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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) wrote a letter to Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary Collins regarding the costly decision on August 6th to terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees. The July issue of VA’s Workforce Dashboard shows that, for this fiscal year, the net losses for veteran-facing employees across VA are estimated at over 8,700. Castor previously met with Secretary Collins in April to discuss protecting health care for veterans and the veteran workforce. 

“We owe a debt to America’s veterans and their families. We must fund the VA, protect veterans’ health care, support our VA workforce and ensure that veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve,” said Rep. Castor. “This should not be political – and yet Donald Trump and Republicans are going after veteran workers, undermining the VA, and cutting health care and SNAP at a time when more and more veterans count on these programs. It is un-American and betrays the patriotic Tampa Bay community.”

Castor wrote, “It is clear that your actions as Secretary are negatively impacting the VA workforce. VA is attritting employees that are critical to VA’s ability to meet its mission to serve veterans at an alarming rate. Your recent decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the vast majority of VA workers will most certainly lead to more employees choosing to leave the Department and fewer prospective workers choosing VA as an employer.”

Castor continued, “Veterans’ access to their earned care and benefits will be affected. This is of particular concern to me, as Hillsborough County, Florida has the 2nd highest veteran population in the United States. There are roughly 125,000 veterans enrolled in the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital alone, the highest number of veterans served in the state of Florida. As I mentioned in our April discussion, Tampa Bay is a special place because our community is rich in veterans with very high expectations and a committed workforce. The actions you are taking are actively undermining that high quality of service that our veterans need and deserve.”

The full letter can be found here and below.

The Honorable Douglas A. Collins

Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20420

RE: Workforce Losses That Impact Veterans and Veteran Care in the Tampa and Bay Pines VA Healthcare Systems

Dear Secretary Collins,

Thank you for your visit to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in April to meet with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees, patients and members of our Tampa Bay congressional delegation. Since our meeting, I have closely tracked VA’s funding and workforce policies under your leadership, both nationally and locally in my community. I write to you now with extreme concern regarding the high volume of departures of employees, including those who serve in veteran-facing and mission critical roles, across the VA. To that end, I request detailed data regarding the VA workforce to assess the impact of attrition on veteran access to care and benefits in the Tampa Bay area.  We are a patriotic community with a reputation of excellence in serving veterans, and home to the Tampa VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and VISN 8, the VA’s largest system of hospitals and clinics serving over 1.4 million veterans.

During our April meeting and in congressional hearings and other public appearances, you repeatedly stated that changes you are making at VA would not impact the delivery of care and benefits to veterans. However, the July issue of VA’s Workforce Dashboard shows that, for this fiscal year, the net losses for veteran-facing employees across VA are estimated at over 8,700. This is a stark number compared to the Biden Administration, which added a net 8,700 employees during the same period in FY 2024. The current number of employee losses under your leadership includes mission-essential jobs. Specifically, you have lost over: 2,129 registered nurses, 1,283 medical support assistants, 751 physicians, and 1,294 veteran claim examiners. In a May 5 correspondence I received from your office, it was reported to me that 41 employees left the Tampa and St. Petersburg VA Healthcare System. 

The VA needs a strong and growing workforce due to the care being provided under the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This new law helps provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. The VA expanded VA health care to millions of Veterans—years earlier than called for by the PACT Act – and it has been a godsend for Veterans and their families.

It is clear that your actions as Secretary are negatively impacting the VA workforce. VA is attritting employees that are critical to VA’s ability to meet its mission to serve veterans at an alarming rate. Your recent decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the vast majority of VA workers will most certainly lead to more employees choosing to leave the Department and fewer prospective workers choosing VA as an employer. Veterans’ access to their earned care and benefits will be affected. This is of particular concern to me, as Hillsborough County, Florida has the 2^nd highest veteran population in the United States. There are roughly 125,000 veterans enrolled in the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital alone, the highest number of veterans served in the state of Florida. As I mentioned in our April discussion, Tampa Bay is a special place because our community is rich in veterans with very high expectations and a committed workforce. The actions you are taking are actively undermining that high quality of service that our veterans need and deserve.

As the representative from the Tampa Bay area, I am requesting a more detailed understanding of the current workforce situation in my district so that I can assess the impact to the veterans I represent. Specifically, I ask for data on all employee departures from January 1, 2025, through August 8, 2025, within the Tampa VA and Bay Pines VA Healthcare Systems, respectively. The data should include: 

• Occupation
• Job title
• Grade and step level
• Veteran status
• Disability status
• Military spouse status
• Years in service at VA
• Facility/location
• Reason for departure
• Whether the employee was retirement-eligible
• Whether the employee participated in the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP)
• Whether the employee was terminated
• Whether the employee resigned

I also request detailed data on the number and type of veteran appointments cancelled or rescheduled due to staffing shortages at the Tampa VA and Bay Pines VA Healthcare Systems since January 1, 2025. 

This information is critical to understanding workforce trends and ensuring the needs of veterans in Tampa Bay continue to be met.

I urge your prompt attention to this request and look forward to your detailed response by August 15, 2025.

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

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) joined Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño at Laredo City Hall to provide an update on how the Department of Defense continues to support South Texas border security efforts.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Homeland Security, Congressman Cuellar has worked to secure resources and oversight for border security. Last Friday, Congressman Cuellar toured a Stryker battalion in Laredo alongside Mayor Treviño, U.S. Border Patrol, and Army leadership to see firsthand how these advanced vehicles bolster border security operations in the region.

Stryker units remain stationed in Laredo, equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal-imaging technology, and advanced drone-detection systems. These assets help secure high-vegetation areas along the riverbanks, where smugglers exploit dense brush and use drones to evade traditional ground patrols.

During the press conference, Congressman Cuellar also highlighted ongoing coordination between the Department of Defense, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement to secure the border.

This deployment remains a targeted effort focused on perimeter detection, not direct enforcement, and is designed to keep our neighborhoods safe by reducing cartel-drone incursions, illegal crossings, stash houses, and high-speed car chases. Congressman Cuellar remains deeply committed to protecting South Texas families and ensuring that all operations prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Bipartisan legislation turns concern into action, funding groundbreaking research on microplastics and human health

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the bipartisan Plastic Health Research Act which would jumpstart national research into effects of plastic exposure on human health.

Here’s what Michiganders are hearing about the bill: 

WZZM 13 Online: MI Rep.’s new legislation aims to tackle plastic pollution’s health impact

Grand Rapids, MI

• Health hazards in Michigan’s waterways have long been a top concern for its people, given the state’s stewardship of a vast amount of the world’s freshwater supply.

• “The fact is that there are 22 million pounds of trash that are pulled out of the Great Lakes every year,” nature conservation educator Jessica Gregory told 13 ON YOUR SIDE back in 2021.

• “We find these microplastics essentially everywhere in the environment,” said Stuart Jones, who works as the executive director of Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon. “We know that we find them in our own bodies, but this the big unknown is, ‘What are the implications of that?'”

• Now, a member of Michigan’s congressional delegation is aiming to tackle it.

• Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Michigan) is set to introduce a bill in Congress this week aimed at helping to fund and facilitate research on how plastic exposure impacts health.

• “It’s time, particularly as it pertains to plastics and public health, that we move past alarming headlines and actually get access to data,” Stevens told 13 ON YOUR SIDE.

• “This I just kept seeing in terms of plastic health coming up again and again and not enough backing for research,” she said. “I’ve talked to researchers at our National Institute[s] of Health. They helped me weigh in on this legislation, private sector partners who are actually in the chemical manufacturing process, but also want to see fair studies get done, alongside environmental groups and our universities.”

• According to the bill’s language, grants could be awarded to “public entities, nonprofit entities, academic research institutions, or consortia of such entities” that apply for them.

• These centers would be tasked with work to “conduct and improve the quality of scientific research to inform public health determinations and increase public awareness (where scientifically warranted) with respect to the potential health effects caused by plastic exposure.

• “Our environmental groups certainly have goals that oftentimes are not too different than our universities and our government actors, and certainly even where the private sector is,” she said. “We all want the best health outcomes.”

• She’s hoping that its bipartisan support – including from Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma), whom her office said would introduce the bill alongside her – will broaden its appeal and protect its mission.

• “I want to see this legislation get done,” she said. “I know this is going to be important for our country. Just look at who’s endorsing it. Look at the fact that it’s bipartisan and a step in the right direction for us.” 

WILX: Bill to Address Microplastics

Lansing, MI

• Meanwhile, at the U.S. Capitol there’s a new bill that aims to research the effects of microplastics on our bodies. 

•  Democratic U.S. Representative from Michigan, Haley Stevens introduced the bill alongside a Republican from Oklahoma. 

• The bipartisan Plastic Health Research Act aims to determine the exact impact of microplastics on human health, especially from the country’s Great Lakes and oceans.

• The bill will now make its way to committee hearings.

WNEM: Bill to Close Knowledge Gaps From Plastics

Flint, MI

• Democratic U.S. Representative from Michigan Haley Stevens introduced the bipartisan Plastic Health Research Act

• The legislation aims to determine the exact impact of microplastics on human health especially from the country’s Great Lakes and oceans 

WZZM: Health Impacts of Plastics in Water Supply

Grand Rapids, MI 

• Congresswoman Haley Stevens this week introducing what’s been named the Plastic Health Research Act

• “It’s time, particularly as it pertains to plastics and public health that we move past alarming headlines and actually get access to data.” 

• “I just kept seeing in terms of plastic health coming up again and again and not enough backing for research.”  

• If passed, the bill would put $10 million each year between 2026 and 2030 toward research programs and grants to study how plastic exposure impacts our health.

• “I don’t want to do good policymaking without good data and that’s why we need to reject dogmatism and really search for and identify the science” 

• Somewhere where there’s little knowledge but that could help to find a solution.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

August 08, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the Accommodating Individuals Requesting Familial Assistance in Riding Efficiently (AIRFARE) Act. This bill resolves administrative gaps in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program for minors and passengers requiring assistance.
“Anyone flying commercial knows getting through airport security is a hassle. The process is even more arduous for parents and caregivers assisting a loved one or passenger to their gate,” said Rep. Steube. “Travelers and their families deserve hospitality, not headaches, at the airport. My bill guarantees TSA PreCheck privileges are honored for non-travelers with gate passes to accompany passengers to their departure.”
Under the status quo, TSA PreCheck privileges are often ignored and denied for caregivers and parents who are accompanying traveling minors to their gate. To make matters worse, passengers who require wheelchairs must rely exclusively on airline employees or contractors to wheel them through the airport. The AIRFARE Act ensures TSA PreCheck privileges are honored for parents and caregivers. It also allows wheelchair travelers to be assisted to their gate by family members instead of airline personnel. 
The AIRFARE Act has the support of the Allegiant Travel Company and the Association of Value Airlines.
“Allegiant is committed to ensuring that our customers have the best possible experience at all points of their journey. We commend Congressman Steube for his leadership on the AIRFARE Act, which will thoughtfully enhance the gate pass process to better serve families and passengers needing mobility assistance.” —Statement from the Allegiant Travel Company
“The Association of Value Airlines appreciates Congressman Steube’s leadership on the AIRFARE Act. This bill will improve the quality of the travel experience for families with minors and passengers needing mobility assistance by enabling caregivers to seamlessly accompany them to the gate prior to departure. We look forward to further collaboration with Congressman Steube to advance this legislation.” —Jonathon Freye, Executive Director, Association of Value Airlines
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

August 08, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the Limiting Extremist Travel to the United Nations Act. This bill codifies travel restrictions and requirements for foreign officials affiliated with certain hostile countries, terrorist organizations, and U.N. organizations when attending official meetings of the U.N. at its headquarters in New York City. 
“No person who chants ‘Death to America’ should be allowed free rein when visiting the United States for U.N. meetings in New York. Not only does their presence pose a serious risk to our national security, but it sends the wrong message to the world,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill makes sure only American allies and good faith partners in the international community are permitted full freedom of movement within the U.S. when attending official proceedings of the U.N.”
Background: This legislation codifies precedent by the State Department to establish specific travel conditions for officials of certain countries, entities, and U.N. organizations when visiting New York City for U.N. meetings. Personnel affiliated with the regime in Iran or any Foreign Terrorist Organization will be required to follow the closest route between local New York City airports (JFK, EWR, and TEB), their representative office to the U.N., their hotel, and the U.N. Headquarters Building. The bill also limits their visa’s stay to the duration of the U.N. General Assembly plus one day before and after for travel considerations.
Read the full bill text here.

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

LAREDO, TX — The $2,150,000 federal investment to upgrade streets and drainage infrastructure in Rio Bravo is entering the final stages of construction and inspection, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), announced today, with completion set for August. This marks the first time in 36 years that Rio Bravo’s streets have been repaved, bringing long-awaited improvements to families across the community.

This tremendous effort is the result of $1.5 million in community project funding secured by Rep. Cuellar, $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Webb County, and $150,000 in ARPA funds for the City of Rio Bravo.

The investment reflects the Congressman’s continued focus on improving infrastructure in Rio Bravo through targeted federal support, as well as the strength of cooperation between federal, state, and city partners to deliver lasting infrastructure improvements.

“This is what bringing our federal tax dollars home looks like,” said Congressman Cuellar. “For too long, the families of Rio Bravo have had to wait for the kind of reliable infrastructure that most communities take for granted. These improvements are about more than concrete and asphalt – they’re about access, safety, and dignity.”

Congressman Cuellar thanked Río Bravo City Mayor Amanda Perez Aguero and the City Council for their leadership and commitment to making this project a reality. He also thanks Webb County for their support.

The project addresses long-standing flooding and roadway issues that have affected families, school buses, and emergency vehicles across the community. The upgrades include resurfaced streets and new drainage systems designed to keep roads open and safe during heavy rain. The new infrastructure will ensure more reliable access to neighborhoods and essential services year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Last week, Webb County approved the addition of more linear roadways to the project. The added improvements were made possible by a surplus in the original contract, thanks to efficient delivery and strong oversight. The expanded scope has already allowed more streets in Rio Bravo to benefit from the investment, with crews preparing to complete the newly added segment as part of the final phase.

“We’re fixing real problems in real neighborhoods – where families have put down roots, the community has grown, and the infrastructure simply hasn’t kept up,” Rep. Cuellar continued. “This funding proves what happens when the federal government works with our local partners to get things done for South Texas. It’s about making sure families in Rio Bravo have safe roads to get to school and work, that first responders don’t get stalled by high water, and that our small businesses have the infrastructure they need to keep this community moving forward.”

Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has made infrastructure investment in Rio Bravo and rural communities a core focus of his work in Washington. In Congress, he brings federal tax dollars home to support targeted improvements – from streets and drainage to public safety, health care, and utility systems – that strengthen daily life and expand opportunity for families across South Texas.

A ribbon cutting is planned for August following final inspection. Additional details will be shared by the Congressman’s office in the coming weeks.

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.

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

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), joined TxDOT Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” G. Meade III, Mayor Victor D. Treviño, state officials, and local constituents for the groundbreaking ceremony of the much-anticipated Lomas Del Sur Overpass Project. This transformative infrastructure project will replace the current closed intersection at SL20 and Lomas Del Sur Boulevard with an elevated bridge structure to significantly improve traffic flow and safety in one of Laredo’s fastest growing areas. Following the formal groundbreaking, Congressman Cuellar participated in a tour with TxDOT officials of two major infrastructure projects: the US 59 Loop Upgrade Project and the new SH 84 Hachar-Reuthinger Connector.

The Lomas Del Sur project will construct an overpass with two main lanes in each direction with the capacity to expand to three lanes in the future as well as frontage road ramps and a shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along the west frontage road. Once complete, the 1.3-mile project will help alleviate congestion, enhance mobility, and improve access for families, businesses, and emergency services.

Thanks to federal funding secured by Congressman Cuellar, 80 percent of the $49.5 million total construction cost for the project will come from federal dollars, with the remaining 20 percent provided by the state of Texas. The project will be built by Anderson Columbia over an estimated 522 working calendar days and delivered in four phases.

Congressman Cuellar continues to champion federal investments in South Texas infrastructure that strengthen local economies, improve quality of life, and prepare our communities for future growth. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, he remains committed to bringing critical transportation dollars home for use on projects like this one.

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

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar Ph.D. (TX-28) joined City of Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño, El Metro Transit Director Robert J. Garza, El Metro Transit Assistant General Manager Monica Garcia, and local constituents for a public transportation ride along to highlight the largest fleet expansion in Laredo’s history. Together, they boarded one of the new buses to showcase its modern features and celebrate this historic investment, made possible through $11,884,590 in federal funding secured by Congressman Cuellar from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration.

The $11,884,590 federal investment, combined with local funds, allowed El Metro to modernize its fleet, improve service reliability, and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. The new buses will provide a cleaner, more comfortable, and more accessible experience for riders across the community, connecting seniors, students, workers, and families to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity.

Congressman Cuellar believes investing in modern public transportation is essential to providing safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly options for all residents. He recognizes how these investments drive economic growth, lower emissions, and improve quality of life. He remains committed to securing additional federal funding to help communities like Laredo continue expanding and enhancing their transit systems.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar has been a steadfast advocate for infrastructure improvements across South Texas, delivering critical funding for projects like this one.

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

“As a father, I understand how important – and difficult – it is for parents to find affordable child care that they can trust,” continued Congressman Cuellar. “This bipartisan effort will help working families stay on the job without having to choose between their paycheck and their kids. It also gives small businesses new ways to support their workers. That’s good for families, good for employers, and good for our economy.”

“By investing in child care affordability, we’re investing in the future of our economy. I’ll keep working across the aisle to ensure South Texas families have the tools they need to succeed – both at home and in the workplace.”