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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chip Roy (TX-21) led a group of Texas Republican lawmakers in calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately provide the necessary data to protect the integrity of Texas elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in the State of Texas. The letter to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) follows Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship verification data and the federal government’s failure to meet the deadline for providing this crucial information.

In recent weeks, Governor Greg Abbott announced the removal of 6,500 potential noncitizens from Texas voter rolls, highlighting the critical need for further verification before the upcoming election. The federal government has thus far failed to comply with an urgent request made by the State of Texas for access to USCIS data, which is crucial in verifying voter eligibility.

Other Texas Republicans who signed the letter include Reps. Lance Gooden (TX-5), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Troy Nehls (TX-22), John Carter (TX-31), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Pete Sessions (TX-17),  Brian Babin (TX-36),  Keith Self (TX-3), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Morgan Luttrell (TX-8).

“The Harris-Biden administration’s refusal to provide Texas with crucial information is a clear dereliction of duty,” said Rep. Weber. “They’re turning a blind eye to noncitizens influencing our elections, and they even killed the SAVE Act, which would have barred noncitizens from voting. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting, so why won’t they hand over the voter rolls Texas needs to keep our elections clean? My Texas Republican colleagues and I demand they release the information without delay.”

“Texas has a duty to prevent noncitizens from voting. The Biden-Harris administration is trying to prevent that for the same reason they fought the SAVE Act (H.R. 8281): they want noncitizens — especially illegal aliens — to vote,” said Rep. Roy. “Public confidence in elections is a necessary cornerstone of any representative government. That confidence must be earned through diligence and transparency.”

“This election is the most important election of my lifetime,” said Rep. Nehls. “The federal government must provide Texas’s Secretary of State, Secretary Nelson, with USCIS citizenship data to ensure non-citizens are not registered to vote in the Lone Star State. I’m proud to join my Texas colleagues in urging the Director of USCIS to expeditiously provide Secretary Nelson with this critical information to ensure the integrity of our elections.”

“Regrettably, we live in a time where Democrats, in order to cling to power, will break any law, violate any precedent, and utterly disregard the safety and well-being of the American people,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “Democrats have openly stated they want more mass illegal immigration because they need the populations in failing blue states.  While Biden and Harris have inflicted open border policies on our nation, Texas is, once again, working to do what is right by trying to make sure non-citizens are not allowed to vote and our states’ election integrity is preserved.”

“Ensuring American elections are decided by Americans is of the utmost importance,” said Rep. Sessions. “It is pressing that the federal government fulfill their role and provide information for Texas to verify their voter rolls. I am proud to stand alongside my Texas colleagues.”

“It’s outrageous that the Biden-Harris administration has refused Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency,” said Rep. Self.  “It is their duty.  It is what they were created for—it’s in the agency’s name. Texans are tired of this lawless administration. USCIS must hand over the data immediately—no delays, no excuses.”

“Democrats have consistently put illegal immigrants over American citizens, this includes allowing and encouraging them to cross our border and vote in our elections,” said Rep. Jackson. “There are far too many vulnerabilities in our election system, so I am proud to sign this letter and remain dedicated to doing everything I can to ensure we have safe and secure elections in Texas and beyond.” 

“The Biden administration doesn’t seem to have a desire to ensure the very basic level of election security is met by verifying that only Americans vote in America’s elections,” Rep. Carter. “The Biden’s administration’s failure to provide the requested information to Texas is unacceptable. The American people deserve a free, fair and secure election and I hope the Biden administration will work with the state to ensure that’s the case.”

Read the letter here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Today,  U.S. Rep. Randy Weber’s (TX-14) legislation to advance the next generation of pipelines passed the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R 7073, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act will strengthen public-private partnerships and improve Federal research, development, and demonstration related to the evolution of key pipeline systems across the country. As our Nation’s infrastructure is rapidly aging, this legislation ensures pipelines are modern, secure, and cost effective, ready to take on our growing energy needs. The success of these systems and new infrastructure technologies will be essential to our international competitiveness, national security, energy independence, and beyond.

“Pipeline infrastructure is not only vital to Southeast Texas but also crucial to the prosperity of our entire nation,” said Rep. Weber. “It remains the safest, most reliable, and efficient method for transporting the fuel that heats our homes, powers our vehicles, and drives our economy. As we continue to expand our energy resources, it’s imperative that we invest in research and development to ensure our pipelines operate at peak efficiency, fostering both innovation and growth. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the bipartisan support that takes us one step closer to ensuring our pipelines are modernized to meet the demands of the future.”

Highlights of H.R 7073 include:

• Authorizing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Secretary of Interior, and others, to establish a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low-to mid-technology readiness level research projects to achieve deployment.
• Creating a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy, which will foster collaboration with industry and stakeholders to commercialize cost-effective products and procedures.
• Conducting a program at NIST of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities and ensure their safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Rep. Weber spoke on the House Floor in support of his legislation. Watch here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Al Green (TX-9), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Morgan Luttrell (TX-8), Dan Crenshaw (TX-2), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Shelia Jackson Lee (TX-18), Lance Gooden (TX-5), Kay Granger (TX-12), Pete Sessions (TX-17), August Pfluger (TX-11), John Carter (TX-31), Roger Williams (TX-25), and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) sent a letter to President Biden urgently requesting the expedited approval of Individual Assistance (IA) under the FEMA program for Texans impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

“As members of the Texas congressional delegation, we write with an urgent plea to expedite approval of Texas’ request for Individual Assistance (IA) under the FEMA program,” the letter states.  “Specifically, our goal is to amplify the formal application provided to your Administration by acting Governor Patrick yesterday and underscore the speed by which is needed.  Many residents in and around the Houston area have been without power for several days with heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees daily.  They urgently need the resources FEMA can provide.”

“Southeast Texans are in desperate need of Individual Assistance (IA)  through FEMA immediately—there is no time to wait,” said Rep. Weber. “While we appreciate the federal aid for mitigation and public recovery, our constituents need immediate IA support to address their critical needs following Hurricane Beryl. Texans are tough, but they need swift federal action now to recover and rebuild in these trying times. President Biden, we implore you to approve the request from acting Governor Patrick immediately.”

“I am closely monitoring the devastation from Hurricane Beryl,” said Rep. McCaul. “Requesting individual disaster assistance is the next step in getting our communities the resources they need to recover from Hurricane Beryl. I am proud to work with the Texas delegation to utilize all our tools to help businesses and families rebuild their lives.”

“As Texans are recovering from Hurricane Beryl, my colleagues and I are urging the expedited approval of Individual Assistance in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on our constituents,” said Rep. Luttrell. “My staff and I are working tirelessly to support our community and making every effort to ensure folks can recover swiftly from the aftermath of the hurricane.”

“We express our gratitude to President Biden for authorizing the federal emergency disaster declaration for Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl,” said. Rep. Green. “With hundreds of thousands of constituents lacking power in Houston and its vicinity, it is imperative for persons to have the opportunity to apply for individual disaster assistance through FEMA to advance support for our communities.”

Read the letter here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. -U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced today that the House Appropriations Committee included funding for Texas’ Fourteenth Congressional District in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Appropriations bills. The following projects were approved by the full committee but await final passage by the full House of Representatives.

If enacted, the bill would provide: 

$113,286,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) construction account, to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW) from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized in WRDA 2014. The SNWW is the USA’s leading energy exporter and #1 exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). No single project can do more for Texas and the rest of the United States now than the Sabine—Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project.

$5,000,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’ (USACE) investigations account, for the pre-construction engineering and design for the Texas Coastal Project (locally known as the Ike Dike). This funding would support an integrated and comprehensive coastal resiliency strategy, addressing immediate and long-term coastal risk reduction and ecosystem restoration needs across the entire Texas coast. The Coastal Texas Project is vital for national security and economic protection, with significant implications for the entire state of Texas and the nation.

$2,000,000 to the Port of Galveston for the creation of a four-lane cargo corridor, a new access gate and weigh station, and 35 acres of additional cargo laydown space. These enhancements will secure up to 500,000 new cargo tonnage volumes within the decade, increase employment opportunities, and improve connectivity and efficiency at the port.

$1,250,000 to Texas A&M University System for the AgriLife Texas Gulf Coast Oyster Research on the Texas Gulf Coast. The funding would be used to support oyster research, recognizing that aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors globally and is expected to be the primary source of growth in seafood production in the future.

“These projects are crucial for the future of Southeast Texas. They will bolster our economic strength, create jobs, and ensure that our infrastructure can support growth and withstand challenges,” said Rep. Weber. “I’m proud to have fought for these investments, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our communities.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will introduce the Officer John Barnes Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at ensuring timely support for our nation’s law enforcement officers and their families. Named in honor of Officer John Barnes, who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Santa Fe, Texas shooting tragedy, this bill seeks to address the delays faced by officers and their families in receiving benefits from the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB).

The PSOB Program provides crucial support, including death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, as well as disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. However, despite applying for these benefits, Officer Barnes and his family have experienced an excruciating wait for a determination from the Department of Justice (DOJ) since the 2018 shooting.

“In America, we pride ourselves on supporting those who risk their lives to protect our communities. Yet, the burdensome delays within our federal government have left officers like John Barnes waiting in limbo for over six years,” said Rep. Weber. “This is unacceptable, and no officer should have to endure such bureaucratic hurdles. The Officer John Barnes Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that our law enforcement heroes receive the timely assistance they deserve, without unnecessary obstacles hindering their access to vital benefits.”

“Across the country, our nation’s law enforcement officers selflessly serve as the front line of defense for our communities. Every single day, they put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans, and in times of crisis these heroes deserve to access the benefits they have earned without red tape getting in the way,” said Sen. Cruz. “We owe it to our law enforcement officers, like Officers Barnes who has waited for far too long, to eliminate these bureaucratic barriers hindering their access to benefits. I am proud to introduce the Officer John Barnes Act to ensure our men and women in blue receive the prompt support they deserve.”

Under the provisions of the Officer John Barnes Act, the DOJ would be mandated to issue a determination on benefit claims within 270 days of receipt, providing much-needed clarity and support to officers and their families during times of crisis.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing to review the United States’ trade negotiation priorities in order to help further expand fair trade opportunities for U.S. businesses.

Congresswoman Miller began by reflecting on the United States’ need to strengthen trade relations in the Indo-Pacific to increase the U.S.’ standing within the region and deter China’s global trade dominance. 
 
“The Indo-Pacific is an essential strategic foothold to combat China’s quest for global economic dominance. The economies in the Indo-Pacific are rapidly developing. The growing personal wealth of the citizens in the Indo-Pacific provides more export opportunities. The advances in the region’s manufacturing sector enables us to diversify our supply chain away from China. Unfortunately, we are falling severely behind as China makes significant strides. While the United States has not concluded a single trade agreement with an Indo-Pacific partner in more than 10 years, China concluded negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance their massive free trade area in October 2024. This is why I re-introduced the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act with several of my colleagues on this committee. This bill will make significant inroads to further our partnerships in the region,” said Congresswoman Miller.  

Congresswoman Miller asked Jonathan Root, the Chief Financial Officer and President of Commercial, Harley-Davidson, Inc. to share his thoughts on how the lack of trade in the Indo-Pacific region affects U.S. companies and how Congress should address this. 

“Mr. Root, as you are aware, our lack of engagement in the Indo-Pacific has left the door open for these nations to stifle bilateral trade by imposing significant trade barriers on American products. This includes remarkably steep tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Could you speak to the importance of the Indo-Pacific as an export market? What can Congress do to overcome the barriers that are currently in place?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
 
“We certainly believe that Asia Pacific presents a significant opportunity over the mid-term and the long-term from a Harley-Davidson perspective. We recognize that there are unique trade pacts that are in place that certainly provide some benefit to those who manufacture within that region. Many of our competitor brands have plants in Thailand that certainly ensure low tariff access to those ASEAN markets. Many Asian nations’ trade agreements allow exports from Thailand into those markets duty-free and that does provide a significant advantage for them and a disadvantage for direct exports from the U.S. into those markets. We obviously do ask for, again, a level playing field that gives American workers the ability to export their products with equal treatment,” responded Mr. Root. 

Congresswoman Miller highlighted how U.S. digital companies are receiving unfair treatment from other countries when it comes to trade. She then asked Christine Bliss, the President of Coalition of Services Industries (CSI) what the U.S. should do to protect American companies. 
 
“As we engage in these important trade negotiations, it is important we work to strengthen the emerging sectors of our economy, particularly in the digital services economy. President Trump and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are keenly aware of the unfair treatment United States technology companies are facing, by even our closest allies, including Canada and South Korea. It is pertinent that we put a stop to this, and to ensure our future agreements adequately protect U.S. companies from harmful policies. ​​Ms. Bliss, what provisions should we include in our future trade agreements to make sure that our digital and service companies are adequately shielded from unfair treatment?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 
 
“I agree with you. It’s a very, very serious problem and I think, first and foremost, data flows underpin all digital and virtually all services trade. I would say that this is one very key element we need to see in all of our trade agreements. Secondly, we need to see a prohibition on data localization, which often is coupled with restrictions on data flows. Third, and perhaps most importantly, we need to see a strong non-discrimination provision, which really goes to the core of your question. Whether you’re looking at India in the case of the Indo-Pacific or you’re looking at [South] Korea, one of our closest allies, I think having a strong non-discrimination provision is absolutely essential that we include in our agreements. Particularly in [South] Korea where we are facing legislative proposals, regulatory proposals for discriminatory online platform regulation, I think it’s essential that that happened there, and also that we frankly are facing both in [South] Korea and China harassment of U.S. firms through unfair regulatory and enforcement actions. I would say those three provisions are probably very, very key in terms of negotiation and resolving those issues,” responded Ms. Bliss. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Jim Justice (R-WV) commended President Trump and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for providing federal disaster assistance to West Virginia following the severe storms in February.

“West Virginians were devastated by last month’s severe storms, and I’m thankful we have a President who is providing relief for those affected. The federal disaster assistance that President Trump issued for our state is crucial to helping our communities recover faster, and I thank the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for their efforts to provide essential resources and financial help to my constituents during this time. I also thank HUD’s regional administrator Joe DeFelice for taking the time to visit Welch and Bradshaw to see the aftermath firsthand. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Trump administration to deliver more relief for the West Virginians who were hurt by the storms,” said Congresswoman Miller.
 
“Ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover from disasters is a top priority. I appreciate the collaboration we’ve had with HUD, including the recent visit by Regional Administrator DeFelice in assessing the damage in Welch and Bradshaw. I am grateful to HUD for delivering additional resources to West Virginians impacted by these storms, which will help in the rebuilding and strengthening of our communities for the future,” said Senator Capito.
 
“I was just in Welch, West Virginia to view disaster recovery with the Acting Administrator of FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the county commission, local mayors, and folks effected by the floods. Through the leadership of President Trump, we are really moving forward with a whole of government response that is truly encouraging to see. Simply rebuilding isn’t the goal, building a stronger community is the goal – I’ve always said we need to bring all resources to bear, and if that’s not enough we need to triple the triple. I applaud Secretary Turner and will continue to work with both him and President Trump to make sure West Virginia has the resources needed to rebuild stronger than before,” said Senator Justice.

“As West Virginians rebuild their homes, neighborhoods, and businesses following the severe storms, HUD continues to provide financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources. Supporting disaster response is a core and important part of our mission-minded approach to serving communities at HUD,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
 
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, Monroe, Summers, Wayne counties in the State of West Virginia .
 
Background: 

• HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the availability of federal disaster assistance to West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning on February 15, 2025 and continuing. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Mike Carey (R-OH), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) in introducing the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. This bill ensures that rural and remote communities maintain access to critical emergency services. 
 
Click here for bill text. 
 
“Many of my constituents in West Virginia live hours away from their nearest hospital, so it is critical that emergency ground ambulance providers can deliver quality care in a timely manner. In efforts to support our communities’ medical responders, I am joining my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. This bill will give ambulance service providers the appropriate Medicare reimbursement needed for them to continue providing adequate life-saving treatment to vulnerable patients without worrying about high costs,” said Congresswoman Miller.
 
“Access to emergency services is critical in rural areas across the country, including NY-24, which spans 14 counties. However, lifesaving ambulance transports are often costly, placing a burden on patients and providers alike. The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act will help reduce these costs while ensuring that emergency care providers can continue delivering vital medical services to rural communities nationwide,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

Background:

• This legislation aims to provide adequate Medicare reimbursement for emergency service providers, helping them hire and retain EMT staff and modernize their equipment to continue delivering lifesaving care.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Ben Cline (R-VA), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, asking Commerce to revisit the anti-circumvention inquiry made by the previous administration into imports of hardwood plywood and the impact the certification regime would have on U.S. hardwood companies. 

Click here for the full letter. 
 
On the lawmakers’ concern regarding the anti-circumvention inquiry into imports from Vietnam and its impact on the U.S. hardwood industry:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the International Trade Administration (ITA) have a long-standing trade dispute pending regarding imports of certain hardwood plywood products alleged to have originated in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We strongly support the Trump Administration’s efforts to crack down on unfairly traded imports from China. However, we are concerned that legitimate U.S. importers may become unintended collateral damage in this process because of decisions made by the Biden Administration’s Commerce Department and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Specifically, we are concerned that NWH, Inc., a major U.S.-based operator located in Frisco, TX, which operates sawmills and distributes lumber products while employing approximately 1,000 workers across 12 states, may be unfairly affected by the Biden Administration’s rulings.

The fundamental issue that the entire trade proceeding seeks to resolve is whether the hardwood plywood was produced in Vietnam or China. NWH has provided substantial evidence that it complied with the applicable regulations, which have been included in the case record. NWH closely followed the memo issued by ITA on July 9, 2020, which clarified that “the merchandise subject to these anticircumvention and scope inquiries does not include core veneers fully produced in Vietnam or a third country that are assembled into a veneer core platform in Vietnam and combined with a face and back veneer produced in China.” The company has made significant efforts to verify that the wood product in question was harvested and processed in Vietnam, showing that the plywood cores on the imports in question were composed of wood species native to Vietnam that are not grown in China.

On the importance of revisiting the anti-circumvention inquiry to protect United States companies:

We urge Commerce to seriously consider and accept the extrinsic evidence submitted by importers when making its final decision in the ongoing administrative reviews of these orders. Doing so would be consistent with direction provided by Congress, as the Committee Report issued last year by the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2025 included language that makes this recommendation.

We appreciate your consideration as you seek to conclude this administrative action in coming months.

Background:

In October of 2024, Congresswoman Miller and seven of her colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressing their concerns over the anti-circumvention inquiry into imports of hardwood plywood and the impact the certification regime has on U.S. hardwood companies.

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

Congresswoman Miller began by pointing out the medical challenges patients in rural communities’ face and how her bill, the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act, would be a solution. 

“Rural patients, like my constituents in West Virginia, are disproportionately left without the critical support they need to recover after major illnesses and from surgeries. This lack of access to essential care not only affects their recovery, but also increases their risk of complications, leading to longer hospital stays and a diminished quality of life. One way to address this critical gap is to expand telehealth usage in post-acute care settings. I introduced the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act, which passed out of this committee last year. My bill would allow hospice providers to use telehealth to conduct face-to-face visits required for hospice recertification,” said Congresswoman Miller. 

Congresswoman Miller asked Paul Dongilli, the CEO of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, to speak to how rural access challenges can affect patients and their families. 

“Mr. Dongilli, not only do patients suffer from a lack of proximity to necessary care, but their families and spouses are also deeply affected. For caregivers and loved ones, the inability to regularly visit or assist in the recovery process can lead to emotional, financial, and logistical strain. With these challenges in mind, can you speak about the impact of lack of access to care in rural areas on your patients’ spouses and families and the challenges they face visiting their loved ones?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 

“It is a very real issue for family members. We recognize that treating patients in post-acute care is not just treating that patient, it’s treating the entire family. It’s making them comfortable and confident to take their family member back home once they finish their episode of care. I know we’ve tried to institute various ways to make it easier for those family members to access the care we provide. We provide some family housing. We have the ability for family members to stay in the patient’s rooms. They have access to amenities that would support the relocation for brief periods of time to our vicinity. I think that the part of the bill that you also co-sponsored is making it helpful and useful for folks to come to an LTCH (Long-Term Care Hospital) and for that LTCH to receive payment for them admitting directly from that critical access hospital. So that would hopefully help the patients, and their families receive the care that they need,” responded Mr. Dongilli. 

Congresswoman Miller brought attention to the reimbursement issues Long-term care hospitals face and how her bill, the Patient Access to Long Term Care Hospitals Act, would resolve this financial challenge. She also asked Mr. Dongilli to share his personal experience in dealing with this barrier.

“Long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) are critical for patients who require extended care. The cost to treat the complex medical needs LTCH patients require can be significant. The reimbursement system for LTCHs is structured to help manage these costs, but recent changes to the high-cost outlier threshold have introduced new financial challenges. By raising this threshold, the amount of reimbursement LTCHs can receive for treating particularly costly cases has decreased. This puts additional strain on providers and affects the level of care available to patients. I introduced the Patient Access to Long Term Care Hospitals Act, which will provide adequate reimbursement for LTCHs. My bill also caps the high-cost outlier amount to $50,000. With this in mind, Mr. Dongilli, what has been the impact of the increase in the high-cost outlier threshold for LTCHs on providers such as yourself and the patients you treat?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“From a provider and patient perspective, before the significant increase in the high-cost outlier – when it was still only $27,000 – we were able to allow more patients to enter the facility who we knew would become high cost outliers because that fixed income amount was such that we could manage that and still make a relatively small margin within our long-term care hospital. The margin at that time was close to 4%. When that doubled and it went to $58,000 or $57,000 what we saw was that we had to provide more scrutiny, even though we continue to admit those patients who would go into high-cost outlier status, the financial impact of doubling it resulted in our overall LTCH margin following from that 4% to a -3%. So, when you’re talking about a significant number of cases and for us at that time, our high-cost outlier threshold was about 30%. So now, we have to limit that in order to just maintain financial solvency which denies patients access to the care that they need at that point in time,” responded Mr. Dongilli.