MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Education & Workforce Committee, released a statement on the House passage of the Republican reconciliation budget.

“Republicans have shown today that billionaires are their top priority, not the millions of people who will be harmed by the reckless GOP reconciliation budget,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This bill does nothing to combat waste, fraud, and abuse like they claim. Instead, it will cause average Americans across the country to suffer. More children will go to bed hungry. More working Americans will lose their healthcare. More families will face eviction and homelessness. More veterans and seniors will lose access to lifesaving basic needs programs. Americans will die because Republicans are choosing to place greed over our country.”

“In North Carolina, this bill would mean putting the food security of 1.4 million SNAP recipients in jeopardy,” Adams continued. “656,000 North Carolinians covered under Medicaid expansion could lose their lifesaving healthcare. Our farmers and small business owners, the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, will find it even harder to make ends meet. My constituents will suffer so Republicans can make people like Elon Musk even richer.”

“My office will continue working closely with state and local governments, non-profits, community and civic groups, and local leaders to support our community when Republicans in Congress won’t. I also encourage every North Carolinian to contact all members of Congress—Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate—to voice their concern and disapproval over this budget. This bill will hurt a lot of beautiful people. Now, more than ever, we need to fight to protect our basic needs programs and our futures,” Adams concluded.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt proudly voted in favor of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” landmark legislation that delivers critical wins for American families, strengthens national security, and ensures responsible government spending.

“I’m voted yes because hardworking families deserve tax relief, a secure border, and a government that lives within its means,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This bill delivers real results while continuing to support our most vulnerable.”

The legislation includes a wide array of reforms and investments aimed at promoting economic stability and restoring public trust in federal governance. It also includes a provision championed by Congressman Aderholt: a new $5,000 adoption tax credit to ease the financial burden for families opening their hearts and homes to children in need.

“I’m especially proud to have helped secure an adoption tax credit in this bill,” Aderholt added. “This provision will provide meaningful relief to adoptive families and reflects our commitment to protecting life and supporting loving homes.”

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) was honored Wednesday night with the prestigious Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington, D.C. The award celebrates national leaders who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

During the ceremony, Congressman Aderholt invited a special guest to join him on stage—Julia Greene, a current intern in his Washington office who has Down syndrome. Julia, accompanied by her father Bill Greene, has been an integral part of the Aderholt team this spring. In his remarks, the Congressman described Julia as “a shining example of what Global AcceptAbility embodies: perseverance, possibility, and promise.”

“I am deeply humbled to receive the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award,” said Aderholt. “To stand alongside my colleague, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and be recognized by an organization that has done so much to uplift and empower people with Down syndrome is an honor I will treasure.”

Aderholt added, “Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. People with Down syndrome are living reminders of that truth. Their joy, strength, and contributions enrich our communities and remind us of the dignity and worth of every human life.”

About the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award

The Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award is named in honor of the legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who became a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome following the birth of his daughter with the condition. Presented by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the award recognizes leaders in public service, media, and philanthropy who have shown extraordinary dedication to advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families. Past recipients include members of Congress, national media figures, and internationally renowned activists.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation continues to lead efforts in research, medical care, and advocacy, promoting inclusion and equity for individuals with Down syndrome across the nation.

Congressman Aderholt concluded his remarks with a reaffirmed commitment to advocating for policies that empower the Down syndrome community: “From the halls of Congress to the heart of this community, we must act on the belief that every life has value.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, welcomed newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to testify on the Department of Education’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

In his opening remarks, Congressman Aderholt commended Secretary McMahon for swiftly implementing President Trump’s bold education agenda, noting her strong start in reshaping federal education policy and reaffirming the Department’s commitment to restoring education to state and local control.

“Secretary McMahon has wasted no time getting to work,” said Aderholt. “She understands that despite record levels of federal spending, student outcomes have declined, and it’s time to reassess our approach to education. I applaud her for hitting the ground running.”

Aderholt addressed the alarming decline in student performance, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicating that one-third of eighth graders read below the basic level. He emphasized the failure of increased federal spending to yield academic gains and reiterated his call for focusing on foundational skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.

“Students deserve better. More spending has only led to worse results,” Aderholt said. “It’s time we return the focus of our classrooms to core subjects rather than divisive social advocacy.”

A key topic of the hearing was school choice, particularly the expansion of public charter schools. Aderholt pointed to Department data showing that charter school enrollment has more than doubled in the past decade while traditional public school enrollment has declined.

He also discussed the Department’s efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the federal student loan system, which has left millions of borrowers in default or at risk of default.

“The student loan program is in disarray, and Secretary McMahon has inherited a broken system,” said Aderholt. “I am hopeful that she can bring clarity and responsibility back to this vital area of higher education.”

Congressman Aderholt also praised Secretary McMahon and the Department for reaffirming protections for students on college campuses and restoring the original intent of Title IX, ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

“Thank you to Secretary McMahon and President Trump for defending the rights of female athletes and ensuring our campuses are safe and welcoming environments for all students,” Aderholt added.

The hearing marked Secretary McMahon’s first appearance before the Subcommittee since her confirmation and provided a forum for Congressional oversight of the Department’s spending and priorities under the new administration.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – On May 20, 2025, Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04), Doris Matsui (CA-07), John Garamendi (CA-08), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Josh Harder (CA-09) issued a formal letter to Governor Newsom and California state legislature leadership reaffirming their strong opposition to the Delta Conveyance Project, also known as the Delta Tunnel. This letter comes in response to recent efforts by the Governor to fast-track approval and construction of the controversial project. 

“The Delta Tunnel poses a grave threat to the environmental, economic, and cultural well-being of communities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region,” the Representatives said. “From exacerbating water quality issues for our local agriculture and wildlife to creating water scarcity, this project’s unintended consequences will be a calamity in our communities.”

In the letter, the lawmakers also pointed to alternative, less expensive and more sustainable water management strategies to the Delta Tunnel, which is estimated to cost more than $20 billion. 

“Instead of revising a decades-old proposal such as the Delta Tunnel, we must invest in forward-thinking alternatives that cost less and can be completed faster,” the Members added. “This includes increasing our water storage capacity, modernizing our existing conveyance infrastructure to limit evaporation, increasing our water use efficiency, and more, which have all seen significant federal interest and investment.” 

The Representatives reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with state leadership to secure federal resources and advance effective solutions that address California’s water management challenges. 

The full text of the letter is available here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Davis, CA – Saturday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry recognized the 2025 Student Leadership Council graduates at an end-of-year town hall and graduation ceremony hosted at the University of California, Davis. The event featured special guest speakers and a town hall hosted by Rep. Thompson. Graduates were able to ask questions and discuss any issues of importance to them and our community. Rep. Thompson then presented graduating students with certificates marking their achievement serving on the Council. Among the graduates were seven outstanding students from Lake County, sixteen from Napa County, eight from Solano County, five from Sonoma County and ten from Yolo County.

“I’m inspired by the passion and drive of the students graduating from Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry’s and my 2024–2025 Student Leadership Council,” said Rep. Thompson. “This year’s students brought incredible energy and ideas to the table—from tackling the climate crisis to gun violence prevention to protecting our democracy. It was an honor to host a town hall with them and hear their thoughtful perspectives firsthand. To our 2025 graduating student leaders: Congratulations! I can’t wait to see all you accomplish for our community and our country.” 

“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration with Congressman Thompson to give our future leaders an opportunity to experience the inner workings of government and learn how to become successful community members. Congratulations to all the students who are completing this program. I hope it has broadened their horizons and sparked their curiosity, inspiring them to dedicate their lives to improving their communities,” said Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry.

Rep. Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry’s Student Leadership Council is an exciting program that allows local students to work directly with their elected officials and staff to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and engage with our community. The Council is open to all high school students who live in California’s Fourth Congressional District or California’s Fourth Assembly District. Selected students meet several times a month over the course of a semester. 

Learn more about the Student Leadership Council here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Rutherford, CA – Friday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he nominated five local students who have since accepted offers to our nation’s military service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These prestigious appointments follow a highly competitive, months-long process led by Rep. Thompson’s office, which includes a comprehensive application, academic and personal evaluations, panel interviews, and final selection by the academies themselves.

“Each year, it’s a privilege to support the remarkable young individuals from our district who are selected to attend our nation’s prestigious military service academies,” said Rep. Thompson. “These appointments are reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a strong commitment to community service, and excellence beyond the classroom. This year’s appointees have earned this honor through their hard work and dedication, and I extend my sincere congratulations to them on behalf of our entire district.”

Each year, local candidates are interviewed for a nomination to our nation’s service academies. Those nominated then must be offered an appointment by the academies. Appointees from the Fourth Congressional District were honored at a ceremony at St. Supery Winery in Rutherford. Biographies for each student are included below.

For the U.S. Military Academy at West Point:

Christopher Palchak

Davis, CA

Christopher attends Jesuit High School in Sacramento and has been on honor roll for all semesters of high school. He holds a GPA of 4.5. He is on the Track and Field Throws Team and was both Junior Varsity and Varsity captain. He has volunteered with Davis Community Meals since 2021. He is a member of 4H, raised goats and swine, and is a member of the Yolo Sportsman’s Association rifle team. He is inspired by his siblings; his sister is a 2024 graduate and has 3 siblings currently at the United States Military Academy (USMA).

Elliott Black-Holcroft

Davis, CA

Elliott currently attends Los Rios Community College and attended Davis Senior High School and graduated with a 3.8 GPA. He is enrolled in ROTC through CSU Sacramento. He was on the Varsity water polo team, and on the swimming team. He participated in the Davis Teen Leadership Council in 2023. He is inspired by his grandfather, a Vietnam Veteran and a professor at WestPoint.  

For the U.S. Air Force Academy:

John Paul Baker

Woodland, CA

John attends Davis Senior High School. He has been on the Varsity Track (2022 and 2023) and Football (2024) teams, as well as Junior Varsity Basketball team (2023). He holds a GPA of 4.0 and was a recipient of the National African American Recognition Award in August of 2023, and was accepted into the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and United States Military Academy (USMA) Summer Leadership Camp. He spends his time volunteering at his local soup kitchen, and volunteering with his church. His brother also graduated from the United States Naval Academy.

Soren De Young 

Napa, CA

Soren attends Vintage High School. He is ranked 24^th in his class of 400. He is inspired by a long history of family service dating to his great-grandfather who served in World War II. He is a triple-sport athlete, playing on his high school Baseball, Wrestling, and Cross-Country teams. He is involved with Boy Scouts of America, including community service through this organization. He has his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) student pilot license and is certified in CPR and First Aid.

Blake Fuchslin

Dixon, CA

Blake attends Davis Senior High School. He holds a GPA of 4.6 and ranks in the Top 30 of 650 students. He played Varsity Water Polo and Swim and lettered all three years. He was awarded the President’s Outstanding Academic Excellence award and USA Water Polo’s Outstanding Academic All-American in 2022. He is involved with Davis Community Club and Davis Empower Youth, including community service through both.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Bill Set to Rip Health Care from 14 Million People, Food Assistance from 9 Million People

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

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) held a forum featuring testimony from local public safety experts, tax law experts, and health care providers to discuss how Congressional Republicans’ latest budget bill will impact Sacramento metro region residents.

Congressional Republicans’ bill, which passed the House of Representatives this month, will slash health care coverage for nearly 14 million people, cut nutrition benefits for nearly 11 million people, and raise energy costs for families by $110 per year in order to hand a tax break to the ultra-wealthy. 

“Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is a disaster – targeting the most vulnerable among us to give tax breaks to the richest Americans,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This bill rips away health care and nutrition assistance from millions of Americans and will have devastating consequences here in our region. That’s why we gathered a panel of local experts to explain exactly what is at stake for our communities. Programs like Medicaid and SNAP are lifelines – they allow our loved ones, friends, and neighbors to live healthy and fulfilling lives with dignity and independence. With the health and future of our constituents at risk, we will not back down. This battle is far from over.” 

“Simply put, this bill is a bad deal for the American people,” said Congressman Thompson. “My Republican colleagues are paying for these huge tax breaks for the wealthy by stripping health care away from nearly 14 million Americans, taking food assistance from 11 million people, and cutting green energy investments responsible for our manufacturing boom. This will add $5 trillion to our national debt and will impact everyone in our community. Hospitals and clinics will be forced to reduce services or shut down altogether, local food banks will have fewer resources, and families will pay more for their energy bills. This is unacceptable.” 

Representatives Thompson and Matsui were joined by local experts testifying to the negative impacts of this bill. Panelists included Dr. Darien Shanske, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, UC Davis; Chief Chris Costamagna of the Sacramento Fire Department; Dr. Erika Roshanravan, Medical Director for CommuniCare+OLE; Kate Laddish, Medicaid beneficiary and Chair of Yolo County In-Home Supportive Services’ Advisory Committee; Diana Flores, Executive of Director Nutrition Services, Central Kitchen and Distribution Services for Sacramento City Unified School District; and Jessica Bartholow, Director of Government Relations for SEIU California.

BACKGROUND

H.R. 1 passed the House of Representatives 215-214 in May. Every Democrat and two Republicans voted “No.” Now, it is under consideration in the Senate. Watch a recording of today’s forum here.

                                                

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led 15 lawmakers in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging him to protect funding for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Expansion Grant Program. CCBHCs provide lifesaving care to millions of Americans; however, a leaked draft of President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget called for the elimination of their funding. 

The members write, “Eliminating the CCBHC program would immediately disrupt these critical services, potentially leading to increased, more costly hospitalization rates and exacerbating homelessness. Such cuts would reverse the significant progress that has been made in ameliorating the opioid crisis and in building a more efficient and comprehensive mental health and substance use care system. These cuts would also put our most vulnerable populations, such as veterans and those in rural communities, at risk. 

“From the start, CCBHCs have been a bipartisan effort. The clear evidence of CCBHCs’ effectiveness and related cost savings makes this a wise investment for our country.”

 CCBHCs offer a broad range of critical mental health and substance use care services to meet individuals’ needs in their community and include requirements to provide tailored community-based services for our veterans. 

Today, more than 500 CCBHCs operate across 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These centers provide comprehensive behavioral health care to over 3 million Americans annually. In the past year alone, CCBHCs hired 11,000 new staff positions, strengthening our country’s workforce.

 The letter is also signed by Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Paul Tonko (NY-21), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), John Mannion (NY-22), and Nanette Barragán (CA-44). It is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). 

The full text of the letter is HERE and below: 

Dear Secretary Kennedy,

We write to express our strong opposition to the reported elimination of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Expansion Grant program in President Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposal. While the President’s recent “skinny budget” does not explicitly mention Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), it proposes severe cuts to behavioral health programs. Moreover, a leaked early draft of the budget from April reportedly called for eliminating the program entirely. Such an elimination would severely worsen the nation’s ongoing mental health and substance use crisis at a crucial moment when demand for these critical and lifesaving services is increasing. 

Since FY 2018, the CCBHC Expansion Grant program has helped make the CCBHC model of care available to Americans by providing comprehensive and integrated behavioral health services to millions of children, families, and adults across our country. These centers offer a broad range of critical mental health and substance use care services to meet individuals’ needs in their community and include requirements to provide tailored community-based services for our veterans. CCBHCs offer comprehensive behavioral health services all at one location, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while adhering to rigorous federal criteria and utilizing evidence-based practices for high-quality care.

Today, more than 500 CCBHCs operate across 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and provide comprehensive behavioral health care to over 3 million Americans annually. In the past year alone, CCBHCs hired 11,000 new staff positions, strengthening our country’s workforce. 

CCBHCs are also key to ameliorating chronic disease in our country. People with serious mental illness and substance use conditions experience disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease, and CCBHCs are designed to support improved coordination with and access to primary care. CCBHCs screen for weight/BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other chronic disease indicators.

Providing effective care in local communities has also helped to decrease the use of more costly levels of care. Studies have shown that people who receive care at a CCBHC experience a 55 percent reduction in hospitalization, a 31 percent reduction in homelessness, and a 60 percent reduction in time in jails. In fact, CCBHCs have been shown to provide savings for law enforcement due to their collaborative work with law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, 87 percent of CCBHCs provide Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) directly, with the remainder of centers making this care available through partnerships with MOUD providers, which has been a significant tool in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic and providing treatment that leads to long-term recovery. 

Eliminating the CCBHC program would immediately disrupt these critical services, potentially leading to increased, more costly hospitalization rates and exacerbating homelessness. Such cuts would reverse the significant progress that has been made in ameliorating the opioid crisis and in building a more efficient and comprehensive mental health and substance use care system. These cuts would also put our most vulnerable populations, such as veterans and those in rural communities, at risk. 

From the start, CCBHCs have been a bipartisan effort. The clear evidence of CCBHCs’ effectiveness and related cost savings makes this a wise investment for our country. We therefore urge the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure funding for CCBHCs is protected and can continue to provide critical and lifesaving care to millions of Americans.

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