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Miller, Colleagues Introduce Rural Residency Planning and Development Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Congresswoman Miller and her colleagues introduced the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act. The bill authorizes the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program , which provides federal grants to support start-up costs to establish new rural residency programs. 

“The Rural Residency Planning and Development Program is vital to addressing physician shortages in rural communities. It is our job in Congress to invest in the next generation of rural health care workers and provide these hardworking men and women the proper resources and program stability they need to learn and continue to practice in rural communities,” said Rep. Miller (R-WV).

“Rural hospitals across the country, including in Nebraska’s Third District, struggle to recruit and retain enough providers to fully meet the needs of their communities. Part of this problem comes down to lack of exposure: only two percent of residency training occurs in rural areas. We know training new physicians in rural areas builds connections to rural communities and encourages them to seriously consider jobs in similar areas. Extending the RRPD’s authorization will help more rural hospitals establish new residency programs and bolster the workforce pipeline to our rural communities,” said Rep. Smith (R-NE).

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen the pipeline of physicians who live and practice in rural America. This bill makes a simple but powerful commitment: if we want more doctors in our rural communities, we must train them in our rural communities. HRSA’s RRPD program has already delivered real results, including in Louisiana, by helping towns build new residency programs from the ground up. By authorizing and sustaining this program, we’re giving rural hospitals, clinics, and training partners the tools they need to recruit and prepare the next generation of family physicians, internists, OB-GYNs, psychiatrists, surgeons, and more. This is how we close care gaps, support our rural workforce, and ensure every family, no matter their ZIP code, can count on access to quality health care,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA).

“Our rural and remote communities are facing some of the most severe provider shortages in the country. Without real, long-term investment in workforce development and job training, we will not retain the doctors and specialists we need. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act, which would bring stability to a program that has successfully created new rural residency programs and positions nationwide, including in Hawai‘i. Our bill will help rural hospitals and clinics grow the local workforce, expand provider capacity, and reduce wait times for patients,” said Rep. Tokuda (D-HI). 

 Click here for bill text.

Background

– Nearly 20% of Americans live in rural areas, but only 10% of physicians practice in these communities. 

– The United States continues to face a serious physician shortage, especially in rural communities. Current projections show the nation may fall short by up to 124,000 physicians in the next decade, with rural areas alone  expecting to face a deficit of more than 20,000 primary care doctors by this year.

– Training, recruiting, and retaining physicians in rural communities is essential to ensuring that people living in these areas have reliable access to comprehensive health care services.

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Miller, Colleagues Introduce Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Authorization Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the RCORP Authorization Act, a bipartisan bill that amends the Public Health Service Act and ensures the continued operation of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). This legislation secures and strengthens vital prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder in rural communities. This bill will also help local providers expand medical care and better respond to emerging public health challenges.

“Supporting communities battling addiction remains one of my highest priorities. Representing a rural district, I know how critical it is for families to have reliable access to quality health care and recovery services. RCORP delivers essential funding to rural areas that lack the resources needed to address substance use disorders, and formally authorizing this program provides stability for the providers doing this lifesaving work. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort to strengthen prevention and recovery services in some of the most underserved parts of our nation,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“For the millions of Americans battling substance use disorder, having access to proven, affordable treatment can mean the difference between life and death. The RCORP program is critical in bringing those lifesaving services to our rural communities, including those in our own Capital Region. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation that ensures those living with the disease of addiction have access to the health care treatment and resources they need to find and follow the path to recovery,” said Rep. Tonko (D-NY)

“Opioid addiction doesn’t discriminate by age, income, or political party, and it’s going to take all of us working together to end to this national crisis. I’m proud to work with my colleagues authorize the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. While there is no silver bullet, bipartisan solutions like this will help us save lives and support those struggling with substance use,” said Rep. Sewell (D-AL). 

“Rural districts like mine face significant barriers to opioid treatment and recovery. Formally authorizing the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program ensures those battling substance abuse maintain access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As a pharmacist, this issue is deeply personal to me. I will continue working so every American has the tools and support necessary to overcome addiction, and I thank my colleagues for working together to save lives,” said Rep. Carter (R-GA).

“On behalf of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, we are thrilled to see Reps. Carol Miller, Buddy Carter, Terri Sewell, and Paul Tonko introduce the RCORP Authorization Bill of 2025.  The RCORP program has been a lifeline for Rural communities in West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, New York and all 50 states.  If passed into law this bill solidifies the standing of the program in the eyes of Congress – we look forward to working with our rural champions to ensure Congress advances this important bipartisan measure,” said Tammy Norville, CEO of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. 

“Substance use disorder, including opioid use, is exacerbated in rural America by a lack of access to care and treatment. The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is the only opioid grant program targeted exclusively to rural populations and is aimed at alleviating access gaps by establishing and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services. NRHA applauds the efforts of Congresswoman Miller and Congressman Tonko for their introduction of the RCORP Authorization Act and their continual leadership on rural issues,” –said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.
 

 Click here for bill text.

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Miller, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Honoring West Virginia National Guard Members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), joined by Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV), introduced a resolution honoring U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who were targeted and tragically shot while serving in the line of duty last Wednesday. Specialist Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, and while Staff Sergeant Wolfe is showing improvement, he remains in the hospital fighting for his life.

Representatives Miller and Moore express their gratitude to Senators Capito (R-WV) and Justice (R-WV) for their work on the companion legislation in the Senate.

“Serving our nation in the National Guard takes immense courage, and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe embodied that courage to its fullest. They represent the very best of us and exemplify true dedication to their country. As a mother and grandmother, I grieve with Sarah’s family as her life was taken far too soon. I am also praying earnestly for Andrew, who continues to fight for his life with incredible strength. This resolution honors Sarah and Andrew and ensures that Congress stands with all their loved ones, as they face the unthinkable. We honor their selfless service and, as Americans, stand united against the evil that has struck our nation,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“As a father, my heart breaks for the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. She volunteered to serve, and in the end gave the last full measure of devotion to her country. Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who comes from a proud West Virginian family dedicated to serving their community and country, continues to fight for his life in the hospital. My heart is with their families and loved ones. This resolution sends a clear message that the American people stand with the Beckstrom family, Andrew Wolfe, and the whole West Virginia National Guard community. We grieve this horrific and senseless attack, and continue to pray for these Guardsmen and their families,” said Congressman Moore. 

Read the resolution here.

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Steil Introduces Nonpartisan Legislation to Cut Red Tape, Streamline Environmental Projects

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

Washington, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined his colleagues Representatives Troy Downing (MT-02), Janelle Bynum (OR-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) in introducing the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act. This bill reduces administrative barrier for ecosystem restoration projects in regulated floodplains, speeding up development time and reducing regulatory costs.

“Bureaucratic red tape should not stall common sense conservation projects,” said Steil. “The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act eases administrative burdens and empowers Wisconsin communities to make our waterways healthier, strengthen our resilience to floods, and enhance ecosystems across the nation. I’m proud to help lead the effort to ensure Wisconsin’s conservation projects are completed on time, strengthening our environment and reducing flood risks in our community.”

 “FEMA’s No-Rise Rule is hindering conservation efforts across the state of Montana and across the country,” said Downing. “My bipartisan legislation cuts this burdensome red tape, empowering locally supported conservation and restoration projects. I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in this common sense measure to right size regulation for American conservation.”

“Environmental restoration projects across Oregon – and the country – are being held up by unnecessary red tape when they don’t need to be,” said Bynum. “It’s resulting in canceled projects and costing our communities thousands of dollars. I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for partnering with me on this important legislation that will protect our communities, restore our environment, and remove barriers to progress.”

“Floodplain restoration projects reduce flood risks and provide many other public benefits,” said Wisconsin Wetlands Association Executive Director Tracy Hames. “Despite this, many obstacles impede wetland, stream, and floodplain restoration within FEMA-mapped areas. Addressing the regulatory barriers is a crucial first step to bringing back the water-managing functions of Wisconsin’s floodplains. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Steil and other congressional delegates to advance this commonsense approach.”

Read the bill HERE. 

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Steil Presents Burlington Nurse with Health Care Worker of the Year Award

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

Elkhorn, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Sam Porter, a nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital and Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, with Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2025 Health Care Worker of the Year Award.

 “Health care professionals serve on the front lines. Our community is especially thankful to Samantha Porter for her dedication to helping others, both inside and outside of the emergency department. Her selflessness, compassion, and commitment to putting her patients’ needs first should be commended. Congratulations, Samantha.”

(Pictured: Theresa Porter, Healthcare Worker of the Year Sam Porter, Congressman Bryan Steil, Joan Yunker, and Sean Yunker)

Steil presented the 2025 Health Care Worker of the Year Award to Sam Porter, an Emergency Department Nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital and at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. Samantha was nominated for her commitment to providing life-saving and compassionate care to every patient she serves. 

 

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Pallone Statement on Third Circuit Decision Confirming Alina Habba Was Unlawfully Installed as NJ’s U.S. Attorney

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

Court Sides With Pallone and Colleagues in Challenge to Trump’s Illegal Habba Appointment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after the Third Circuit affirmed that Alina Habba was never legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey:

 

“Today’s ruling is exactly why I helped pass the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act. The law is simple: U.S. Attorneys must answer to the Constitution, not to political pressure from the White House. With this decision the Third Circuit has made it clear that Alina Habba was never the Acting U.S. Attorney. The Trump Administration broke the law when it tried to reinstall her anyway.

 

“Habba’s illegal appointment caused real problems in New Jersey — from delayed trials to confusion in our federal courts. I joined this brief to protect the law we wrote and to make sure New Jersey gets a U.S. Attorney chosen through a lawful process. Today’s decision restores that process and reinforces the checks and balances that keep politics out of our justice system.”

 

In October, Pallone joined an amicus brief urging the Third Circuit to uphold the law. The court’s ruling confirms that Habba was never legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney.

 

Congress passed the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act in 2007 to prevent presidents from installing unconfirmed political allies as U.S. Attorneys. The law requires Senate confirmation within 120 days and authorizes federal judges to appoint an interim replacement if that deadline passes.

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Pallone: Trump Admin Punished FEMA Whistleblowers Twice for Telling the Truth

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today condemned the Trump Administration for abruptly re-suspending 14 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees who had been briefly reinstated after sounding the alarm about the collapse of the nation’s disaster response system.

 

“This is retaliation in plain sight. These FEMA professionals warned Congress that Trump and Noem are tearing down the agency that protects Americans in a crisis and his administration punished them twice for telling the truth. It shows an administration that is more interested in silencing experts than preparing for the next disaster. And it puts every coastal state, including New Jersey, at real risk. FEMA can’t function when political loyalty matters more than saving lives. These workers should be back on the job immediately and DHS needs to explain this mess,” said Pallone. 

 

The 14 workers were suspended in August after signing a letter to Congress known as the Katrina Declaration. The letter warned President Trump’s and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policies were gutting critical reforms to FEMA’s ability to respond to emergencies put in place by Congress after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Last week, FEMA notified the employees that they were cleared to return to work. Senior political appointees at the Department of Homeland Security reversed that decision once the reinstatements became public. 

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Pallone to State: Closing Our Hospital Would Be A Disaster For Long Branch Area Residents

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

In Trenton, NJ 6th District Congressman says RWJ Barnabas is walking away from working people to pad their own pockets with higher profits

LONG BRANCH, N.J. – At today’s final State Health Planning Board hearing on RWJ Barnabas Health’s plan to close Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) hospital in Long Branch, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) delivered testimony in opposition to RWJ Barnabas’s plan to close one of New Jersey’s best hospitals.

“Simply put, RWJ Barnabas’ plan to close the Long Branch hospital puts profits over people. Period. They are abandoning a poorer, more diverse city for a significantly wealthier, less diverse suburb,” Pallone said.

 

Pallone has opposed the disastrous plan from day one, arguing that RWJ Barnabas is abandoning a lower-income area to build a concierge hospital in Tinton Falls. For months, he has demanded fair hearings and an opportunity for community members to be heard after two chaotic and inaccessible hearings: one announced illegally, the other held in a cramped off-site venue in Eatontown where opponents were left outside in the freezing cold while RWJBarnabas employees filled the seats. Today’s is the final public hearing before RWJ Barnabas’s plan is approved by state officials.

Prepared Testimony of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

State Health Planning Board – December 4, 2025

Check Against Delivery

 

My name is Frank Pallone, and I represent Long Branch and much of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.

Simply put, RWJ Barnabas’ plan to close the Long Branch hospital puts profits over people. Period.

They are abandoning a poorer, more diverse city for a significantly wealthier, less diverse suburb.

Monmouth Medical Center’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment – a rigorous review of its communities’ health needs – underscores why Long Branch needs an acute care hospital.

Long Branch has a 16.2% poverty rate, one of the highest in the county. Monmouth Medical Center’s assessment estimates over 5,8000 uninsured residents, the highest in the county.

Many Latino and Hispanic residents face transportation barriers, and Long Branch has the highest rate of foreign-born residents and foreign language speakers in the county.

The loss of Monmouth Medical Center Hospital in Long Branch would place an undue burden on both Jersey Shore Medical Center and Riverview Hospital, both closer to Long Branch than a new hospital in Tinton Falls.

The Health Department staff recommendations do not take into account the actual travel time.

Have you ever tried to travel from Long Branch to Tinton Falls in July or August along Route 36? It’s literally bumper to bumper and adds a half hour to your travel time.

The Health Department staff recommendations provide no analysis of the actual need for an acute care hospital in Long Branch or the shift of the Long Branch area residents to the two nearby Hackensack Meridian Hospitals.

The staff essentially says it doesn’t matter since the new hospital in Tinton Falls is still in the Monmouth Medical Center service area.

But that begs the question of the true medical needs of the Long Branch area residents and the overcrowding resulting from thousands of new patients, many uninsured or on Medicaid that will go to Jersey Shore Hospital and Riverview Medical Center.

Financially, this move allows RWJBarnabas Health to drop Medicaid and uninsured patients while capturing wealthier ones, jeopardizing the stability of other hospitals in the area.

The application before you is significantly amended from the one filed by RWJBarnabas last year that retained Monmouth Medical Center hospital in Long Branch. The amended application seeks to transfer the hospital license from our city and eliminate acute inpatient services at Long Branch.

The Health Department staff recommendations insist that the Long Branch Hospital license be transferred to Tinton Falls because neither location would have the full complement of mandatory hospital services necessary for a general acute care hospital.

But, that is a mischaracterization of the initial application. The new hospital in Tinton Falls could have the full complement of mandatory hospital services and therefore qualify as a general hospital.

The most important acute care services that the initial application retained in Long Branch were; inpatient medical surgery and beds capable of being made into ICU units when necessary. This took into account the real needs of Long Branch area residents.

The Health Department staff recommendations do provide that the Long Branch campus offer other acute care services such as a satellite emergency department, a 24-bed observation unit, an outpatient surgery center with specialty clinics and imaging services. So why can’t Long Branch include acute inpatient surgery and beds that are ICU adaptable as originally proposed?

Also, why do the Health Department staff only recommend that the satellite emergency department remains in Long Branch indefinitely? Both our inpatient surgery and operating rooms and beds as well as all the outpatient services specified by the Health Department Staff should be mandated indefinitely, not just for five years. Anything that is mandated for a certain period of time would allow for RWJ Barnabas to transition out that service and close it down.

Our representatives in the state legislature have introduced bills that would require that both the existing inpatient and outpatient surgery services remain in Long Branch. There is no reason why the Health Planning Board can’t do the same.

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Pallone Welcomes Health Board Move To Defer Decision That Would Close Long Branch’s Hospital

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

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today welcomed the decision by the State Health Planning Board last night to defer their decision to issue a recommendation on the closure of Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) hospital in Long Branch. 

The decision by the Board to postpone issuing their final recommendation comes after the State’s final hearing in Trenton yesterday, where Pallone led hundreds of members of the community in expressing opposition to RWJ Barnabas Health’s plan to relocate all of Monmouth Medical Center’s acute care facilities and hospital license in Long Branch to a new facility in Tinton Falls—a plan which would devastate vulnerable communities in Long Branch and the surrounding area. 

“Everyone deserves access to life-saving health care at a hospital. This fight isn’t over and I’m glad the State Health Planning Board understands just how disastrous this would be,” Pallone said. “The decision by the board to defer is unprecedented and demonstrates the legitimate and serious concerns with RWJ Barnabas Health’s application. I’m going to continue making the case that the current proposal fails Long Branch residents and puts hospital access throughout the region at risk. Premiums are going up, people are losing their insurance, and families are making tough choices. Closing Long Branch’s hospital would only make our health care crisis worse.”

The Board’s decision to defer their recommendations comes after a lengthy and mismanaged public comment process where Long Branch area residents were literally shut out in the cold. The Board requested further information on the use of mass transit by patients to the new facility; staffing sourcing; an extension on the services that would remain in Long Branch; and how moving the hospital license and facilities out of Long Branch would detrimentally affect health equity.

For decades, Monmouth Medical Center hospital has provided essential health care to residents who already face barriers such as transportation challenges, chronic illness, and lack of insurance coverage. 

Pallone has long argued that closing Monmouth Medical Center hospital and abandoning the Long Branch community will lead to worse health care outcomes for many. Other hospitals in the region will be forced to absorb an influx of patients, potentially leading to longer wait times, staff burnout, and greater financial strain. He continues to advocate for a solution that would allow RWJ Barnabas Health to keep acute care hospital services in Long Branch while building their new facility in Tinton Falls.

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Pallone on Habba Resigning: “Not A Moment Too Soon”

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

Trump’s illegal pick for N.J. U.S. Attorney bows out

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after Alina Habba, President Trump’s pick for Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, announced her resignation from her illegally obtained post:

 

“Donald Trump and his right-wing partisans are not above the law. Alina Habba is gone, and not a moment too soon. Her illegal appointment caused major problems for federal courts here in New Jersey and she abused her power to go after Trump’s political opponents. Partisan politics have no place in New Jersey’s or America’s justice systems.”

 

Habba’s resignation comes after a Third Circuit court ruling confirmed that Habba was not legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney, under the provisions of the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act—a 2007 law which requires Senate confirmation of U.S. attorneys within 120 days, and which Pallone helped pass.

 

Pallone has repeatedly called on Habba to resign and in October, he joined an amicus brief urging the Third Circuit to uphold the law.