Reps. Cleaver, Harshbarger Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Paramedicine Services Nationwide

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) have introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand paramedicine services in rural communities across the country. The Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 (CPA) would expand the scope of rural health grants to include mobile integrated health and community paramedicine grantees, enabling Americans in rural communities to receive centralized, mobile, and preventative care through local paramedics, an increasingly popular initiative in healthcare known as Community Paramedicine.

“Across Missouri, rural communities are struggling to access quality healthcare that is both affordable and convenient, with far too many Missourians having to travel long distances to get the care they need, which can often be as costly as it is frustrating for families,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This challenge requires innovative solutions that help bring physicians directly to the people—and that’s precisely what community paramedicine seeks to do. I’m proud to introduce the Community Paramedicine Act with Congresswoman Harshbarger to expand this popular and growing practice to more communities, so Missouri families can get the care they deserve at lower costs and right at their door.”

“Mobile Integrated Healthcare-Community Paramedicine is a smart, innovative solution that delivers the right care at the right time — especially for patients with chronic conditions or in rural and underserved areas,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “As co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, I’m proud to help introduce this budget-neutral bill, which will empower our emergency medical services professionals and firefighters to build these community programs for reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, improving health outcomes, and potentially saving billions in healthcare costs.”

“Early medical intervention can save the health care system billions by addressing time-critical issues and preventing costly emergency care and hospitalizations,” said Chief Chris Way, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. “Mobile Integrated Healthcare-Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) is an innovative way for EMTs and Paramedics to provide patient-centered mobile care outside the hospital to lower health care costs and improve patient outcomes. MIH-CP helps to address the gaps in patient care and prevent acute exacerbations of illness, instead of waiting to provide medical care until patients need 911 response. NAEMT applauds Representative Diana Harshberger (R-TN) and Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) for introducing the Community Paramedicine Act, which would provide funding opportunities for EMS agencies across the nation to provide evidence-based, cost-saving, and innovative ways for EMTs and Paramedics to provide patient-centered care outside of the hospital and improve patients’ health status, in collaboration with other health care professionals and providers. We ask Congress to pass this bill and help create, maintain, and sustain MIH-CP programs across our country.”

For some patients – including those who are uninsured, underinsured, homebound, medically fragile, or live in rural areas – their access to care relies primarily on 9-1-1, EMTs, and the hospital emergency room. Over 57 million Americans must travel a lengthy distance to reach their nearest physician, with rural Americans experiencing the most travel time, as only 11% of physicians work in rural settings. With a demand for physician services that outpaces available appointments, many residents are currently left medically underserved. 

Community Paramedicine combats this by improving care accessibility for underserved communities and bringing health care to Americans’ doorsteps. Community Paramedicine programs can provide check-ups, health education, preventative care, and transportation. These services improve patient access to diagnostic testing, specialized service referrals, and transportation to medical appointments. 

Moreover, studies have shown that Community Paramedicine programs can save thousands of dollars per year per patient by helping people lead healthier lives and decreasing healthcare emergencies. For example, Community Paramedicine visits can help a person living with heart failure, asthma, COPD, or diabetes avoid acute emergencies. A study in eastern Massachusetts showed that their Community Paramedicine model saved over $1,900 per case and nearly $6 million in a year.

The Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 would expand the scope of rural health grants authorized under Sec. 330A of the Public Health Services Act to include mobile integrated health and community paramedicine grantees. As of now, Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grants, Rural Health Network Development Grants, and Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Grants share the authorization under Sec. 330A. None of these, however, address community paramedicine. The Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 would add a fourth grant program to the existing authorization. The legislation budget neutral and does not authorize any new spending.

The Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 is endorsed by the American Ambulance Association (AAA), National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Rural Health Association, Mid-America Regional Council Emergency Rescue (MERCER), Missouri Ambulance Association, Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association, Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association, Tennessee Association of EMS Providers.

Official text of the Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

LaMalfa Recognizes Service Academy Appointments from Northern California

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced the appointment of five students selected to attend one of America’s military academies. The service academy appointees from California’s First District are as follows: 

Nathaniel Brockhoff  – Plumas Lake
U.S. Naval Academy
Josiah McCormick – Redding 
U.S. Air Force Academy 
Lily Miller – Yuba City
U.S. Air Force Academy
Caden Stickney – Chico
U.S. Air Force Academy 
Alexander Willingham – Chico
U.S. Air Force Academy

Congressman LaMalfa based his nominations on the recommendations of his Military Academy Nomination Selection Committee, which is responsible for reviewing their files, interviewing the applicants, and recommending a slate of nominees. 

“Being appointed to one of our nation’s Service Academies is a tremendous achievement and a clear reflection of these students’ hard work, character, and dedication to serving our country,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “After a competitive process, they’ve earned the chance to receive a world-class education while preparing to lead in our armed forces. I’m pleased to see such outstanding young people from Northern California take this next step, and I have no doubt they’ll represent our region and our nation well in the years ahead.” 

From Left to Right: Josiah McCormick , Alexander Willingham , Lily Miller, Caden Stickney

Any student with a strong desire to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces is invited to contact Congressman LaMalfa in the spring of their junior year. Please visit his website www.lamalfa.house.gov for his nomination application and instructions. You may also call his Chico District office and speak with his U.S. Service Academy Advisor at (530) 343-1000.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Hoyer Tours YMCA Camp Letts, Touts Federal Investments in Maryland

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

EDGEWATER, MD — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) recently toured the YMCA Camp Letts to hear directly from local leaders about the critical infrastructure needs of the campsite and how they serve Maryland youth. Congressman Hoyer has long championed improvements to the YMCA’s water infrastructure as it continues to improve health outcomes for Maryland’s children and families.

“Since I came to Congress, one of my top priorities has been to ensure Maryland families have access to clean waters and recreational opportunities,” Congressman Hoyer said. “The good people of YMCA Camp Letts have helped youth develop new skills and a sense of self-confidence that will serve them down the line in good-paying jobs and fulfilling careers. As House Republicans and Donald Trump continue to cut vital programs and services in Maryland, I will continue to help YMCA Camp Letts serve its mission and ensure Maryland families have access to healthy air and clean water.”

Founded in 1906, YMCA Camp Letts is the area’s oldest residential camp. Since its founding, YMCA Camp Letts has served hundreds of thousands of children and their families. As part of the 2026 Fiscal Year Government Funding Bill, Congressman Hoyer is working to secure $1 million in Community Project Funding for the YMCA to improve HVAC systems, plumbing, and more. Congressman Hoyer solicited requests on his website and submitted 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Statement on Adriana Smith

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Adriana Smith’s Family Was Denied the Right to Make Medical Decisions for Months, After She Was Declared Brain Dead, Due to Georgia Abortion Ban

Pressley Joins Williams, Jacobs in Introducing Resolution Condemning Anti-Abortion Laws that Denied Smith’s Dignity and Human Rights

Adriana’s Son Chance was Delivered via Postmortem Emergency C-Section and Adriana Will be Taken Off Life Support

Resolution Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released the following statement on the tragic case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old Georgia mother who was declared brain dead in February and had been kept on artificial life support without her family’s consent. The Georgia hospital where Adriana died indicated that the state’s extreme abortion ban mandated Adriana remain on life support because she was 9 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. On Friday, June 13, 2025, her infant son, named Chance, was born prematurely at approximately 4:41 a.m. via a postmortem emergency Cesarean section. Chance weighs about 1 pound, 13 ounces and is currently in the NICU. Adriana is being taken off life support today.

“Adriana Smith was a beloved daughter, a devoted mother, and a compassionate nurse denied dignity and basic human rights,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “She and her family were failed by a broken system that ignored her pain and then forced them to endure months of trauma under cruel, dehumanizing laws. These laws stripped Adriana of her dignity and denied her family the right to make deeply personal medical decisions. I hope their experiences compel Congress and the states to finally end cruel abortion bans, end fetal personhood laws, and confront the Black maternal morbidity crisis once and for all. I am proud to join Congresswoman Williams and our colleagues on this resolution to honor Adriana’s life, uplift her family, and recommit ourselves to fighting for reproductive freedom, Black maternal health, the right to abortion care and the bodily autonomy of every person who calls this country home. We join Adriana’s family members in praying for strength for baby Chance and mourning the loss of Adriana.”

In light of this solemn update, Congresswoman Pressley joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) in introducing a resolution recognizing the deeply disturbing case of Adriana Smith.

The resolution calls for urgent legislative and policy changes to protect the rights, autonomy, and dignity of pregnant people — particularly Black women, who are disproportionately impacted by systemic medical neglect and restrictive anti-abortion laws.

“I extend my sympathies to Adriana Smith’s family as they spend their final moments with Adriana on their terms. Adriana Smith deserved better at every point of this tragedy. Her family, along with baby Chance, remain in my family’s prayers as they navigate life after this unimaginably devastating situation that Georgia’s laws imposed on them. From my service in the State Senate when the LIFE Act was passed in 2019, I know that the bill was drafted in a way that created uncertainty among medical providers and my constituents in Georgia’s 5th District about what is permitted under the law and how the law would be enforced. The clear intention of this was to create a chilling effect on doctors providing essential maternal healthcare services and on patients seeking lifesaving medical treatment. We are now seeing this lack of clarity result in unimaginable cruelty to Adriana Smith and her family,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

“My heart breaks for Adriana Smith, her family, and new baby Chance, who had to enter the world this way. Georgia’s fetal personhood law denied Adriana Smith’s family the ability to say goodbye to her on their own terms,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “Instead, she was kept on life support, breathing through machines for nearly four months to serve as an incubator. Women are worth more than their ability to get pregnant and give birth – we are human beings who should be trusted to make our own health care decisions. It’s devastating that Adriana is the latest casualty of our nation’s Black maternal health crisis and anti-abortion laws – but let’s ensure she’s the last. This needs to be the watershed moment to end anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws and guarantee the rights and dignity of everyone to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

Adriana Smith, a nurse and mother, sought medical care for symptoms, including an extreme headache, in early February but was not given adequate treatment. She returned the next day as her condition worsened and was declared brain dead while nine weeks pregnant on February 19. She has been kept on artificial support until her pregnancy reaches 32 weeks and the fetus can be delivered, meaning her bodily functions will have been supported for more than 5 months. Due to Georgia’s LIFE Act and uncertainty surrounding fetal personhood laws, Emory University Midtown Hospital began maintaining Adriana’s bodily functions without consent from her family.

The resolution urges the government to:

  • Repeal state laws that ban or criminalize abortion and abortion-related services;
  • Repeal laws that exclude pregnant people from having their advance directives come into effect;
  • Clarify how anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws should be interpreted in medical settings;
  • Reaffirm and guarantee autonomy and dignity to pregnant people over their lives, well-being, and medical needs.

While Georgia’s Attorney General has stated that nothing in the LIFE Act explicitly mandates keeping a brain-dead patient on life support, the lack of a formal legal opinion or prosecutorial guidance leaves families and doctors in limbo.

Anti-abortion laws deprive people who can become pregnant of their autonomy by prioritizing the life of the fetus over the health, medical decisions, and rights of the pregnant person — a dehumanizing practice that violates their civil rights and reinforces systemic control over their bodies.

Out of fear of criminalization, family separation, or mistreatment like what Adriana Smith is experiencing, many pregnant people avoid healthcare settings even when they desire care, putting their health and the health of their fetus at risk.

The resolution declares that the House of Representatives stands with Adriana Smith’s family in their efforts to return dignity and justice to their family, condemns giving fetuses rights and taking them away from pregnant people in our laws, and condemns the troublingly common experience that Black women face in medical settings of having their pain not given full credence or treatment.

A copy of the resolution text can be found here.

On June 5, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor demanding justice for Adriana Smith and sharing her family’s story. Pressley connected the horrific mistreatment of Adriana Smith to the brutal history of medical violence Black women have faced in America for centuries.

Last month, as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Rep. Pressley and Co-Chair Diana DeGette (CO-01) released a statement calling for the state of Georgia and the hospital in question to respect the fundamental rights of Adriana Smith and her family and condemned GOP abortion bans.

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Carter Introduces Resolution Congratulating St. Joesph’s Hospital in Savannah for 150 years of Service

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

Headline: Carter Introduces Resolution Congratulating St. Joesph’s Hospital in Savannah for 150 years of Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter introduced a resolution celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.

In 1997, St. Joseph’s began its joint affiliation with Candler Hospital, forming the largest and most experienced health care provider in Southeast Georgia.

“Since 1875, the fantastic staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital have served the people of Georgia’s First Congressional District faithfully. They have worked tirelessly to save lives and keep our friends and neighbors healthy. We are so grateful for their 150 years of resolute service to our district and excited for the many years to come,” said Rep. Carter.

“Throughout St. Joseph’s Hospital’s history, we have been blessed with steadfast support from our community leaders. That support continues today, and we are grateful for this recognition from Congressman Carter, celebrating our 150th anniversary of serving the healthcare needs of southeast Georgia,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Read the full resolution here.

What They Are Saying About Trump & Republicans’ Tax Giveaway To The Wealthy

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

Yesterday Senate Republicans unveiled their version of legislation to extend and expand the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. While scores for their altered bill are still forthcoming, the changes from the House-passed version are unlikely to significantly alter that bill’s distributional effects, which would result in the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich from a single law in American history.

As a reminder, here are some of the stories that legislation generated:

Wall Street Journal: GOP Megabill Boosts Wealthy Households While Hurting Poor, CBO Says

New York Times: Trump’s Big Bill Would Be More Regressive Than Any Major Law in Decades

CBS: GOP Tax Bill Could Cost Low-Income Americans $1,600 Per Year, CBO Says

Associated Press: GOP Tax Bill Would Cost Poor Americans $1,600 A Year And Boost Highest Earners By $12,000, CBO Says

CNN: The 10 Richest Americans Got $365 Billion Richer In The Past Year. Now They’re On The Verge Of A Huge Tax Cut

Washington Post: GOP Tax Bill Could Hurt The Poorest Households More Than It Helps Them

Bloomberg: Trump Tax Bill Would Help the Richest, Hurt the Poorest, CBO Says

Reuters: Trump Tax Bill Poses Limited Benefits, Higher Costs For Lower-Income Americans

New York Times: G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest

NPR: The GOP’s Massive Bill Would Benefit The Rich The Most — While Hitting The Poor

Financial Times: Donald Trump’s Tax Bill Would Be A Boon For Richest Americans, Says Watchdog

Politico: Wealthy Gain, Low-Income People Lose From GOP Megabill, Analysis Finds

CNBC: House Republican Tax Bill Favors The Rich — How Much They Stand To Gain, And Why

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF COMPTROLLER BRAD LANDER

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Carbajal Unveils Bill to Help First-Time Homebuyers During Santa Barbara Press Conference

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted a press conference in Santa Barbara on the introduction of his American Dream for All Act. The legislation would help first-time homebuyers purchase homes by creating a federal pilot program that provides down payment assistance loans. The legislation is inspired by the successful California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program. Carbajal was joined by leaders from the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS. Download photos here.

“Across the Central Coast and the country, the dream of owning a home is becoming an uphill battle for countless families,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m introducing the American Dream for All Act to help make homeownership a reality for first-time homebuyers. My bill will provide the next generation the support they need to overcome the steep cost of a down payment and take their first steps toward achieving the American Dream.”

“For many Americans that rent today, the monthly cost of homeownership is within reach, but the upfront down payment remains the biggest hurdle. This bill will help first-time homebuyers overcome that obstacle and will allow people to achieve the dream of homeownership. The American Dream for All Act is a forward-thinking bill because as a revolving loan it helps potential homeowners achieve their goal, not just today, but for years to come,” said Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® President-Elect Jennifer Berger. “We are proud to partner with Congressmember Carbajal in making the American Dream a viable reality for all Americans.” 

“The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) strongly supports every effort to make housing more affordable. The America Dream for All Act is a novel approach to easing the financial burden of a downpayment. NAR applauds the leadership of Rep. Carbajal for promoting shared appreciation lending programs to help first-time buyers and for expanding upon the highly popular California Dream for All program. This legislation is complementary to traditional downpayment assistance programs and provides a return to the federal government in the form of a percentage of the home’s appreciation upon sale, making it a win-win for potential buyers, the economy, and the American people,” said Kevin Sears, President of the National Association of Realtors®.

According to the National Association of REALTORS, first-time buyers made up 24 percent of all home buyers, a decrease from 32 percent last year. Seventy-one percent of Younger Millennials, 62 percent of Gen Z, and 36 percent of Older Millennials were first-time homebuyers.

The American Dream for All Act would create a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funding to states, territories, and Tribes to establish a shared appreciation downpayment assistance loan program for first-time and first-generation homebuyers.

Under this plan, the participating housing finance agency (or equivalent agency) would provide eligible borrowers with a downpayment loan to purchase a home. They would be able to provide a borrower a down payment loan up to 20% of the home. 

When the borrower sells the home, the borrower is then required to pay back the downpayment as well as a percentage of the appreciation in the home back to the eligible entity to be readministered for future down payment loan assistance for other borrowers. The percentage of appreciation to be paid will match the percentage the borrower received as the downpayment loan for the original cost of the home. (e.g., in exchange for 20% of the downpayment in the form of a silent second, the eligible entity gets 20% of the appreciation; for a 10% downpayment, the Eligible Entity gets 10% of the appreciation, etc.). 

An eligible borrower must meet the following criteria:

  • (1) is a citizen or permanent resident of US, 
  • (2) is a first-time homebuyer and/or first-generation homebuyer, 
  • (3) has completed a buyer education course, 
  • (4) has a certificate of completion from a housing counseling agency, and 
  • (5) has an income not more than 150% of area median income (AMI), must self-attest they don’t have the ability to pay more than 5% of total value of home for which the loan under this section is used.

Rep. Norcross Announces National Science Foundation Grant for Rowan University

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Representative Donald Norcross announced that Rowan University was awarded a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  

“This is an exciting investment to expand cutting-edge research in South Jersey,” said Congressman Don Norcross. “Supporting research in our community creates opportunities, spurs economic growth, and drives innovation that benefits our communities. I’m dedicated to continuing to transform South Jersey into a leading hub for higher education and medical research.” 

The funding that was granted through the NSF CAREER award will support research on how oxygen levels and inflammation affect the development and spread of diseases in the body. The NSF CAREER award is one of the top honors for early-career faculty and supports a highly skilled workforce.  

The NSF supports innovative scientific research to strengthen our nation’s economy and skilled workforce. Read more about the NSF here

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Pressley, Crane, Min, Burlison Demand 23andMe Protect Sensitive Consumer Data Prior to Any Sale

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Lawmakers Call for Company to Obtain Customers’ Consent Before Including Their Data in Bankruptcy Sale

Text of Letter

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressmen Eli Crane (R-AZ), Dave Min (D-CA), and Eric Burlison (R-MO) sent a letter to 23andMe demanding they ensure that no individual’s data—identified or de-identified—will be retained, transferred, or sold without their affirmative consent prior to any bankruptcy sale. Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Pressley  slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and demanded the company protect their private information.   

“Genetic data is among the most intimate and sensitive personal information to exist, and 23andMe has proven inadequate in fulfilling its responsibility to protect it,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to 23andMe Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki and interim CEO Joe Selsavage. “People deserve and require a clear choice about how their data will be handled going forward.”

In her June 10 testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Ms. Wojcicki shared that “a threat actor had gained access to a limited number of individual 23andMe accounts” in October 2023. In reality, nearly seven million people—roughly half of 23andMe’s customers—had their personal and genetic data exposed in a major data breach.

“This is not a ‘limited’ incident, but a systemic failure of data protections and accountability,” the lawmakers continued. “Now, this same data is at the heart of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The mass confusion and fear this has caused—including the crashing of 23andMe’s website as nearly two million users rushed to delete their accounts—has undermined trust in the company’s ability to handle this information.”

The lawmakers requested that 23andMe provide additional details on their ability and willingness to contact each of their 15 million customers—prior to any sale—and obtain their explicit consent to opt-in to having their data included in any transaction.

Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and private information following a severe data breach and bankruptcy, and demanded 23andMe require the explicit, informed consent of each of their customers before including their data in any bankruptcy sale. Full video of her hearing question line is available here.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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