MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Dingell Announces $5.9 Million in NSF Grants for the University of Michigan

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

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1), and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2) at the Ames National Laboratory to see firsthand the lab’s cutting-edge research and its pivotal role in addressing national energy and materials engineering challenges. 

Yesterday’s visit included briefings and discussions with scientists and lab experts in key mission areas, including rare earth minerals, critical materials, AI, and next-generation energy technologies. The delegation toured the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a Department of Energy (DOE) Innovation Hub led by Ames, that is spearheading efforts to restore American energy dominance, secure domestic supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign actors, and strengthen the scientific capabilities essential to U.S. competitiveness.

 “As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to visit Ames National Laboratory with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2), to see their cutting-edge research in materials science to breakthroughs in critical materials and energy innovation,” said Congressman Bob Latta, Energy Subcommittee Chair on Energy and Commerce Committee. “Our National Laboratories, like Ames, power American innovation and will play a key role in advancing President Trump’s agenda for American energy dominance and global competitiveness. I look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to continue supporting the work of our National Labs.”

“Ames National Laboratory is leading the way in groundbreaking science and innovation that will strengthen America’s energy future,” said Secretary Chris Wright. “By investing in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and AI, we are building more secure domestic supply chains—bolstering America’s national security and increasing access to affordable, reliable energy for all Americans. These bold steps position the U.S. not just to compete, but to lead, for generations to come.”

“Secretary Wright is the fourth cabinet official to visit Iowa this week and it is an absolute breath of fresh air how accessible the Trump administration is compared to the previous four years,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “America’s national labs are not just critical to technological advancement but also national security. The Ames National Lab is a hub of innovation and will help ensure that our nation has the energy and critical materials to power the AI revolution.”

“Our DOE Laboratories are working on the cutting edge of research to create new materials and help advance American energy dominance,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. “Coupled with meaningful bipartisan permitting reform, the research from these innovative Labs will ensure America is positioned to unleash the full potential of our natural resources and domestic energy production. It was great to join Secretary Wright, Governor Reynolds and the Iowa delegation for this insightful tour and discussion about the future of American energy.”

“It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Chris Wright to Ames National Laboratory and showcase the groundbreaking research being led right here in Iowa. Secretary Wright’s leadership at the Department of Energy is critical to advancing President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American energy and restore our energy dominance,” said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “From critical materials to AI-driven chemistry and clean energy innovation, the work at Ames is vital to reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and powering America’s future. I’m proud to support the mission of Ames Lab and will continue working in Congress to ensure our National Labs have the tools they need to drive innovation and strengthen our national security.”

“I was thrilled to welcome Secretary Wright to Iowa and the Ames National Laboratory to highlight Iowa’s continued role in America’s energy dominance,” said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. “I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to pursue an all-of-the-above and all-of-the-below energy strategy that supports American producers, consumers, and farmers.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, sent a letter to President Trump strongly opposing his attempt to undermine the curatorial independence of the Smithsonian Institution. In the letter, Pingree calls out the president’s plan to install political appointees—without relevant experience—to decide what American history is displayed in the nation’s museums and how it is presented.

“The Smithsonian is more than a collection of museums. It’s an American treasure. It tells the story of our country (and our world) in a way that no book or documentary ever could. It aims to tell that story truthfully and completely—the good and the bad, the tragic and triumphant, forever reflecting our nation’s diversity, dynamism, and complicated past,” Pingree said. “Your blatant attempt to rewrite or recast history disregards the struggle, sacrifice, and social change that were driving forces behind the unity, progress, and values that make our country great.”

“In a democracy, one person does not rule our thoughts, values, and beliefs, nor dictate how history should be recorded and interpreted,” she said. “I strongly urge you to rescind this proposed review and instead work to advance the curatorial independence that has served the Smithsonian Institution well for over 175 years and made it an Institution the public can trust.”

In her letter, Pingree points to the American Alliance of Museums’ Code of Ethics for Curators, which emphasizes that public trust is earned through serving the public good, contributing to learning and dialogue, and making knowledge available to all. She argues that the administration’s proposed changes have no basis in these principles and appear aimed solely at controlling another foundational cultural institution.

The full text of Pingree’s letter is available here and is copied below.

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Dear President Trump:

I write to express my deep opposition to your attempt to undermine the curatorial independence of the Smithsonian Institution. You have no authority to dictate how the Smithsonian Institution—a storied institution that enjoys public confidence and trust—meets its mission to increase and disseminate knowledge.

Your Administration’s August 12, 2025 letterto Secretary Bunch posits a timeline for three individuals with no relevant experience to make decisions on what American history is displayed—and how information should be conveyed. These political appointees serve at your will and the American public has no reason to believe they have any role but to serve your interests.

The Smithsonian is more than a collection of museums. It’s an American treasure. It tells the story of our country (and our world) in a way that no book or documentary ever could. It aims to tell that story truthfully and completely—the good and the bad, the tragic and triumphant, forever reflecting our nation’s diversity, dynamism, and complicated past. Your blatant attempt to rewrite or recast history disregards the struggle, sacrifice, and social change that were driving forces behind the unity, progress, and values that make our country great.

The American Alliance of Museums’ Code of Ethics for Curators states that “Public trust is earned and granted to museums by the people they serve, and is based on the idea that museums exist to serve the public and will act in the public’s best interest.” It further states that curatorial work is guided by the values of serving the public good, “by contributing to and promoting learning, inquiry, and dialogue, and by making the depth and breadth of human knowledge available to the public.” Curators are also required to practice excellence, honesty, and transparency.

There is nothing in your letter to Secretary Bunch to suggest that you have any interest in practicing excellence, honesty, and transparency. Instead, it seems clear that your real interest is in trying to control another foundational cultural institution. In a democracy, one person does not rule our thoughts, values, and beliefs, nor dictate how history should be recorded and interpreted.

I strongly urge you to rescind this proposed review and instead work to advance the curatorial independence that has served the Smithsonian Institution well for over 175 years and made it an Institution the public can trust.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco — Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined seniors, disability advocates and community leaders at the George W. Davis Senior Center to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security.

Pelosi joined House Democrats across America in demanding Donald Trump stop gutting the Social Security Administration (SSA) and do more to protect the hard-earned Social Security benefits of the American people.

In Congress, House Democrats have been out in full force meeting with Social Security Recipients and holding hearings featuring featuring testimony from SSA workers and former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley to shed light on Donald Trump’s attacks on these benefits.

More background information on how the Trump Administration’s actions are affecting Social Security recipients HERE.

View and download photos from the Speaker Emerita’s event HERE.

Watch the full event HERE.

Read excerpts of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s remarks below: 

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. When Franklin Roosevelt signed [the Social Security Act,] he said, ‘There is no tragedy in growing old—but there is tragedy in growing old without means of support.’

With that, he signed the bill that really has brought so much to so many families in our country. But at the time, Republicans opposed the bill. Not to talk politics, but history.

And they said it was going to hurt people, lose jobs. They just went on and on about all the terrible things that Social Security would do. But of course, it has not done that. It has done what it intended to do.

…

Sad to say, this just in the Big, Horrible Bill that the Republicans have put forth, they have something called the Trump account, and the Secretary of the Treasury said the other day that ‘this is a backdoor way to privatize Social Security.’

There they go again. You were there for the fight that we had in 2005 against that Republican effort to privatize Social Security. We won that fight.

I have great respect for President Bush. I think he’s a patriotic American, but I disagreed with him on this. He said, ‘You keep telling people I want to privatize Social Security. I only want to *partially* privatize Social Security.’

I said, ‘Mr. President, that’s good enough for me.’

That’s the case we made against their own initiative. We then won the election and took control of Congress. The first time we had won since 1992.

But it was Social Security that brought us home in the House. And now again, they’re saying this is a backdoor way to privatize it. We will not let them do that.

But they have tried to weaken it. The President is saying ‘I made it stronger’ in some kind of speech in the White House.

The fact is, they are firing people. They’re cutting off phone service. We’re getting terrible reports in our office about people having to wait seven hours when calling in, in some cases.

If you’re affecting the technology, the telephone, the personnel, and the rest—closing offices—you are not strengthening Social Security.

So we’re not here to do anything but strengthen it ourselves and to celebrate what it has done. 

…

A pillar of stability—Social Security. A pillar of health care and financial security in Medicare and Medicaid, which are, of course, under threat now.

The Affordable Care Act has strengthened all of that. But today, we go back to the beginning, because the rest would not have happened without Social Security.

It’s not just for seniors—it’s for people with disabilities. Cathy, thank you for sharing your beautiful story. We hear that again and again. How families lose their dad and the family survives under Social Security.

It is a great initiative, and now it is a great day to celebrate it. We’re going to hear from some very special guests. Before that, let me read another quote from Franklin Roosevelt.

He said this when signing it: ‘We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average person and to their families against the loss of their job and against poverty-ridden old age.’ That was his statement on August 14, 1935.

…

Now again, we’re celebrating. We’re going to have cake. We’re going to chat with each other, have fun. But we have to know that there are those who do not share our enthusiasm for this.

The current President says Social Security is a ‘scam.’ Others in his crowd have called it a ‘Ponzi scheme.’ And now they go, on the day of the anniversary, and start saying, ‘Oh, I did this and I did that.’

No—you didn’t. You didn’t.

But it is, them’s fighting words when they say those kinds of things, and the most important thing to counter it is the mobilization of people outside.

We can talk about policy—okay, that’s our fight—and we can talk about politics, but the mobilization of people coming together to say, ‘No, that’s not the way.’

This is a cultural change in our country, for them to diminish Social Security. We simply will not let that happen.

Instead, we are going to celebrate Social Security, strengthen Social Security and we’re going to do so by listening to all of you and your stories. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) announced the reintroduction of the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. This legislation requires publicly traded companies to disclose the presence and status of sexual harassment and discrimination claims, as well as require independent, licensed investigators to examine claims. Additionally, employers would be required to develop workplace training programs to educate employees on prohibited harassment and discrimination, and how to report this behavior.

“Every worker should expect safety, dignity, and respect on and off the job. For too long, institutions have shielded powerful sexual abusers and silenced survivors, denying workers their right to report injustice in the workplace,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “The Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act is a critical step towards protecting workers and ensuring accountability for sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to prevent workplace harassment.”

“It is despicable that companies can just pay off employees to hide inappropriate behavior that happened on their watch,” said Congressman Lieu. “The public deserves full transparency about companies with a history of harassment and discrimination. Employers also have a responsibility to inform and protect the people that work for them. I’m pleased to join Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Congresswoman Pressley to stand up to the powerful and demand accountability in workplaces across America.”

“Reported harassment claims must be taken seriously in the workplace, and people must be able to report without fear of retaliation,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “Survivors of sexual harassment are too often silenced while their abusers get a slap on the wrist. The Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act stops companies from sweeping sexual abuse and racial discrimination under the rug by forcing companies to publicly report complaints. Our legislation will empower survivors to speak out and is an essential step in ensuring every person feels safe at work.”

A copy of the bill text can be found here.

Rep. Pressley has long been an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, demanding justice for those silenced and accountability for powerful abusers. She leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, legislation that would prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers seeking accountability and justice.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 82 U.S. House Representatives in demanding that President Trump immediately reinstate federal employees critical to disaster response and preparedness and fully fund programs critical to protecting Americans from extreme weather events. The lawmakers warn that the Trump Administration’s policies and actions – including the mass firings of disaster experts and scientists, unwinding of key disaster preparedness programs, denials and delays of federal aid, and dissemination of misinformation – actively undermine America’s ability to prepare for and respond to deadly natural disasters and put American lives at risk.

They wrote:

“President Trump:

“Your administration’s actions are increasing the likelihood that Americans will die from extreme weather events.

“Americans are reeling from the devastating impacts of flash floods in New Mexico, Texas, and North Carolina, and those are only the more recent cases. Natural disasters will continue to happen, and yet your administration has moved aggressively to increase the suffering caused by extreme weather events.

• You have fired National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) staff who model and monitor extreme weather, create flood maps, and respond to natural disasters.

• Your administration has effectively cancelled federal support for flood mitigation nationwide: You announced an intention to eliminate the bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program enacted in your first term, which is a cornerstone of our nation’s hazard mitigation strategy to reduce disaster risk and prepare for disasters before they strike; pulled funding from the Flood Mitigation Assistance program for 2025 and removed application access; as well as stopped approving new allocations from the Hazard Mitigation and Grant Program.

• Under your direction, FEMA has denied federal assistance for tornadoes in Arkansas (approved after an appeal), flooding in West Virginia (some approvals after appeal), a windstorm in Washington state, and flooding in western Maryland and Oregon. FEMA also has refused North Carolina’s request for an extension of federal relief and delayed relief to Virginia, as recovery efforts from Helene continue. And the Administration has yet to fulfill the full federal disaster relief funding request for the devasting fires in Los Angeles, and has slowed releasing funds for any FEMA spending over $100,000 until the  Secretary personally signs off.

• Interior has announced the closure of 25 USGS scientific centers that monitor waters for flooding and drought, which helps inform NWS flood warnings

• FEMA also laid off contractors after their contracts expired on July 5, leaving nearly two-thirds of calls to its disaster assistance line unanswered in the critical days after the recent flooding disasters that have left more than 100 dead.

• The elimination of USAID resulted in delayed deployment or no deployment of elite urban search and rescue teams to help disaster survivors.

• Your Administration also rolled back the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, which required federal agencies to consider flooding risk for infrastructure projects that receive federal funds and locate them outside of low-lying, flood-vulnerable areas whenever practicable.

• The Department of Defense planned to cut the National Weather Service off of satellite weather data at the start of the hurricane season in the Atlantic, leaving hurricane forecasters without time sensitive information, and a US Army Corps of Engineers sea level rise calculator has gone offline.

• You have also fired the scientists working on the upcoming National Climate Assessment, which informs the costs of these extreme weather events, what steps can be taken to mitigate them, and helps states and local government as well as private companies understand their natural hazard risks and how to mitigate them.

• You have also, intentionally, spread misinformation about disaster response – both in North Carolina and Los Angeles.

“Severe weather events are growing in frequency, severity, and cost, and your Administration’s actions are making it worse. Decisions that add to the human and financial toll of natural disasters fail the most basic standard of protecting the American people. The broader effort to weaken federal disaster capabilities, like dismantling FEMA, and shift the burden to already overextended states is not only willfully negligent but reckless and dangerous. The 5th National Climate Assessment shows that billion‑dollar disasters are increasing in frequency and now strike every three weeks, costing the U.S. nearly $150 billion annually, not including lives lost and long‑term health and environmental impacts. State and local governments lack the resources, capacity, and technical expertise to meet the scale and speed of today’s escalating disaster threats without robust federal support. Weakening the federal response doesn’t just fail to protect people, it actively undermines national preparedness and leaves every community in America more vulnerable when major disasters strike.

“If your Administration is serious about responding to the tragedies of these natural disasters and saving American lives, it will immediately restore federal employees at the National Weather Service, FEMA, NOAA, and USGS who are critical to disaster response and preparedness, restore the scientists working on the National Climate Assessment, reenforce the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, and restore and fully fund FEMA and programs like BRIC that enable communities to prepare for disasters and recover effectively. Immediate restoration of federal disaster response staff and programs is essential to protect lives and ensure national preparedness.” 

The letter to President Trump was sent by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Becca Balint (D-VT),Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Sean Casten (D-IL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Chuy García (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Al Green (D-TX), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), John Larson (D-CT), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Betty McCollum (D-MN), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Dave Min (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), George Whitesides (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC). 

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) joined U.S. Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Mark Alford (R-MO), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in introducing the bipartisan Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act to promote agriculture education and learning opportunities for the next generation of American farmers and researchers.

“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how targeted investments can transform communities,” Congressman Cuellar said. “The GO Ag Act is a direct, practical step to give our students and educators the tools and training they need to keep America’s farms strong and competitive.”

Across the United States, the agricultural workforce is aging, and rural communities face a growing challenge in attracting and preparing young people for careers in agribusiness. In South Texas, where farming and ranching drive the local economy, these challenges are especially urgent. Without investments prioritizing agricultural education, our nation risks losing critical expertise needed to ensure rural prosperity and maintain U.S. leadership in the global marketplace.

The Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act would authorize a $5 million grant program to help high schools launch agriculture education programs. Competitive grants would be available to cover essential startup costs – such as classroom and laboratory equipment, teacher salaries, and curriculum development – so that students can gain hands-on experience in the agriculture industry, from science and business to production and leadership training. By fostering early interest and skill development, the bill addresses workforce shortages head-on and creates clear pathways to good-paying, meaningful careers in the agricultural sector.

“Agriculture is the backbone of South Texas, and the GO Ag Act gives students the tools they need to succeed whether they’re pursuing careers in science, business, or hands-on farming,” continued Congressman Cuellar. “This bipartisan bill strengthens our rural communities, secures our food supply, and supports the future of our agricultural economy. By expanding learning opportunities, the GO Ag Act helps ensure the United States remains a global leader in food production and agricultural innovation for generations to come.”

“When we invest in our farmers, we invest in our economy, our national security, and the crucial nutrition programs that families depend on. I’m committed to working across the aisle to find solutions to the issues that matter most to South Texans.”

Congressman Cuellar is available for interviews in-person, by phone, or virtually via Zoom. For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov, or Matt Landini, matt@mail.house.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. —Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Raul Ruiz M.D. (D-CA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL) announced the introduction of the BENES 2.0 Act, aimed at protecting Americans approaching Medicare eligibility from costly and confusing enrollment penalties. The bill’s rollout occurs at the same time as the 90th anniversary of Social Security, reinforcing the lawmakers’ commitment to improving access and understanding for critical retirement-era benefits.  Complex Medicare enrollment rules and insufficient notification are causing tens of thousands of older adults and individuals with disabilities to face lifetime fines, gaps in coverage, and unexpected health care costs. With fewer individuals automatically enrolled in Medicare—and approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers aging into eligibility every day—many are required to navigate active enrollment. Missing the initial window can result in permanent penalties. In 2020, about 776,000 Medicare beneficiaries were paying a Late Enrollment Penalty, which averaged nearly a 27% increase in their monthly premium.  The BENES 2.0 Act directs the federal government to include critical Medicare eligibility and enrollment information in Social Security statements sent to individuals as they near Medicare eligibility—typically between ages 60 and 65—giving advanced notice and reducing confusion. This measure fills a longstanding gap in outreach and education.

“I’ve heard from many constituents who were confused by their Medicare options and ended up paying significant penalties due to simple misunderstandings about how the program works. We addressed some of those challenges with the original BENES Act, which is now law. BENES 2 builds on that progress by ensuring every American receives a clear, written explanation of their eligibility before they have to choose a plan. This will empower seniors to make better-informed decisions about their health care. I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to simplify Medicare and make it more accessible and user-friendly for older Americans,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

“Too many hardworking Americans are blindsided by lifetime Medicare penalties because they didn’t know when or how to enroll. The BENES 2.0 Act is a commonsense, bipartisan fix that empowers people with advance information, helping protect their health and their finances,” said Congressman Ruiz. “As we honor Social Security’s 90th anniversary, let’s recommit to strengthening—not complicating—pathways to health coverage.”

“Medicare is an earned benefit, and we should make sure it’s easier for people who qualify to enroll in that earned benefit! I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill that could help hundreds of thousands of Americans to avoid costly penalties and receive crucial health care.” – Congressman Dwight Evans

“Our Medicare system exists to ensure our seniors have access to quality, affordable health care, but for too many older Americans the enrollment process can be a source of stress, confusion, and even lifelong financial penalties. The BENES Act – which I coauthored and is now law – made commonsense updates to improve education, fix the fragmented enrollment periods, and make sure fewer seniors fall through the cracks. I am proud to again join my colleagues in introducing BENES 2.0 to proactively provide seniors with better information about enrollment as they near Medicare eligibility.” – Congressman Schneider

The bill is backed by over 85 national and state organizations, including AARP, AFL-CIO, Medicare Rights Center, BlueCross BlueShield Association, Better Medicare Alliance, CVSHealth, and The Arc of the United States.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined House Democrats in honoring the 90^th anniversary of Social Security. As the Trump Administration continues to gut the Social Security Administration (SSA), Congressman Lieu is advocating for seniors, disabled Americans, and families who have lost loved ones that depend on Social Security. Congressman Lieu released a video on social media to recognize this historic program’s anniversary and discuss the importance of fighting back against President Trump’s attack on Social Security.

Video on YouTube here.

 “It is the 90^th birthday of one of the most amazing programs the federal government has ever done, Social Security – and it is under threat,” said Congressman Lieu. “The Trump Administration has made cuts to Social Security, especially with employees. They’ve closed down some of the field offices. People are getting very long wait times when they show up or when they call in. And so, we’re fighting back and making sure that this Administration continues to preserve and protect Social Security.”