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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ-04), Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) introduced the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, legislation to authorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs.

The legislation authorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program for 5 years at $33 million annually, while the National Cord Blood Inventory is authorized at $23 million annually for five years. 

“For patients and families facing devastating blood cancers and rare blood disorders, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer the best treatment – and sometimes the only potential for a cure,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory have saved tens of thousands of lives by connecting patients with lifesaving donors. By reintroducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, we are making sure that hope endures – and that even more families are given the gift of time, healing, and a second chance at life.”

“Breathtaking scientific advancements have turned medical waste—post-birth placentas and umbilical cord blood—into medical miracles that cure and treat more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” said Congressman Smith. “I look forward to seeing this bipartisan reauthorization bill—which will expand and extend two remarkable life-saving research and therapy programs—pass quickly so that thousands of present-day and future patients can continue to benefit from the exciting promise of umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.”

“This critical legislation reaffirms our nation’s commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and bringing hope to the millions of Americans suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for stem cell research that adheres to the highest ethical and scientific standards, while expanding the potential for developing new therapies and medical breakthroughs. This Act not only fosters scientific innovation but also upholds our core values of compassion and care for those whose lives could one day be transformed by these advancements. Continued investment in adult stem cell research is an investment in the future of medicine and a reflection of our bipartisan commitment to science, health, and the well-being of generations to come.”

 

“Behind every successful stem-cell and bone-marrow transplant is a strong network of expertise, resources, and support. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act strengthens that network, ensuring that every American who faces a life-threatening blood disorder is given the hope—and care—that they deserve,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “By connecting more patients with potential donors and expanding access to life-saving procedures, this bill will save countless lives.”

 

“I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible.”

   

“Investments in stem cell therapeutics and research increases the possibility of unlocking medical breakthroughs in how to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and more,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “Our bill, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, reaffirms our commitment as a nation to advancing research in this cutting-edge field of science that has so much potential to heal people and save lives.” 

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. This reauthorization continues to build donor networks, broadening access to these lifesaving treatments.

The bill’s introduction is supported by NMDP and the Cord Blood Association:

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Smith, Matsui, Bilirakis, Pingree, Tenney, and Mfume, for their unwavering dedication to advocating for patients and families who require access to life-saving transplant,” Amy Ronneberg, CEO of NMDP, said. “The continued bipartisan support from Congress for this program grows stronger with each reauthorization, demonstrating how a deepening commitment to saving lives can impact over 140,000 patients’ lives to date and create an enduring program to serve all patients in need. We stand proudly alongside our Congressional champions to ensure that every patient in need has the opportunity to find a lifesaving match.”

“The NCBI has enabled public cord blood banks to build an inventory of high quality, unrelated donor, cord blood units which are available for patients who do not have a matched donor in their family,” said Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., President of CBA and Director of the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures and Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Health. “The program has enabled access to blood stem cell transplantation for thousands of patients with blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, certain metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure, and inherited diseases of the immune system. The NCBI is a wonderful example of how public support can increase access to healthcare for patients with unmet medical needs.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07)Co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force, along with fellow Co-Chairs Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08), and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03) sent a letter calling on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to provide robust opportunities for public engagement and input on USDA’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule), which aims to undermine the successful management of millions of acres of National Forest System lands across America.  

“For over two decades, the Roadless Rule has successfully guided the management of 58.5 million acres of public lands across the National Forest System. This policy has successfully balanced the Forest Service’s multiple use mandate, preventing new road construction and industrial-scale logging on intact National Forest System lands while still allowing for other land uses such as mining, grazing, and recreation.

“In developing the 2001 Roadless Rule, the Forest Service exhibited exemplary public outreach and coordination, including hosting approximately 430 public meetings, collaborating with seven other federal agencies, consulting with more than 180 American Indian and Alaska Native groups, and providing an ample public comment period that allowed for 1.6 million public comments, over 95 percent of which voiced strong support for roadless areas.

“For a new rulemaking that intends to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule entirely, a 21-day public comment period is unacceptable and will result in a less robust decision-making process that lacks accountability to the public. USDA and the Forest Service must conduct extensive outreach to affected stakeholders to understand how the public wants their public lands managed.”

Read the full letter here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), and Congressman Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) led a bipartisan group of 163 total lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to abandon the newly announced 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program. The lawmakers warned that the proposal would fundamentally alter how the 340B program has operated for more than thirty years, jeopardizing the ability of safety-net providers to care for vulnerable patients.

“We urge you to abandon the Rebate Model Pilot Program, or if the program must move forward, to proceed with the utmost caution and impose stronger guardrails to ensure the 340B program is not entirely dismantled,” wrote the lawmakers.

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 and Medicaid patients. These providers include Medicare disproportionate share (“DSH”) hospitals, children’s hospitals, free-standing cancer hospitals, rural hospitals, and community health centers. Providers use the savings from the 340B program to stretch federal resources further, providing critical services to underserved communities without any additional federal spending.

The new rebate pilot program would upend this structure by forcing providers to purchase certain high-cost drugs at the full wholesale acquisition price and then wait for manufacturers to issue rebates. That would put providers already facing thin or negative operating margins under enormous financial strain. 

“These changes threaten 340B providers’ ability to provide care and to keep their doors open to serve low-income communities. In addition, we are concerned that this rebate model will be used by manufacturers as a backdoor to recoup their own profits that may have been lost as a result of lowering prices through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP). This was never Congress’s intent in establishing the MDPNP,” the lawmakers continued.

However, if HHS decides to move forward with the program, the lawmakers requested detailed responses from HHS to several questions by September 15, 2025. 

The full text of the letter can be found below or HERE.

Dear Secretary Kennedy, 

We, the undersigned members of Congress, write to express our concerns regarding the recently announced 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program. As the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notes, this change would “fundamentally shift how the 340B Program has operated for over 30 years.” Congress intended the 340B Program to enable the nation’s safety-net providers to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services. An unchecked rebate model would severely undermine that purpose. We urge you to abandon the Rebate Model Pilot Program, or if the program must move forward, to proceed with the utmost caution and impose stronger guardrails to ensure the 340B program is not entirely dismantled.

As HHS is aware, last year, several multinational drug manufacturers—Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Novartis, and Sanofi—attempted to unilaterally impose rebate models on certain covered entities and drugs, despite a clear lack of statutory authority. We are grateful to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) for its swift and consistent enforcement efforts blocking manufacturers’ unlawful attempts to restructure the program without Secretarial approval. HRSA’s interpretation and enforcement against the rebate models were upheld by the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

We are concerned that HHS’s pilot program will severely damage community health centers, safety net hospitals, and other providers that rely on the 340B program to provide comprehensive, quality services to their patients and communities. 

The rebate model pilot program will require all covered entities to purchase drugs on the CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Selected Drug List at the wholesale acquisition cost – the highest sticker price that manufacturers offer, which is rarely actually paid by purchasers in the health care system. This will require 340B providers to float significant amounts of cash to drug companies in hopes of a rebate being paid. Further, these drugs, despite their prices being reduced through price negotiation, are still some of the costliest drugs in the Medicare Part D program. If the entire 340B program moved to a rebate model, the average Disproportionate Share Hospital in the country would be forced to float an estimated $72.2 million to manufacturers annually. 

This is a cost most 340B providers, many of whom are experiencing financial instability, simply cannot afford. 340B hospitals already have substantially lower—negative on average—operating margins compared to non-340B hospitals. And in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins; overall net margins were 1.6 percent. These changes threaten 340B providers’ ability to provide care and to keep their doors open to serve low-income communities. 

In addition, we are concerned that this rebate model will be used by manufacturers as a backdoor to recoup their own profits that may have been lost as a result of lowering prices through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP). This was never Congress’s intent in establishing the MDPNP. While we appreciate HRSA’s attempts to place guardrails around this pilot program, these guardrails will not be sufficient to prevent aggressive tactics by manufacturers to deny claims and siphon money away from providers and their patients. 

Finally, as we have affirmed on multiple occasions, we continue to believe that the rebate approach contravenes Congressional intent in establishing the 340B program and over three decades of precedent set by HRSA that distinguishes rebates and retroactive discounts from upfront 340B discounts. 

As such, we urge you to cancel the pilot program. However, if HHS chooses to continue with this pilot, we request answers to the following questions, no later than September 15, 2025: 

1. HHS notes that this pilot would “fundamentally shift how the 340B Program has operated for over 30 years.” Yet the timeline for implementation of this pilot leaves little room for meaningful covered entity input, while mandating significant additional costs for those entities.
   1. What legal authority does HHS cite to support a 30-day public comment period, after which HHS is “under no obligation to respond or act on” any comments, in making this significant change?
   2. What is HHS’s justification for imposing such significant changes on a rushed timeline, including only 30 days for public comment, one week to review public comments including input from 340B providers who have otherwise been uninvolved in the process, and four weeks to review manufacturers’ proposed plans?
2. How will the Information Technology (IT) platform be selected to ensure reduced administrative and logistic burden for covered entities, while avoiding any conflicts of interest? Will manufacturers be required to consider input from covered entities?
3. With regards to the determination of claims’ validity and issuance of rebates under the program:
   1. What are HHS’s plans for ongoing audits and oversight to determine whether manufacturers are appropriately approving claims and issuing rebates in a timely manner?
   2. If manufacturers do not pay rebates within 10 days of receiving covered entities’ submissions of data as required by the rebate model parameters, inappropriately deny entities’ claims, or otherwise use this pilot program to abuse the 340B Program, what enforcement tools will HHS use against noncompliant manufacturers? Will there be any special expedited procedures to allow covered entities to use the administrative dispute resolution (ADR) process to contest invalid manufacturer actions?  
   3. What additional criteria do HHS envision as permissible and impermissible for manufacturers to use as grounds to deny claims? For example, will HHS permit manufacturers to deny rebates by alleging that providers are not complying with the manufacturer’s unilaterally imposed restrictions on contract pharmacy?
4. The guidance states that “no additional administrative costs of running the rebate model shall be passed onto the covered entities.” How will HHS ensure this includes all administrative costs related to this rebate model pilot program, including labor costs and the costs of contesting denials? What enforcement mechanism will ensure that manufacturers pay all such costs in a timely manner?
5. The announcement notes that manufacturers can apply to participate for a “minimum of 1 year.”
   1. What is the maximum amount of time HHS will permit manufacturers to run these rebate models?
   2. Does HHS plan to re-evaluate the rebate model after one year to assess whether it will continue to permit manufacturers to remain in these rebate arrangements?
6. HHS states that it will evaluate “data and reports received from the participating manufacturers on the effectiveness of the model and covered entity and other stakeholder feedback,” after which HHS may consider expanding the rebate model to other drugs purchased under the 340B program.
   1. Which performance measures will the agency use to measure effectiveness?
   2. How will the ability of covered entities to provide care to underserved patients, as well as other feedback from covered entities, be weighed in the assessment of effectiveness?
   3. Will the agency commit to make public the results of the assessments it conducts of the model’s effectiveness?
   4. On what basis would the agency decide to increase the number of drugs subject to rebates by adding drugs with negotiated prices coming into effect in 2027 under the MDPNP?
   5. On what basis would the agency determine to include drugs that are not under the MDPNP?
7. For many years and across several administrations, HHS has requested increased resources for implementation and oversight over the 340B Program. Yet this pilot program would significantly increase administrative burden for HHS staff, whose new responsibilities will include reviewing manufacturers’ applications and resolving any issues within 30 days from receipt, performing audits and ADR for any deviations from program guidelines, addressing issues raised by covered entities if there are issues with rebate delays and denials, and fielding any other administrative or logistical issues emerging through implementation of the rebate model. What is HHS’s plan to implement such a pilot program while maintaining regular oversight of the 340B program?  

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced a pair of bipartisan bills to improve the reliability and resiliency of America’s emergency communications networks. Together, the Emergency Reporting Act and the Kari’s Law Reporting Act would ensure that Americans can count on strong, effective, and modern 9-1-1 systems when disaster strikes.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time – and in those moments, every second counts,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That’s why we are introducing these bipartisan bills to make sure Americans can always rely on our 9-1-1 system. The Emergency Reporting Act will strengthen the resiliency of our networks during disasters like California’s wildfires and better equip first responders to protect our communities. The Kari’s Law Reporting Act will ensure that critical protections Congress already enacted are working as intended, and that no American is ever prevented from reaching 9-1-1 in their time of need. Taken together, these bills are a strong step forward to modernize our emergency communications system, improve public safety, and save lives.”

“It is vital that we review the communication infrastructure in place after a major weather event to maximize coordinated public safety information during a future crisis,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “These systems must be reliable and standardized to allow for an effective response from local, state and federal leaders as they recover.  Our legislation helps to ensure we are ready to achieve that paramount goal.”

Emergency Reporting Act

With wildfire seasons growing longer and more severe in California and across the country, resilient and reliable communication networks are essential to protecting communities, helping families stay connected, and giving first responders the tools they need to act swiftly. The Emergency Reporting Act would strengthen 9-1-1 networks by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue reports following major natural disasters on the extent to which people were unable to reach 9-1-1, and to develop recommendations to improve outage reporting, resiliency, and coordination with state and local officials. The bill also directs the FCC to review unreported outages and develop recommendations for mobile carriers to better notify 9-1-1 centers of disruptions, ensuring that first responders are not left in the dark during life-threatening events.

Kari’s Law Reporting Act

The Kari’s Law Reporting Act would build on the 2018 Kari’s Law by requiring the FCC to report on the extent to which multi-line telephone system (MLTS) manufacturers and vendors have complied with the requirement that callers be able to reach 9-1-1 directly without dialing additional digits. Kari’s Law was enacted after the tragic murder of Kari Hunt in 2013, when her daughter’s repeated attempts to call 9-1-1 from a hotel phone failed because the system required dialing “9” before any call.

The bills have the support of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals.  

“The public deserves reliable access to 9-1-1 during emergencies,” said Mel Maier, CEO and executive director of APCO International. “APCO applauds Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) for leading efforts to strengthen our nation’s 9-1-1 systems. The Emergency Reporting Act and the Kari’s Law Reporting Act lay the groundwork to improve communications during crises and help first responders protect their communities. Together these bipartisan, zero-cost bills will ensure emergency communications centers have the information they need to perform their lifesaving work.”

Full text of the Emergency Reporting Act is available HERE.

Full text of the Kari’s Law Reporting Act is available HERE.

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

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after the passing of longtime legislator and giant of California politics, John Burton. 

“We have lost a titan of California politics and a true public servant with the passing of my friend John Burton,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “From the State Capitol to the halls of Congress, and later as Chair of the California Democratic Party, John was unapologetically authentic with unwavering conviction. When he set his mind to something, you were never going to forget it. He could be sharp-tongued and combative at times, but was always guided by sincerity and compassion. John cared deeply about people, and that came through in every fight he took on and every cause he championed. He was truly one of a kind – strategically brilliant, fearless, and relentless in delivering results for the most marginalized and voiceless among us. California is a better place because of John’s integrity and courage. My prayers are with all of John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Military Food Security Act of 2025. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would ensure that military families have better access to affordable and healthy food.

The Pentagon found that 24% of all active duty servicemembers, or approximately 286,800 personnel, experienced food insecurity in 2020 and 2021.  More recently, the Office of the Secretary of Defense partnered with the RAND Corporation to discover that 25.8% of personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard were food insecure.

The bill excludes the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from income calculations used to determine eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA).  This change would remove an unintended barrier that prevents some military families from qualifying for food assistance. 

“Too many of our servicemembers and their families struggle to put food on the table because of outdated rules and red tape,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan Military Food Security Act fixes the eligibility formula for food assistance so it reflects the real financial challenges military families face. We must ensure that no one who serves our country ever goes hungry.”

Reps. Blake Moore (UT-1), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), Jen Kiggans (VA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Josh Riley (NY-19) joined Rep. Panetta in leading the legislation. Earlier this year, Rep. Panetta also led over 50 Members of Congress urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to prioritize funding to combat food insecurity in the FY26 appropriations bill.

“Too many military families struggle to afford food—a betrayal of the tremendous sacrifices they make for our nation,” said Senator Blumenthal.  “The Military Food Security Act removes outdated rules and unnecessary obstacles preventing servicemembers from obtaining the benefits they have earned to help buy groceries and make nutritious meals. This critical legislation ensures service members can stay mission-focused—defending our nation—without the added burden of worrying how they’ll put food on the table for their families.”

“The Pentagon recently reported that nearly 26% of U.S. military personnel experienced food insecurity in 2023.  No military member should have to choose between serving our country and providing food for their families,” said Rep. Moore.  “That’s why I’m supporting bipartisan, common-sense legislation led by Congressman Panetta that widens eligibility for Basic Needs Allowance for our lower-enlisted servicemembers and ensures that more young families can support themselves in the early stages of military life.”

“Caring for servicemembers and their families is the foundation of military readiness.  It is unacceptable that the men and women who serve our country worry about putting food on the table,” said Rep. Strickland.  “I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Military Food Security Act to take care of military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and across the nation.  We must uphold our end of the promise to our servicemembers and put an end to military hunger.”

“Food costs across America are sky-high, and America’s servicemembers are paying the price.  Today, more than a quarter of people serving in our Armed Forces can’t afford to put the food they need on the table,” said Rep. Goodlander. “That’s not right.  And that’s why I’m working to get this bipartisan bill signed into law.” 

“As a Navy veteran, military spouse, and Mom of a servicemember, I know firsthand the sacrifices our military families make every day. It is unacceptable that so many of them are struggling with food insecurity,” said Rep. Kiggans.  “The Military Food Security Act takes an important step toward fixing that problem by ensuring the Basic Needs Allowance truly reflects the financial realities our families face.  We must do everything we can to support the men and women who serve, and the families who stand behind them.” 

 “The San Diego Food Bank already serves 40,000 active-duty military personnel and veteran families every month, and with grocery costs skyrocketing, that number will likely rise even more,” said Rep. Jacobs.  “No one who has worn our country’s uniform should struggle to put food on the table and feed their families.  That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the Military Food Security Act so we can alleviate military hunger and take care of those who’ve sacrificed so much for all of us.”

“If you’re willing to put on the uniform and fight for this country, you shouldn’t be fighting hunger at home,” said Rep. Riley.  “I’m proud to help lead the Military Food Security Act because in Upstate New York, we show up for those who serve — and we don’t accept anything less.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Paso Robles — Last Friday, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) hosted a “SLO County Medicare Forum” at Cuesta College. The Forum brought together local health care providers, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the value of Medicare programs, the challenges they face, and how to improve healthcare access in the region. Attendees heard updates from both Congressmen on their work in Washington and had the opportunity to share their perspectives. Download photos here. 

“Medicare hasn’t kept up with the costs of healthcare, leaving too many seniors without proper access to ready and reliable doctors,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Today’s forum was important to give providers, patients, and community leaders a chance to share their experiences, highlight what’s at stake, and discuss actionable solutions.  I appreciated all the people who came out and spoke up.  I’m motivated to continue my work to pass my bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act that would stop harmful cuts, tie reimbursements to inflation, and make sure seniors can continue to count on their healthcare.”

“It was great to be back at Cuesta College to discuss how to improve Medicare access for seniors in San Luis Obispo County, as well as the damaging impacts of President Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on our country’s health care system,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’d like to thank all of our panelists and attendees for sharing their knowledge and perspectives. I’ll take the insights we gathered back to Washington to inform legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Medicare access, especially for our rural communities who need it most.”

The Forum’s panelists included: Dr. Tim Auran, CMA; Sue Anderson, President and CEO Dignity Health; Dr. Steve Clarke, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Dr. Jason Sanders, Movement for Life Physical Therapy; Dr. Penny Bornstein, Public Health Director San Luis Obispo County Health Department and San Luis Obispo Health Counts; and Ryan Ashlock, Adventist Hospital President and CEO. 

In February 2025, Congressman Carbajal co-sponsored Congressman Panetta’s bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined colleagues in calling on the Department of State to swiftly reverse its abrupt decision to halt the approval of temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children from Gaza.

On August 16, the State Department announced, without prior notice or clear explanation, that it would suspend all visitor visas from Gaza, including those for children in need of urgent, lifesaving medical care, while conducting a review of its processes.  The Department has not provided evidence of security risks or a timeline for the suspension, despite the fact that all Palestinians leaving Gaza for medical treatment are already subject to extensive vetting by Israeli authorities.

“This pause will deny children the medical care they desperately need,” the members wrote.  “We appeal to you to immediately reverse the State Department’s decision and resume allowing those from Gaza with approved temporary medical-humanitarian visas to enter the United States to receive the lifesaving care they need.  We expect a written response 30 days after receiving this letter.”

In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rep. Panetta and his colleagues criticized the lack of transparency in the decision and emphasized that the suspension could block children from receiving critical medical treatment.  The lawmakers urged the Department to immediately reverse the policy and, at minimum, exempt urgent pediatric cases while the review is underway.

The full letter to Secretary Rubio can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio, 

We write to urge you to swiftly reverse the State Department’s recent decision to halt temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children from Gaza. On August 16th, the State Department announced it will stop approving all visitor visas for people from the war-torn Gaza strip — including children in need of urgent medical care — while conducting a “full and thorough review of the processes and procedures” used to issue these visas. This pause comes in the wake of severely injured Palestinian children arriving in the United States on temporary visas to receive medical care in recent weeks. The announcement of the sudden pause came via social media and contained no details on what a full and thorough review entails or any evidence of security risks. The lack of clarity regarding how long this halt will last is concerning. 

This pause will deny children the medical care they desperately need. It is wrong to prevent children who are caught in the middle of this horrific conflict from receiving lifesaving medical care. In addition, this decision ignores the fact that all Palestinians leaving Gaza for medical treatment or to accompany family members receiving medical treatment are already subject to rigorous vetting by the Israeli government, including an Israeli security clearance, identity verification, and an assessment whether they are linked to Hamas. 

Prior to this announcement, several children from Gaza have come to the United States to receive medical treatment. These cases have gone on without incident. We appeal to you to immediately reverse the State Department’s decision and resume allowing those from Gaza with approved temporary medical-humanitarian visas to enter the United States to receive the lifesaving care they need. 

In light of these facts, we respectfully ask the Department to provide: 

1. A detailed explanation of the specific concerns or procedural issues identified that led to the suspension of visas. 

2. The criteria and timeline for the ongoing review process, how long it is expected to take, and what safeguards are being considered to prevent interruption of emergency medical care programs. 

3. A commitment to temporarily exempt urgent medical-humanitarian cases involving children from Gaza from the suspension until the review is complete. 

We would appreciate any clarification regarding the policy’s basis and a reassessment of its impact on vulnerable individuals and families in desperate need. We expect a written response 30 days after receiving this letter. 

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined U.S. Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) and Darren Soto (D-FL-09) and over 65 of her colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the use of racial profiling in immigration enforcement.

Under the Fourth Amendment, federal agents generally may not stop someone unless agents have good reason to suspect they’re breaking laws. But a growing number of people — many of them Latino — have reported being targeted, harassed, and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents solely because of their race.

In July, a federal judge issued an order that stopped ICE from targeting people based on race, language, and work. However, this week the Supreme Court temporarily lifted the order while the case continues. As a result, ICE agents can resume making indiscriminate stops for the time being, underscoring the need for immediate answers and accountability from DHS on the use of racial profiling in immigration enforcement.

“We have been concerned by recent statements and actions undertaken by DHS that seem to indicate that the Department is unlawfully using race as a basis for conducting immigration enforcement operations,” wrote the lawmakers. “A strategy of immigration enforcement that singles out law-abiding people solely because of their race is at odds with our constitution’s commitment to both equality and freedom from unreasonable searches.”

Earlier this year, White House Border Czar Tom Homan stated in an interview that ICE agents “don’t need probable cause” to detain people and can instead rely on “observations… based on their location, their occupation, their physical appearance, their actions.” 

“These kinds of indiscriminate, race-based detentions cause real harm,” the lawmakers continued. “In June, DHS conducted a worksite raid at a farm in Ventura County, California, where militarized agents violently detained hundreds of people, allegedly including U.S. citizens and those with work visas. As a result of the raid, Jaime Alanis, a farmworker at the farm, fell from a greenhouse and later died due to his injuries. In Los Angeles, ICE snatched Andrea Velez, a U.S. citizen, off the street, and detained her for two days, giving her nothing to drink for 24 hours. A U.S. citizen in Pico Rivera was assaulted and detained by agents in a Walmart parking lot.”  

ICE data shows that between January 20 and July 28, 2025, ICE made more than 16,000 street arrests of immigrants with no criminal convictions, charges or removal orders. Over half of these arrests were made between June and July alone, with Latinos accounting for 90% of the arrests, meaning that nearly one in five arrests made by ICE is a Latino with no criminal history. 

Read the full letter HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata emphasized energy security in her questions during a Natural Resources Committee hearing this week examining legislation, including a bipartisan permitting reform bill. 

The Congresswoman’s questions and the testimony in response are available HERE. 

“Energy security is a key to national security, economic security, even food security,” said Congresswoman Amata. “As an island people, we depend on imported energy and good U.S. planning to keep energy available and affordable to us. I appreciate this discussion on multiple sources of energy production and the recognition of how China affects the Pacific region, within the examination of three important bills.”

Congresswoman Amata addressed questions to the following expert witnesses: Mr. Jeremy Harrell, Chief Executive Officer of ClearPath; Mr. Thomas Hochman, Director of Infrastructure Policy, Foundation for American Innovation; and Mr. Nick Loris, Vice President of Public Policy, C3 Solutions. Her questions prompted elaboration on U.S. efforts to keep up with China in energy access, the role of energy in national security, getting on the right track in this priority, and expanding on earlier testimony regarding Russia and China. 

The House Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee legislative hearing on three bipartisan bills that will help streamline the permitting process, including House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman’s (R-Ark.) and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s (D-Maine) Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. 

Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said, “With the bipartisan SPEED Act, we can ensure America meets its growing energy needs, revitalizes its crumbling infrastructure, wins the AI race and keeps its citizens safe and secure while upholding the world’s highest environmental standards and responsibly managing our natural resources.”

Legislation Examined: 

The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act, H.R. 573, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), will inform policymakers on the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969’s (NEPA) impacts by requiring the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish an annual report on NEPA projects and outcomes, for greater transparency. 

The ePermit Act, H.R. 4503, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), will provide legislative direction on how federal agencies should implement electronic permitting systems.

The SPEED Act, H.R. 4777, introduced by Chairman Westerman (R-Ark.), and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) will streamline the permitting process and return the law to its intended purpose, including shorten permitting timelines, reduce the frequency of frivolous litigation, limit judicial review timelines and clarify when NEPA is activated. 

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