MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), co-chairs of the Congressional EMS Caucus, introduced legislation to address critical issues facing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals and patients by strengthening the EMS workforce, increasing available resources, and improving response time.

“EMS professionals are literally lifelines for our communities, and we need to do everything we can to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely, efficiently, and effectively,” Rep. Dingell said. “This legislation will take important steps to address the needs and concerns of EMS workers and the patients they treat, resulting in better response times, improved care, and a stronger workforce.”

“EMS workers are overworked, understaffed, and too often underappreciated.” Rep. Hudson said. “As co-chairs of the EMS caucus, Rep. Debbie Dingell and I are working to ensure we have all the proper information to update resources for our EMS workers. This is the first step in improving the quality and timeliness of care, medications, and processes for our EMS workers and patients. 

The bill is endorsed by the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP).

“There are many stressors on our EMS system that affect the patients treated by paramedics and EMTs. The quality and safety of care for these patients depends upon system oversight by an EMS physician, availability of essential life-saving medications, and efficient transfer of care to the emergency department. This bill is a crucial step toward strengthening EMS systems and improving outcomes for the communities they serve,” said Douglas Kupas, MD, NRP, FAEMS, president of NAEMSP.

The Modernizing EMS Delivery and Sustainability (MEDS) Act focuses on three key EMS concerns:

Value of EMS Medical Directors and Professionals

EMS is a critical component of the health care system. It is much more than a ride to the hospital—it is a system of coordinated response and EMS care, involving multiple people and agencies. Physician EMS medical directors supervise all EMS care for many towns, cities, and counties throughout the nation. Unfortunately, under the current EMS system, physician medical directors are not always adequately compensated for this work.  Further, EMS agencies are struggling to attract and retain EMS professionals, exacerbating persistent health workforce challenges seen throughout the field. The bill directs MedPAC to conduct a study on the level and type of compensation needed to attract and retain EMS physicians who oversee the highest level of quality care and EMS professionals delivering life-saving care to patients with emergency medical conditions.

Availability of EEMs, Blood, and Blood Products

Shortages of essential EMS medications (EEMs) continue to plague EMS and threaten the ability to provide patients with the emergency medical care they require. EMS agencies are experiencing shortages of everything from IV fluids to sedatives. When EEM shortages occur, medical directors must continually revise protocols based on the drugs and concentrations they are able to secure, and paramedics must quickly adjust to alternative medications and/or concentrations—greatly increasing the risk of medication errors in a fast-paced environment. While the fundamental problem with drug shortages is that the cost of EEMs is too low, the opposite is true with regard to blood and blood products which are very costly for EMS agencies to utilize even though they save lives, particularly in rural areas where transports are long. The bill establishes a CMMI demonstration program to evaluate a separate payment for EEMs in shortage as well as blood and blood products, aimed to ensure the availability of medications essential to EMS care for patients and better enable the use of blood and blood products—when minutes count for their survival.

Wall Time

“Wall time” refers to the period when EMS personnel are required to stay with a patient at the hospital until the patient is formally admitted and transferred to hospital staff. This time is often spent “against the wall” in the emergency department. Extended wall times can delay EMS units from returning to service, impacting their availability to respond to other emergencies. It can lead to resource strain and affect the overall efficiency and response times of EMS services. It also typically means significant delays in care for patients waiting to be admitted to the hospital. The bill requires HHS to reissue guidance to hospitals to address the “wall time” crisis and report to Congress on how to effectively tackle the persistent issues plaguing hospitals and EMS systems of overcrowding and patient boarding.

View the bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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

On May 23, Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted an infrastructure roundtable discussion in Ventura. The discussion focused on Ventura’s priorities for highway, transit, and rail infrastructure as Congress prepares to update the Surface Transportation bill. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Congressman is working to ensure the Central Coast receives its fair share of federal infrastructure funding. Download photos here.

“One of the best investments we can make in Ventura County’s future is upgrading our physical infrastructure,” said Rep. Carbajal, a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “As Congress prepares to update the Surface Transportation bill, I met with local leaders to hear what Ventura needs from the federal government to advance its critical infrastructure projects.”

Carbajal was joined by Ojai City Councilwoman, Ojai Mayor Pro-Tem, Vice Chair of the Board for Gold Coast Transit District, and Commissioner for Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Rachel Lang, VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson, Ventura County Transportation Commissioner Jim White, Director of Ventura County Public Works Agency Gregg R. Strakaluse, and City Engineer for City of Ventura Peter Sheydayi.

The regular reauthorization of our nation’s surface transportation programs is vital to national and economic security. Multi-year reauthorizations provide states with the long-term certainty they need to plan and execute many important surface transportation infrastructure projects. 

The most recent surface transportation reauthorization was included in the much broader Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA); it expires on September 30, 2026.

One of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s main priorities for the 119th Congress is passing the next bipartisan, multi-year surface transportation reauthorization before the current law expires.

In January 2025, the Committee began holding hearings to examine different aspects of our highway, transit, and rail transportation programs and ensure that Committee Members gather information in preparation for the development of this legislation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill:

“This morning, the House of Representatives passed President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This historic legislation will secure our border, unleash energy production, boost government efficiency, and make permanent key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I am proud to support this bill that will cement President Trump’s America First agenda and deliver unprecedented relief to all Americans.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is thanking those who attended her town hall meeting for seniors at Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) Center. 

“I appreciate our seniors. They are respected elders in our communities, and it’s important to hear from them on issues and report back from Washington,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I also want to specially thank Director Paopao Kuresa Paopao. I appreciate the turn out as we had a roomful, and thank you all for attending, listening or asking questions. I plan to continue holding these opportunities as I always have in my time in Congress.”

A town hall meeting like this is both a listening session, and often an opportunity to give an update about events, legislation or discussions in Washington. 

In this case, Amata spoke about her letter to officials regarding the hot meal program and how that could be improved.

The issues varied from social security benefits, Medicare, food vouchers in contrast to hot meals, the need for increased funding for caregivers programs, funding for senior citizens work programs, and other services. 

Following House passage of the reconciliation bill this week, which cuts taxes for U.S. federal taxpayers, Amata also notes that Social Security benefits were not part of that bill, so they were not changed, and American Samoa’s Medicaid rate is also unchanged, at the 83 percent federal match established for fiscal year 2020 and since. Finally, the work requirements in Medicaid in the states are not applicable to the insular territories because these territories have presumed eligibility. 

“Throughout the year, if you have questions like these, my staff will often be able to provide that answer, or look into it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo with these kinds of needs,” concluded Amata. “I am humbled to be your voice in Washington, and these meetings are always a good chance to hear what is important to you.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 26, 2025                                                 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CHARLES B. RANGEL

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel.

“Congressman Rangel left an incredible legacy of service and advocacy. One of the longest serving incumbent members in the U.S. House, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the first African-American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee—among so many other accomplishments, Rangel was full of fire and blazed a trail for all of us who have taken up the mantle to serve.

“The CBC meets weekly for lunch when Congress is in session. Years ago, when I was a new member, I would try and sit with the great icons during that 60-90 minute period. Elijah Cummings, who became my mentor, John Lewis, Charlie Rangel, Maxine Waters, Jim Clyburn, Alcee Hastings. Most of those members listened and gave thoughts to the topic at hand when appropriate in those meetings, but Charlie had a ton of other activities going on while also handling CBC business—emailing staff, working on Veterans or tax issues, procuring co-sponsors of legislation—all while telling witty stories and looking dapper.

“This past November in New York at a dinner gathering of Democratic members of the Ways and Means committee, Rangel, though physically slowed down by time and the loss of his beautiful wife, Miss Alma, was still so sharp as he talked about his teaching at NYU, past legislation and the work that we members still need to do. I leaned in to thank him for being with us and all his work. He looked at me and said with a twinkle in his eye, “You done real good for a little island gal from the backwoods of Brooklyn.” He burst out laughing when I said, “Yeah, that’s what happens following behind a half Puerto Rican from money-making Manhattan!”

“Charlie will be dearly missed by House Democrats, myself and my staff. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in power.”

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

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) applauded the Senate’s passage of three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that block California’s sweeping vehicle emissions mandates from taking effect nationwide. The measures now head to President Trump’s desk for signature.

“I’m happy to see the Senate follow the House in pushing back on California’s extreme vehicle mandates,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These rules are completely unrealistic and would have made it harder for working families to afford a reliable car or truck. Forcing California’s failed model onto the rest of the country is bad policy and bad for consumers. Americans should be free to choose the vehicles that fit their lives and budgets, and I look forward to seeing the President sign these resolutions into law.”

Congressman LaMalfa co-led the resolutions with Representatives John Joyce (R-PA), John James (R-MI), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA).

Background

Under the Clean Air Act, states are generally prohibited from setting their own tailpipe emission standards for cars and trucks. However, California has a unique exemption under Section 209, which allows the state to establish its own emissions regulations if it submits a waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and receives approval. Once granted, these California standards can also be adopted by other states under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. Currently, about a dozen states follow California’s emissions policies, effectively turning the state’s regulations into a nationwide mandate.

The Biden administration approved several controversial waivers requested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), allowing the state to impose extreme emissions rules that impact car and truck costs and availability across the country. These include:

• Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) – Approved in December 2024, this regulation mandates that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2035. At least 12 states have already adopted ACC2. Failure to meet this goal means a maximum penalty of $25,000 per non-compliant vehicle sold to consumers.
• Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) – Approved in March 2023, this regulation forces truck manufacturers and retailers to meet strict zero-emission quotas by 2035, including 55% of Class 2B-3 truck sales, 75% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales, and 40% of truck tractor sales. At least 11 states have adopted ACT.
• Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions Rule – Approved in December 2024, this regulation imposes aggressive emissions reductions on medium- and heavy-duty truck and other engines, requiring NOx emissions to be cut by 75% below current standards for Model Year 2024-2026 compared to 2010 levels and particulate matter emissions to be cut by 50%.

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the passing of former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel:

“Today, I join my colleagues in Congress and many across America in mourning the Lion of Lenox Avenue: Chairman Charles Rangel.  Serving in Congress for nearly half-a-century, Chairman Rangel was an impactful legislator and a lifelong voice for the voiceless and champion of the oppressed. 

“Chairman Rangel’s life was a tribute to service. He earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart in the Korean War — and it was my privilege to witness Chairman Rangel receive an award from the Korean government for his service to peace. He faced down the forces of hate in the Civil Rights Movement — and as a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black American to serve on and Chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he fought to promote economic opportunity in underserved communities and advance historic investments in affordable housing and health care.  Always shining a light on oppression abroad, he secured passage of the Rangel Amendment to repeal tax breaks for corporations doing business in South Africa – and championed tax and trade agreements in the Caribbean and Africa.  As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he used his gavel to advance financial security for working families amid the hardship of the Great Recession. He played an essential role in crafting both the Recovery Act and the Affordable Care Act where I saw firsthand his fight for low-income families.

“Throughout his decades of public service, Chairman Rangel was a skilled, relentless advocate for justice, for equality and for the people of Harlem.  May it be a comfort to his loving wife Alma, their beloved children Steven and Alicia and the entire Rangel family that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 26, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:

“It is with profound sadness to hear of the passing of my friend and mentor, the Honorable Congressman Charles Rangel. 

“Charles was a decorated war hero, and a good and faithful public servant for over 40 years to the people of this nation and New York City. During his time in Congress, he founded the Congressional Black Caucus and was the first Black man to chair the Ways and Means Committee, he sat on the Judiciary Committee during the historic impeachment hearings of President Nixon, and he helped pull our nation out of the 2008 recession through his influential leadership role in the House.

“Mr. Rangel was a true New Yorker and a son of Harlem, who earned his recognition as ‘the Lion of Lenox Ave.’ As Dean of New York’s U.S. House delegation, he understood the diversity of his city and advocated for the rights of Haitian migrants, for strengthening U.S. and Cuban relations, and for fostering economic development and opportunity for the people of his city. He fought to break down racial barriers, for equality, and against injustice.

“We have lost a giant who embodied a lifetime of service. I pray that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Alma. May he rest in peace and power.”

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