MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Nauvoo, Alabama — Congressman Robert Aderholt joined community leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents today for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly constructed Capstone Rural Health Clinic in Nauvoo.

Standing inside the clinic’s state-of-the-art facility, Congressman Aderholt marked the occasion as a moment of progress and renewed commitment to rural health care. He praised the Capstone team for their steadfast dedication to delivering both medical and behavioral health services in the community — even while operating for years out of an inadequate and non-ADA-compliant building.

“When my office received the request to help secure funding for this project, I knew it was the kind of investment that makes a real difference,” Aderholt said. “That’s why I was proud to request and secure $725,000 in federal funding to help bring this facility to life.”

The new clinic addresses longstanding infrastructure limitations and significantly expands the services available to the Nauvoo community. Features of the upgraded facility include:

• Expanded access to both primary and behavioral health care;
• Space to add an additional primary care provider;
• On-site case management to help patients navigate complex health and social needs;
• A dedicated Telehealth suite for increased provider access;
• ADA-compliant access throughout, including to the pharmacy.

Within a 30-mile radius, Capstone’s clinic may be the only source of consistent, community-based care. With this expansion, the clinic expects to handle an additional 1,000 to 1,500 patient visits annually — in addition to the 3,600 visits already served each year. The on-site pharmacy currently fills over 2,500 prescriptions each month.

“This clinic is more than a building — it is a beacon of hope for rural families,” said Aderholt. “Congressional earmarks sometimes get a bad name, but this is a shining example of how smart, community-driven investments can improve lives and strengthen the fabric of our towns.”

Congressman Aderholt concluded his remarks by thanking Capstone’s leadership and staff for their vision, and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting rural health initiatives across Alabama’s 4th District.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT) introduced the Accelerate Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales (ARMS) Act, a bipartisan proposal to expedite the delivery of U.S.-made critical defense capabilities to allies and partners, by expanding the Special Defense Acquisition Fund (SDAF).

“This bipartisan bill will help ensure that America’s allies and partners can receive critical defense equipment in a timely manner,” said Congressman Aderholt. “By strengthening the SDAF, this legislation not only supports national security interests abroad, but invests in our industrial defense base at home.”

This bill addresses the inefficiencies and delays in the current Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The urgency to address these has increased in recent years, as the combined value of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) has significantly exceeded domestic defense procurement budgets, with international demand for U.S. defense products approaching two-to-one over domestic acquisition.
“The ARMS Act is a win-win for our economic and national security, investing in both our critical manufacturing here at home and our allies’ defense abroad. As we continue to combat the threatening influence of foreign adversaries like Russia and China, this bill will help our allies stay safe while maintaining our leadership around the globe,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz.

“It’s unfortunate, but unnecessary and burdensome bureaucratic delays slow down the ability of the United States to fully support our democratic allies when they need it the most,” Rep. Jimmy Panetta added. “The expansion of the bipartisan Special Defense Acquisition Fund would provide a more efficient way to meet urgent demand and counter global threats, while strengthening our domestic manufacturing base.  As we push back against isolationism, this legislation is a smart, strategic, commonsense step to bolster American leadership and enhance global stability.”

“I’ve made it my mission to eliminate the bureaucratic delays that prevent America’s life-saving defense capabilities from reaching our allies and partners. This bill delivers on that mission,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke. “The Special Defense Acquisition Fund is a vital but historically under-resourced tool that strengthens our defense industrial base and accelerates the delivery of critical arms and equipment to our allies. This legislation restores the SDAF to its original purpose supporting our partners and advancing American interests around the globe, without costing taxpayers a dime. I applaud Congressman Aderholt for his leadership in drafting this commonsense, strategic legislation.”

The SDAF continues to have strong bipartisan support in Congress and from current and past Administrations.

The Accelerate Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales Act is supported by leading defense organizations, including the Professional Services Counsel, National Defense Industrial Association, and Aerospace Industries Association.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after the passage of Congressional Republicans’ bill to take back federal funding from public media stations and foreign aid programs that was already approved by Congress and signed into law:

“Make no mistake: These clawbacks are an attack on public safety. Our public radio and TV stations, especially those in rural communities, are often the only trusted local news source. Publicly funded media stations are the ones covering our kids’ high school sports games, providing high-quality educational programming to our kids, and distributing essential public safety information during natural disasters. To slash this funding is to attack these important services.  

“At the same time, Congressional Republicans are pulling funding from Ukraine and other allies. When our allies are unsafe, we are all unsafe. Cuts to foreign aid undermine our national security.

“Congressional Republicans’ claims that this is about saving money are laughable considering they just passed a bill that will add nearly $5 trillion to our national debt in order to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors who don’t need the help. They are pulling the rug out from under our allies and our local news stations. The American people will pay the price.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a group of 22 lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick, expressing deep concerns regarding the recent restructuring of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. 

The BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states. Over 40 states and territories, including California, had partially or fully completed the process of selecting projects for deployment. But last month, DOC released new guidelines through their BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (BPRN) that threatens to derail progress. The notice would force states to reopen the application process and rescind preliminary and provisional awards—substantially delaying efforts to get shovels in the ground and broadband to the communities that need it most.

  

“Despite your stated goals of removing burdensome requirements from the BEAD Program and ensuring American taxpayers receive the ‘benefit of the bargain,’ the BRPN actually further complicates and delays the program for all stakeholders, violating congressional intent” wrote the lawmakers. “Worst of all, American families and businesses will be left with inferior connectivity.”

The new guidelines impose burdensome scoring requirements that would hamstring states’ flexibility to choose the most effective mix of technologies to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-proof internet service.  On top of that, the Trump administration’s changes would gut key safeguards—slashing protections for affordability, good-paying jobs, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a free and open internet. These changes will drive up costs for consumers while driving down the quality of service.

“The BEAD Program you inherited on January 20, 2025, was on track to get shovels in the ground months ago to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. Nothing about the BRPN simplifies the BEAD Program for state broadband offices or providers, and the changes you insist upon will only lead to indefinite delays and worse internet service for Americans,” the lawmakers continued. 

The full letter is available HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the 340B PATIENTS Act, legislation that would protect and strengthen the 340B program by codifying 340B providers’ ability to use contract pharmacies to dispense 340B discounted drugs. This would ensure that 340B patients are able to pick up their prescriptions at any local pharmacy, and that safety-net providers are able to continue providing expanded medical and social services to their communities using their 340B discount savings.

“After Republicans cut almost $1 trillion from our health care safety net, it’s more important than ever that we preserve and strengthen the remaining lifelines keeping our providers afloat,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That’s why I’m reintroducing my legislation to protect the 340B program today. For more than 30 years, the 340B program has been a lifeline for our nation’s most vulnerable patients – providing free or discounted prescription drugs and important services at no cost to taxpayers. Unfortunately, Big Pharma is increasingly finding ways to undercut this mission and reduce patient access to lifesaving services. The 340B PATIENTS Act sets clear ground rules to prevent manufacturers from continuing these practices and strengthen the 340B program for years to come.”

“Rural America is hit by two crises: affordability and access to care. Programs like 340B are vital tools to address this problem, helping rural patients and communities access the affordable medical and social services they need. President Trump and Republicans’ tax bill has already threatened access to rural care, which makes protecting tools like 340B all-the-more critical,” said Senator Welch. “I’m all for making sure the 340B program is working the way it’s intended, but Big Pharma has been trying for years to get rid of it altogether. This commonsense bill secures access to this funding stream and supports rural and vulnerable patients.” 

Under the 340B program, drug manufacturers agree to provide outpatient drugs at a discount to safety-net providers that serve our most vulnerable Americans, including low-income Medicare, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Insurance patients. These providers include Medicare disproportionate share (“DSH”) hospitals, children’s hospitals, free-standing cancer hospitals, and rural hospitals. Providers use the savings from the 340B program to stretch federal resources further, providing critical services to underserved communities without any additional federal spending.

Many 340B providers use contract pharmacies to provide the widest possible range of services to their patients. However, since 2020, drug manufacturers have started denying or restricting access to 340B discount prices for drugs dispensed through contract pharmacies.

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Clarify that manufacturers are required to offer 340B discount prices to covered entities regardless of the manner or location in which a drug is dispensed, including if a covered entity uses a contract pharmacy to dispense 340B drugs to the entity’s patients.
• Ensure that manufacturers cannot place conditions on the ability of a covered entity to purchase and use 340B drugs, regardless of the manner or location in which the drug is dispensed, including through contract pharmacies.
• Impose civil monetary penalties on manufacturers that violate these statutory requirements and prohibitions.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

This legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL). 

This legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

Endorsing organizations: 340B Health, America’s Essential Hospitals, American Hospital Association (AHA), Advocates for Community Health, 340B Hallway, National Rural Health Association, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Catholic Health Association of the United States of America, Children’s Hospital Association, ASHP, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AIDS United, 340B Matters, the Craneware Group, University of California Health, California Hospital Association, and Bi-State Primary Care Association.

“The safety-net hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program applaud Congresswoman Matsui and Senator Welch for being 340B champions and for introducing this vital legislation,” said Maureen Testoni, President and CEO, 340B Health. “This bill would end the drug industry’s harmful efforts to block 340B covered entities from partnering with community and specialty pharmacy partners on dispensing outpatient drugs to their patients. These actions have stripped billions of dollars in 340B savings from the health care safety net and have hurt patient access to care. 340B hospitals deliver 77% of Medicaid hospital care and 67% of unpaid care, and they need these protections in the face of a wide array of financial challenges to their patient care missions. We call on congressional leaders to support this vital legislation for the sake of patients living with low incomes and those in rural areas.” 

“The American Hospital Association thanks Representative Matsui and Senator Welch for their leadership in protecting the 340B drug pricing program and the patients and communities that benefit from it. Their important bill — which the AHA strongly supports — would put an end to drug companies’ harmful restrictions on the ability of 340B hospitals to provide critical medications to their patients through partnerships with community and specialty pharmacies,” said Aimee Kuhlman, AHA’s vice president of advocacy and grassroots. “For far too long, these restrictions have made it more difficult for patients to access their medications while multinational drug companies have enjoyed record financial success.”

“ASHP strongly supports the 340B PATIENTS ACT, which will ensure pharmaceutical manufacturers honor their obligations to covered entities and contract pharmacies under the 340B Drug Pricing Program,” said Tom Kraus, Vice President of Government Relations, ASHP.

Congresswoman Matsui has long led efforts to support the 340B Program. In May 2021, she introduced a bipartisan bill to provide temporary waivers for certain 340B program eligibility requirements due to the COVID-19 health emergency. She has also led a series of letters highlighting the issues addressed by this legislation, most recently in March 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the 988 LGBTQ+ crisis support line has been shut down as previously ordered by the Trump Administration. In response, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) joined a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers and national mental health advocates to speak out against the harmful decision and call for its immediate reversal. 

Since its launch in 2022, the LGBTQ+ subline under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a critical, life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth and adults facing mental health crises. The line has handled nearly 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats from LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support. Its closure comes at a time of growing need — just last year, nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, according to national surveys.

“For the past three years, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been a lifesaving resource for millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The Trump Administration’s cruel decision to shut down the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth option will cost lives. One of every twelve callers to the general 988 crisis line is an LGBTQ+ youth. These calls aren’t just statistics. These are real kids, with names, with families, and with dreams. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to demand that this critical funding continue.”

“The 988 LGBTQ+ line is not just a phone number — it’s a lifeline,” said Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS). “This resource has helped save lives and connect LGBTQ+ youth with trained counselors who understand their experiences. It’s deeply disturbing that the Trump Administration is choosing to dismantle this service at a time when so many young people are in crisis. Ending it now is dangerous, and I’m proud to stand with colleagues from both parties to fight for its restoration.”

“We all know someone with a mental health condition because it’s just as common as heart disease or diabetes in America,” said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA). “That is true in every corner of the country, in red states as well as blue. That’s why mental health should never be political, especially when it comes to kids.  It’s alarming that the Trump administration would rather leave LGBTQ+ youth at risk instead of simply keeping the Trevor Project line of 988 funded. We are going to keep pushing back until the funding is restored – lives depend on it.”

“The Trump Administration is once again attacking the LGBTQI+ community by terminating the 988 lifeline. This is cruel, and this is unacceptable,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR). “Mental health is not a partisan issue, and our children should not be used as pawns in President Trump’s purely political game. I’m committed to expanding access to specialty mental health care, and I won’t stop fighting until everyone can access the affordable, high-quality care they deserve.”

“Stripping away specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth is an act of cruelty, not cost-cutting,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY). “This was a lifeline for nearly 1.3 million young people, many of whom had nowhere else to turn. We should be expanding this support, not dismantling it to appease homophobic extremists.”

“LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. It should not be a political issue, but a matter of basic human decency to restore the 988 hotline’s specialized services that have been proven to save LGBTQ+ children’s lives,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH). “We all know someone who struggles with their mental health. We will continue to call on the administration to right this wrong and make them see why they must fund these critical services for LGBTQ+ youth.”

The decision to shut down the LGBTQ+ subline has drawn widespread concern from mental health experts and civil rights organizations, including The Trevor Project, which helped establish the dedicated line in partnership with the federal government. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ own data shows the subline has significantly expanded access to crisis care for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth in underserved communities.

The press conference also included Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and representatives from The Trevor Project, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The group emphasized that the LGBTQ+ subline is not duplicative or political — it is a proven, specialized tool that meets a real and growing public health need.

“The 988 Lifeline’s ‘press 3’ option represents a landmark, bipartisan achievement that has connected more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ youth in crisis with life-saving care during their darkest moments,” said Jaymes Black, CEO, The Trevor Project. “Ending our country’s suicide crisis is about people, not politics — and we are devastated that the federal government has prioritized a political agenda over saving the lives of at-risk young Americans. Even in the wake of this difficult news, we express our enormous gratitude to the champions in Congress and across the mental health space who have fought to protect these life-saving services — and who continue to fight for a country that supports the health, happiness, and safety of LGBTQ+ young people everywhere. For any LGBTQ+ young person who needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s counselors are still here for you 24/7 – no matter what. Visit TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help.”

“LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges — including stigma, discrimination, and elevated stress — that contribute to a suicide attempt rate more than four times higher than their non-LGBTQ+ peers,” said Robert Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Recognizing the urgent need for culturally competent support, Congress established a dedicated crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth in 2022. Since then, usage has grown steadily, with over 1.4 million contacts as of June 2025. We are grateful to Representatives Moulton, Krishnamoorthi, Davids, Matsui, Salinas, Tonko, Pappas, Fitzpatrick, and Lawler for championing continued support for this life-saving resource. At a time when youth, including LGBTQ+ youth, are facing a mental health crisis, eliminating specialized services would endanger lives.”

“Since its launch, over 1.3 million individuals have reached out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. The importance of talking to someone who understands your experience or has a shared experience with you is invaluable, and it has saved countless lives,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “NAMI urges the Administration to immediately reverse its decision eliminating these specialized services and to support resources for the mental health of our LGBTQ+ friends and family, who are tragically at a higher risk of suicide.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statement in response toRepublicans passing the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package, including clawing back $1.1 billion in funding for public radio and television.

“By ripping away funding for local radio and television stations, Republicans are jeopardizing Americans’ ability to access free, community-supported access to news, educational programming, and lifesaving emergency alerts,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is an attack on the over 1500 local stations nationwide—and the millions of Americans who rely on them—all to satisfy President Trump’s obsession with silencing dissenting voices and bullying our press into becoming his personal mouthpiece. Stations, especially those serving our most rural and remote communities, will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even go off air.”

“I will keep fighting against President Trump’s deliberate and dangerous assault on our free press,” Matsui continued. “Congress must fully restore funding to public media and protect it from political interference. We must stand up for Americans’ ability to access no-cost, trusted educational resources, nonpartisan journalism, and public safety content that connect the local communities they serve.”

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) as a private, non-profit corporation to provide non-commercial educational programming to the public. For 50 years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to protect public media from political interference and provide the essential lead time to plan and develop high-quality programming. CPB provides grants to 1,216 public radio stations and 365 public television stations across the country, to provide nearly 99 percent of the U.S. population with free programming and services.

Congresswoman Matsui has actively pushed back against the Trump administration’s attacks on a free and independent press. In March, Congresswoman Matsui introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they disseminate. The legislation would reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda.

That same month, Congresswoman Matsui, along with Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, opened a probe into the Trump FCC’s sham investigations into media outlets. Congresswoman Matsui also led a bipartisan letter emphasizing the importance of federal funding for public radio and television.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), released the following statement in response toRepublicans passing the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package, including clawing back $1.1 billion in funding for public radio and television. 

“Republicans are going back on the promises America has made. This package cruelly guts funding that was already signed into law—meant to help people around the world and here at home. By withdrawing foreign assistance and rescinding support for public broadcasting, Republicans are undermining America’s credibility,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Our local NPR and PBS stations are vital for American families to access trusted news, educational programming, and lifesaving emergency alerts. This bill is a direct attack on the over 1500 local stations nationwide—and the millions of Americans who rely on them. All to satisfy President Trump’s obsession with silencing dissenting voices in our media. These cuts are unacceptable, and I will continue to stand up for public media and the critical service it provides.”

Congresswoman Matsui has led efforts to push back against the Trump administration’s attacks on a free and independent press. In March, Congresswoman Matsui introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they disseminate. That same month, Congresswoman Matsui, along with Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) opened a probe into the Trump FCC’s sham investigations into media outlets. Congresswoman Matsui also led a bipartisan letter emphasizing the importance of federal funding for public radio and television.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted against a bill that would take back $9.4 billion in funds that were already Congressionally approved and signed into law. These funds were approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year. H.R. 4 was previously considered by the U.S. House but was since modified by the U.S. Senate to restore $400 million in funds for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, A George W. Bush-era program which has helped prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths a year.

“Despite restoring of PEPFAR funds, this bill remains a gut punch to rural America and underserved communities. It cripples public broadcasting which jeopardizes coverage of local news, emergency information like severe weather alerts and other natural disasters. It undermines access to educational programming like PBS KIDS children’s Sesame Street. It gives up American leadership and influence on the world stage by gutting life-saving programs that help prevent pandemics, provide clean water, and help America’s agricultural producers be a part of the fight against hunger around the world,” said Congressman Bishop.

“And it must not be lost among the discussion of cuts and costs that the Administration has been illegally impounding funds that they are obligated to distribute,’ added Congressman Bishop. “It is also important to remember why this is happening. This bill rubber-stamps unconstitutional withholding of funds so that Republicans in Congress can redistribute it as tax cuts to billionaires.”

The Recissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) would:

• Eliminate $1.1 billion from public broadcasting, cutting off local PBS and NPR stations that provide children’s programming like Sesame Street and emergency alerts to rural communities.
• Cancel nearly $8 billion in foreign aid, including:
  • $2.5 billion in development assistance abroad, including clean water, agricultural support, and food aid.
  • Nearly $500 million in global health programs such as maternal health and infectious disease control.
  • $800 million in refugee assistance, cutting support for displaced families worldwide.
  • $496 million in disaster aid.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, voted against H.R. 4106, the bill to fund the U.S. Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2026.

“This bill fails to protect our service members and undermines our ability to recruit the best and brightest from all communities that comprise our great country. It alienates our trusted allies while simultaneously emboldening our adversaries. It fails to secure our sensitive intelligence from those who would exploit it,” said Congressman Bishop. “Georgia’s Second Congressional District includes three major military installations, Fort Benning, Robins Air Force Base, and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. These are communities built on military families, civilian workers and support staff, and the training programs as well as hardware that are the cornerstone of our nation’s defense. This bill lets them down.”

Last month, during debate on the bill in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Bishop voiced his opposition to the bill.

WATCH: Congressman Bishop Raises Concerns About FY26 Defense Funding Bill

H.R. 4106, the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for the U.S. Defense Department:

• Weakens Ukraine and empowers Russia by eliminating support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
• Undermines democracy at home and abroad by allowing disinformation and extremist views to flourish.
• Limits servicemembers ability to travel for reproductive health care.
• Harms our military readiness with divisive provisions that undermine morale, fail to support servicemembers, allow DOGE and the Administration to cut vital civilian positions.

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