MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect public health by addressing critical public health and infectious disease workforce shortages.

Over the last two decades, state and local health departments have lost 15% of their essential staff and nearly 80% of U.S. counties have no infectious disease physician. These workforce shortages leave communities underprepared to respond to public health emergencies and weaken the ability of public health departments to provide screenings and treatment; maternal and child health services; primary health care prevention services; and inspection or licensing to ensure food safety. Additionally, communities without infectious and HIV health care professionals are less equipped to respond to threats like antimicrobial resistance, diseases associated with the opioid epidemic, and efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

Congressman Crow’s bill would reauthorize two federal loan programs that help incentivize Coloradans and Americans to work to protect public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program and the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program offer student loan repayment opportunities for individuals who choose careers in qualifying communities.

“In Colorado and across the country, many local health departments don’t have enough workers. These workforce shortages mean worse care for Americans and leave communities unprepared to respond to public health emergencies,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m introducing new bipartisan legislation to help attract, recruit, and retain public health and infectious disease professionals nationwide so our families and communities can be safe and healthy.”

Congressman Crow is introducing the legislation along with Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

“As a physician and former director of a state public health department, I know firsthand how critical a strong public health workforce is to the health and safety of our communities,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “From containing infectious disease outbreaks to ensuring families have access to basic preventive care, these professionals are on the front lines. This bipartisan bill provides much-needed incentives to recruit and retain skilled public health workers and infectious disease experts where they’re needed most.”

“To stay ahead of the next public health crisis, we need to invest in the workforce that protects us,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Reauthorizing the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program and the BIO Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program will help us fill critical gaps in infectious disease response – from doctors and lab scientists to epidemiologists and emergency personnel. By relieving student debt, these programs make it possible to recruit and retain the talent needed to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

“The Infectious Diseases Society of America is deeply grateful to Reps. Crow, Miller-Meeks, Trahan and Fitzpatrick for their commitment to public health and the infectious diseases workforce. Their bill is crucial to address major workforce shortages and ensure that all communities have access to the ID experts necessary to prevent and respond to outbreaks and infections that complicate cancer treatment, surgeries and other complex medical care,” said Infectious Diseases Society of America president Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP.

“The National Association of County & City Health Officials thanks Reps. Crow, Miller-Meeks, Trahan, and Fitzpatrick for their support of the public health workforce. Local public health professionals are on the frontlines of the unique challenges facing their communities and this bill will provide an important tool to attracting qualified professionals to health departments across the nation,” said  Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County & City Health Officials.

Congressman Crow led the fight to promote the recruitment of public health officials nationwide. Crow successfully introduced and passed legislation in the 117th Congress to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program. Additionally, he voted to pass the BIO Preparedness Workforce Act. However, both programs expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Congressman Crow also leads an annual letter urging Congress to fully fund both programs.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse will host two town halls in Larimer County. Neguse will be joined by local leaders, provide an update on his work for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and take live questions from audience members.

Red Feather Lakes Town Hall

• When: Saturday, July 26th at 12:30 pm MT (Doors open at 12:00 pm MT)
• Where: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado 

Please register for this community gathering HERE.

Laporte Town Hall

• When: Saturday, July 26th at 2:30 pm MT (Doors open at 2:00 pm MT)
• Where: Laporte, Colorado 

Please register for this community gathering HERE.

Media availability will be provided. Please email Grace.Martinez@mail.house.gov for further details. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

$18 million for hiring teachers, STEM education, and after-school programs was locked up
 

STOCKTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that the U.S. Department of Education is releasing $18 million in federal funding promised to San Joaquin County for local Valley school programs in response to Harder’s push for a reversal. Last month, Washington attempted to freeze local school funding just weeks away from the first day of school, and in response, Harder demanded the immediate release of funding promised to the Valley.

The frozen funds would have effected:

• Funding for homework assistance and after-school clubs.
• Investments in STEM education and digital learning services.
• Hiring and training more teachers — one local school district has a 100+ shortage.

“These funding freezes would have been disastrous for our kids’ educations. Teachers already don’t get enough support, and threatening this so close to the first day of school was completely uncalled for. I’m incredibly relieved the Department of Education heeded our calls and reversed course.” said Rep. Harder. “This kind of brinksmanship needs to stop – our kids cannot become political pawns in politicians’ idiotic games. Our kids, and our community, deserve better.”

In his letter Harder urged Washington to:

• Immediately release the $18 million promised to San Joaquin County.
• Restore funding for hiring teachers and providing education programs.
• Prioritizekids’ education and career futures.

Read the full letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Shortage made worse by firefighters being forced to skip time off, deprived of earned benefits

WATCH ABOVE: Harder secured new support from Interior Secretary Burgum
 

WASHINGTON – Today, during peak wildfire season, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that bipartisan legislation is advancing in Congress to fix dangerous firefighter shortages made worse by unfair benefit rules. Harder unveiled two new bills to protect firefighters’ retirement benefits and casualty assistance for their families with Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), and his bill to quickly reimburse local fire departments passed unanimously through committee on its way to becoming law.

Unfair rules are withholding key benefits and exacerbating California’s firefighter shortage:

• Wildland firefighters lose their retirement benefits if they leave service for more than three days, no matter why they need the leave.
• Department of Interior wildland firefighters and their families do not have a casualty assistance program to help in the event of injury, illness, or death, despite other agencies offering these resources.
• Right now, local departments often wait over a year to be paid back after responding to fires on federal lands.

“This is about keeping our promise to the people who stand between us and disaster,” said Rep. Harder. “Firefighters shouldn’t be punished for taking time off or responding to federal emergencies, and their families shouldn’t be abandoned during the hardest moments of their lives. These bills fix unfair rules that are making our firefighter shortage worse, and I won’t rest until we get these common sense solutions signed into law.”

Valley priorities that Harder is advancing in Congress:

• Protecting retirement benefits by allowing wildland firefighters to take more time off without threatening their retirement.
• NewCasualty Assistance Program in the Department of Interior.
• Quickly repay local departments by establishing better cost agreements with the federal government.

“This bipartisan bill ensures wildland firefighters aren’t unfairly penalized for off-season time away from service,” said Rep. Franklin. “By extending the allowable break in service from just 3 days to up to 24 months, we’re recognizing the realities of seasonal work and protecting the retirement credit these brave men and women have earned. It’s a commonsense fix that honors their service and helps strengthen our wildland firefighting workforce.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – This Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois is seeking to raise the cost of health coverage premiums by 27 percent next year, in response to the December 31, 2025 expiration of premium tax credits for people who purchase their own health care on the ACA marketplaces. KFF reports similar increases in states across the country, with premiums increasing between 8-24%.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4.2 million Americans will lose their coverage as a direct result of these cost increases. Americans can expect to see notifications from their coverage providers informing them about increased costs this Fall.

These popular tax credits have put affordable health care within reach for a record-breaking number of American families, and come from Rep. Underwood’s legislation, the Health Care Affordability Act. On Wednesday, Underwood slammed Trump and House Republicans for refusing to extend them, leading to these soaring costs, and stripping millions of American from their coverage:

“The cost of health care coverage for working families is about to explode as a direct result of Republicans’ refusal to extend these popular tax credits,” Underwood said. “In just a few months, millions of Americans will be notified that the cost of their coverage has skyrocketed and is no longer affordable. They will go without care, people will die, and the record-breaking gains we have made in getting more Americans affordable health care will be wiped away. Republicans’ refusal to extend these savings is cruel and the consequences will be devastating.”

The Health Care Affordability Act

Underwood’s legislation has made popular tax credits for people who purchase their health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces more generous and available to more Americans. As a result, families of four with Marketplace plans are saving an average of $2,400 on their annual health care premiums.

The cost savings have led to a record-breaking and historic expansion of health care coverage. Over 24 million people signed up for health care through the Affordable Care Act this year, including 3.2 million new people – a historic gain in coverage. And four in five Americans have found health coverage for $10 or less per month.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Russellville, AL – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL‑04) today attended the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new library and multipurpose community center in Russellville after successfully securing $3,892,000 in federal funding for the project through the Community Project Funding initiative. The facility is slated to become a centerpiece of community life and access in this rural area.

During a specially called city council meeting held on site, the Russellville City Council unanimously voted to name the facility the Norris Public Library, honoring the Norris family for donating the land for the project. The Council also passed a resolution recognizing Congressman Aderholt for delivering the federal investment. Mayor David Grissom presented Aderholt with the Key to the City in appreciation of his continued support for Russellville and rural Alabama.

“This facility represents an investment in literacy, connectivity, and community for Russellville,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I’m honored to have helped secure the resources our community needs—a public library, broadband access, and space for gathering—so families here can thrive.”

Mayor Grissom added: “We are deeply grateful to the Norris family for their land gift and to Congressman Aderholt for securing the full funding we need. The Norris Public Library will be a gateway to opportunities for generations to come.”

The funding will finance construction of a new library and multipurpose community center on the land donated behind City Hall. The facility will provide broadband internet, educational programs, meeting space, and public access to literature and technology—services the current downtown site cannot accommodate.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Due to the overwhelming response from veterans and their families, Congressman Robert Aderholt announced today that the upcoming Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony in the Shoals, will be relocated to a larger venue to better accommodate all attendees. Almost a month away from the event, more than 200 people are scheduled to attend the Shoals area event.

Originally scheduled for Tuscumbia, the new location for the Shoals-area ceremony is:

University of North Alabama
Guillot University Center (GUC)
131 Shelby Way
Florence, AL 35630
Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

“Because of the incredible response we’ve received, we needed a larger space to properly recognize these heroes in a respectful and comfortable setting,” said Congressman Aderholt. “We are deeply grateful for their service, and I look forward to seeing so many veterans and their loved ones in Florence.”

Please note:

• Only the location for the Florence event has changed.
• The date and time remain the same: Friday, August 22 at 10:30 a.m.

The Blount County ceremony location remains unchanged:

Blount County Multi-Purpose Center
6700 County Highway 1
Cleveland, AL 35049
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

Both events are part of Congressman Aderholt’s ongoing effort to recognize and honor Vietnam-era veterans with official commemorative pins as a token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans who have not yet registered or need more information are encouraged to call 256-546-0201.

You may also register here:

https://aderholt.house.gov/services/vietnam-veterans-50th-anniversary-pin-program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

A headlining theme for the 119th Congress has been tied to unleashing American energy dominance. So far, House Republicans have secured several wins as we press onward toward unleashing our nation’s energy potential, but we aren’t done yet. As the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and as a Representative from Arkansas – a state with an abundance of natural resources and energy potential – it is no question that American energy dominance is a major driver for the committee this Congress. Unfortunately, our energy potential is being cut off at the knees by senseless, bureaucratic red tape baked into our permitting process.

The current federal permitting process hamstrings every corner of American life, shackling our nation’s infrastructure and energy sectors by causing extreme and unnecessary delays which keep these vital industries from pushing much-needed projects across the finish line. The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, is a leading cause of these delays. NEPA is a procedural statute from 1970 which established parameters at the federal level for assessing and publicly disclosing the environmental impact a project may have on its surrounding communities. 

Make no mistake, the NEPA process is certainly well-intended, and environmental factors and assessments are undoubtedly important to heed while in the early stages of a project. However, NEPA requirements apply to all major federal actions and nearly all areas of our daily lives such as the construction of roads, bridges, highways, ports, irrigation systems, transmission lines, conventional and renewable energy projects, broadband, and water infrastructure. Oftentimes, the NEPA process can push back project timelines by nearly half a decade – keeping communities from receiving critical updates that are so desperately needed. Additionally, once projects are through the NEPA process, they are often met with litigation under the statute that delays projects, on average, for another four years. 

To put this into perspective for Arkansas, our state is proudly home to much of the McLellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), a navigation channel spanning 445 miles which connects Oklahoma to the Mississippi River. This waterway is supported by eighteen locks and dams, making large-scale navigation safe and efficient for commercial and recreational vessels. The commercial navigation capability provided by the locks and dams allows over 12 million tons of cargo to flow through the state, providing over 40,000 Arkansans with jobs and adding a sales impact of $5.5 billion. Under the current permitting process, the infrastructure necessary for this waterway – which contributes in astounding ways to our state’s economy – would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take years, if not decades, to complete.

For this reason alone, a cumbersome permitting process is simply not an option when it comes to investing in our state’s potential. This week, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to discuss the NEPA process and how Congress can act to provide developers and federal agencies with certainty through reforming this outdated process. By streamlining our cumbersome permitting process, we can ensure that vital projects necessary not only for America’s infrastructure, but the future of our nation’s energy potential, can move forward in a quick and responsible manner.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa, CA – Saturday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) gathered alumni of his and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center. The event featured SLC alumni, former staff members of Thompson’s, and former interns of Thompson’s to connect young leaders in our community. 

“When I founded my Student Leadership Council in 2018, I hoped it would serve as a resource to train and connect our next generation of leaders. Now, the SLC has over 200 alumni and I continue to be inspired by the ambition and passion of these young adults,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our next generation is facing complex problems, from solving the climate crisis to protecting our democracy, and our SLC alumni are at the forefront of this important work. I was glad to host a reunion event to connect our alumni and to continue my partnership with our young leaders on the issues that matter most to our community.” 
   
BACKGROUND

Rep. Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry’s Student Leadership Council is an exciting program that allows local students to work directly with their elected officials, public service staff, and the philanthropic and business communities to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and engage with our community. The Council is open to all high school students who live in California’s Fourth Congressional District or California’s Fourth Assembly District. Selected students meet monthly over the course of the school year.

Learn more about the Student Leadership Council here and sign up for the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Council program here. 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS’ NEW LAW SLASHES HEALTH CARE FOR 15 MILLION, THREATENS SERVICES FOR ALL