipartisan, bicameral Colorado Congressional delegation sent out a joint statement on the decision to move Space Command HQ out of Colorado Springs, Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama.

In a statement, the Congressional delegation said:

“Today’s decision to move U.S Space Command’s headquarters out of Colorado and to Alabama will directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom line—moving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time. 

“Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The Department of Defense Inspector General’s office has reported multiple times that moving the Command will impede our military’s operational capability for years.  

“Space Command’s long-term presence in Colorado Springs has also created a large number of civilian businesses and workers on which the Command now relies. Those people will not simply move with the Command at the military’s whim. Many of them will leave the industry altogether, creating a disruption in the workforce that will take our national defense systems decades to recreate. 

“Being prepared for any threats should be the nation’s top priority; a crucial part of that is keeping in place what is already fully operational. Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now. Colorado Springs is the appropriate home for U.S. Space Command, and we will take the necessary action to keep it there.”

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Congressman Crow Meets Directly with Thousands of Coloradans at 18 Community Events During District Work Period

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA – This week, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) capped off a month of successful events, hosting or attending 18 different community visits, town halls, and meet-and-greets, where he connected with thousands of Coloradans to listen to their concerns and learn how he can best serve them in Congress. 

“The most important part of my job is listening directly to Coloradans and understanding how I can best serve them in Congress,” said Congressman Crow. “Throughout the month of August, I’ve met directly with thousands of Coloradan at 18 different events in order to better understand their needs and how I can best fight for them. Nearly everywhere I went, I heard about the need to lower costs, fight for our veterans, and stand up to the Trump Administration. These conversations will continue to guide my work in Washington.”

Congressman Crow’s events included: a town hall in Aurora with Senator Bennet; a press conference with Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood to discuss access to reproductive health services; meeting with union workers to discuss issues impacting labor; and several town halls with important community employers including Comcast, Arapahoe Community College, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Northup Grumman, and COBank. 

Congressman Crow is dedicated to hearing directly from his constituents on the issues that matter to them. These events are part of Congressman Crow’s commitment to host town halls, and add to his total of more than 16 town halls hosted in 2025. He regularly hosts in-person and telephone town halls, as well as student town halls to hear from youth in the community.