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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Members of the House Agriculture Committee, sent a letter signed by 38 House Democrats to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins calling for the USDA to reverse the reckless elimination of the Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) program.

In January, the USDA froze funding for the RFBC program and on July 15, the department announced it was cancelling the program entirely.

In their letter, the lawmakers wrote, “Eliminating [the RFBC] program will reduce market opportunities for small farmers and food producers, weaken local food supply chains, and set back efforts to build a more resilient food system. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and reinstate this valuable program.”

They continued by highlighting the impact RFBCs have already had on farmers and agriculture communities: “To date, the 12 established Centers have developed critical market and business development support to more than 5,000 farms and businesses nationwide. Leveraging robust partner networks, each Center effectively serves the unique agricultural needs of rural, metro, Tribal, and remote communities.”

A USDA report from October 2024 found that RFBCs led to 2,800 individuals receiving technical assistance, 1,500 new partnerships formed by recipients, and 287 businesses reporting increased revenue as a result of the program.

The lawmakers emphasized how freezing funds for the RFBC program has already had immediate and damaging consequences for these communities: “The loss of funding has disrupted vital partnerships and threatened local and regional supply chains, undermining the food and economic security of communities across the country. Eliminating the program entirely would not only erase the progress made but severely impede a future pathway forward and slow the continuation of this essential work to build resilient food systems in these communities.”

They also called attention to the USDA’s Family First agenda and how the RFBC program aligns with the agenda’s commitment to small family farms: “It was unexpected to see this program eliminated, especially after your department’s release of the Farmers First agenda, which underscores the critical role of small family farms and the barriers they face in accessing markets and infrastructure… Created by USDA in 2022, the RFBC program offers the solutions – including technical assistance, coordination, and capacity-building support – needed to help small, mid-sized, and family farmers overcome these very challenges and contribute to a more resilient and competitive food system for our country.”

The lawmakers concluded by saying, “At a time when farmers continue to experience uncertainty, industry consolidation, and extreme weather events, we must not reduce the opportunities that support their viability and resilience. We urge you to restore the RFBC program and continue working with small- and mid-sized farms to strengthen our nation’s food system and local economies.”

The letter calls for a response from the USDA by August 31, 2025 on the elimination of the RFBC program and how the department plans on supporting farmers, agriculture producers, and rural communities in its absence.

The full letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) sent a letter signed by 40 House Democrats to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) William Marshall regarding extreme heat protections for incarcerated people in federal prisons given record heat waves that have swept the country this summer.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We write to you with concern regarding the impact that record heat waves will have on staff and people who are incarcerated across the 122 Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) facilities and request information that may guide Congressional action to better assist efforts to improve the state of facilities.”

They expressed concern over how extreme heat may be impacting federal inmates, referencing significant rates of heat-related deaths in Texas state prisons, noting, “a 2022 study reports that approximately 13 percent of deaths in Texas prisons between 2001 and 2019 may be attributed to extreme heat days, with an average of 14 inmate deaths per year in facilities without air conditioning.”

The lawmakers also raised concern over the current state of BOP personnel and infrastructure, discussing how that may impact the Bureau’s ability to respond to extreme heat in federal prisons: “Several reports, including one conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, emphasize the ongoing crisis BOP facilities face due to severe staffing shortages and deteriorating infrastructure.  Aging infrastructure poses significant risks to facilities lacking proper air-conditioning systems, which are critically important in preventing serious health issues associated with extreme heat. Staffing shortages limit staff capacity to mitigate extreme heat issues, making those with medical and mental health conditions that are exacerbated by high temperatures more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses or deaths.”

The lawmakers concluded by saying, “In Congress, we hope to use the information and feedback you provide to work collaboratively in addressing these urgent issues and ensuring that people are living and working in humane and safe conditions.”

The letter calls for a response within 30 days.

The full letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

BROOKLYN, NY – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the passing of Greg O’Connell:
 
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Greg O’Connell, a visionary and dear friend whose work helped reshape Red Hook into the vibrant community it is today. For decades, Greg saw value where others saw blight. He restored the Red Hook waterfront with care and purpose, preserving its character while creating space for small businesses, artists, and nonprofits to grow.
 
“Greg proved that redevelopment does not have to come at the cost of community. He showed that you can build something lasting while still being fair, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the neighborhood. Greg was a big man with a bigger heart, humble and genuinely kind. He loved Red Hook, and Red Hook is better place because of him.
 
“My thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege to know and work alongside him.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s removal of five members of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Oversight and Management Board:
 
“There are serious and longstanding concerns with the Fiscal Board, its expansive interpretation of PROMESA, and the austerity it has imposed which has devastated Puerto Rican communities. Unfortunately, when Puerto Rico declared its bankruptcy there was no legal path to orderly restructure its debt. Congress sought to fill that gap in 2016, but the process has been far from perfect. Since then, I’ve fought for years to rein in the Board’s power and hold it accountable to the people it was never elected to represent.
 
“But this sudden purge by Donald Trump is not about justice or reform. It doesn’t dismantle the Board or change PROMESA. It simply creates an opening to stack the Board with even more extreme, pro-bondholder appointees who will continue to put the needs of hedge funds over the Puerto Rican people. If Trump appoints creditor lobbyists to the Board, as he did in his first term, Puerto Ricans will end up paying higher energy bills for decades and facing deeper service cuts, all to boost profits on Wall Street.
 
“It’s also concerning that an unfortunate exchange during a recent Natural Resources Committee hearing ended up in the hands of bad actors, which may have helped set this chain of events in motion.
 
“At the very least, the people of Puerto Rico deserve a Board that works for them, not one that is handpicked to serve vulture funds. I will keep fighting for a just and sustainable recovery, and for the day Puerto Ricans can finally govern without the shadow of unelected, unaccountable control.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON– Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) reintroduced a resolution recognizing July 28, 2025 as World Hepatitis Day raising awareness about the issues surrounding hepatitis B and C and reaffirming Congress’s commitment to ending these preventable diseases.
 
Each year, thousands of Americans die of viral hepatitis, and another 75,000 are infected. Worldwide, an estimated 520 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B and C, and an estimated 1.3 million die annually. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C—and the liver disease they cause—remain urgent global health threats, disproportionately impacting communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people who inject drugs.
 
“Far too many Americans have died because of hepatitis, a viral disease that disproportionately affects communities of color and the LGBTQ community,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing hepatitis as a public health priority. With increased public education, improved testing, and access to treatment, we can turn the tide on this epidemic. But we also must remain vigilant against misinformation and political interference that puts decades of public health progress at risk.”
 
“I am proud to reintroduce this resolution along with Congresswoman Velázquez to bring more awareness to hepatitis research,” said Congressman Johnson (GA-04). “With our nation’s scientific institutions under attack, it is important, now more than ever, that we continue to fund research, education and prevention efforts, and access to testing. We must reaffirm our commitment to eradicate hepatitis and provide hope to those living with it.”
 
In recent months, growing concerns have emerged about efforts by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to undermine longstanding, evidence-based vaccine policies—posing a direct threat to hepatitis B prevention. Kennedy took the unprecedented step of firing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Under his leadership, the newly constituted ACIP has moved to revisit longstanding vaccine recommendations, including the universal hepatitis B birth dose. The committee’s review has alarmed public health experts and advocates, who fear a rollback in vaccine access.
 
In response, Velázquez and Johnson wrote to Secretary Kennedy in June to stress the critical role of the hepatitis B birth dose in preventing new infections and reducing the risk of liver cancer and urging him to maintain longstanding federal recommendations for hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
 
In addition to reshaping federal vaccine policy, Kennedy has made repeated false claims about vaccine safety. Last month, he claimed—without evidence—that the CDC conducted a study showing the hepatitis B vaccine increases the risk of autism and that the agency deliberately hid the results from the public. This assertion has been widely discredited by public health experts and contradicts decades of rigorous research.
 
Kennedy’s leadership has also coincided with the suspension of U.S. support for critical global health institutions, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, putting hepatitis prevention programs abroad in serious jeopardy.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated viral hepatitis a public health priority, and the Department of Health and Human Services continues to implement its Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis. Despite this progress, diagnosis remains a significant barrier. Only 10% of people with chronic hepatitis B and 21% with chronic hepatitis C know their status. More accessible testing and continued investments in prevention and treatment are urgently needed.
 
“This World Hepatitis Day is a critical moment to recognize the global scale of the hepatitis B crisis. Hepatitis B is a virus that kills more than 1.1 million people each year and disproportionately impacts communities that have long been underserved. We are grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez and the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus for championing the resolution to bring national attention to this silent epidemic,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, President of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “The United States must maintain leadership and investment in viral hepatitis to ensure that every person has access to the hepatitis B vaccine, screening, and affordable care and treatment. These are proven tools, and no one should die from a preventable disease.”
 
“Eliminating hepatitis B is not just a medical goal; it’s a health equity imperative,” said Frank Hood, MPS, Director of Hep B United. “Too many communities, especially Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and African immigrants, continue to face systemic barriers to prevention and care. On World Hepatitis Day, Hep B United is proud to stand with Representative Velázquez and our partners across the country to call for investments in hepatitis B education, access, and prevention.”
 
“World Hepatitis Day calls us to honor those we’ve lost to viral hepatitis, celebrate the community champions bringing hope for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat, and recommit to collaborating on effective prevention, diagnosis, and cure for all,” said Daniel Raymond, Director of Policy at the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR). “We urge our allies, partners, and leaders to recognize the promise and urgency of tackling viral hepatitis as a policy priority, and protecting the health of millions of people in the United States and worldwide.”
 
The resolution is endorsed by: African Life Centre, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Liver Foundation, Ann R Thomas, LLC, Asian Health Coalition, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Caring Ambassadors Program, Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Community Liver Alliance, Empire Liver Foundation, End Hep C SF, Hawai‘i Health & Harm Center, Health Betterment Initiative (HBI), Hepatitis B Foundation, Hep B United, Hep B United Philadelphia, Hep Free Hawai‘i, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, Illinois Public Health Association, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan NY, Kumukahi Health + Wellness, LiverRight, Malama Pono Health Services, Maui AIDS Foundation, Mission Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Montefiore Starfish Program, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR), North East Medical Services (NEMS), Robert G. Gish Consultants, The AIDS Institute, USMANGHANI, and Vital Access Care Foundation.
 
A PDF of the resolution can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Congressman Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), led a letter to the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) calling for stronger engagement with small businesses and academic institutions in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
 
“We are writing to express our support for enhancing the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the many small businesses in the U.S. territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, that are both committed and capable of supporting U.S. national security,” the lawmakers wrote. “We believe the talent and capabilities that exist in these localities to support the USAF and Department of Defense are currently underutilized but are positioned to make important contributions to supporting mission-critical defense activities.”
 
The SBIR and STTR programs are competitive federal initiatives that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in research and development (R&D) with the potential for commercialization. These programs are designed to stimulate innovation, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting federal R&D needs, and promote partnerships between small businesses and research institutions.
 
The lawmakers urged the Air Force to invest in outreach and capacity building in the territories, emphasizing the untapped potential of local businesses and universities to contribute to national defense priorities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean regions.
 
Puerto Rico ranks among the top jurisdictions globally for availability of scientists and engineers. In 2021 alone, universities on the island awarded over 20,000 STEM degrees. Meanwhile, Guam and American Samoa consistently report some of the highest military enlistment rates in the country, reflecting a strong commitment to service despite limited local economic opportunities.
 
The letter also highlights the historically low number of SBIR awards granted to the territories and calls for expanded investment—not just in early-stage funding, but also in follow-on support such as Phase II awards and Strategic or Tactical Funding Increases (STRATFI).
 
“We strongly support developing a sustained pathway for not only Phase I SBIR/STTR awards but also Phase II awards and STRATFI transitions to enable a vibrant national security-focused ecosystem in the territories,” continued the lawmakers. “This is particularly important in light of the tremendous talent being produced by their academic institutions to support defense innovation. The higher presence of security-clearable talent is also key in strengthening the small business defense sector.”
 
“With two major institutions designated as High Research Activity and Doctoral Universities (R2), including the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez —a STEM-focused campus—the University of Puerto Rico system demonstrates the research maturity and capacity to engage in high-impact R&D partnerships. These institutions are well-positioned to drive innovation through SBIR/STTR programs that lead to product commercialization, advance national security and fuel economic development.” —Ingrid Y. Padilla, Ph.D., P.H., Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Creative Endeavors Professor of Civil Engineering & Surveying, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
 
The letter was also signed by Reps. James Moylan (R-GU) and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI).
 
Find the full letter here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Today, in anticipation of Social Security’s 90th anniversary on August 14th, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted “Seniors Are Serious About Social Security”, a panel conversation with local senior service providers, and Social Security advocates. 

 

Highlighting the importance of Social Security, Congresswoman Beatty and conversation panelists tackled timely and pressing changes to the Social Security Administration — from staffing cuts to proposed field office closures — and what they mean for seniors’ access to earned benefits. 

 

“This week, our nation marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security — a promise we made in 1935 that every American could retire with dignity. Today, more than 67 million people depend on it, including over 109,000 right here in Ohio’s Third Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Beatty, “But that promise is under threat…that’s why I’m here today — to make sure we continue raising our collective voices to protect and strengthen Social Security. I want you to know that I, and House Democrats, are committed to fighting for you and for this earned benefit.”

 

The discussion also gave Social Security beneficiaries the opportunity to share their priorities and recommendations for how Congress can strengthen Social Security for future generations.

Featured panelists alongside Congresswoman Beatty included:

• Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging
• Anna Tobin, Executive Director, Senior Hub, Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County
• Norm Wernet, President, Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans
• Patti Davis-Sato, Secretary/Treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
• Nancy Altman, President, Social Security Works (via video)

This event was part of a nationwide effort by House Democrats during the August District Work Period to highlight Social Security’s milestone anniversary, amplify community voices, and reaffirm their commitment to protect and strengthen seniors’ earned benefits against threats from the Trump Administration.

 

Press kits with photos and additional materials from the event are available HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) conducted a joint congressional oversight visit to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Downtown Los Angeles and the adjacent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Field Office. The Members’ visit comes in response to heightened concerns about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions in Los Angeles.

“Oversight isn’t optional—it’s our duty,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “Our communities deserve transparency from federal agencies operating in our neighborhoods with such aggressive tactics. But when answers aren’t freely given, we must dig deeper. Today’s oversight visit sent a clear message: We will not allow abuse or neglect to go unchecked.”

“Just a month ago, I was illegally denied entry to this detention facility in downtown Los Angeles. Today, we finally got inside, but what we saw was deeply disturbing. We were barred from speaking with detainees and continue to receive conflicting reports about conditions, from the food and hygiene provided to the alarming lack of clarity over who is authorized to detain people off the streets. We will not stop pressing for answers and accountability until we know the full truth,” said Rep. Judy Chu.

“Only after giving DHS a 14-day notice were my colleagues and I allowed inside the DTLA detention center today to conduct oversight,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “This summer, the facility was reported to be holding more than 300 people a day. Today, there were just 2. ICE and DHS are hiding the truth and blocking real oversight. Our communities deserve answers, unannounced access, and true accountability.”

During the tour of MDC Los Angeles, the Members met with facility leadership to review detention conditions, treatment of detainees, and compliance with federal standards. The delegation then proceeded to the DHS Field Office to seek direct answers from DHS officials on the scope, legality, and impact of recent ICE operations in the region.

But instead of clear answers, the lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as a “watered down” and “tightly controlled” tour that failed to provide the level of transparency the public deserves.

Following the oversight visits, the Members held a press conference outside the Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles to brief the public on their findings.

To watch their remarks, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

July 17, 2025

BOLTON, MS – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $955,000 through the Health Center Controlled Network Program to Mississippi Health Safe Net and $563,053 through the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services to the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce two significant National Science Foundation (NSF) awards supporting advanced research and STEM education initiatives at two of Mississippi’s distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Jackson State University has been awarded $390,000.00 for a project entitled “Excellence in Research: Processes and Interactions in Plasmonic Systems” under the direction of Dr. Tigran Shahbazyan. This project, beginning August 1, 2025, will support theoretical and computational research and education focused on strong light-matter interactions in hybrid nanoscale systems. The work aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in plasmonic systems, which have applications in optics, communications, and sensing technologies.

Alcorn State University has been awarded $398,619.00 for a project entitled “Targeted Infusion Project: Elevate Learning with Interactive Technology Enhancements (ELITE) in STEM at Alcorn State University”, under the direction of Dr. Hua-Jun Fan. Beginning August 15, 2025, this project is funded through the NSF’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP). The Targeted Infusion Project supports the development, implementation, and study of innovative, evidence-based models aimed at improving undergraduate STEM education and student success. The ELITE project at Alcorn State will enhance student learning through interactive technology and prepare students for graduate study and careers in STEM.