MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $66,032,669 in grant funding for San Bernardino County’s Head Start Programs to ensure children in the Inland Empire have access to quality early childhood education programs.
“As a former Head Start teacher’s aide, I’ve seen the life-changing impact early childhood education can have on a child’s future,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This grant funding will help ensure that more kids in the Inland Empire have access to high-quality early learning opportunities, setting them up for success in school and beyond. I’m proud to help deliver this funding for San Bernardino County’s families and remain committed to expanding opportunity for every child in our community.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to receive this $66 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding is a big win for the children and families of San Bernardino County. It recognizes the important work our Head Start programs are doing to help young children build a strong foundation for school and life, while also supporting parents every step of the way. With this grant funding, we’ll continue working hard to make sure every child in our community has the chance to thrive through quality early education,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
The funding comes as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Head Start. The grant will support San Bernardino County’s Head Start Center-Based and Home-Based programs that provide children between the ages of three to five and their families with comprehensive services to meet their educational, social, health, nutritional and emotional needs.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday evening, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted a telephone town hall with Dr. Anish Mahajan, Chief Deputy Director at LA County Department of Public Health; Dr. Mitesh Popat, CEO of Venice Family Clinic; and Dr. Andrea Turner, CEO of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Congressman Lieu and his guests discussed concerns from LA County constituents about the Republican health care cuts in the Big Ugly Bill, H.R. 1. Congressman Lieu voted no on this bill.  

Congressman Lieu’s telephone town hall took place on House Democrats’ Medicaid and Medicare Matters Day of Action to oppose Republican health care cuts. 

Listen to the full telephone town hall here

“Approximately 14,000 residents are going to lose their health insurance in California’s 36^th Congressional District under this big, ugly law,” said Rep. Lieu. “California, statewide, will see a $150 billion cut, at least, in federal funding from Medi-Cal, which is what we call Medicaid in California, and over 2 million Californians will lose health insurance. And so, this is a very dramatic law that’s going to affect many people in California.” 

“We work on making sure the food is safe, we protect the water and soil, we prevent outbreaks and respond to outbreaks of bird flu and other diseases, we do work around sexual and reproductive health. We’re essentially working for you, 24/7, for the 10 million residents of LA County,” said Dr. Mahajan. “But what the Republican Congress has done with their ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ has put a lot of this at risk. About 50% of LA County’s public health budget depends on federal grants and federal resources.”

“The net effect of all of this seems to be that the federal government is waging a war on poor people and people of color,” said Dr. Popat. “I can conclude no less based on these myriad of actions that have been taken. And to me, as a son of immigrants, it’s unconscionable, it’s un-American, it’s not what makes this country great.”

“The impact of the Medicaid cuts in the recently approved Big Bill is beyond comprehension,” said Dr. Turner. “As a safety net hospital, we care for people who are often underserved, but that does not mean they are not working. Many are parents whose jobs don’t provide affordable health insurance, families doing their part in our communities who rely on us for care. These are hardworking people, the backbone of our country.”

The Republican-passed Big Ugly Bill will have devastating consequences for Southern California. Health insurance premiums will increase, especially for those on the Affordable Care Act, and Southern California hospitals will face millions in increased costs.

Congressman Lieu will continue to fight back against these harmful cuts. 

For more opportunities to hear directly from the Congressman, subscribe to our newsletter here.

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

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) blasted the Trump Administration’s proposal to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “Endangerment Finding” that serves as an essential public health safeguard and allows regulation of greenhouse gases and dangerous climate pollution:

“American families and businesses deserve better than the higher cost of living and corruption of the Trump Administration and colluding polluters. Repeal of EPA’s ‘Endangerment Finding’ grants free rein to polluters without regard to increasingly expensive and deadly heat waves, floods and droughts, and other extreme weather. Dirty air and higher health care costs and energy bills will be the result. Americans will pay more for property and flood insurance while billionaires and powerful polluters pocket massive profits.

“For Floridians, the stakes could not be higher. After last year’s brutal hurricane season – and while our communities face record-breaking heat, floods and stronger storms – policymakers should be focused on reducing costs and reducing pollution. Yet, Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin and polluters do not care about the harm to everyday Americans. To them, polluter profits come first, and hardworking Americans last. Again, the Trump Administration is abandoning average Americans in favor of billionaires, wealthy corporations and political expediency.”

The “Endangerment Finding” is based on the fact that greenhouse gas pollution is fueling a dangerously heating climate, which harms our health, our families, our communities and our wallets. Repealing it would allow Big Oil and Gas companies to pollute without limits and eliminate safeguards that reduce harmful pollution and improve air quality. With this action, Republicans are making our kids sicker, our air dirtier, and our communities more vulnerable to extreme weather – at the same time, they’re ripping health care away from 15 million Americans and making the cost of care more expensive for millions more.

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

600+ Northwest Washington State Residents Respond to Rep. Larsen’s ‘Share Your Story’ Webpage

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

“Today’s job report revealed that only 73,000 jobs were added to the economy last month, with unemployment increasing to 4.2%. Additionally, we saw a revision that 258,000 fewer jobs were added the previous two months than initially thought. The American economy, once the envy of the world in the post-COVID era under President Biden, is facing new uncertainty thanks to Trump and his disastrous policies. 

“In addition to a weak showing from the job market, August kicks off with Trump’s decision to raise sweeping tariffs that will dramatically increase costs for American families. Analysis from the Yale Budget Lab estimates that these tariffs will increase food prices by 3.4%, costing an average family an additional $2,200 a year. The average price of a car in America will increase by $5,900. Americans will see similar prices on a variety of other consumer goods. Meanwhile, Americans will continue to see other costs – from their health care premiums to their energy bills – increase as a result of Republicans’ Big Ugly Law. While our economy is flashing red warning lights, Republicans chose to tell Americans, ‘You’re On Your Own’ by pulling the rug out from millions while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest.

“Trump claimed he would lower costs. Instead of putting his money where his mouth is, he is putting working Americans’ money in the furnace.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter Introduces ERIC ADAMS Act Holding Sanctuary City Mayors Accountable for Murders Committed by Illegal Immigrants

Carter Introduces ERIC ADAMS Act Holding Sanctuary City Mayors Accountable for Murders Committed by Illegal Immigrants

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

This morning the July jobs report showed that the U.S. labor market slowed markedly in the second quarter of 2025, with only 106,000 total jobs added, an average of just 35,000 jobs per month over the last three months. Most job growth during this period came in two sectors, health care and social assistance, which were the target of major funding cuts by Republicans and President Trump in the recently-enacted H.R. 1; without these sectors the U.S. economy would have lost jobs on balance during the second quarter.

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee and is a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, issued the following statement:

“Today’s brutal jobs report confirms that President Trump’s tariffs are a major drag on the U.S. economy. But as Trump’s tariffs slowly strangle the economy, he is announcing huge new tariffs that will squeeze it even harder.

“Those of us who opposed Trump’s trade wars warned from the beginning that they would raise prices for the American people, hurt relationships with our allies, and damage small businesses with self-inflicted chaos and uncertainty. Now Trump’s tariffs are causing inflation to rise, economic growth slowed in the first half of 2025, and the job market – a primary source of strength and stability through fluctuations in the post-pandemic economy – is weakening sharply. Everything we warned would happen is in fact happening.

“As Trump piles massive new tariffs on key trading partners with bogus justifications, for instance on Canada or Brazil, or no justification at all, as in the case of India, Switzerland, Taiwan, and others, the costs will once again be paid by the American people via higher prices. None of the promised benefits are materializing, we are not seeing a ‘golden age’ and we are actually losing manufacturing jobs. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is no strategy here, only a determination to bully other countries – no matter how much it harms America.

“Democrats have bills that would stop this madness, but not only are Republicans unwilling to break with Trump as he wrecks our economy, they just made the damage even worse by enacting the largest health care cut in history.”

Rep. Beyer serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Trade Task Force, and serves as Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee. He is the sponsor of the Congressional Trade Authority Act, which would rein in presidential abuses of authorities under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, and the co-lead, with Rep. Suzan DelBene, of legislation to end abuses of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff authorities.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C.– In a significant step toward enhancing transparency and protecting patient rights within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Keith Self (TX-03) have introduced the Written Informed Consent Act. This legislation would require the VA to provide Veterans with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics prescribed through the VA healthcare system.  Currently, verbal disclosures or limited written information may accompany these prescriptions. The proposed bill mandates a standardized written consent form outlining potential adverse effects, ensuring Veterans are fully informed before medications in these categories are dispensed.

“Our Veterans deserve nothing less than complete transparency when it comes to their health and the medications they’re prescribed,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The Written Informed Consent Actwill empower Veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment and protect their right to understand the risks involved.”

“The Written Informed Consent Act ensures that before powerful medications are prescribed, Veterans receive clear, written information about the potential side effects. Veterans deserve full transparency when it comes to their care. This is about respect, accountability, and empowering Veterans to make informed decisions about their health. It’s a simple, commonsense step toward improving trust and safety within the VA healthcare system, added Representative Bergman.”

“The Written Informed Consent Act is a vital step toward ensuring our Veterans receive the transparency they deserve,” said Representative Self. “By mandating clear, written disclosures of potential side effects for medications like antipsychotics and narcotics, this bill empowers Veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment. I am proud to partner with Representatives Bilirakis and Bergman to protect the rights and uphold the dignity of the men and women who’ve served our nation.”

The bill comes in response to rising concerns about adverse drug reactions among Veterans, particularly those coping with chronic or complex health conditions that require multiple medications. Supporters argue that requiring written disclosures promotes informed decision-making and helps mitigate the risk of medication-related harm.  Veteran advocacy groups have strongly endorsed the bill, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and accountability in VA healthcare.

“The VFW strongly supports the Written Informed Consent Act, to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to require informed consent from veteran patients before starting long-term treatment with psychiatric and pain management medications. This is standard medical practice for commonplace procedures and anything requiring anesthesia. This legislation is a vital step toward ensuring that veterans are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting treatment with these medications—enhancing transparency and empowering veterans with the knowledge they need to make safe, informed decisions about their health. The VFW thanks Congressman Bilirakis for introducing this important legislation, and we urge Congress to ensure its swift passage,” said Meggan Coleman (Thomas), Associate Director of National Legislative Services for the VFW. 

“Veterans deserve to be fully informed about the medications they take, especially those with potentially dangerous side effects. DAV is proud to support the Written Informed Consent Act which requires clinicians to inform veterans of medications that pose serious safety risks and provide them alternative treatment options. We applaud Rep. Bilirakis for his leadership on this critical issue to ensure transparency, promote veteran-centered care and safeguard the health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans,” added DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem.

“AMVETS proudly supports this legislation to ensure Veterans prescribed high-risk medications are fully informed before starting treatment. Written consent creates a clearer understanding of potential risks and alternatives, and our Veterans deserve that confidence when making decisions about their care,” said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly.

“For medications with black box warnings, especially those linked to serious mental health risks, written informed consent is vital,” said Matthew Schwartzman, Director of Legislation and Military Policy for the Reserve Organization of America. “ROA thanks Congressman Bilirakis for championing legislation that ensures members of the uniformed services, veterans, their families, and caregivers are fully informed before beginning treatment. At a time when our nation is facing a growing mental health crisis, often tied to the conditions for which these medications are prescribed, this legislation is a critical step toward supporting resilience, improving outcomes, and protecting those who serve and support our country.“

“Veterans deserve to know exactly what medications they’re taking and what the potential side effects are. Written informed consent is a simple, vital step to ensure they’re educated about their care and empowered in every treatment decision. AFSA strongly supports this effort to protect the health and well-being of those who served, past, present, and their families,” said Keith A. Reed, Chief Executive Officer, Air Force Sergeants Association.

“Veterans have the right to understand the full impact of the medications they are prescribed, especially those affecting mental health and long-term quality of life. This legislation takes an important step toward strengthening informed consent within the VA by ensuring veterans receive clear, consistent information before starting treatments such as antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. The Fleet Reserve Association strongly supports this effort and urges Congress to move quickly on its passage,” said Theodosius Lawson, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs, FRA. 

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Congressmen Bilirakis and Bergman for introducing legislation to require ‘Written Informed Consent’ for high-risk medications. Suicide loss survivors have shared with TAPS how these ‘black box’ medications contributed to their veteran’s suicide ideation and death. TAPS urges swift passage of this critical legislation to help save precious lives,” Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder.

“The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) supports Written Informed Consent, since it improves Veterans’ understanding of the risks associated with certain pharmaceuticals and addresses persistent high rates of veteran suicides,” said National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “JWV commends Representatives Bilirakis and Bergman for their sponsorship of this critical legislation.  The bill requires that veterans provide written informed consent for Black Box medications included in the VA formulary.  Black Box medications carry special warnings that have a high potential for serious safety risks. These warnings communicate potentially rare but dangerous side effects, and they provide necessary instructions for the safe use of the drug. Keeping veterans fully informed on critical aspects of their medical care remains a paramount concern.”

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

August 01, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the No Foreign Election Partnership Act. This bill prohibits international organizations from entering data sharing or advisory role agreements with federal election agencies.
“Election integrity starts with securing the vote from foreign interference,” said Rep. Steube. “International organizations have no business accessing critical voter data or filling essential roles in American elections. My bill will strengthen the integrity of our elections by barring federal election agencies from entering data sharing and advisory agreements with foreign groups.” 
Background: The No Foreign Election Partnership Act bans all data sharing and advisory role agreements between international organizations and the Federal Election Commission, the Election Assistance Commission, and other federal agencies tasked with overseeing U.S. elections.
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement on the proposed congressional map by Republican lawmakers: 

“Let’s be clear – this map is racist, it’s illegal, and it’s part of a long, ugly tradition of trying to keep Black and Brown Texas from having a voice. What Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are doing isn’t about democracy – it’s about consolidating power. Republicans are bending their knee to a wannabe king, drawing maps in backrooms to appease a man who tried to overthrow an election and now wants to overthrow the will of Texans.

“To Trump, Abbott, and the servile Republicans, I say this: Black people in this country fought, bled, and died for the right to vote, and we will never bend the knee again to any man. Not to Trump. Not Abbott. Not to anyone who thinks they can shut us out.

“Trump and the Republican cowards want to rig the system because they know they can’t win when every voice counts and every vote matters. So instead of earning our votes, they are trying to erase us. 

“But we are still here. We will fight in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. No matter how hard they try, we aren’t going anywhere.”