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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust, condemned the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to authorize the sale of mango and blueberry flavored Glas e-cigarettes.

“Just days after President Trump complained that flavored e-cigarettes were not approved by the FDA, Commissioner Marty Makary caved. In one sweeping cowardly decision, the FDA sided with the President over the health of Americans, especially Black children. For decades, Black Americans have been targeted by tobacco companies, causing higher rates of heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. We are now seeing history repeat itself as companies like Glas and Juul target our youth with their more appealing—but just as addicting and deadly—flavored e-cigarettes. I refuse to see Black children taken advantage of by vape companies, and I remain committed to protecting the health of the Black community.”

The FDA previously abandoned its plans to ban menthol cigarettes just two years after the agency proposed a rule to remove the harmful product from the market. Rep. Kelly led the majority of the CBC in a letter in support of the rule, expressing her concern of the disproportionate use of menthol cigarettes amongst Black Americans. In 2019, 85% of Black smokers used menthol cigarettes compared to just 30% of white smokers. Flavored e-cigarettes, especially fruit flavors, have driven the increase of use amongst young smokers. Mango was one of the most popular Juul flavors before it was pulled off the market.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement in response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and Russia’s continued strikes that undermine any credible path to peace:

“Ukraine has extended an olive branch: an immediate, temporary ceasefire grounded in the protection of human life and the pursuit of a just peace. In the face of Russia’s continued aggression, this proposal reflects the moral clarity of a free people: willing to seek peace, unwilling to surrender sovereignty, and determined to defend the dignity of their nation.

“For years, the world has watched Russia strike Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and civilians while claiming to seek peace. Simultaneously, the Kremlin is only advancing a symbolic pause tied to its World War II Victory Day commemorations — an observance Dictator Vladimir Putin has increasingly weaponized as a tool of propaganda and imperial grievance. A ceasefire cannot be selective, conditional, or timed for political convenience. It must be real, verifiable, and honored in good faith.

“Putin should accept and fully respect Ukraine’s ceasefire beginning tonight. The choice before the Kremlin is clear: continue a war that has brought devastation to Ukraine and isolation to Russia, or take a meaningful step toward peace.

“The lesson is not distant history. It is the test before us now. Europe once again faces a war of conquest—an effort to erase Ukraine’s borders, extinguish its identity, and deny a free people the right to determine their own future. 

“History has shown where wars of aggression lead when the world looks away. It has also shown how they end: aggression rejected, sovereignty defended, and peace secured through strength. 

“We stand united— Democrats and Republicans — in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, in defense of international law, and in recognition of the immense sacrifices already made by the Ukrainian people. We honor those who have fallen resisting tyranny and fighting for Liberty on the continent of Europe, just as we remember the lives of the 420,000 Americans and countless millions who gave their lives to defeat an ideology based on hatred and domination eight decades ago.

“The path to peace is open. The responsibility to take it rests with the Kremlin. And as one united front, we say clearly: America stands with the people of Ukraine.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Kids Central, Inc., based in Norton, Virginia, a $4,892,059 grant. The funding supports local head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Kids Central, Inc. leads head start programs in Southwest Virginia.

“This HHS grant for more than $4.8 million helps a head start program provider continue serving communities in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, Kids Central, Inc. operates two head start programs: Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool. The former supports pregnant women and infants in Wise County and the City of Norton. The latter helps children and families in Wise County, Dickenson County and the City of Norton.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that threatens access to mifepristone, undermines women’s health care, and weakens the FDA’s long-established scientific approval process.

The brief follows emergency appeals from mifepristone manufacturers and a temporary stay issued by the Supreme Court while the case moves forward.

In the filing, lawmakers argued that mifepristone has been repeatedly proven safe and effective through the FDA’s rigorous approval and review process. They warned that allowing courts to override science-based decisions made by medical experts would set a dangerous precedent and further restrict access to reproductive health care across the country.

“For more than 25 years, the FDA has consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe and effective, and millions of patients have used it safely,” the lawmakers wrote in the brief. “Allowing courts to overrule evidence-based medical decisions threatens both access to care and the integrity of the FDA’s approval process.”

The lawmakers also emphasized that reinstating burdensome in-person dispensing requirements would disproportionately harm patients in communities where reproductive health care providers are already difficult to access.

The amicus brief was signed by all 47 Senate Democrats and 212 House Democrats.

The full amicus brief can be viewed HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) wrote to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, pressing him on the lack of transparency around a leak of over 30,000 gallons of jet fuel at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County earlier this year – which resulted in over 20,000 gallons of fuel released into the environment, contaminating soil outside the base and the nearby Piscataway Creek. In the letter, the lawmakers expressed concerns over the Air Force’s critical delay in providing full information regarding the leak to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – the state entity charged with responding to environmental pollution incidents – stressing that their failure to promptly notify for many weeks prevented MDE from implementing measures to minimize the spread of the contamination. They asked for answers to a series of questions regarding the status of the fuel leak’s spread and containment efforts; current systems in place to detect such incidents and whether the Air Force has plans to improve them; and planned measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, among others.

“We write regarding the recent fuel spill incident reported at Joint Base Andrews and to request additional information regarding both the discharge and the response actions taken,” the lawmakers began. “Joint Base Andrews notified the State of Maryland of a jet fuel leak after fuel odors and a visible fuel sheen were observed in Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026. Subsequent correspondence confirmed that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel had leaked across multiple dates and locations. Of this amount, 10,000 gallons from January and February incidents were reportedly contained within the system, while approximately 22,000 gallons of fuel were discharged into the environment, contaminating soils and nearby Piscataway Creek.”

Underscoring the harmful consequences of the Air Force’s delay in notifying MDE, they wrote, “While containment efforts were significantly improved around April 15-16 following site visits and feedback from officials, earlier implementation of more effective measures could have reduced the extent of contamination reaching the creek.”

“Legacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed. The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary. It is of the utmost importance that Joint Base Andrews fully assess and remediate any damage caused by this leak and take protective measures to prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future,” the lawmakers stressed, going on to list a series of questions for the Air Force Secretary’s response.

“We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a briefing for our offices and your detailed written response. Given the scale of the discharge and the potential environmental impacts, timely and transparent communication will be critical,” they concluded.

Text of the letter, including the questions posed to Secretary Meink, can be viewed here and below.

Dear Secretary Meink, 

We write regarding the recent fuel spill incident reported at Joint Base Andrews and to request additional information regarding both the discharge and the response actions taken.

Joint Base Andrews notified the State of Maryland of a jet fuel leak after fuel odors and a visible fuel sheen were observed in Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026. Subsequent correspondence confirmed that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel had leaked across multiple dates and locations. Of this amount, 10,000 gallons from January and February incidents were reportedly contained within the system, while approximately 22,000 gallons of fuel were discharged into the environment, contaminating soils and nearby Piscataway Creek.

We also understand that containment berms were installed on March 24 and 25; however, initial containment measures were insufficient to prevent the spread of contamination to Piscataway Creek, particularly during moderate rainfall events. While containment efforts were significantly improved around April 15-16 following site visits and feedback from officials, earlier implementation of more effective measures could have reduced the extent of contamination reaching the creek. We also understand that there was a notable delay between when Joint Base Andrews discovered the fuel leak and when the State of Maryland received full information about the complete spill volume, with Joint Base Andrews failing to provide final figures until April 8.

Legacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed. The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary. It is of the utmost importance that Joint Base Andrews fully assess and remediate any damage caused by this leak and take protective measures to prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future.

Given the seriousness of this incident, we request clarification on the following:

• Please provide a detailed timeline of when each leak was first detected, internally reported, and externally communicated. What factors contributed to the delay in reporting the full spill volume, and what role did coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency play in this process?
   
• What is the current estimate of fuel that has migrated into Piscataway Creek versus what remains in the ground?
   
• What means and methodology is Joint Base Andrews using to measure the fuel loss that provides the basis for this estimate?
   
• What immediate and long-term remediation strategies are being implemented to address contamination in both soil and water?
   
• What measures will be taken to ensure effective containment of the contaminated area during rainfall or other adverse conditions?
   
• What monitoring systems are currently in place to detect future leaks, and are there plans to upgrade or enhance these systems?
   
• What steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, including any plans to inspect this and other underground fuel storage and transportation infrastructure for both internal and external corrosion following this release?
   
• How will ongoing updates be communicated to regulatory agencies and the public moving forward?
   
• Lastly, what impacts has the leak had on base operations, if any?

We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a briefing for our offices and your detailed written response. Given the scale of the discharge and the potential environmental impacts, timely and transparent communication will be critical.

Sincerely, 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. —More than 250 House and Senate Democrats, including Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone.

This brief follows emergency appeals from the manufacturers of mifepristone; the Supreme Court issuing a temporary stay of the decision Monday morning until next Monday, May 11; and the announcement that the Court has ordered briefing on the stay by this Thursday, May 7.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe. Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the members wrote.

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider. Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.

“Preserving evidence-based access to mifepristone, including when dispensed by mail or retail pharmacy, is necessary to mitigate the imminent harm facing members of the public. Women deserve access to mifepristone for reproductive health care, and all Americans deserve integrity in the congressionally mandated, evidence-based process for FDA’s drug regulatory decisions,” the members concluded.

In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.

In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.

The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore applauded the United States Coast Guard’s announcement of a new Special Missions Command (SMC) that will be headquartered at the Coast Guard’s C5I Service Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia. The command will unify the Coast Guard’s deployable specialized forces under a single operational structure to better counter maritime threats at home and abroad.

The Special Missions Command, expected to be commissioned in October 2026, will enhance coordination, readiness, and operational effectiveness across a range of elite units tasked with responding to terrorism, transnational crime, natural disasters, and other looming national security threats.

The SMC will oversee several specialized units, including Maritime Security Response Teams, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Port Security Units, Regional Dive Lockers, and the National Strike Force. These forces are essential to safeguarding U.S. ports, waterways, and maritime interests while supporting joint military and law enforcement operations worldwide.

Congressman Moore emphasized the importance of continued investment in national security infrastructure and praised the Coast Guard’s commitment to adapting to an increasingly complex global threat environment.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“The Coast Guard’s decision to establish the Special Missions Command is a major step forward in strengthening our nation’s maritime security and ensuring we are prepared to meet evolving threats across the globe. I’m especially proud that West Virginia will play a central role in this mission. The hardworking men and women at the Kearneysville facility are critical to supporting our national defense, and this investment further solidifies the Eastern Panhandle as a key hub for cutting-edge operations that protect the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Office, State Department to Host Passport Fair in Omaha

Omaha, Neb. – The office of U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, will host a passport fair on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT at Mutual First Credit Union to help constituents complete and submit passport applications.

The fair will be staffed by district office personnel and a team of U.S. Department of State consular specialists. Because the House of Representatives will be in session, Rep. Bacon will be in Washington, D.C. and not be in attendance.

The passport fair is open to the public and aims to make the application process more accessible for those seeking new or renewed passports. A team of nine consular officials will be on-site and expects to assist approximately 180 constituents through scheduled appointments.

Passport fees still apply. Payment must be made by credit card, and applicants are encouraged to bring a passport photo along with their application materials. The fair is intended to streamline the application process and provide in-person assistance.

Appointments are required and must be scheduled at the following link: https://www.jotform.com/build/261205947101045

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT (Last appointment slot at 2:30 p.m.) 
Location: Mutual First Credit Union
14510 F St., Suite 101
Omaha, NE 68137

Directions
The event will be held in the basement of the building. Upon arrival, take the elevators down to the basement level, make a left, and proceed to the end of the hall.

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