MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Member Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and SEEC Co-Chair Paul Tonko (NY-20) led a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to not repeal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, a significant threat to the American people and their pocketbooks. They were joined by SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-7) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) along with 81 of their House Democratic colleagues.

“The EPA is proposing to make a finding that GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution,” the members wrote. “The EPA has offered no new analysis to support this claim. In fact, according to EPA’s own reporting from August 2024, power plants are responsible for almost a quarter of U.S. GHG emissions, or about 3 percent of all global climate pollution. The power sector is the second-largest source of U.S. climate pollution.”

The members continued, “Congress has repeatedly affirmed EPA’s authority and obligation under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act to protect Americans from air pollution that endangers public health or welfare … Congress reaffirmed this authority in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by explicitly providing funding and direction for EPA to regulate power plants’ carbon pollution using existing authorities, which include those in Section 135. Congress was clear: EPA can and must use its Clean Air Act authority to establish carbon pollution standards for power plants, protecting Americans from pollution sources that cause air pollution that endangers public health or welfare.”

“We strongly oppose this proposed repeal and urge EPA to adhere to their Congressionally mandated responsibility to issue robust standards that limit pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants, thereby cutting pollution and protecting public health.”

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA finalized impactful greenhouse gas emissions standards for new gas and existing coal power plants that would curb 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon pollution through 2047 and provide hundreds of billions of dollars in health and climate benefits. On June 11, the Trump Administration’s EPA proposed to repeal all GHG emission standards for the power sector.

The letter can be found here and below.

The Honorable Lee Zeldin

Administrator

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We write to express our concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants.

EPA’s own Regulatory Impact Assessment acknowledges that the repeal will sacrifice public health benefits of $129 billion while saving industry just $19 billion. And this analysis fails to account for the climate benefits of the 2024 regulations, estimated at an additional $260 billion.

The EPA is proposing to make a finding that GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution. The EPA has offered no new analysis to support this claim. In fact, according to EPA’s own reporting from August 2024, power plants are responsible for almost a quarter of U.S. GHG emissions, or about 3 percent of all global climate pollution. The power sector is the second-largest source of U.S. climate pollution.

In passing the Clean Air Act, Congress never intended for the significance of a single sector’s contribution to climate change to become a litmus test to merit its regulation. In fact, the House report on the 1977 Clean Air Act amendments made clear that the committee intends the Administrator “to consider all sources of the contaminant which contribute to air pollution and to consider all sources of exposure to the contaminant—food, water, air, etc.—in determining health risk”.

By extension of the logic in EPA’s proposed rule, no sector would sufficiently “contribute significantly” to air pollution and therefore, the EPA would be unable to regulate any GHG emissions. This theory was rejected by the Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA, where the Court confirmed that U.S. motor-vehicle emissions make a “meaningful contribution” to GHG concentrations when judged by any standard, even though the U.S. transportation sector

represented less than six percent of global emissions.

Independent analysis suggests that the regulations issued by EPA in April 2024 would cut between 68 to 390 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. These regulations would save thousands of lives by reducing other pollution from the power sector as well.

Congress has repeatedly affirmed EPA’s authority and obligation under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act to protect Americans from air pollution that endangers public health or welfare. As the Supreme Court recognized in Massachusetts v. EPA in 2007, greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. And in 2011, in American Electric Power v. Connecticut, the Court affirmed that EPA has the authority and responsibility to regulate power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in American Lung Association v. EPA in 2021 that “under any reasonable threshold or definition,” carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired power plants represents “a significant contribution” to air pollution. And in West Virginia v. EPA in 2023, the Supreme Court affirmed EPA’s authority to set technology-based standards for power plants’ carbon pollution.

Congress reaffirmed this authority in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by explicitly providing funding and direction for EPA to regulate power plants’ carbon pollution using existing authorities, which include those in Section 135. Congress was clear: EPA can and must use its Clean Air Act authority to establish carbon pollution standards for power plants, protecting Americans from pollution sources that cause air pollution that endangers public health or welfare.

The 2024 regulations acknowledged stakeholder feedback on the challenges facing the power sector to meet demand growth while maintaining reliability and affordability. EPA conducted significant analysis demonstrating how operators can comply with the rule, even under high demand scenarios. Furthermore, EPA introduced flexible, reliability-based deadline extension options. EPA’s rules incentivize utilities and grid operators to reform their processes for connecting energy to the grid, making it easier to bring resources online quicker and meet demand growth. Even despite growing electricity demand that has exceeded the forecasts in EPA’s 2024 analysis, EPA has chosen to ignore its previous analysis and has offered no new analysis to support their repeal.

We strongly oppose this proposed repeal and urge EPA to adhere to their Congressionally mandated responsibility to issue robust standards that limit pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants, thereby cutting pollution and protecting public health.

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

Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, is speaking out against reported plans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to terminate $7 billion in federal grants intended to help low income and disadvantaged communities benefit from residential and community solar and energy storage projects. In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Pingree underscored the importance of the Solar for All program, which was explicitly authorized by Congress in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, and called on EPA to reverse course on its plan to illegally terminate solar grants.

“At a time when electricity prices are increasing and projected to continue to rise due to other actions of this administration, it is unconscionable that you would seek to deny access to clean, cheap energy to those who can least afford it,” Pingree wrote.

The $7 billion investment was expected to generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households and create an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country.

Maine was awarded $62 million through the Solar for All program to provide financial and technical assistance to enable low income and disadvantaged households throughout the state to access solar and energy storage and support workforce development opportunities.

“Let the EPA do what it has been empowered to do: help Americans save money, breathe cleaner air, and build a more secure energy future,” Pingree continued.

The letter is available online here and copied below.

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Administrator Zeldin:

I write to you today regarding your reported plans to illegally terminate awards issued under the Solar for All program, a program explicitly authorized by Congress in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Not only would this action undermine congressional intent, it would also threaten investments that will lower energy costs for American families across the country.

As you know, the Solar for All program was established to lower energy bills, reduce air pollution, and mobilize financing for cheap solar energy in low-income and disadvantaged communities in every state and territory, as well as Tribal communities. These are communities already bearing the brunt of rising electricity rates and broader inflationary pressures. Your own agency estimated this clean energy investment was estimated to create 200,000 jobs across the U.S. and generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills.

My state of Maine was awarded $62 million to provide financial and technical assistance to enable low income and disadvantaged households throughout the state to access solar and energy storage. Offering long-term relief from high utility bills while supporting workforce development and creating good-paying jobs. Pulling this funding after so much effort has been put into the development of this program undermines economic opportunity and public trust.

At a time when electricity prices are increasing and projected to continue to rise due to other actions of this administration, it is unconscionable that you would seek to deny access to clean, cheap energy to those who can least afford it.

I urge you to reverse course and immediately halt any efforts to revoke Solar of All awards. Let the EPA do what it has been empowered to do: help Americans save money, breathe cleaner air, and build a more secure energy future.

Sincerely,

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

Bipartisan Bill Aims To Close Knowledge Gaps On The Health Effects Of Plastics In Our Bodies And Environment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced the Plastic Health Research Act, a bipartisan bill to jumpstart national research into the potential health effects of plastic exposure.

Microplastics have been reported in our Great Lakes, our oceans, our air, and even inside our bodies. From blood and lungs to even human brains, tiny plastic particles are found nearly everywhere. 

Michiganders have already seen the impact of long-lasting but not-fully-understood chemicals on our health with the rise of PFAS levels in our drinking water. The Bipartisan Plastic Health Research Act aims to determine the exact impact of microplastics on human health.

Despite growing concern and emerging reports linking plastic exposure to cell damage and cardiovascular issues, both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and FDA acknowledge that the science is too limited to fully understand health impacts. 

To address this urgent knowledge gap the Plastic Health Research Act would: 

• Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand and coordinate federal research programs focused on the potential health risks of plastic exposure.

• Establish two coordinated research programs: one grant program at HHS to support research by public, nonprofit, or academic institutions (including consortia with private partners), and another at the NIEHS to create Centers of Excellence for Plastic Exposure Health Research that will serve as national hubs for investigating the health impacts of plastic exposure.

• Prioritize research that fills key gaps in our understanding of how plastics may affect human health.

• Encourage the development of high-quality scientific methods to ensure research findings are comparable and actionable.

 “For too long, we’ve seen report after report detail how the number of microplastics in humans is on the rise, but we haven’t seen studies reporting how this could be impacting human health. That’s why I’m proud to partner with my Republican colleague Frank Lucas and a wide swath of endorsers to introduce the Plastic Health Research Act.” said Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens.

“Working alongside Congresswoman Stevens, it has become clear how little we understand about the effects of microplastics on the short and long-term health of humans. With a renewed push to tackle this issue in the current Administration, we too are determined to meet the challenge in Congress” said Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas.

 “Microplastics and nanoplastics are in our water, our Great Lakes, our food, and our bodies which may be contributing to all kinds of health and ecological issues,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “With the introduction of the Plastic Health Research Act, Representative Stevens is continuing her leadership to drive efforts to investigate the impacts of plastics on our bodies and to find solutions that will reduce exposure for the benefit of our health now and in the future. We urge Congress to support and advance this legislation as part of a comprehensive approach to eliminate harmful contaminants in the environment.”

“ASPPH strongly supports the introduction of the Plastic Health Research Act, which represents a critical step forward in understanding the impact of microplastics and other plastics on human health. Our Task Force on Climate Change and Health has shown that environmental exposures play a significant role in public health outcomes. By establishing dedicated research grants and centers of excellence at the NIH, this legislation will provide the scientific foundation needed to better determine these risks and develop evidence-based strategies to protect our communities. We applaud this forward-thinking initiative.” – Dr. Laura Magaña, ASPPH President and CEO.”

“Combating plastics pollution depends on sound scientific research that creates a strong foundation for developing innovative, sustainable solutions. BASF applauds Rep. Stevens and Rep. Lucas for their introduction of the Plastic Health Research Act, which helps to position the U.S. federal government as a leader in microplastics and nanoplastics research. Through interagency coordination and collaboration with external stakeholders, this bipartisan bill will provide a greater understanding of these important issues.” – Catherine Trinkle, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel – Regulatory, Environmental, & Government Affairs, BASF Corporation  

“Our organization has always supported efforts to advance research that protects our environment and public health,” said David T. Dyjack, DrPH, CIH, Executive Director and CEO of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). “Plastics too often persist in nature, failing to break down and potentially causing long-term harm to ecosystems and communities. This bill represents a critical step toward understanding the full scope of the problem—and identifying real, science-based solutions.”

“Dow supports the need for additional research on microplastics and increased interagency coordination to ensure we’re keeping people and our planet safe. The Plastic Health Research Act will improve scientific methods and will enable “gold standard” science to ensure the safety of our food supply. As the FDA has noted, ‘current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health’, but more high-quality research is needed.” – Dave Parrillo, VP of Research and Development, Dow Inc. 

The bill has received broad and bipartisan support from environmental, public health, and industry leaders including LCV Michigan, the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), Ocean Conservancy, the National Environmental Health Association, Dow, and BASF.

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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 – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has extended the application window for the 2025-2026 Third District Youth Advisory Council through August 31st. Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to submit their applications. 

The Third District Youth Advisory Council is a forum for students to share opinions, thoughts, and concerns with Congressman Smith about local and federal issues throughout the school year. This group provides students the opportunity to discuss the concerns of young Nebraskans and give their input on issues facing our country.

“I appreciate the insight I receive from Youth Advisory Council members. Engaging young Nebraskans in civic life is vital to our state’s future and an important aspect of my work,” said Rep. Smith.

Members must be able to serve from August 2025 until May 2026.

For more information, and to download the application, please visit AdrianSmith.House.Gov/Services/Youth-Advisory-Council.

To learn more about the Youth Advisory Council, interested students and educators can contact Smith’s Grand Island office at 308-384-3900, Nebraska City office at 402-874-6050, or his Scottsbluff office at 308-633-6333. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

Rep. Judy Chu Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Support U.S. Film, TV, and Sound Recording Production

Bill would extend the Section 181 tax deduction, the only federal tax incentive for domestic film, television, and sound recording projects, which is set to expire at the end of this year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), along with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Senators Raphael Warnock (GA) and Marsha Blackburn (TN), introduced the Creative Relief and Expensing for Artistic Entertainment, or ‘‘CREATE” Act, a bill to extend and strengthen Section 181, the only federal tax incentive specifically targeted at supporting U.S.-made films, television, and sound recordings by allowing 100% deduction of production costs in the same year those costs are paid or incurred. 

Without congressional action, the Section 181 deduction will expire for productions that begin filming after December 31, 2025. For years, film and television production has been leaving Southern California and the United States as other countries offer more generous incentives. According to FilmLA, the Greater Los Angeles area saw a nearly 20% decline in film and TV production in 2023. While the State of California recently more than doubled its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, the federal government lags behind. And without an extension of the 181 deduction before the end of the year, the U.S. will move backwards by losing the only existing federal incentive that helps keep these productions here in America. 

As Chair of the Creative Rights Caucus, Rep. Chu continues to be a strong advocate for those employed in the arts entertainment industry. This Congress, she also introduced H.R. 721, the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA), to once again allow working class actors and performers to deduct the costs of work-related expenses. 

“I’m so proud to introduce the CREATE Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support good-paying, domestic creative jobs by extending and strengthening Section 181, the only federal tax incentive specifically designed for film, television, and sound production here in the United States,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “With Section 181’s expiration fast approaching in just a few months, it’s so critical to not just extend this deduction, but strengthen it. Our bill would do just that and would ensure that the United States continues to invest in the incredible talent that exists in my district in Southern California and across the country.” 

“I join Rep. Judy Chu in introducing this bipartisan legislation aimed to help keep film and television production here in the U.S. especially in New York, a major entertainment hub with studios in both Brooklyn & Staten Island,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “New York’s film and television industry has generated thousands of jobs and promotes economic activity in our district through series like Ray Donovan, Gotham, Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, and Fallout to name a few. Our effort has earned the support of President Trump and industry leaders like Jon Voight, making clear just how important it is to keep production companies from leaving our community and country for overseas incentives.”

“I want to thank Senators Blackburn and Warnock and Representatives Malliotakis and Chu for introducing imperative jobs legislation to reauthorize Sec. 181, extending the program for five years and raising the deduction limits. We must ensure this vital legislation passes Congress and is signed into law by President Trump.  America’s great film and television industry needs and deserves our support at this critical time,” said Special Ambassador Jon Voight 

“The Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) strongly supports introduction of legislation by Representatives Chu and Malliotakis to extend Sec. 181 of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides an incentive for independent film and television producers to shoot their films in the U.S,” said Jean Prewitt, IFTA’s President and CEO. “This provision, first enacted in 2004, protects U.S film and TV production jobs, which make a major contribution to the U.S economy in states throughout the country.  We are very appreciative of Representatives Chu and Malliotakis’s leadership on this important legislation”. 

“This legislation reflects a bipartisan, bicameral effort to strengthen the U.S. film and TV industry, which proudly supports more than 2.32 million jobs nationwide,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). “Extending and strengthening Section 181 will lead to more domestic film and TV production, and more American jobs. The MPA applauds Senators Blackburn and Warnock, alongside Representatives Malliotakis and Chu, for introducing the bill in their respective chambers and looks forward to Congress enacting this vital legislation.”

“As one of the leading advocates in the initial fight for the creation of the Section 181 tax deduction as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, we wholeheartedly support the proposed legislation to improve and extend its provisions. In the years since its initial passage, foreign countries have become increasingly aggressive in offering financial incentives to lure American film and television productions—and the good paying middle-class jobs they create—at the expense of our members and other industry workers. Extending and expanding Section 181 as this bill does is a vitally important step in keeping film and television production jobs in America,” said Russell Hollander, Directors Guild of America (DGA) National Executive Director

“We commend Representatives Chu and Malliotakis for their leadership in the effort to extend Section 181, the only federal tax incentive for domestic film and TV production, to 2030. That incentive is scheduled to expire this year. At the same time, governments around the world are creating and increasing their own film and TV production tax credits in an effort to draw American film production overseas at great cost to our members and the other workers in this industry, as well as the communities they live and work in. We must protect our creative economy and we must do so with urgency,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

“The entertainment industry supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying union jobs in the US. Extending and expanding Sections 181’s deduction for locally-produced film and television costs will help to keep more of these jobs here. WGAW thanks Congressmember Chu and Congressmember Malliotakis for their support and leadership to keep film and television work in America,” said Meredith Stiehm, the President of the Writers Guild of America West

“The Teamsters are proud to endorse bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Chu and Malliotakis that will strengthen the American film and television industry through common sense tax reforms,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Teamsters are being threatened by unfair tax and labor incentives that ship film and TV production jobs overseas. We need to be aggressive with a comprehensive solution to reverse the damage already done in this distinctly American industry. This bill is just the first step in expanding domestic film and TV jobs while protecting high union standards, benefits, and wages.”

“Section 181 is set to expire at the end of this year, ending an important incentive for local film and television production in the U.S. Your efforts to extend 181 will help a beleaguered industry continue to improve and increase American film and television production. 

This extension will not only benefit film and television, but also music and theatrical productions based here in the United States – supporting local economies across the country. These productions will create local jobs and robust economic activity in all 50 states. 

Your efforts will encourage local production and keep jobs here at home. We salute your leadership on this hugely impactful effort,” said Ruth Vitale, CEO of CreativeFuture. 

“This bill will protect and extend the important victory we achieved this year for independent music through the HITS Act.  The Recording Academy appreciates Senators Blackburn and Warnock and Reps. Chu and Malliotakis for their commitment to the creative community and we look forward to working with them to advance this legislation,” said Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer, Recording Academy.

“The Producers Guild of America (PGA) represents over 8,400 producers across film, television, and emerging media and strongly supports the revision and extension of Section 181, an important tool that allows producers to access a meaningful incentive that helps preserve high-quality American jobs and keeps production in the United States amid increasing global competition. We commend Representatives Chu and Malliotakis and Senators Blackburn and Warnock for their collective leadership and bipartisan commitment to this important legislation,” said Stephanie Allain and Donald DeLine, Presidents, Producers Guild of America (PGA).

“With sound recording production finally eligible for the Section 181 domestic production incentive, A2IM is proud to support this bill, which would help independent labels support more great artists as they contribute to economic growth. America leads the globe in creating film, television, theater and music that entertains and inspires the rest the world. Congress can make sure we have every tool to continue this important work by extending this common sense provision,” said Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO, American Association of Independent Music.

“RIAA applauds Senators Blackburn and Warnock and Representatives Malliotakis and Chu for their leadership strengthening and extending Internal Revenue Code Section 181 including the newly enacted HITS Act, which will boost America’s music economy by allowing production expenses to be deducted when they are incurred. Without Congressional action, the HITS Act and all of Section 181 will expire this year, unnecessarily putting tens of thousands creative community jobs at risk and dragging down one of America’s strongest export sectors,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

“FilmUSA applauds the leadership of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Raphael Warnock, and Representatives Judy Chu and Nicole Malliotakis, for championing this important legislation to extend and strengthen Section 181. Their bipartisan commitment reflects a growing recognition that our domestic film and television industry is vital to American culture, jobs, and global competitiveness. This bill is a meaningful step toward a more comprehensive strategy to stabilize and grow U.S. production. We look forward to continuing the work to ensure a thriving creative economy in every corner of the country.” 

“We applaud Senators Blackburn and Warnock and Reps. Malliotakis and Chu on the introduction of this bipartisan bill to extend Tax Code Section 181 beyond 2025, which will help ensure the resiliency, competitiveness, and economic potential of the U.S. TV, film, and music industries. This domestic production incentive is especially valuable for TV series and lower budget movies, and benefits American workers and small businesses in communities across the country. Continuing Section 181 is a welcome step to encourage more television and film production, more investment, and more jobs on U.S. soil,” said NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.

“The Coalition for American Production (CAP)—a nationwide alliance of businesses and professionals including service providers, manufacturers, rental houses, and technical suppliers supporting U.S. film and television production—is committed to preserving and strengthening the industry as a vital pillar of American culture and economic vitality.

We applaud Senators Blackburn and Warnock, along with Representatives Chu and Malliotakis, for introducing the CREATE Act, a vital piece of legislation that extends and expands the Section 181 tax deduction for domestic film and television production. At a time when escalating costs and aggressive foreign tax incentives are drawing productions abroad, this bill helps level the playing field for American creators.

Section 181 fosters U.S.-based production, catalyzes local economic growth, creates high-quality American jobs, and preserves the cultural resonance of stories made in America. CAP is committed to working with Congress to advance this essential measure and to champion policies that keep film and television production firmly rooted in communities across the United States.”

To read the full bill text, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) introduced the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, bipartisan legislation to review the current state of stomach cancer in the United States and provide actionable recommendations to improve prevention, screening, and early detection.

In 2025, an estimated 30,300 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer and as many as 11,000 will die from the disease. With a five-year relative survival rate of just 36 percent, stomach cancer is among the deadliest cancers. When diagnosed at a late or distant stage, the five-year survival drops to just 7 percent. 

Stomach cancer is often difficult to detect early because many symptoms, like indigestion, heartburn, and nausea, are mistaken for common gastric issues, and up to 80 percent of patients are asymptomatic in the early stages. Further, research shows that more than 70 percent of stomach cancers are caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which is more prevalent among military service members, veterans, rural residents, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Early detection and treatment of H. pylori dramatically reduces stomach cancer risk.

While overall incidence has declined over the last century, the incidence of stomach cancer in younger people has been increasing steadily in recent years. 

The Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act would:

• Direct the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct a comprehensive review of stomach cancer, including current incidence and mortality rates, risk factors such as H. pylori, availability and effectiveness of screenings, and public and provider awareness.
• Require a report to Congress with recommendations to define high-risk populations, improve screening guidelines, and advance research, prevention, and treatment strategies.
• Direct the Department of Defense (DoD), in coordination with NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study stomach cancer among service members and veterans and provide policy recommendations to integrate prevention and early detection into the Military and VA Health Systems.

“Stomach cancer is a devastating disease that too often goes undetected until it is too late. Its early symptoms are easy to dismiss, and by the time most patients are diagnosed, options are limited,” said Congresswoman Chu. “This cancer disproportionately impacts veterans, people in rural communities, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who face higher rates of infection, lower screening rates, and more late-stage diagnoses. In fact, AANHPIs experience roughly double the rate of stomach cancer compared to white Americans, and in some groups, such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese Americans, rates can be three to five times higher. By improving research, screening, and public awareness, the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act will help save lives, close gaps in care, and bring us closer to a future where no one has to suffer the pain of this preventable cancer.”

“Over my time in Congress I have fought for the inclusion of stomach cancer among those cancers eligible for research funding under the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program in the Department of Defense. I am grateful to support this bill to promote early detection and prevention of this horrible disease. It is time to eliminate stomach cancer,” said Congressman Wilson.

This legislation is supported by Hope For Stomach Cancer & GC Disparities Institute, Debbie’s Dream Foundation, Sara Schottenstein Foundation, GI Cancers Alliance and Raymond Foundation, Project Periwinkle, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Gastric Cancer Prevention and Screening Program – Yale School of Medicine, National Minority Quality Forum, American College of Gastroenterology, Gastric Cancer Disparities Initiative, Stomach Cancer Task Force, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Joe Wilson for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act,” said Aki Smith, Founder and Executive Director, Hope for Stomach Cancer. “This bill represents real hope for families across the country impacted by this devastating disease—especially those in communities that have long faced disproportionate risks and outcomes. By supporting research, awareness, and early detection—and by launching a Department of Defense study to investigate military-related risk factors—this legislation brings us one step closer to saving lives and closing persistent gaps in care. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

“We strongly support the reintroduction of the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act and commend Representatives Judy Chu and Joe Wilson for their leadership on this urgent and often overlooked issue,” said Michael Ehren, Board President of Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF). “This bill is an important step toward greater awareness and improved outcomes for patients, families, and military communities. DDF is proud to support this effort and grateful for the commitment to making stomach cancer a national priority as we continue to push for robust research funding that will allow us to turn better data into effective treatments and future screening strategies.”

“The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) applauds Congresswoman Judy Chu and Joe Wilson for introduction of the ‘Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act’ and for recognizing early endoscopy as a powerful tool in the detection and prevention of stomach cancer,” said ASGE President Amitabh Chak, MD, MASGE. “Beyond greater public awareness of stomach cancer, its signs and symptoms, understanding those most at risk for this deadly cancer can guide clinicians in their use of endoscopy that can prevent stomach cancer or catch it at a stage when treatment can still be effective.”

“I strongly support the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. This vital legislation addresses a long-overlooked cancer that disproportionately affects immigrants, veterans, and underserved communities,” said Dr. Chul S. Hyun, Director of the Gastric Cancer Prevention and Screening Program at Yale School of Medicine—the first program of its kind at a U.S. academic medical center.

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Chu and Congressman Wilson for reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, which would fund vital research and help develop actionable screening guidelines for physicians like me,” said Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, President of the American College of Gastroenterology. “Gastroenterologists know firsthand the importance of detecting cancer early, but too often, this doesn’t happen for patients with stomach cancer. To change this tragic reality, we need to fully understand which of our patients, including our military servicemembers, are most at risk – and that’s exactly what this bill seeks to achieve. ACG members across the country urge Congress to pass this critical legislation.”

“Stomach cancer research, prevention and screening falls woefully short and there is a critical need to educate about risk factors and early detection to improve patient outcomes in the United States,” said Larry Kim, MD, AGAF, AGA President. “The Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act is the first step to address these gaps and lead to improvements for the future of public health. The American Gastroenterological Association thanks Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) for their leadership in addressing the rising rates of stomach cancer and supports this legislation that will help make a difference against this disease.”

Read the text of the bill here.

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Ranking Member Scott Statement on July Jobs Report

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 73,000 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1 percent to  4.2 percent.  

“Working people in this country are struggling to make ends meet.  Despite this, Congressional Republicans pushed through the ‘Big, Ugly Law.’ A cruel law that rips away food assistance and health care from millions of Americans to give massive tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations.  What’s worse is that Congressional Republicans applauded cuts to SNAP and Medicaid while families are struggling to put food on the table and afford basic care. 

“Instead of addressing rising costs, investing in our workforce, or protecting access to health care, Republicans chose to advance policies that deepen inequality and increase hardship for working class people all over this country.  Democrats are fighting back.  We are committed to protecting the programs that lift families up, not tear them down.  We believe in an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the very top.

“That’s why I’m proud to have reintroduced the Raise the Wage Act this Congress, which would raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.  We haven’t raised the federal minimum wage since 2009 — it’s long past time for Congress to do its job and ensure every worker is paid a living wage.”

Background: During former President Biden’s first six months in office, the economy created 3.8 million jobs.  In President Trump’s first six months in office during his second term, he has created 486,000 jobs.  Under former President Biden, the economy added 16.1 million jobs in total and did not have a single month of seasonally adjusted job loss during his entire term.  Former President Biden created more jobs during his tenure than any Republican president, whether they served four or eight years.  Former President Reagan created the most jobs of any Republican President on record—16,128,000 in eight years—which is still less than the 16,140,000 jobs created during former President Biden’s four years.

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Ranking Member Scott Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of College

Bill would lower cost of college for current and future student borrowers and their families

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Trump Firing Head of Bureau of Labor Statistics

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce released the following statement after President Trump announced the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer.

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics has always served as a nonpartisan, data-driven federal agency that provides key information vital to the United States economy.  President Trump’s firing of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer comes without evidence of any misconduct after BLS reported that the economy showed poor job growth for three consecutive months – a fact with which too many Americans are aware.

“The latest employment report revealedthat Americans are struggling to find jobs to support their families after President Trump’s policies have wreaked havoc on the economy.  Instead of properly addressing the consequences of his actions and taking reasonable steps to bolster the economy, President Trump’s action politicizes economic data and undermines the independence of yet another federal agency, seemingly out of frustration that the facts do not support his manufactured narrative.  Worse, today’s action serves as a warning to any future BLS officer that they should not dare to make the mistake of reporting accurate information.”

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