MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

(Washington, DC) – Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Representative George Whitesides (D-CA) sent a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Michael Kratsios demanding transparency on OSTP’s “Grand Research Challenges” initiative, reported in Nature. During a Science Committee hearing on July 22^nd, 2026, Director Kratsios deliberately avoided answering questions about OSTP diverting resources from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund OSTP pet priorities, including the “Grand Research Challenges” initiative. Science Committee Democrats are requesting a comprehensive briefing on the “Grand Research Challenges” initiative and on OSTP control of NSF’s operations and appropriated funding by August 14, 2026.

“If you believe this is legal, appropriate, and a good use of taxpayer money in order to bring about a ‘golden age of science,’ then you should have been eager to discuss it before the Committee,” the Members wrote in their letter. “Instead, you chose to apparently mislead the Committee about whether you had any understanding of where NSF’s disappearing money is going.”

“No thanks to your testimony, Science Committee Democrats know these facts, based on reporting and well corroborated sources: OSTP is exerting influence over NSF decision making, certainly on Notices of Funding Opportunities and potentially on at least a subset of grant decisions; NSF is 30-40% behind where it was last year at this time on getting money out the door; OSTP intends to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to fund your priority projects, and that money was not appropriated to OSTP by Congress.”

The letter can be accessed here, and below. 

Dear Director Kratsios,

Just two weeks ago, you had the opportunity to come before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to “examine the priorities of the FY2027 Research and Technology Enterprise.” Sixteen hours before you were due to appear, you chose to release a 123-page report on “Science: A New Golden Age,” which you described as “a blueprint for renewing American scientific leadership for the 21st century.” This release came with no formal notification to the Science Committee, despite your appearance the next day to discuss precisely these issues. We mention this to note that we have no reason to be surprised that you chose to continue this pattern of obfuscation and disrespect of the Committee’s oversight prerogatives at the hearing itself. We write to demand that the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) be transparent with the Committee regarding recent reporting of an OSTP-led initiative called “Grand Research Challenges.”

The July 24 Nature reporting confirmed rumors that have been swirling about OSTP diverting resources from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund your pet priorities. These rumors underpinned multiple lines of questions posed to you at the July 22 hearing:

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren: “Where is the nearly $1 billion that we know is being clawed back from NSF Directorates, and what is the reported $1.5 billion project – to quote Nature’s reporting – that is a ‘brainchild of the White House OSTP?’ And if you could be specific, is any of the $5 billion you announced today coming from the money appropriated to NSF?”

Director Kratsios: “I’m not familiar with those details, I would refer you to NSF.”

It is incomprehensible that, on the morning of July 22, you were unfamiliar with the details of what would be reported just two days later as the exfiltration of $300 million from NSF’s mathematics and physical sciences directorates to fund an OSTP-led program. It is even more incomprehensible when considered alongside what you said just moments later, when responding

to this same question:

Director Kratsios: “As a nation, we should be more deliberative and specific about trying to tackle grand challenges.” [Emphasis added.]

It is deeply strange and disrespectful that you chose to dodge a question about this very program while mockingly referencing its name. Congressional testimony is not a joke. You agreed to testify before the Science Committee about the FY2027 priorities of the scientific enterprise, and then you decided to elide discussion of this expensive program that you are undertaking without

any Congressional authorization or input. If you believe this is legal, appropriate, and a good use of taxpayer money in order to bring about a “golden age of science,” then you should have been eager to discuss it before the Committee. Instead, you chose to apparently mislead the Committee about whether you had any understanding of where NSF’s disappearing money is

going.

We understand that it would be rather uncomfortable to testify comprehensively and truthfully before the Science Committee about how you are in the process of absorbing hundreds of millions of dollars of appropriated money from an agency under the Committee’s jurisdiction. If you were unfamiliar with your obligation to be truthful before Congress ahead of the hearing, you were reminded of this during questioning by Representative George Whitesides about whether and how OSTP is involved in ensuring money it would prefer to use for its own projects is not, instead, spent as Congress intended, on NSF research awards:

Representative Whitesides: “Earlier, you testified that NSF grant approvals have not been reviewed by political officials at OSTP … I want to give you the chance to make sure that that’s what you wanted to testify, because we have been directly informed that this is not true. Is it still your testimony today that no one at OSTP is playing a role in individual NSF grant approvals?”

Director Kratsios: “I am not personally involved in any individual grant approvals.”

Representative Whitesides: “That is a different answer to what I asked.”

Director Kratsios: “I am not aware of anyone at OSTP that is working on individual grant approvals. I have never asked for that, and I would never condone that, and I don’t think any of us are.”

Representative Whitesides: “Ok, for the record, it is a felony to testify falsely before Congress.”

Director Kratsios: “I am well aware of that, and I’m also well aware that no one at OSTP is involved in individual grant-level decisions.”

Representative Whitesides: “Is anyone at OSTP involved in some kind of grouping of grant decisions?”

Director Kratsios: “I’m not familiar with what a grouping of a grant decision is. But when an individual grant for a particular research project is made, we are certainly not involved in that.”

Representative Whitesides: “Ok, sounds a little squishy to me.”

It is, indeed, squishy to direct focus entirely on “an individual grant for a particular research project” when being asked about any broader influence OSTP is attempting to exert on NSF grantmaking. No thanks to your testimony, Science Committee Democrats know these facts, based on reporting and well corroborated sources: OSTP is exerting influence over NSF decision making, certainly on Notices of Funding Opportunities and potentially on at least a subset of grant decisions; NSF is 30-40% behind where it was last year at this time on getting money out the door; OSTP intends to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to fund your priority projects, and that money was not appropriated to OSTP by Congress.

You chose not to be transparent about this reported “Grand Research Challenges” program when you had the chance before the Committee. As Members of the Minority, at this time, we lack the ability to compel you to be forthright via testimony at a hearing. We request that you brief us on the “Grand Research Challenges” program by August 14, 2026. The briefing must include an explanation of the program, a breakdown of how this program is being funded, and a thorough description of how OSTP has been involved in the internal processes at NSF, so the Committee can understand what influence OSTP has exerted in NSF’s failure to spend appropriated money while you have seemingly found enough funding to push forward your pet priorities.

Pursuant to Rule X of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology “shall review and study on a continuing basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to nonmilitary research and development.” If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Sara Palasits or Albert Hinman with the Committee’s Minority staff at (202) 225-6375. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution honoring the late Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr., the United States Postal Service (USPS) employees who died from anthrax inhalation while working at the USPS processing facility located at 900 Brentwood Road NE, which is now named for them. Morris and Curseen died on October 21, 2001, and October 22, 2001, respectively. Norton’s resolution also honors three other Americans who died from exposure to anthrax during the attacks, as well as all USPS employees for their dedicated service to the nation in the face of threats to their health and to federal facilities throughout the United States.

“Each Congress, I introduce this resolution to honor the lives of Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr., who were tragically lost in the 2001 anthrax attacks, to ensure that they, along with Bob Stevens, Kathy Nguyen, and Ottilie Lundgren, are never forgotten,” Norton said. “It’s important that Congress and the nation continue to recognize these victims and the entire U.S. Postal Service workforce for serving the nation in the face of unpredictable risks.”

The resolution text follows.

RESOLUTION

Honoring the lives, work, and sacrifice of Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., the 2 United States Postal Service employees who died as a result of their contact with anthrax while working at the United States Postal Facility located at 900 Brentwood Road, NE, Washington, D.C., during the anthrax attack in the fall of 2001; United States Postal Service employees, who have continued to work diligently in service to the people of the United States notwithstanding anthrax attack, as well as the 3 Americans who died and the 17 who became ill in the attack.

Whereas the founders of the United States, recognizing the importance of a national system of mail to the new country, gave Congress the constitutional authority “To establish post offices and post roads”;

Whereas employees of the United States Postal Service provide indispensable public service and honorably represent the United States on a daily basis;

Whereas despite the many terrorist attacks in federal facilities throughout the United States, including the 2001 anthrax attack, United States Postal Service employees continue to risk their lives daily to serve the people of the United States;

Whereas Joseph P. Curseen, Jr., and Thomas L. Morris, Jr., both natives of Washington, D.C., diligently and admirably served the Nation for decades as employees of the United States Postal Service;

Whereas in the fall of 2001, during the course of their jobs with the United States Postal Service, Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., were exposed to letters containing anthrax that were placed in the mail and subsequently suffered from the inhalation of anthrax and thereafter died;

Whereas 5 individuals in the United States died from exposure to anthrax during the 2001 anthrax attacks and 17 became ill; and

Whereas in 2002, the United States Postal Service facility located at 900 Brentwood Road, NE, Washington, D.C., was designated as the “Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr. Processing and Distribution Center” by Public Law 107-225: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the lives and work of Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., and acknowledges the sacrifice that all Postal Service employees make on behalf of the United States on a daily basis.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today urged the United States Postal Service Board of Governors to remove Postmaster General David Steiner for pursuing implementation of President Trump’s mail-ballot executive order despite federal court rulings that key provisions violate the Constitution. Krishnamoorthi also cited Steiner’s failure to provide Congress with a clear accounting of USPS’s implementation efforts or whether they stopped after the courts intervened.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“I write to urge the United States Postal Service Board of Governors to remove Postmaster General David Steiner for pursuing implementation of President Trump’s mail-ballot executive order, despite federal courts’ rulings that key provisions violate the Constitution. Steiner’s failure to provide Congress with a clear accounting of USPS’s implementation efforts, or whether they ceased after the courts intervened, undermines the transparency, neutrality, and public trust his office requires.”

President Trump’s March 31 executive order directed USPS to withhold delivery of mail ballots to voters whose eligibility could not be confirmed against a federally compiled voter list. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia challenged the order. A federal district court in Massachusetts blocked key provisions, the First Circuit upheld that injunction on July 25, and the Trump Administration subsequently asked the Supreme Court to allow the order to take effect before the November midterm elections.

Despite those rulings, Steiner has indicated that USPS intends to carry out key aspects of the executive order. During June 24 testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Steiner confirmed that USPS would withhold mail ballots from states that declined to provide requested voter data. The letter also points to an apparent contradiction between USPS’s implementation efforts and the Department of Justice’s characterization of the executive order before the Supreme Court as merely “general policy guidance.”

Krishnamoorthi continues:

“Postmaster General Steiner has not responded to requests for that accounting. He has failed to respond to multiple congressional requests for information and my request to appear voluntarily before the full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. A Postmaster General who will not tell Congress whether his agency is complying with a federal court order, and who will not appear to answer for that silence, has forfeited the trust required to hold the office.”

The letter notes that millions of eligible Americans rely on mail voting, including military personnel serving overseas, seniors, rural voters, individuals with disabilities, and working families. Krishnamoorthi requested a response from the Board by August 24, 2026.

Krishnamoorthi concludes:

“The Board has both the authority and the responsibility to act. I urge you to remove David Steiner as Postmaster General and ensure that USPS follows the law, complies with federal court orders, and stays out of deciding who is eligible to vote. I request a response to this request by no later than August 24, 2026.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s letter is available here.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe seeking answers about recent public reportsthat a Chinese company signed a deal to provide Iran with shoulder-fired air defense missiles.. Krishnamoorthi warns that the reported transfer could put American servicemembers at greater risk and appears to contradict Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping’s assurances to President Trump that China was not supplying weapons to Iran. 

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“I write today as a senior member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to voice my great concern over recent public reports that a company from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was planning to sell shoulder-fired air-defense missiles to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Public reports from this week indicate that a PRC company signed a deal to ship an initial batch of 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran to replenish its degraded air defense systems, putting American servicemembers at risk. I have written to you before regarding my concern of what appears to be PRC’s military support for the Iranian regime, and this news only deepens my alarm.”

The letter cites recent public reports that China agreed to transfer Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran through a Hong Kong-based company, potentially replenishing Iran’s degraded air defenses. Krishnamoorthi notes that MANPADS are capable of targeting aircraft, helicopters, and low-flying drones, increasing the threat to U.S. forces and security partners in the region. 

Krishnamoorthi continues:

“The Administration must end this needless and destructive war, which is harming the American economy and risking the lives of American servicemembers. The war has caused major damage to the U.S. global reputation and is encouraging our adversaries to cooperate in tandem against us. At the same time, it is essential that the State Department and White House make clear that it is unacceptable for Beijing to provide support that emboldens Iran’s repressive regime and enhances its military capabilities.”

Krishnamoorthi requested responses by August 16, 2026, including answers to the following questions:

1. To what extent is the PRC helping Iran rebuild its military capabilities, including through the provision of portable air defense systems, and is there evidence of other confirmed or discussed arms sales from the PRC to Iran? 
2. Has the Administration raised the recent public reports of the PRC’s provision of MANPADS to Iran with Chinese counterparts, and does it find Beijing’s denial of these public reports credible? 
3. What steps are being taken to protect our servicemembers and military assets from MANPADS and other similar systems in the Iran conflict? 
4. Has there been any indication or confirmation that the PRC is sharing intelligence information with the Iranians to better strike U.S. and/or allied forces in the region? 
5. What is the intelligence community’s assessment, if any, on whether the agreed MANPADS transfer process has been initiated or is on hold? 
6. What is the intelligence community’s ability, if any, to track arms moved overland via Pakistan and what is the determination on the extent Pakistani leadership knew of the deal and proposed transfer? 
7. Does the intelligence community believe it has adequate resources to monitor these kinds of threats going forward? 

The letter also requests a classified briefing, if necessary, by September 2, 2026, on the MANPADS agreement, PRC military and intelligence support for Iran, and CIA, State Department, and Department of Defense efforts to prevent similar threats to American servicemembers. 

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s letter is available here.

 

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced bicameral legislation to establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The Medicare At Home Act would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding home care coverage under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B usually covers doctor visits and everyday medical care; this bill would also cover in-home support so people don’t have to leave their homes.

Currently, Medicare does not cover long-term care at home. As a result, families across the country face staggering out-of-pocket expenses, forcing many to deplete their savings to qualify for Medicaid or rely heavily on unpaid family caregivers. The Medicare At Home Act eliminates these financial barriers by making home-based care an accessible, affordable part of Medicare coverage.

“Whether seniors are aging at home or individuals with disabilities need daily support, care should be accessible and affordable. This bill gives families peace of mind by ensuring Medicare covers the essential in-home support people need to live with independence and dignity. It is a common-sense solution that makes care more affordable for people on Medicare,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

The Medicare At Home Act:

• Keeps People in Their Homes: Gives older adults and people with disabilities the choice to remain in their homes and communities.

“Whether it was his last few months living alone in his own place or now at a care facility, my top priority is making sure my dad can live with dignity and comfort. Like so many Americans though, too often that question becomes what care we can afford. Whether seniors are aging at home or elsewhere, this bill gives them and their families the options they deserve by making home care an affordable and accessible option everywhere. These moments of life are hard enough without having to worry about cost,” said Senator Kim. 

Endorsing organizations include the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Caring Across Generations, Justice in Aging, Allies for Independence, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action, and LeadingAge.

“The Medicare at Home Act finally closes the gap between what people believe Medicare covers and what it actually does, and does it in a way families will feel immediately. Right now, needing help at home means paying out of pocket at costs that can top $60,000 a year, spending down into poverty to qualify for Medicaid, or leaving a family member to do it all unpaid. This bill changes that calculus. The supports from this bill will allow older adults and disabled people to stay safely in their own homes and communities, which is exactly what they’ve told us they want. This isn’t a fringe idea: 93 percent of adults believe Medicare should cover home care, and most already assume it does. The Medicare at Home Act makes the policy match that expectation,” said Nicole Jorwic, Chief Program Officer, Caring Across Generations.

“Long-term care is one of the most significant expenses older adults and their families face. Yet, Medicare does not provide a comprehensive, accessible home care benefit. As a result, far too many older adults are forced to spend down their savings and fall into poverty to access essential care. Justice in Aging proudly supports the Medicare at Home Act because it would help older adults get the assistance they need with daily activities before they experience financial hardship, allowing them to age with dignity and independence,” said Natalie Kean, Managing Director of Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging.

“LeadingAge applauds Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Kim’s longstanding leadership in advancing access to care in the home and community. The Medicare at Home Act sets an agenda and important focus for the future by expanding Medicare coverage to include personal care services in the home–a critical need that many older adults and families mistakenly assume is paid for by the current Medicare benefit. We look forward to working with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Kim to address this shortcoming in access and affordability while also ensuring our nonprofit and mission-driven members are equipped to deliver high-quality care wherever people call home,” said Katie Smith  Sloan, President and CEO of LeadingAge.

“Home care is essential to families of all backgrounds, our healthcare system, and our economy. Integrating long-term home care into Medicare ensures that seniors and people with disabilities can age safely at home without shouldering the immense financial burden on their own. A federal investment in home care can help transform these lifesaving jobs into good jobs that workers can afford to keep. We are proud to support this legislation from Senator Kim and Congresswoman Dingell, which would help make quality home care more accessible for those who need it,” said Leslie Frane, SEIU Executive Vice President.

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE. 
                                                                                                                                         

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Yesterday Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), the first Democrat in the House to cosponsor the Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act, toured Phoenix Tailings’ cutting-edge rare earth metallization facility in Exeter, one of the largest rare earth metal-making facilities.

“Critical minerals are used in life-saving medical devices, everyday products, cars, and our defense systems. Securing our domestic production, storage, and supply chain of critical minerals is essential to reduce the leverage the Chinese Communist Party can exert on American businesses, workers, and families,” said Congressman Pappas. “I toured Phoenix Tailings’ facility in Exeter, where they are doing innovative work to produce and process these minerals, securing our supply chains, and creating good-paying jobs right here in our state. The SECURE Minerals Act will support key businesses such as this one, and I will continue to push it forward.”

“We appreciate Congressman Pappas taking the time to visit our Exeter facility and learn more about the work our team is doing to strengthen the domestic rare earth supply chain,” said Dr. Tomás Villalón, Co-Founder and CTO of Phoenix Tailings. “Building resilient U.S. critical minerals and metals capabilities requires collaboration across industry, government, and academia. We appreciate the Congressman’s interest in American manufacturing and innovation, as well as his support for our efforts to expand domestic production of these essential materials.”

Critical minerals have emerged as a key chokepoint in the global economy and China’s overwhelming dominance in mining and processing has given them enormous leverage. Just as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the CHIPS and Science Act, which Pappas helped pass, have created more resilient domestic energy and semiconductor supplies, the bipartisan SECURE Minerals Act will play a vital role in insulating the U.S. economy from external threats and creating good-paying jobs at home through the creation of a new Strategic Resilience Reserve (SRR). 

Phoenix Tailings, a U.S.-based rare earth metals production company, opened their new facility in Exeter in the fall of 2025. The company aims to create a stable, circular rare earths supply chain from tailings to metal and has developed innovative technology that enables the economic and safe processing of rare earth elements into final metals and metal alloys. These materials are essential for producing magnets and other advanced manufacturing products. Phoenix Tailings has endorsed the bipartisan SECURE Minerals Act, which is led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) in the Senate.

Background: 

Earlier this Congress, Pappas introduced the Critical Infrastructure Security Act to provide greater oversight and protection for critical American infrastructure from foreign interference, and strengthen existing federal authority to review, investigate, and block foreign real estate transactions that could jeopardize America’s national security. He also introduced the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act to crack down on foreign drug trafficking and sanction Chinese suppliers of key fentanyl ingredients, helped craft and fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation that jump-started American manufacturing of critical semiconductor chips found in everything from microwaves to cars, and led the STOP CCP Act, which would require financial and visa sanctions on members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party for the numerous human rights violations, including genocide, that the CCP has committed.

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

Bloomington Community Health Center offers quality healthcare services, including primary care, pediatric care, dental care, behavioral care and pharmacy services

BLOOMINGTON, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited Bloomington Community Health Center as part of National Health Center Week to recognize the importance of community health centers for San Bernardino County families. Facilities operated by Community Health Systems, Inc., including Bloomington Health Center, offer a variety of affordable healthcare services to Inland Empire residents close to home. Approximately 77 percent of Community Health Systems, Inc. patients rely on Medi-Cal to pay for their healthcare. Now, many of these Medi-Cal patients may no longer be able to afford care because of Republican cuts to healthcare. You can find photos from the visit above and here.
“The Bloomington Community Health Center helps ensure that Inland Empire families can get quality healthcare without traveling far from home or breaking the bank,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This essential care is now at risk for Inland Empire families who rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare thanks to cuts made by Donald Trump and Republicans. I’ll keep fighting back against attacks on community health centers and work to lower costs so California families can be healthy and thrive.” 
“We are honored to welcome Congressman Aguilar to Community Health Systems, Inc.’s (CHSI) Bloomington Family Wellness Center during National Health Center Week,” said Denis Vega, CSO, Community Health Systems, Inc. “Since 1984, CHSI has cared for generations of families across the Inland Empire. We bring essential services closer to home, including primary care, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy services, and help with Medi-Cal or sliding fee discounts. Because these services are connected, families can get more of what they need in one place or through telehealth when appropriate, reducing barriers like transportation, work schedules, coverage gaps, and cost. We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s continued support and commitment to ensuring Inland Empire families have access to comprehensive, high-quality care close to home.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ami Bera (D-CA), Andy Barr (R-KY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus sent a joint letter to the Honorable Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Prime Minister of Lithuania; Honorable Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania; Honorable Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas; Honorable Kęstutis Budrys, Foreign Minister; and Honorable Robertas Kaunas, Defense Minister, requesting that Lithuania continues its courageous path of maintaining relations with Taiwan.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, or read the full text below: 

Honorable Leaders of Lithuania,  

As co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, we highly value Lithuania’s friendship and steadfast support for freedom across the globe.  

Since Lithuania overturned communist rule, our countries have stood together to defend freedom and democracy in Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and the Indo-Pacific. In fact, in the face of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) bullying and coercion, our countries have stood together to support a free and democratic Taiwan.  

We welcomed Lithuania’s decision in 2022 to withdraw from 17+1 format, an organization which was created by the PRC to divide the transatlantic alliance. Lithuania also demonstrated remarkable leadership in convincing other Baltic states to do the same. We appreciate that Lithuania has always been a strong leader among the European Union countries in opposing autocratic influences, inviting Taiwan to open its office under the name of Taiwanese Representative Office in 2021.  

While we understand that the PRC continues to bully countries for maintaining any relationship with Taiwan, we respectfully urge you to consider the importance of maintaining relationships with those that share our democratic values. the PRC also continues to enable Russia’s war against Ukraine, contrary to European interests.  

For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to continue the courageous path of maintaining your substantive relationship with Taiwan, which has been a trusted and reliable partner of our respective countries for decades.   

Sincerely, 

Mario Diaz-Balart

Member of Congress

Ami Bera 

Member of Congress

Andy Barr 

Member of Congress

Greg Stanton

Member of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), joined Vice President JD Vance and other officials this week at the White House for a roundtable with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, whose mission is to restore the integrity of Taxpayer-funded programs. Since its establishment, the Task Force it has identified $230 billion in fraud, and has halted $56 billion in fraudulent payments.

According to Vice President Vance, the Trump Administration uncovered hundreds of billions of dollars in potential fraud and “secured an additional estimated $55 billion in indictments, settlements and civil penalties.” Recent wins by the Task Force include eliminating hundreds of fraudulent hospice and home healthcare providers, cracking down on over $20 billion in fraudulent covid-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and the prosecution of hundreds of fraudsters. 

The Task Force Roundtable was extremely timely, following the U.S. Department of Justice charging 19 defendants in Philadelphia in an alleged $4 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme involving home health care services that involved home health aides allegedly billing Medicaid for services while incarcerated, hospitalized, employed elsewhere, traveling overseas, or otherwise unable to provide care. Investigators identified widespread, impossible billing patterns, with one aide allegedly submitting more than 64,000 hours of work and billing over 24 hours a day more than 1,000 times – resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Medicaid payments. Prosecutors also highlighted cases where beneficiaries allegedly participated in schemes, including one case involving more than $400,000 in false claims by aides and Medicaid recipients. More than 96% of Pennsylvania personal care claims are coded as “illness unspecified,” which limits fraud detection efforts. Pennsylvania’s home care program has grown rapidly in recent years, with spending increasing from $120 million in 2018, to $8 billion in 2025.

“I was honored to be asked by Vice President Vance to the table at the White House Fraud Task Force to discuss the Administration’s historic effort to crush this rampant crime. I’ve relentlessly called to stop the hemorrhaging of fraud, waste, and abuse plaguing our Nation, but also to seek justice from those who perpetrate it against the American Taxpayers,” said Congressman Perry

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined members of the New Jersey congressional delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to approve Governor Mikie Sherrill’s appeal of FEMA’s denial of the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating February 22–23, 2026, winter storm. New Jersey submitted its original request for federal disaster assistance on April 7, 2026, and FEMA denied that request on July 2, 2026.

“According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, approximately 24 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours across eastern and central New Jersey, and eight of the State’s 21 counties recorded record or near-record snowfall totals and qualify as ‘core counties’ as laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG). Another four counties met the ‘contiguous county’ requirements for snow assistance outlined in the PAPPG,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers’ latest appeal follows a bipartisan April 21 letter from the delegation pressing the Administration to approve the State’s initial request, citing the storm’s deadly impacts, widespread outages affecting more than 127,000 customers, hundreds of accidents, and nearly $100 million in statewide damages. The February storm claimed 12 lives across nine counties, caused extensive power outages, and inflicted significant damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure—costs that New Jerseyans should not be forced to shoulder alone.

Preliminary damage assessments for Public Assistance teams documented significant emergency work and damage to public facilities and infrastructure across 19 counties. The storm further strained New Jersey’s emergency response capacity, which was already stretched after the State responded to a major snow and ice storm just weeks earlier and managed six active federal disaster declarations.

“A careful review of the State of New Jersey’s appeal demonstrates that this request far exceeds all Stafford Act statutory and regulatory thresholds. The extent of the damage, the operational burden throughout the State, and the cumulative impacts of recent and related extreme weather all provide overwhelming evidence that New Jersey’s request must be granted,” wrote the lawmakers.

In addition to Pallone, the letter was signed by Senators Booker and Kim, New Jersey U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1), Herb Conaway Jr. (D-NJ-3), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-8), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

Read the full text of the letter here.

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