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Representatives Underwood, Brownley, and Levin Introduce Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Rates

Representatives Underwood, Brownley, and Levin Introduce Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Rates

U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville), Julia Brownley (D-California), and Mike Levin (D-California) have introduced the Lethal Means Safety Training Act in Congress. This bill aims to expand training for all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees who regularly interact with veterans, focusing on practices designed to reduce suicide risk by limiting access to deadly items. The proposed legislation would also extend this training to community care providers and family caregivers. Currently, only clinical healthcare providers in Veterans Health Administration facilities are required to receive lethal means safety training. The initiative comes during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood Introduces Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Rates

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood Introduces Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Rates

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) has introduced the Lethal Means Safety Training Act in Congress, a bill designed to reduce suicide rates among veterans. The proposed legislation aims to expand training for all Veterans Affairs (VA) employees who regularly interact with veterans, focusing on practices that limit access to lethal items or other means of self-harm. Currently, only clinical healthcare providers within Veterans Health Administration facilities are mandated to receive such training. If passed, the bill would also make this critical training accessible to community care providers and family caregivers. This initiative was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and co-sponsored by fellow Democratic U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley and Mike Levin, both from California. The introduction of this bill coincides with September, which is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing veteran suicide.

Giffords PAC Launches $1.5 Million Ad Blitz Against GOP Representatives on Gun Issues

Giffords PAC Launches $1.5 Million Ad Blitz Against GOP Representatives on Gun Issues

Giffords PAC, the gun safety group founded by former Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, is investing approximately $1.5 million in an ad campaign targeting Republican representatives in two key House races. The PAC is allocating $850,000 to an ad aimed at unseating Rep. Rob Bresnahan in Pennsylvania and an additional $700,000 to defeat Rep. David Valadao in California. These advertisements criticize both Republican incumbents for accepting contributions from the firearm industry and for their voting records on gun-related legislation. One ad specifically labels Rep. Bresnahan as "too corrupt to keep Northeast Pennsylvania families safe," while another features a former homicide detective accusing Rep. Valadao of "gambling with police officers’ lives and putting families in danger."

House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option

House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option

House Democrats are preparing a vast oversight agenda if the party sweeps control in the November elections

I live across from a Flock camera. Take them all down | Your Turn

I live across from a Flock camera. Take them all down | Your Turn

Are Flock cameras and similar surveillance abuse of the Fourth Amendment, Orwellian or necessary protection? Readers sound off in our Opinion Forum.

Congressman Langworthy Introduces 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Newborn Screenings

Congressman Langworthy Introduces 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Newborn Screenings

Congressman Nick Langworthy, alongside Jim and Jill Kelly, has introduced a new bipartisan bill titled the 'Surge to Save Newborns Act.' This legislation aims to provide federal funding to states to implement comprehensive newborn screenings. The bill addresses the current disparity in newborn screening practices across states, particularly concerning conditions listed on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). The Kelly family's personal experience with their son Hunter, who was diagnosed with Krabbe disease after the window for effective treatment had closed, serves as a primary motivation for this initiative. The proposed act seeks to ensure that all newborns have access to screenings for serious conditions, leveraging existing technological advancements to detect diseases early and facilitate timely intervention. Congressman Langworthy emphasized that protecting newborns is a fundamental societal responsibility.

California Republican Party and Reform California Oppose Proposition 5 to Alter Recall Process

California Republican Party and Reform California Oppose Proposition 5 to Alter Recall Process

The California Republican Party and Reform California are opposing Proposition 5, a ballot measure that seeks to change the process for replacing elected officials who are removed from office. Currently, California's 115-year-old system allows voters to choose a replacement for a recalled official on the same ballot. Proposition 5 would eliminate this 'replace' provision. If passed, the office of a recalled official would be filled 'in accordance with this Constitution and statute' until the next election. This typically means the seat would be filled by the governor's appointment and legislative confirmation, though a recalled state legislator's seat might be filled via a separate special election. In the case of a recalled governor, the lieutenant governor would complete the term. The proposition also allows the recalled official to run again if a special election is held, but they cannot be appointed. Supporters of Proposition 5, including the California Democratic Party, California Common Cause, and Le...

Democrats to probe lucrative Trump family business deals if they win midterms

Democrats to probe lucrative Trump family business deals if they win midterms

By Alexandra Ulmer and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Corporate donors to US President Donald Trump's ballroom and participants in business deals brokered by Trump family members are expected to be among the first targets of investigations if Democrats take control of the House or

U.S. House Revokes California's Clean Air Waiver, Impacting Port Pollution Regulations

U.S. House Revokes California's Clean Air Waiver, Impacting Port Pollution Regulations

The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to revoke a federal waiver that has allowed California to enforce its own clean air protections. This waiver specifically pertains to pollution emitted by ships, many of which are foreign-flagged, docking at California's ports. The state's regulations aim to reduce cancer-causing pollutants from these vessels. The revocation of this waiver means that California may no longer be able to independently set and enforce stricter emissions standards for ships, potentially leading to increased air pollution in port communities. This legislative action by the House directly challenges California's authority to manage its environmental quality, particularly concerning maritime activities within its borders.

LETTERS: New America? Watch out El Paso, you’re next

LETTERS: New America? Watch out El Paso, you’re next

El Paso Times readers write about New America, Bridge of the Americas and Big Bend border wall.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act to Boost U.S. Creative Economy

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act to Boost U.S. Creative Economy

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act to Boost U.S. Creative Economy

Congressman Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Health Screenings

Congressman Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Health Screenings

Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) has introduced the bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act,' co-led by Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA). This legislation aims to provide $35 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through Fiscal Year 2031 to assist states in implementing newborn screenings for serious health conditions. The bill addresses a critical gap where federal recommendations for uniform screening panels (RUSP) do not always translate into immediate state-level implementation due to resource constraints. The announcement was made alongside Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife Jill Kelly, who have been advocates for expanded newborn screenings after losing their son, Hunter, to Krabbe disease. The Kellys' Hunter's Hope Foundation played a significant role in advocating for Krabbe disease to be added to the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, which received final approval from HHS in July 2024. The proposed act seeks to ensure that all newborns across the country hav...