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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

August 8, 2025 – The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), released the following statement opposing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed settlement allowing UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, a provider of home health and hospice care. The divestiture of 164 facilities fails to curb UnitedHealth’s market dominance, threatening higher costs, reduced care access, and limited nurse employment options.

“We are unequivocally opposed to the DOJ’s proposed settlement, which fails to address the severe consequences of allowing UnitedHealth to acquire Amedisys. The healthcare system is already grappling with a crisis of corporate consolidation that drives up costs and limits access to care. Greenlighting UnitedHealth’s roll up of home health and hospice services will supercharge healthcare dysfunction and create more headaches for patients. It further reduces patient access to affordable care, particularly in rural areas, while limiting nurses’ employment options and suppressing wages.

“The DOJ’s proposed settlement won’t stop UnitedHealth from further consolidating its control over the healthcare system. Its weak and flawed remedy includes divesting some overlapping Amedisys health and hospice care providers to a private-equity-owned competitor with a history of predation and profiteering at the expense of the sick. The core issue isn’t just about overlapping markets but UnitedHealth’s broader strategy of taking over various parts of the healthcare chain, from insurance to data systems.

“When a company as powerful as UnitedHealth is allowed to continue buying up smaller healthcare corporations, it leads to a broken system where prices are high, competition is stifled, and patients and healthcare workers are the ones who pay the price. This settlement is a failure by the DOJ to do their job and protect Americans from the dangers of a monopolized healthcare system. It’s a clear signal that the system is rigged in favor of wealthy corporations, not the patients and workers who deserve affordable, quality care.”

Background

In June 2023, UnitedHealth announced its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, following its 2023 purchase of LHC Group for $5.4 billion, positioning it as one of the largest home health and hospice providers in the U.S. The DOJ, joined by Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, sued to block the merger in November 2024, arguing it would eliminate competition between two of the nation’s largest providers, potentially controlling 30 percent or more of home health or hospice markets in eight states and adding nearly 500 locations across 32 states. 

The lawsuit emphasized risks to patients through higher costs and reduced care quality, to insurers through diminished negotiating power, and to nurses through fewer employment options and suppressed wages. The proposed settlement, filed August 7, 2025, requires divestiture of 164 facilities across 19 states, representing $528 million in annual revenue, and imposes a $1.1 million penalty on Amedisys for Hart-Scott-Rodino Act violations. The settlement awaits final approval from a Maryland district court after a 60-day public comment period.

Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust

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

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

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement thanking U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07) on his years of public service:

“Congressman Danny Davis has been a champion for his constituents and the people of Illinois for nearly 30 years. He’s advanced civil rights for all, passed legislation to improve healthcare for Black men and boys, and advocated for criminal justice reform. We are a better country due to his public service, and I know we will continue to benefit from his lasting legislation. I’m grateful for my good colleague’s work, and I wish him a happy retirement.”

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

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) stood alongside fellow Members of Congress from Illinois, Citizen Action/Illinois and healthcare advocates to oppose Republican cuts to Medicaid. Today marks 60 years since Medicaid has been established, a bleak birthday after President Trump gutted the popular healthcare program by $1 trillion.

“Today, we should be celebrating 60 years of Medicaid, but instead, we’re trying to save it from President Trump and his Congressional Republicans,” said Rep. Kelly. “The fight to save Medicaid isn’t over. In Illinois, 3.4 million people rely on Medicaid as a lifeline. I will not let a bully like President Trump sacrifice our healthcare to give more tax breaks to the wealthy few.”

Earlier this month, Donald Trump and House Republicans passed the Big, Ugly Bill, which will take healthcare away from more than 15 million people. In Illinois, nearly half a million people are at risk of losing healthcare, including 38,000 people in the Second District. Rep. Kelly joined every House Democrat in voting against the bill.

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

“The role of HHS should be to protect the health of all those living in this country and provide essential human services, not to be a watchdog for DHS or act as immigration enforcement,” the Members stated in the letter. “For decades, the U.S. has ensured emergency medical care to anyone in need, regardless of immigration status. The use of Medicaid data for immigration enforcement weaponizes health care as a surveillance mechanism for DHS.”

The Members continued to outline the devastating consequences of misusing sensitive health data under the Trump administration, jeopardizing the privacy of over 79 million Americans.

“As a result, HHS erodes trust in the U.S. health care system, and we fear the consequences of this betrayal on public health. Immigrants across the country, no matter their status, will fear repercussions for seeking out emergency medical care. Black and Brown Americans, already skeptical of the integrity of the health care system, may also avoid seeking care or coverage for fear of persecution. Even slight delays in care can have disastrous health consequences for these communities and the broader U.S. population.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in response to the Israeli Security Cabinet approving a plan to take control of Gaza City: 

“We all want this awful war to end. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to take over all of Gaza City is tactically questionable and strategically self-defeating. If implemented, the decision is more likely to play into Hamas’s original objectives in starting this war and further unite much of the world against Israel than it is to bring home the last surviving hostages and advance the security needs of the nation.

“It is always necessary to remember that, on October 7, 2023, Hamas started this war with the intent of destroying Israel and killing its citizens. Israel has the absolute right to protect its citizens, secure its borders, and rescue its hostages. 

“At the same time, in fighting what is unquestionably an existential war against absolute evil, Israel must also uphold its responsibility to do all it can to protect civilians in Gaza and enable humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“Again, the world wants this war to end. The world must also be committed to working with Israel, the United States, European countries, and our Arab allies to open new pathways for relief, recovery and renewal—both for the people of Gaza and the people of Israel.”

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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 – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco — Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi visited the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) to mark House Democrats’ Honor Our Veterans Day of Action and highlight the impact of the PACT Act ahead of its third anniversary. The visit focused on oversight of ongoing health system improvements, research advancements and the threat posed by House Republican efforts to defund and dismantle core VA services for America’s Veterans.

During the visit, Pelosi met with Interim Medical Director Neil Gordon and Chief of Staff Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele to discuss a range of issues—from expanding access to care through the PACT Act and advancing groundbreaking research on women Veterans, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, sexual trauma, and suicide prevention, to addressing workforce challenges like staffing shortages, retaining clinical expertise and delays in construction projects.

Donald Trump’s attack on Veterans’ health care has weakened the VA and made it harder—or even impossible—for Veterans to get the care they deserve. In July, House Republicans passed, and Donald Trump signed the Big, Ugly Bill into law, which will have devastating consequences for San Francisco Veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, House Democrats have been out in full force meeting with Veterans, holding hearings with Veterans and military families, and demanding the Trump Administration stop these cuts and strengthen Veterans’ benefits.

“Today we honor our Veterans not just by saying ‘thanks for your service.’ We honor them and their service by meeting their needs. As we listen to Veterans in our community and across the country, they talk about a wide range of subjects including housing, food, Medicaid and health care needs,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.

Pelosi continued: “That’s why I’m proud to join our House Democrats on this Honor Our Veterans Day of Action to call on the Trump Administration to improve Veterans’ policy, improve their budget and to stop the VA privatization that the Republicans have been advocating for.”

More background information on how the Trump Administration’s actions are affecting Veterans HERE.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), released the following statement following Amtrak’s announcement that NextGen Acela trains will enter service on August 28, 2025:

“I’m thrilled that later this month new high-speed Acela trains will begin service at 30th Street Station. These faster, more reliable trains are a win for Philadelphia’s economy, bringing new jobs and more visitors to support our local businesses.

As one of Congress’s strongest advocates for passenger rail, I’m proud to have championed record funding for Amtrak. From modernizing 30th Street Station to creating union jobs at our city’s new rail yard, these historic investments are delivering real results for Philadelphia.”

Background

• Philadelphia’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is the third-busiest station in Amtrak’s network, with more than 5 million intercity passengers served in fiscal year 2024.
• Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supported by Congressman Boyle, a new heavy maintenance facility is currently under construction near 30th Street Station.
• In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak spent over $227,000,000 on goods and services from businesses in Philadelphia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – California Congressional Representatives whose districts were harmed by the recent closure of five Planned Parenthood clinics due to Republicans’ Medicaid cuts, are calling upon the Trump Administration to comply with a Federal District Court injunction and reinstate this essential health care funding.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Adam Gray (CA-13) led a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Trump and Republicans’ Big Ugly Budget Bill attacks the reproductive health services that women and families across the country rely upon, and intentionally targets Planned Parenthood by blocking Medicaid reimbursements. Due to the Administration’s anti-health care policies, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the largest network in the country that serves 300,000 patients annually in California and Nevada, was forced to close five clinics in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Gilroy, Santa Cruz and Madera.

“These centers, which have served over 23,000 patients in the past year, provided essential care to their communities, including cancer screenings and STI testing. [Republicans’] policy choices have also forced Planned Parenthood Mar Monte to sunset three of their services, which an ever-increasing number of patients have come to rely on: family medicine, behavioral health, and prenatal care,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter.

Planned Parenthood operates nearly 600 health centers across the nation that serve 2.1 million patients. About 1 in 3 women have been to a Planned Parenthood clinic in their lifetime, with 65% of patients living below 150% of the federal poverty line. It provides a range of preventative health care services including routine check ups, cancer and diabetes screenings, smoking cessation programs, and family medicine to people of all ages from prenatal care to menopause treatment.

“We urge you to recognize the important role reproductive health care centers play in expanding access to care and demand you comply with a federal court’s preliminary injunction halting enforcement of this harmful cut in funding,” the lawmakers wrote. “With so much instability in the health care system right now, our constituents should not have to bear the burden of health center closures. You have a duty to ensure that they, along with all Americans, have access to health care, including safe and quality reproductive care.”

Read the full letter here.

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