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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Kenosha, WI (June 21, 2023) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil announced that Kenosha County will receive a $700,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to address water quality and habitat restoration along the Pike River. The funding will support the Kenosha County Parks Department’s work to restore both streambank and riparian habitat along the Pike River in Petrifying Springs Park. 

“Our state’s natural resources are an important part of what makes Wisconsin a great place to live and work,” said Steil. “I’d like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding Kenosha County $700,000 to support water restoration along the Pike River, as well as County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Kenosha Parks Director Wyatt Moore for their work spearheading this project. This funding will help ensure that our rivers remain stable and vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”

 

The current condition of the Pike River project area

 

An example of what the completed restoration project will look like

 

“I would like to thank Congressman Bryan Steil and the EPA for recognizing the importance of this project. This is the largest grant awarded to the project and will help us bring it across the finish line this fall,” said Kerkman.

“This has been an incredibly impactful project for Petrifying Springs Park, enhancing both the park itself and the water quality of the Pike River. The completion of this section of the river marks a major milestone in a restoration effort that has been underway since 2017.” said Moore.

Background:

• On Friday, Congressman Bryan Steil announced that the Kenosha County Division of Parks was awarded a $700,000 federal grant under the Clean Water Act’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
• The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Program focuses on restoring and maintaining the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
• Congressman Steil has regularly supported robust funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, including voting to support $368 million in funding for the program in March 2024.
• The grant will be awarded to the Kenosha County Division of Parks to help restore 3,280 feet of streambank, 12,040 square feet of in-stream habitat, and 5.2 acres of riparian habitat, repairing the ecological habitat of the Pike River within Petrifying Springs Park.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Hales Corners, WI (June 13, 2025) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil joined officials from the Village of Hales Corners for a water conversion project groundbreaking ceremony. The project addresses PFAS-related issues in a water system serving 188 homes. Congressman Steil was instrumental in helping resolve bureaucratic delays that had prevented the Village from obtaining loan funding. 

Rep. Steil joins Village of Hales Corners officials at the groundbreaking for the Hales Happiness water conversion project.

“One of the most important roles I have as a member of Congress is helping cut through the red tape and deliver real results for Wisconsin families,” said Steil. “Safe, clean drinking water is critical for Wisconsin families, and I am thrilled to have been able to help the Village of Hales Corners make that a reality. This funding will not only help ensure families have access to critical infrastructure but will also reduce potential costs for Hales Corners residents by as much as $16,000 per household.”

Background:

In March of this year, the Village of Hales Corners reached out to Rep. Steil’s office for assistance with an issue involving PFAS chemicals in a water system that served 188 homes. It had been determined that water for these homes exceeded EPA levels and ultimately would exceed proposed new standards in Wisconsin.   

The Village of Hales Corners had been trying to secure Safe Drinking Water Loan funding to address the problem but ran into roadblocks and bureaucratic delays stemming from issues in statutory interpretation under EPA rules.

The Village contacted Rep. Steil’s office, who worked with state and local government agencies to cut through the delays. Within days of getting involved, Rep. Steil’s office helped to resolve the issue.

As a result, the Village is now eligible for funding to ensure these 188 families will have affordable access to clean, safe drinking water. 

The Village highlighted that the work of Congressman Steil’s office helped reduce potential costs for residents by 50%, or as much as $16,000 in potential fees. 

A letter from the village to Congressman Steil’s office with additional background on the issue is located here.

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) delivered the following remarks at the House Appropriations Committee markup of the fiscal year 2026 Legislative Branch funding bill:

“I am unable to support the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill we have before us today.

Republicans talk a big game about efficiency and fiscal responsibility—but this bill fails every test. Instead of investing in the institutions that keep our democracy alive, this majority has opted to hollow them out and cede Congress’s Article One powers to the Trump Administration.

Let’s start with the Government Accountability Office. The non-partisan G-A-O is responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively, as intended by Congress 

In the past two decades, GAO has identified $2.8 trillion in payment errors.  

GAO’s independent, objective analysis and recommendations are critically important to protecting taxpayer resources from waste, fraud, and abuse. That’s why the agency’s average return on investment is $123 for every $1 spent.

So why on earth does this bill slash GAO’s budget by almost 50 percent? By our calculations, based on GAO’s return on investment, this cut of over $396 million could end up costing taxpayers almost $49 billion, with a B.

So let’s be real: cutting funding for GAO is not about saving money. The real purpose of defunding the Government Accountability Office is to undermine its ability to hold the government accountable. 

It’s about limiting an independent, nonpartisan watchdog’s ability to conduct oversight of this Administration’s corruption, illegal use of taxpayer dollars, and abuses of the Constitution.

It’s no coincidence that this attack comes while GAO has nearly 40 open investigations into credible reports that the Trump Administration is illegally withholding funds Congress has already appropriated. 

This bill even goes so far as to prohibit GAO from bringing civil actions against the Executive Branch for failing to comply with the Impoundment Control Act. 

Once again, Republicans in Congress are so eager to hand OUR power of the purse over to President Trump and DOGE, in violation of federal law and the Constitution’s separation of powers.

This reckless bill also cuts funding for the Library of Congress by 10 percent.  This latest attack on the Library follows President Trump’s firing of Dr. Carla Hayden with a two-sentence email on May 8, 2025.  Dr. Hayden is a highly accomplished and widely respected scholar who also happens to be the first woman and first Black person to serve as Librarian of Congress.

These attacks threaten our country’s ability to preserve our memory and inform our future.

They also undermine Congress’s ability to research and legislate on behalf of the American people, continuing the majority’s efforts to weaken the legislative branch. 

This Republican bill also flat-funds the Member’s Representational Allowance, again, despite continued inflation, which effectively amounts to a cut and shortchanges our ability to serve our constituents. 

Casework needs continue to grow in light of the chaos and confusion caused by the Trump Administration’s actions, and I am particularly concerned that this bill would not allow us to meet those needs.

This bill also fails to provide any additional resources for much-needed security improvements.  In light of the recent tragedy in Minnesota and other terrifying incidents of political violence, law enforcement and security experts have repeatedly recommended increased resources for the security of Congressional offices and Members. Instead, this bill leaves us and our communities vulnerable.

This bill also pointlessly and cruelly continues to bar DACA recipients from employment in the Legislative Branch. DACA recipients should have the right to serve their communities on our staff, and our constituents deserve to benefit from their talents, skills, and dedication to our shared values as Americans. 

This bill also recycles the same divisive policy riders we’ve seen over and over again. Let me be very clear: the diversity, equity, and inclusion training provided here in the Legislative Branch is about creating respectful and inclusive workplaces. It helps ensure our public servants can do their jobs free from discrimination.

We should be strengthening and supporting these efforts, not undermining and distracting from them with meaningless riders. Congress is the bedrock of our representative democracy.

We are Article One. This bill fails to take this responsibility seriously, and it fails to invest in the very institutions charged with upholding our shared values.

I urge my colleagues to stand up for accountability, for our democratic institutions, and for the American people—and reject this misguided bill.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [06/26/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Don Bacon (R-NE 02) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to mental health care for teachers and school staff.

Educators are more likely to report symptoms of depression than other adults, but schools are often not equipped with specific resources to address staff mental health challenges. The Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act will address ongoing mental health needs in public education, which have increased in recent years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread teacher shortages, difficult working conditions, and student behavior issues. 

“Our education system cannot function without the hard work of teachers and school support staff,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Unfortunately, too many dedicated professionals are experiencing burnout and leaving the education workforce. The bipartisan Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act will expand access to mental health care for educators and school staff so they can receive the support they need and continue to serve students.”

“A school is only as strong as the people who serve in it. Our educators are mentors, protectors, and community builders—and too often, silently shouldering the weight of burnout, trauma, and stress,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan legislation delivers the mental health support they have long needed and deserved. When we care for those who care for our kids, we are not just protecting their well-being—we are investing in the future of every student they serve and inspire.”

“Teachers have some of the most important roles encouraging children to reach their full potential and supporting, shaping, and inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “Too often the needs and wellbeing of teachers are overlooked, leading to burnout. We must make sure educators have the support they need and deserve to do their jobs.”

“The mental health crisis in our country requires immediate action, particularly within our education system where both students and staff are struggling,” said Representative Don Bacon. “The bipartisan Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act will strengthen mental health resources for our educators while creating evidence-based approaches that destigmatize seeking help and support.”

The legislation has been endorsed by: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Psychological Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Council on Teacher Quality, Teach for America, and The Education Trust.

“Educators are frontline responders to our students’ most urgent social and emotional needs, which have only increased in recent years,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Less than half of schools reported having the resources they need to help kids. That leaves teachers with the immense responsibility of supporting kids in crisis, and it takes an emotional toll – that stress, on top of the ongoing struggle for resources, increased paperwork, overcrowded classrooms, and stagnant wages make teachers’ mental health a growing concern. Representative Bonamici’s Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act commits resources to reduce educator stress, promote teacher wellbeing, and create the foundation for teacher longevity, which is good for students, too. This is how we keep teachers in the classroom—by giving them what they need to attain the same kind of joy, fulfillment, and calm that they ensure for our kids on a daily basis. The AFT supports this legislation and calls for its swift passage.”

“Our teachers and school support staff do so much to help in the development of our children,” said National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski. “They serve in one of the most difficult, although often one of the most rewarding, professions and play a significant role in our kids’ lives. We must provide them with the information and resources they need to care for their own mental health. This bill is an important step in providing our educators and school staff with the tools they need to support their mental wellbeing.”

“NAESP proudly endorses the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act,” said L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, Executive Director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. “While school leaders dedicate themselves to supporting their students’ mental well-being, we must also prioritize the mental health of their staff too. When educators demonstrate self-care practices, they are not only taking care of their own well-being but also creating positive examples for their students to follow. We applaud Congresswoman Bonamici’s leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with her and other congressional supporters to pass this legislation.”

“School leaders urgently need comprehensive tools to support their staff’s mental health, and this act would provide exactly that foundation,” said National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe. “When we invest in educator wellbeing, we strengthen the entire school community and ultimately improve outcomes for students. NASSP is grateful to Representative Bonamici for this critical and compassionate legislation.”

The Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act will increase access to critical resources by designing and scaling up evidence-based approaches to addressing the mental health needs of the education workforce across the United States. It will:

• Require coordination between federal agencies to develop best practices for (1) preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among education professionals; and (2) training education professionals in appropriate strategies to promote their mental health;
• Destigmatize mental health care among the education workforce by designing and disseminating an education and awareness initiative encouraging education professionals to use mental health and substance use disorder services;
• Provide direct support to educators and school staff members by establishing programs to promote mental health among the education professional workforce; and
• Promote accountability for federal resources for new programs.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi commemorated the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, recognizing the founding of one of the world’s most enduring institutions for peace and global cooperation.

Speaking on the House Floor, she reflected on the historic role San Francisco played in hosting the 1945 conference that gave birth to the U.N., underscoring the pride felt by the city and its people.

Watch her full remarks here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below:

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter and the establishment of one of the world’s greatest organizations for peace and the advancement of humanity.

As a representative of San Francisco, this anniversary has a particular pride for the people of my city and for me, for it was in San Francisco that we played host to the Grand Conference of Delegates that wrote the U.N. Charter.

And it was in San Francisco’s War Memorial and Performing Arts Center on June 26, 1945, that the charter was signed. On that day, President Harry Truman came to the plenary session to offer his congratulations and his hopes for the future of a new United Nations.

He said, ‘You have created a great instrument for peace and security and human progress in the world.’

President Truman said that. ‘And the world must use it now.’ The world must use it now. It was true then. It is true now. Eight decades later, 193 member states have ratified the charter. That day was 50, and then Poland joined making it 51.

Now 193 members have ratified the charter. The world’s greatest leaders and thinkers have been among the United Nations representatives.

In 1946, United Nations General Assembly delegate and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which builds on President Franklin Roosevelt’s commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear and freedom from want—for all people.

Throughout its history, the United Nations has worked to end disease, hunger and poverty. It has sought to advance human rights, human dignity and opportunities for women and girls.

It has focused the world’s attention on the plight of refugees and the urgency of the climate crisis with its Sustainable Development Goals. It has been a bulwark for global peace and peacekeeping.

And in striving to fulfill the ideals and promises of its charter, the United Nations, related agencies, programs and staff had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 11 times.

In 1950, Ralph Bunche, an American, became the first person affiliated with the new organization to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In his acceptance speech, he remarked. ‘I am but one of many cogs in the United Nations. The greatest peace organization ever dedicated to the salvation of mankind’s future on Earth.’

Under the leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres, the United Nations remains a strong, resolute, unwavering voice for peace in a world burdened by war.

And today, the United Nations is convening a plenary meeting of the General Assembly in New York at the United Nations Headquarters to – in their quote, ‘to revive the spirit of San Francisco and once again embrace the ideals that united humanity during the darkest hour, reaffirming our commitment to those values into the future.’

May we recapture the spirit of solidarity that existed in San Francisco 80 years ago as United Nations continues to stand as a beacon of peace for the next 80 years and beyond.

Since I have a little more time, I want to just tell a personal story. When I was in high school – this is like a dozen years after the founding of the United Nations – President, then-Senator Kennedy came to Baltimore for a great event. It was the United Nations Association of Maryland dinner honoring someone named Jacob Blaustein, a civic leader in our community.

My father was the mayor of Baltimore. My mother, knowing how much I admired the Kennedy family because we were taught by Irish Catholic nuns from Boston—even in Baltimore, she said ‘I don’t think I feel well going to the dinner tonight. Why don’t you take my place?’

Taking her place meant sitting next to Senator Kennedy for this dinner where he was giving the keynote address. There’s a picture of that occasion. Why I tell the story is, I was a member of United Nations Youth in high school, was like a junior in high school at the time.

And there was a table of United Nations Youth. And they came over to me and said, ‘Since you’re a member of United Nations Youth, we invite you to sit with us at our table.’

Oh, my gosh. John F. Kennedy, United Nations Youth. As conflicted as I was, how could I leave a vacant seat next to Senator Kennedy of Massachusetts, soon to become President of the United States?

In any event, as I said at the beginning, this holds a special particular pride for me personally as well as officially.

I yield back. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – The House Appropriations Committee met today to consider the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of full committee markup:

“After months of hard work preparing the FY26 bill as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I’m proud to see it advance out of full committee markup,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill not only ensures Congress has the resources needed to effectively serve the American people—it also reins in unnecessary spending and refocuses our priorities to reflect our core values. Most importantly, this legislation provides the necessary funding to support Capitol Police as they work to keep Members of Congress, visitors, and staff safe. I’m grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance throughout this process, and I look forward to building on this momentum as the bill heads to the House floor.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “Our greatest duty is to our constituents—and this bill reflects that. The FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act makes targeted and responsible investments to strengthen the institutions that serve Americans. It protects key functions of our democracy, supports critical oversight responsibilities, and ensures the safety and accessibility of the Capitol complex. Under Chairman Valadao’s leadership, we’ve advanced a measure that upholds core missions and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It’s a clear commitment to transparency, accountability, and putting the people first.”

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began the markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

It is my pleasure to present the FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill and report for your consideration today. I appreciate the opportunity to work once again with Ranking Member Espaillat and the minority staff throughout the FY26 process. I’d also like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their continued leadership. 

We received a record number of requests from our colleagues and the Members present today, and we had the pleasure of accommodating items from both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan manner.

This bill provides $5 billion – a 5.3 percent decrease from the FY 2025 enacted House level. By tradition, we do not consider Senate items in the House mark, but when we take them into account, the discretionary allocation totals $6.7 billion, a $51 million decrease from the FY25 enacted CR. While we had to make a number of tough choices in this bill, we believe that as the legislative branch, it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate.

As I mentioned in our subcommittee markup on Monday, we recognize the tragic events that recently took place in Minnesota, and I am deeply concerned and saddened by the increase in political violence in this nation.

As appropriators we have the responsibility to provide for the safety and security for Members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex, and the bill under consideration today reflects our ongoing commitment to this duty. In 2017, the Members’ Representational Allowance was increased for the purpose of providing Member security when they are away from the Capitol complex, and this bill continues to carry that increase. It also includes increased funding for the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police. 

I want to take a brief moment to highlight the funding requested by the USCP for mutual aid reimbursements. As noted in the report, the Department requested 5-year funds at the rate of $5 million per year for mutual aid. This bill provides $10 million for FY26, which is double the proposed annual amount. We intend to continue providing funds on an annual basis to ensure we are providing sufficient funding that is reflective of the growing needs at hand. 

I would also like to thank the House Sergeant at Arms and his team for the rapid manner in which they developed a number of proposals, in consultation with Members and Leadership, regarding additional security measures. In the days ahead, we look forward to discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. We plan to continue the discussion on security measures and recommend that we incorporate any needed changes when we conference with the Senate. 

Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their thoughtful contributions to the FY26 Legislative Branch Bill and report and the staff from both the majority and the minority. 

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

Today, the House Appropriations Committee adopted Rep. Pete Aguilar’s amendment allowing recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, also known as Dreamers, to work in the United States Congress.
“Dreamers love America as much as any American and they want to pursue careers in public service, giving back to their communities and shaping the future of our country,” Rep. Aguilar said. “I’m grateful to my Appropriations Committee colleagues for supporting my amendment today, and I urge all my colleagues in the House to support this commonsense policy change. We want to ensure that truly the best and brightest job applicants have a chance to serve the United States and Dreamers should not be excluded. The best time to pursue this policy change was a decade ago. The second-best time is now.”
The amendment was introduced at the full Appropriations Committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Legislative Branch funding bill, passing by a bipartisan vote of 32 to 29. 
Rep. Aguilar previously introduced this amendment in FY24 and FY25. The funding bill will now be voted on by the House of Representatives. 
The DACA Program is a temporary program enacted in 2012 under the Obama Administration that provides immigrants brought to America as children with protection from deportation and work authorization. Since its enactment, DACA has allowed more than 800,000 DACA recipients to live and work in the United States. Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act to provide 12 months of continuous coverage for individuals receiving health care through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Currently, millions of Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries are at risk for losing health coverage each year due to short-term changes in income as well as burdensome paperwork or administrative requirements. These bureaucratic burdens result in significant churn of individuals on and off Medicaid and CHIP and serve as a barrier to effective coordination of care and preventative health care. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced a companion bill.
 
“No one should lose access to health care because of bureaucratic delays,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Especially at a time when Medicaid is facing the biggest cuts in history, it’s more important than ever that we prevent people from losing coverage and slipping through the cracks due to paperwork and red tape. This legislation will guarantee 12 months of continuous coverage for the most vulnerable Americans, improving access to consistent, quality healthcare that results in better health outcomes.”

“Republicans’ Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires Bill will destabilize Rhode Island hospitals and entire health care systems with cruel and dangerous cuts to Medicaid, all so they can fund even more tax giveaways to big corporations and their billionaire donors,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I’m glad to join Congresswoman Dingell in introducing this bill to cut red tape and strengthen Medicaid for the Rhode Islanders who rely on it for childbirth, addiction treatment, nursing home care, and so much more.”

Nearly 80 million Americans – including 2.3 million Michiganders – are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Medicaid is the largest public health insurance program in the United States. It provides funding to states for services at nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and hospitals for low-income elderly adults, children, pregnant women, veterans, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is the single-largest payer of long-term care and provides critical home health and school-based services as well as addiction and mental health services.

The Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act extends twelve months of guaranteed coverage to all individuals enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.  The legislation would ensure that once enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, an individual retains their eligibility for 12 months regardless of fluctuations in income. Without this provision, beneficiaries can lose their eligibility for Medicaid because of short-term changes in income (e.g. a seasonal position) when income may briefly exceed 138% of the federal poverty level ($1,800/month for a single person). Guaranteeing a 12-month enrollment period smooths this cliff, ensuring beneficiaries do not lose their coverage until they are reevaluated at the next renewal.

Dingell introduced the legislation as congressional Republicans try to pass their reconciliation bill that would rip health coverage away from 16 million Americans, without doing anything meaningful to address health fraud, which they claim is their goal. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that virtually all of the health care cuts in the legislation would actually come from families that count on Medicaid losing their coverage or benefits.  If the reconciliation bill passes, it would be the largest cut to American health care in history – all to fund tax breaks that would make the country’s richest people richer.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) reintroduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act, a bill that would provide much-needed support to state programs that fund home and community-based care services. Currently, staffing shortages of direct care providers have led to a reduction in HCBS availability and growing waitlists for eligible individuals. The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a companion bill.
 
“We know that the majority of individuals who require long-term care would prefer to receive it in their own homes and communities. No one should have to wait years to get the care they deserve, and no care worker should have to live below the poverty line to give this care,” said Representative Dingell. “Medicaid is the single largest payer of long-term care in our country. At a time when Medicaid is facing unprecedented, historic cuts, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize home and community-based services. This legislation will provide much-needed investment in our care workforce, making it easier for those who need care to get it, and supporting the caregivers doing this crucial work.”

“Right now, millions rely on HCBS for basic everyday needs – help getting dressed, taking medications, preparing meals, and so much more,” said Senator Luján. “To support Americans who depend on home and community-based care, I’m proud to introduce my HCBS Relief Act. My bill would address chronic underfunding that has pushed families into crisis and forced many into institutions simply because they can’t access support at home.”
 
The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. States would receive a 10-point increase in the federal match (FMAP) for Medicaid for two fiscal years to enhance HCBS. These funds can be used to improve states’ HCBS infrastructure and workforce in several ways, including:

• Increasing direct care worker pay,
• Providing benefits such as paid family leave or sick leave to workers,
• Covering transportation expenses to and from the homes of care recipients,
• Facilitating the recruitment and training of additional direct care workers,
• Implementing assistive technologies to support person-centered care,
• Providing care to eligible individuals who are currently on waiting lists,

Dingell has long been a leader in Congress on expanding access to HCBS. She leads the Better Care Better Jobs Act and HCBS Access Act to enhance Medicaid funding for home care, strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for families, and boost the economy by creating good-paying jobs to make it possible for families and workers alike to thrive.