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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.

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to End Taxpayer-Funded Dog and Cat Lab Experiments and Ban Breeding for Research

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to End Taxpayer-Funded Dog and Cat Lab Experiments and Ban Breeding for Research

U.S. Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) have introduced the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act, H.R. 10522. This bill aims to prohibit the use of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) research funds for experiments on live dogs and cats, enhance oversight of animal testing, and facilitate the rehoming of animals currently in laboratories. Concurrently, Representative Nancy Mace has introduced the Prohibiting Unethical Procedures on Pets in Science (PUPPS) Act, which seeks to make it a federal offense to breed, sell, transfer, or knowingly acquire dogs specifically for research purposes. The PUPPS Act also mandates that dogs already designated for research be offered for adoption rather than euthanized. These legislative efforts align with a broader push by HHS to reduce the reliance on animals in biomedical evaluations. The introduction of the COMPACT Act was accompanied by rescued beagles from Ridglan Farms, a facility previously involved ...

Senator John Boozman Co-Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Care for Women Veterans

Senator John Boozman Co-Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Care for Women Veterans

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), alongside Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), has co-introduced the Veterans’ Outcomes, Inclusion, Care and Experience for Women Veterans Act, also known as the VOICE for Women Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to modernize the annual report provided by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by requiring more detailed reporting on the services offered to women veterans. The goal is to help policymakers identify gaps, address challenges, and improve health outcomes for this rapidly growing demographic within the veteran community. Senator Boozman emphasized that the bill will strengthen accountability and ensure women veterans receive the necessary care and support. Senator Duckworth highlighted the need for the VA to conduct a thorough review of how effectively female veterans are being served.

Congressman Langworthy Proposes Federal Legislation to End Animal Testing in Biomedical Research

Congressman Langworthy Proposes Federal Legislation to End Animal Testing in Biomedical Research

Congressman Nick Langworthy, in collaboration with Representative Mark Pocan, has proposed federal legislation aimed at ending dog and cat testing in federally funded biomedical research. This initiative coincides with a 207-mile march opposing animal testing that concluded at Marshall BioResources in Wayne County. Organizers of the 14-day march from Albany advocated for research methods that do not involve animals, culminating in a peaceful protest and candlelight vigil. While Marshall BioResources disputes accusations of abuse and states that recent USDA inspections found no citations, the company acknowledges the development of alternative methods while maintaining the current necessity of animals in some research. The proposed legislation seeks to shift federally funded research away from the use of dogs and cats, promoting more humane and potentially more effective research practices.

Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act Signed into Law, Enhancing Efficiency for Dam Relicensing

Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act Signed into Law, Enhancing Efficiency for Dam Relicensing

The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01), has been signed into law. This legislation aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of the hydropower dam licensing process. The new law mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provide an annual report to Congress detailing the status of each hydropower dam license or relicensing application. This measure is designed to streamline the process, which currently averages seven to ten years for relicensing, and offer greater clarity to all stakeholders involved. Supporters of the bill include the National Hydropower Association and American Rivers, who believe it will reduce delays and enhance accountability in managing hydropower resources.

Bipartisan Congressional Group Introduces Federal Tax Credit for Film and TV Productions

Bipartisan Congressional Group Introduces Federal Tax Credit for Film and TV Productions

Bipartisan Congressional Group Introduces Federal Tax Credit for Film and TV Productions

Congressman Jack Bergman Introduces SMILE for Veterans Act to Expand Dental Care Access for Rural Veterans

Congressman Jack Bergman Introduces SMILE for Veterans Act to Expand Dental Care Access for Rural Veterans

Congressman Jack Bergman, representing Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along with three House colleagues, has introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program designed to reimburse community-based dental providers for services rendered to rural veterans. Currently, only about 15% of the nearly nine million veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible for VA dental services, with eligibility typically restricted to those with a service-connected dental condition, a 100% disability rating, or former prisoner-of-war status. The proposed act seeks to bridge this gap by utilizing existing local dental providers, thereby offering a practical solution to the limited access to dental care for veterans in rural communities. The initiative is supported by organizations such as AMVETS, the National Rural Health Association, and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. A 2024 study funded by the CareQuest Institute highlighted signi...

Reps. Westerman and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand VA Home Loans for Rural Veterans

Reps. Westerman and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand VA Home Loans for Rural Veterans

Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding VA home loan access for rural veterans. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would provide direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. This initiative is designed to allow veterans with relevant skills to utilize their VA home loan benefits to build their own residences, addressing a current limitation where only about 30% of veterans use these loans. The bill also includes provisions for providing blueprints with American wood sourcing requirements, streamlining the permitting process by requiring permits within 45 days and covering associated fees, and offering technical assistance for construction and permit applications. Additionally, it includes a safeguard against home-flipping by requiring veterans to reside in the home for...

FEMA Workforce Planning Act Introduced to Enhance Disaster Response Capacity

FEMA Workforce Planning Act Introduced to Enhance Disaster Response Capacity

Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS), has introduced the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act. This bipartisan legislation mandates that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develop and submit comprehensive workforce plans to Congress every three years. The primary goal is to ensure FEMA possesses the necessary capacity to effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The act requires FEMA to improve its recruitment and retention efforts, develop strategies for efficient workforce training and deployment, and utilize data to identify and address staffing gaps. The plans must adhere to best practices outlined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Comptroller General of the United States. Key components of these plans include performance measures for human capital goals, details on employee types, cost analysis for implementation, strategies...

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...

Senators Bennet and Young Reintroduce Eviction Crisis Act to Stabilize Low-Income Households

Senators Bennet and Young Reintroduce Eviction Crisis Act to Stabilize Low-Income Households

Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Todd Young (R-IN) have reintroduced the Eviction Crisis Act (S.5535) on September 24, 2026. This bipartisan legislation aims to provide tools to address the ongoing eviction crisis in the United States. A key component of the bill is the establishment of a permanent Emergency Assistance Program, funded at $3 billion annually. This program is designed to offer direct financial aid to low-income households experiencing short-term economic shocks that threaten their housing stability. Up to 15% of the funds can also be allocated for housing stability-related services, such as case management, rehousing assistance, and referrals to other public supports and health services. The legislation mandates a rigorous evaluation of the program's effectiveness to ensure lessons learned are incorporated into its design. The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign have been instrumental in developing and advocating for this policy solutio...

Congressman Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to End Animal Testing in Federally Funded Research

Congressman Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to End Animal Testing in Federally Funded Research

Congressman Nick Langworthy, representing New York's 23rd District, along with Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, has introduced the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to modernize federally funded biomedical research by ending testing practices on dogs and cats. The announcement was made in Washington, D.C., and was accompanied by rescued beagles from Ridglan Farms, a facility that was previously shut down due to animal cruelty violations. The introduction of the COMPACT Act coincides with a broader movement to reduce animal testing, including recent updates from the FDA to the Modernization 2.0 Act, which emphasizes non-animal testing methods, and efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to transition towards human-focused research.