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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar & Dingell Introduce Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act

Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced the Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act. This legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to study the feasibility of a standardized tuberculosis test for tissue provided from human cadavers. 

“If there was a standardized test for TB in tissue donations from human cadavers, Shandra may be alive today. HHS must conduct this crucial research and explore how this testing can be done,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “This bipartisan bill will do just that and take a necessary first step towards preventing more families from experiencing the heartache Shandra’s has been through.”

“No family should ever have to endure the preventable tragedy that Shandra’s family went through. When a patient receives a tissue transplant, they and their loved ones deserve absolute certainty that the donation is safe and free from disease,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “By directing public health leaders to study the feasibility of a standardized tuberculosis test for cadaveric tissue, this bipartisan legislation closes a dangerous gap in our safety protocols.”

The bill is a response to the August 2023 passing of Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, due to complications from a tuberculosis infection. Eisenga contracted TB after receiving a bone graft in April 2023 using a tissue donation from an infected donor. 

Moolenaar and Dingell led the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act which unanimously passed the House of Representatives on June 23, 2025.

The text of the Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is introducing the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, legislation to help families buy fresh fruits and vegetables modeled on a successful program launched in Jayapal’s district. 

“As families struggle to keep food on the table, Congress must prioritize work on efforts to lower costs and help Americans stay afloat,” said Jayapal. “While Republicans in Congress enacted legislation to raise food prices and are hellbent on cutting food assistance, Seattle is once again leading the way with the Fresh Bucks program, which is successfully keeping people fed with nutritious food and reducing hunger. We must pass this legislation to expand the program nationwide and get families in every corner of the country healthy produce they can afford.”

The Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act would establish a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give families making 80 percent or less of their area’s median income $60 per month to spend on produce. The program is modeled after a successful program created by the City of Seattle, which has led to a 31 percent higher food security rate and encouraged healthy habits, with participants having at least three servings of fruits and vegetables a day 37 percent more often.

“The International Fresh Produce Association is grateful to Representative Jayapal for introducing the Fresh Bucks for Produce Act to make fruits and vegetables more accessible to income-eligible individuals. This type of intervention empowers consumers to access the fruits and vegetables that are right for their families and in retail locations that work for them. Minimizing barriers to fresh fruit and vegetable consumption means making the healthy choice the easy choice – and this bill would do just that.” Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President, Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Produce Association.

“In White Center and historically underinvested communities across King County, we see every day how rising grocery costs continue to strain working families, seniors, immigrants, and households already navigating increasing housing and living expenses. Access to healthy, culturally relevant food should not be determined by income—it should not be considered a luxury. At WCCDA, we believe thriving communities require systems that make healthy food accessible, affordable, and attainable—and that investments in food access are investments in community health, economic stability, and opportunity. We strongly support Congresswoman Jayapal’s leadership in advancing innovative solutions that respond to the realities families face today while strengthening local food systems and neighborhood businesses that give us our vibrancy. Expanding the proven Seattle Fresh Bucks model through a federal pilot offers an opportunity to increase food security, support local producers and retailers, and help communities across the country build healthier, more resilient futures,” said Aaron Garcia, WCCDA Executive Director. 

“Older adults across King County are facing impossible choices as grocery prices continue to rise. Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program has had a substantial impact on our clients’ health and quality of life: we have seen firsthand how a targeted produce benefit can increase health equity, improve food security, and keep food dollars circulating locally. A USDA pilot modeled on that success would be a meaningful step toward healthier households and stronger community food systems nationwide,” said Adam Porter, Director, Meals on Wheels, Sound Generations.

“We are excited for Representative Jayapal’s proposed pilot to bring more fresh produce to our neighbors. Fruits and vegetables remain the most shopped for and most requested items at our three pantries. This pilot will help our customer families find more healthy produce options that meet their specific needs and also, importantly, expand support for our local food system. Small local farms are a critical partner in our work and in our food supply. This pilot will help our community increase the investment in local food and in building a stronger local food system while nourishing our neighbors,” said Joe Gruber, Executive Director, University District Food Bank. 

“Food insecurity is driven not only by a lack of food, but by the rising cost of healthy food,” said Food Lifeline CEO Stephen Davis.“This proposal builds on a proven model by helping families afford fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and food businesses. We applaud Congresswoman Jayapal for advancing an evidence-based approach that helps families put nutritious food on the table while strengthening local food systems.”

The legislation is sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

It is also endorsed by Alimentando al Pueblo; Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition; Ballard Food Bank; Center for Biological Diversity; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture; Farm Action Fund; Food & Water Watch; Food Lifeline; International Fresh Produce Association; Lifelong Health for All; National Education Association; Northwest Harvest; Organically Grown Company; Pacific Islander Community Association of WA; Sound Generations; Southwest Youth & Family Services; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Tilth Alliance; United Way of King County; University District Food Bank; Washington State Community Action Partnership; White Center Community Development Association; White Center Food Bank.

Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, ahead of the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump signing the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, highlighted the benefits tens of millions of Americans received during the first tax season under the law.

“In its first year, the Working Families Tax Cuts put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvania families, made historic investments in our nation’s children, gave a boost to our seniors, and strengthened Main Street businesses for years to come,” said Rep. Kelly. “Thanks to these incredible new policies, including No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime, this law leverages the tax code to work for Americans, not against them. From employers to employees, from children to seniors, the Working Families Tax Cuts are a game changer for Pennsylvanians.”

President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law on July 4, 2025.

By The Numbers

The latest U.S. Treasury data, released in June, revealed:

• 96% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $200,000. 
• Nearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000.
• No Tax on Tips: Over 7.5 million filers have claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000.
• No Tax on Overtime: Over 29 million filers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100. 
• Enhanced Senior Deduction: Over 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of over $7,500. 
• No Tax on Car Loan Interest: Over 1.4 million filers have claimed No Tax on Car Loan Interest on their new American vehicles, with an average deduction of over $1,800. 
• Trump Accounts: Over 5.5 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution. 
• Enhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded by the Working Families Tax Cuts. 
• Doubled Standard Deduction: Over 127 million filers (90% of all tax filers) have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction, simplifying tax filing for millions across America.

Opportunity Zones Success

The Working Families Tax Cuts also expanded and made permanent Rep. Kelly’s Opportunity Zones legislation, which encourages private investment in low-income and rural communities. Since its enactment, Opportunity Zones have attracted more than $100 billion in private investment across thousands of communities nationwide. 

The City of Erie, Pennsylvania has become a national model for OZ implementation. With more than $115 million in private investment into downtown Erie, OZs have led to 108 new fully occupied residences, revitalized and created more than 100,000 square feet of new commercial space, and established space for 25 new businesses. Overall, $400 million of long-term capital investment is at work, breathing new life into Downtown Erie.

This week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announcedthe opening of the next nomination period for states, territories, and the District of Columbia to nominate eligible communities to be designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). Under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts, the Opportunity Zone tax incentive was permanently renewed, enhanced incentives for investment in eligible rural communities were added, and a process was established for redesignating zones every 10 years.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the Trump administration’s announcement that it will not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form, initiating the agreement’s review process and negotiations over potential changes, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:

“Michigan workers and manufacturers must be at the table as we decide the future of USMCA. Michigan has paid the price with poorly structured 20th-century trade deals, including NAFTA. The best deal will ensure our auto industry and supply chains do not get undercut by China. I also want to see real and enforceable labor and wage standards for all workers and stop corporations from offshoring production. We must continue to grow American manufacturing and protect American jobs.

“I don’t trust the Trump Administration to get this done or to stand up for American workers.

“Congress must be at the table, and Michigan must lead.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Michael Guest (MS-03), and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the bipartisan Officer Leslie Coffelt U.S. Secret Service Police Act of 2026 to honor fallen U.S. Secret Service Officer Coffelt and rename the “United States Secret Service Uniformed Division” to the “United States Secret Service Police” to better align with their day-to-day work and clarify their duties to the American people.

On November 1, 1950, Officer Leslie William Coffelt was killed outside the Blair House, near the White House, while defending President Harry S. Truman from an armed attack. Shots were fired outside the Blair House while the President was inside. Officer Coffelt was shot three times in the abdomen, but bravely fired one last round at the assailant, stopping him before he could reach the front door. Sadly, Officer Coffelt lost his life in service to our country. To this day, Officer Coffelt is the only U.S. Secret Service officer or agent to die while protecting a president.

The U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division is responsible for protecting the White House complex, the Vice President’s residence, the Treasury Department, and other foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C. area. Officers also travel globally to help establish secure perimeters for the President, Vice President, and other visiting foreign heads of state. Since it was established, the Uniformed Division has grown both in size and scope of responsibility to include specialized teams such as Counter Sniper, Emergency Response, K-9, and more.

“Throughout its history, the Uniformed Division has been comprised of individuals who embody honor and integrity,” said  Rutherford. “While the threats that the Secret Service faces have changed, their commitment to protecting and serving our leaders and institutions has not. Officer Leslie Coffelt embodied that commitment to service, and that is why I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the House to honor his service and sacrifice with this bill. Renaming the Uniformed Division to the U.S. Secret Service Police is a commonsense step as the Service continues to evolve.”

“Renaming the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division as the United States Secret Service Police is a commonsense update that better reflects the law enforcement work these officers carry out every day,” said  Moskowitz. “These men and women serve our country honorably, protecting the President, Vice President, our nation’s institutions, and the public. This change will help clarify their duties to the American people and recognize the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.”

“The men and women of the Secret Service Uniformed Division carry out a vital police mission every day, protecting the White House, the Vice President’s residence, foreign diplomatic missions, and securing sites for our nation’s leaders across the country and around the world,” said  Guest. “Renaming the division as the U.S. Secret Service Police properly recognizes their mission, professionalism, and service.”

“The men and women of the U.S. Secret Service have long embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor and service, standing ready to protect our leaders, our institutions and our nation,” said  Case. “This legislation ensures that the name of the current Uniformed Division reflects the core law enforcement role that its officers perform every day.”

Secret Service Chief Richard Macauley said, “The transition from Uniformed Division to Secret Service Police represents far more than a name change, it marks the modernization, evolution, and professionalization of our force. As we commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, we honor our proud legacy while embracing a future shaped by innovation, enhanced operational readiness, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation, its leaders, and its institutions. We are especially grateful for the bipartisan effort of Congressmen Rutherford, Moskowitz, Guest, and Case whose advocacy and support helped make this historic modernization possible.”

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

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

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

July 02, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON – The House Committee on Ways and Means today unanimously passed H.R. 9498, the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA), bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) alongside Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) to authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to file amicus briefs in federal courts in support of fundamental taxpayer rights, particularly those contained in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
Under current law, the National Taxpayer Advocate, often called “the voice of the taxpayer,” is not authorized to submit amicus briefs in federal tax litigation, even in cases that could set precedent affecting the rights of taxpayers nationwide. TAPA closes that gap by amending Section 7803(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the NTA to present the Advocate’s views in court on issues that may broadly affect the rights described in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
“When a federal court is deciding a case that may affect the rights of many or all taxpayers, it would benefit all for the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit an amicus brief to share her views as the voice of the taxpayer. This bill is a narrow, common-sense fix. This authority is expected to be used sparingly, similar to the authority exercised by the Small Business Administration’s Chief Counsel for Advocacy,” said Rep. Steube. “This is a bipartisan effort, and I am honored to work with Representative DelBene, because protecting taxpayers and improving their right to representation should not be a partisan issue.”
“The National Taxpayer Advocate exists precisely to defend the rights of taxpayers, whether those rights are threatened by legislation, regulation, or litigation,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “An amicus brief is a common occurrence in judicial proceedings to ensure the court has relevant information pertaining to the case before it. Under the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, the National Taxpayer Advocate will no longer be denied the opportunity to use this avenue to impart its expertise – particularly when the interests of taxpayers could be impacted. With this legislation, Representative Steube is building on his personal record as a tireless advocate for American taxpayers, and I applaud his leadership.”
“The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) commends Representative Steube’s leadership in crafting the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act. This practical reform strengthens taxpayer protections by ensuring courts can benefit from the National Taxpayer Advocate’s expertise in legal proceedings that impact core taxpayer rights,” said Alexander Ciccone, Policy and Government Affairs Manager at NTU. “Allowing the Advocate to provide courts with its input isn’t just a question of promoting a more efficient tax system—it’s fundamentally about restoring trust in government by ensuring the American people have an independent voice that advocates for the fair and consistent application of tax laws.”
TAPA is supported by a broad coalition of taxpayer advocacy and business organizations, including the National Taxpayers Union, Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Council, Intuit, 60 Plus Association, and National Association of Consumer Advocates.
TAPA is modeled on the National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2026 Purple Book, which recommended granting the NTA amicus authority comparable to that already held by the SBA’s Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The bill’s scope is intentionally limited: it does not authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to represent individual taxpayers or to replace the Department of Justice or IRS Chief Counsel in litigation. Courts would be required to grant the NTA’s application to appear as amicus curiae for the purposes described in the bill.
The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate already assists taxpayers in resolving disputes with the IRS, identifies systemic problems in tax administration, and reports annually to Congress on the ten most litigated tax issues. TAPA would allow the Advocate to bring that same expertise directly before federal courts in cases with broad implications for taxpayer rights.
TAPA now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Steube urged his colleagues to support the bill.
The bill can be read in its entirety here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging the continuation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The report summarizes over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.

“Continuing the USMCA deal will lower costs and create jobs in our communities by restabilizing the economic relationship between the U.S. and two of our largest trading partners,” said Rep. Larsen. “Across conversations with the people I represent, I have heard how USMCA helps families and communities thrive. The United States should negotiate in good faith to enhance and renew USMCA, and fully enforce the provisions of the agreement to help lower prices and create more good-paying jobs.”

Today, the required joint review of USMCA began, which USTR is leading together with Canada and Mexico. The Trump administration announced that the U.S. did not agree to renew agreement in its current form, opting instead to spend the coming months renegotiation the deal.

Rep. Larsen’s report to Ambassador Greer summarizes local stakeholders’ broad support for USMCA and top priorities to enhance the agreement during renegotiations: 

• Providing predictability and reducing uncertainty when it comes to tariff rates, regulations and trade policy;
• Sustaining and facilitating integrated, tariff-free cross-border supply chains, particularly with Canada; and
• Ensuring WA-02 farmers, producers and businesses can compete in the United States and worldwide on a level playing field, addressing both tariffs and non-tariff measures.

Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 320,000 jobs in Washington state, according to the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT). In the past six years, Washington state businesses saved $126 million in direct tariff costs thanks to USMCA (WCIT).

In Northwest Washington, the U.S.-Canada partnership is especially important. Trade between Northwest Washington and Canada supports 2,200 jobs in Whatcom County, 1,400 in Skagit County and 3,800 in Snohomish County (Trade Partnership/Connect2Canada data).

“President Trump’s pointless tariffs and reckless rhetoric towards Canada have hurt families and businesses I represent,” said Rep. Larsen. “Rising shipping and manufacturing costs, along with instability from constantly changing tariff policies, have pushed prices up for families and stopped companies and tourists from bringing their business to Northwest Washington.”

This year, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Rep. Larsen to be the top Democrat on the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, an organization that connects American and Canadian legislators to promote information sharing and better understanding on shared issues of concern.

Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rep. Larsen has a deep personal history with British Columbia and the U.S.-Canada relationship. As a member of Congress, he has been a leader on issues involving Canada, including trade, environmental protection in the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest, the Arctic, security and border management.

Rep. Larsen’s full report to Ambassador Greer is available HERE. The contents of this report reflect priorities and feedback on the USMCA review that stakeholders shared. The report is not an endorsement of each of these positions by Rep. Larsen.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: 

“This funding is great news for the Port of Bellingham and Northwest Washington’s entire economy,” said Rep. Larsen. “These dollars will allow the Port of Bellingham to rebuild port infrastructure and create good-paying jobs in Northwest Washington. I will keep working to bring home federal dollars to upgrade maritime infrastructure and grow the local economy.” 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Port of Bellingham will receive $23,500,000 in federal funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program for the port to rebuild pier infrastructure, strengthen deck loading capacity and upgrade its mooring system for Phase II of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal’s North Pier Rehabilitation project. The BUILD program provides grants for communities of all sizes to carry out road, rail, transit and other surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact.

The funding marks another major step towards the Port’s long-term effort to restore the aging shipping terminal that currently limits the Port’s operational capacity. Completion of the project will restore and modernize a critical marine freight asset that will improve the movement of goods, improve worker safety and create long-term jobs in Northwest Washington.

Projects in Washington state received a total of $52 million in BUILD grants for three projects across the state, including the Port of Bellingham’s project.

Larsen Has Secured $129.4 Million in BUILD Grants for WA-02 Since 2022 

Larsen has secured nine BUILD grants totaling $129,406,000 for local communities since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed. In addition to the $23 million for the Port of Bellingham, Larsen has helped deliver:

$2 Million for Snohomish County’s Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements Project – In July 2025, DOT awarded Snohomish County a $2 million BUILD grant to improve rail shipping capability, safety, and reliability for freight and intercity passenger service at the Everett Intermodal Yard. 

$25 Million for Lynnwood’s Poplar Way Bridge – In August 2022, DOT awarded the City of Lynnwood a $25 million RAISE grant to construct a new six-lane, multimodal bridge over I-5 in Lynnwood, between the intersections of 196th Street SW (State Route 524)/Poplar Way and 33rd Avenue W/Alderwood Mall Boulevard. 

$25 Million for Whatcom County’s Lummi Island Ferry – In August 2022, DOT awarded Whatcom County a $25 million RAISE grant to replace the 60-year-old Lummi Island ferry with an electric-battery hybrid ferry and build related infrastructure. 

$9.5 Million for Blaine’s Bell Road Project – In June 2023, DOT awarded the City of Blaine a $9.5 million RAISE grant to improve safety and accessibility and reduce congestion at the Bell Road (State Route 548)-BNSF at-grade rail crossing.  

$17.9 Million for Port of Bellingham’s Shipping Terminal Rail Connection Project – In June 2024, DOT awarded the Port of Bellingham a $17,931,000 RAISE grant to renovate a shipping terminal site, returning the site to a fully functioning multimodal terminal with more efficient loading and unloading of railcars on the terminal. 

$4.9 Million for the Tulalip Tribes’ Road Safety Project – In June 2024, DOT awarded the Tulalip Tribes a $4,975,000 RAISE grant to plan, design and construct improvements to the 4th Street and 88th Street NE crossings of Interstate 5. 

$2 Million for Lynden’s Pepin Creek FASST Design Project – In January 2025, DOT awarded the City of Lynden a $2 million RAISE grant to complete planning for its project to relocate Pepin Creek, which runs in deep roadside ditches that overflow and flood the area during winter storms when large quantities of water flow across the U.S.-Canada border.

$19.5 Million for Skagit Transit’s Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility – In January 2025, DOT awarded Skagit Transit a $19.5 million RAISE grant for the agency to continue renovating its Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility in Burlington.

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