MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced a resolution condemning the Trump administration’s plan to implement a new Medicare requirement, dubbed the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, to force recipients of traditional Medicare to receive prior authorization, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), before being able to receive some forms of medical care.

“Every year, millions of seniors on Medicare Advantage are unfairly denied the care they need because of burdensome prior authorization rules. Now, the Trump Administration plans to implement these same requirements on certain traditional Medicare services — threatening access to care for millions more. This is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why I am proud to be joining Congressman Pocan in introducing this resolution calling for the termination of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model. We must protect traditional Medicare.”

“It is not an exaggeration to say that the requirement of prior authorization for traditional Medicare services will kill seniors,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. “Not only that, but the use of AI in determining whether or not treatment is necessary is extremely reckless. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that already use AI in prior authorization decisions, traditional Medicare is supposed to cover you, no questions asked. This is a disastrous idea of epic proportions and should be immediately rescinded.”   

The WISeR Model requires Medicare beneficiaries in pilot states – Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington – to increase the number of Medicare services requiring pre-approval by 30%, primarily using AI to do so. This means that patients’ medical decisions — from what medications they can take to which procedures they can undergo — will be made by a bot run by private contractors who prioritize profits over patient safety. 

Most Medicare Advantage plans primarily require prior authorization to receive any care, leading to countless delays and denials, resulting in thousands of deaths every year. However, when those denials are appealed, a significant portion of them are overturned, resulting in needless delays and bureaucracy. Moreover, some Medicare Advantage plans that already use AI in prior authorization decisions have been found to have error rates as high as 90%. 

Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) co-sponsored the resolution.

Endorsing Organizations: Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, National Nurses United, Physicians for a National Health Program, Social Security Works.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement after voting against final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA):

“Today, I once again voted against the Republican’s extremist National Defense Authorization Act. Not only does this harmful bill exacerbate an already over-bloated Pentagon budget, authorizing nearly $900 billion in additional spending for the Department of Defense, it also attacks some of the most vulnerable among us. This bill reflects the wrong priorities and the wrong vision for our future.

“The FY26 NDAA continues Republicans’ ongoing baseless discrimination against the transgender community and bans gender-affirming care for service members and their families, putting the lives of children at risk and potentially forcing thousands of service members to make the choice between continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can access the health care they need. It is cruel to ask our service members to defend us and our country and then, in return, trample all over their rights and access to healthcare. The bill also codifies President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These provisions are hateful, shortsighted, and will weaken our military readiness and retention rates. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. We must instead make the investments in health care, education, housing, clean air and water, and public transit that Americans deserve.

“Although I am opposed to the FY26 NDAA, there were a few bright spots. I am supportive of the 3.8% pay raise for all service members and additional investments in new construction of housing, child development centers and more. Additionally, I was pleased to see increased access to birth control and IVF for members and their families covered under TRICARE. Furthermore, I was thrilled to see the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iraq and a ban on naming military assets after Confederate leaders.  

“Despite these important provisions, this legislation does not reflect the best interests of our nation and does not provide the protection that our service members need, and that is why I ultimately could not support the FY26 NDAA’s passage.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement to condemn the Trump administration’s plan to deploy the National Guard or active-duty military in Chicago despite objections from local leadership. 

“Donald Trump even considering deploying the National Guard to Chicago is outrageous and nothing but a power grab by an aspiring dictator. 

“This is not the first time he has used the National Guard as a political weapon. We all remember when Trump ordered a militarized crackdown on our nation’s capital in 2020 and then failed to deploy the National Guard on January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.’s most lawless and violent day. 

“Now, five years later, we are seeing history repeat itself, this time, under the guise of a public safety emergency. Crime rates in Chicago have gone down. Our communities need investment, not intimidation. Sending troops into our neighborhoods will not help public safety, it will only escalate tensions. 

“No American city should be ruled through force, surveillance, and intimidation. We will not stand by as our city is used as a backdrop for political theater. Chicagoans do not want, or need, our city turned into a military state.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in observance of Labor Day: 

“This Labor Day, I mark the tremendous progress of America’s workers and recommit to fighting for the justice, dignity, and fairness that all workers deserve in the workplace. As a dues-paying, proud union member myself, I know firsthand the power of collective action and the need to protect workers’ rights to organize, bargain, and thrive.”

“Labor Day is not just a celebration of our victories, but it is also a reminder of the work that needs to be done. The middle class was created by unions. They gave us the 40-hour workweek, fair wages, workplace protections, and the voice every worker needs. But these hard-fought victories are still in danger.

“What we are witnessing today from the Trump administration is an all-out assault on workers and unions. From appointing anti-union members to the National Labor Relations Board, to attacking federal worker protections, and even interfering with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of our most trusted sources of economic data. President Trump and his ultra-wealthy buddies are going out of their way to hurt working families.

“But we are not turning back. Workers are unionizing in record numbers across the country, pushing back against union-busting, and demanding more, and I stand with them every step of the way.

“Let us honor Labor Day not just with words, but with action. That means passing the PRO Act, raising the minimum wage, expanding the right to organize, and ensuring no worker is left behind. Today is not only about the legacy of labor, but its future.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Congressman Moolenaar Introduces Patriot Week Resolution

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate September 11 through 17 as Patriot Week. The legislation honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks and encourages each generation to reflect on our history and freedoms. 

“Patriot Week is a time to reflect on our nation’s founding values, encourage a deeper exploration of our nation’s history, and remember the innocent lives lost on 9/11. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize this week as Patriot Week; to encourage Americans to celebrate the freedoms we cherish and honor our Constitution,” said Congressman Moolenaar. 

Patriot Week was founded in 2009 by Judge Michael Warren of Oakland County, Michigan, and his daughter Leah to promote public awareness of our nation’s founding. Patriot Week begins on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks and concludes on Constitution Day, September 17. Moolenaar’s resolution was co-sponsored by Congressmen Pat Ryan (D-NY) and John James (R-MI). Congressman Moolenaar’s Patriot Week resolution can be found here. 

Earlier this year, Moolenaar introduced the Adams Memorial – Great American Heroes Act, which recognizes our nation’s founding by constructing a monument in Washington, D.C. to our nation’s second President, John Adams, and his family. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes to Support Service Members, Restore Peace Through Strength

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation re-establishes peace through strength by supporting members of the military and their families, and restores the military’s focus on preparedness and warfighting. 

“The NDAA is vital to support our brave men and women in uniform and ensure our military remains the strongest fighting force in the world. This legislation restores peace through strength, deters our adversaries, and improves the quality of life of our troops with a well-deserved pay raise,” said Moolenaar. “I am grateful my amendments to compete with the Chinese Communist Party were included in the legislation. These amendments add crucial provisions that protect American taxpayer dollars from funding research that would directly benefit China’s military. I will continue my work to support our military and keep our country safe.” 

The National Defense Authorization Act is passed annually by Congress to direct policy and authorize funding for the Department of Defense. Five amendments submitted by Moolenaar were adopted and passed by the House. A list of his amendments lead by Moolenaar can be found below.

1. SAFE RESEARCH ACT OF 2025— The Securing American Funding and Expertise from Adversarial Research Exploitation Act of 2025— Prohibits federal research awards from going to individuals or institutions with affiliations or partnerships with hostile foreign entities, including those listed on U.S. government entity lists (e.g., the Department of Defense 1260H List and the BIS Entity List). Requires applicants to disclose past foreign ties, funding, and activities. Imposes ongoing restrictions on sharing research results with adversaries and mandates congressional notification of any national security waivers.
2. INITIATIVE ON STUDYING ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND STRATEGIC COMPETITION— Directs the Department of Defense to establish an initiative to prepare to fully harness the transformative potential of advanced artificial intelligence, modernize adoption plans, assess the national security and defense implications of advanced artificial intelligence, and analyze strategic competition factors relating to the People’s Republic of China’s pursuit of advanced artificial intelligence.
3. ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN MATERIALS OR COMPONENTS— Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain a classified and prioritized list of high-risk DoD critical infrastructure dependent on materials or components from foreign countries of concern and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. Requires biennial classified briefings to Congress with findings, strategies, and recommendations to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable foreign sources.
4. THINK TWICE ACT OF 2025— The Tracking Hostile Industry Networks and Kit While Thwarting Weapons Imports From Chinese Entities Act of 2025— Directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to submit an annual report analyzing arms sales facilitated by entities in the People’s Republic of China, including their technical capabilities, proliferation risks, and impact on U.S. interests. Requires the report to include a strategy developed by the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to dissuade purchases of new Chinese weapons systems and defense equipment, including reforms to U.S. sales processes, information campaigns, and potential deterrent measures.
5. FUNDING FOR SMART SUSCEPTOR TECHNOLOGY— Authorizes $5 million through RDTE for Smart Susceptor Technology and offset by decreasing the Washington Headquarters Services account.

The legislation provides service members with a 3.8% raise, and codifies over 30 executive orders signed by President Trump earlier this year, including those restoring meritocracy, cutting wasteful spending, and securing the southern border.

More information about the FY26 NDAA can be found here. The legislation passed the House or Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 231 to 196.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) released the following statement following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

“Charlie Kirk dedicated his life to America. He engaged Americans of all backgrounds, but especially young people, in the great democratic debate that is a cornerstone of our constitutional republic. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a democratic republic where political differences could be vigorously and freely debated, and Charlie exemplified this every day throughout his life.”

“The belief that anyone can speak their mind and engage in the political process without fear of violence is foundational to America. Every American must loudly and firmly condemn political assassination and make their voice heard that we cannot tolerate politically motivated violence to exist anywhere in our society. We have witnessed too many instances of political violence in our country – from the 2017 Congressional Baseball Shooting that targeted me and my colleagues, to President Trump’s two assassination attempts, the murders of two Israeli embassy staff in DC this past May, and now Charlie Kirk’s targeted shooting.”

“We must come together. We must reject political violence. We must pray for healing throughout our nation.”

“Please join me and Brenda in praying for Charlie, his wife, young children, and his loved ones.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. –  Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act:  

“This week’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) advances my commitment to President Trump’s peace through strength agenda and restores American superiority worldwide.  The new Axis of Evil that is China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea continues to threaten global stability and American lives, and these adversaries must be deterred.  My vote on this legislation does just that by rebuilding a lethal fighting force that can better confront these bad actors and protect our national security.  The NDAA secures our border by supporting the fight against drug trafficking to the tune of $900 million, including $398 million for DoD support of Counter Narcotics operations.  This legislation supports our servicemen and women and their families with a much-needed raise that honors our commitment to their patriotism and many sacrifices in on behalf of our nation.  It also requires a sexual assault nurse examiner at all military medical facilities.

“We also fought to include critical funding for initiatives that will protect American communities from the threat of enemy attack, such as the cutting-edge Golden Dome missile defense system.   Also included is funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative that will further our military posture in the Indo-Pacific and blunt China’s ongoing aggression, and unprecedented support to help Israel address ongoing terrorist threats like Hezbollah and Hamas while stopping Iran from gaining a larger foothold in the Middle East.

“Our St. Louis region is well-represented in the NDAA, and I fought to include critical programs from our area such as 21 F-15EX tactical fighter aircraft, 14 T-7A trainer aircraft, and full funding for the Air Force’s F-47 and Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Aircraft programs as well as for the Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned carrier-launched aircraft.  Also authorized is over $15 billion to restore our munitions stockpile, including JDAMs made here in Missouri.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation authorizes $862.6 billion for our nation’s national defense, in order to build a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect our homeland. After the legislation passed the House of Representatives, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“During this time when our nation is facing so many threats from our adversaries, protecting our nation’s defense must remain a top priority. Today, I cast my vote to do exactly that. The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system to equip our troops with needed capabilities in the quickest, most cost-effective manner, restores lethality and the warrior ethos to the military, secures America’s borders, improves servicemember quality of life by supporting the Trump Administration’s pay raise for our military members, builds and maintains the overmatch needed to deter China, and more – all while saving the taxpayers over $20 billion at the same time,” said Congressman Cole. “Today, Congress sent a clear message to the world: the United States stands strong, and our men and women in uniform stand ready to defend our nation.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in remembrance of the tragedy that occurred in the United States of America on September 11, 2001:

“On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed when the United States was struck by horrific acts of terror at the World Trade Centers in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Pennsylvania. Today, on the anniversary of this tragic day, I pause to remember and honor the 2,977 innocent lives lost too soon, the loved ones they left behind, the courageous first responders who acted with extraordinary bravery that day and continue to serve, the survivors who live with trauma to this day, and the countless Americans who came together in the face of tragedy to support one another,” said Congressman Cole.

“September 11, 2001 is a day I will truly never forget. While our country was deeply shaken, America itself was not broken. In the face of tragedy, we demonstrated resilience, unity, and strength – showing the world that even in our darkest hour, the United States will endure. That truth remains just as powerful today and every day,” said Congressman Cole. “So, as we remember and reflect on this horrific day, let’s do so with respect for those we lost, hope for a better future, and love for this great country we call home.”

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