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Representatives Roy and Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Representatives Roy and Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) have co-introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to mandate congressional approval for national emergency declarations and the powers exercised under them within 30 days of their issuance. If Congress does not approve within this timeframe, the declarations and associated powers would cease to be in effect. The initiative seeks to restore Congress's constitutional responsibility in overseeing executive emergency powers, which proponents argue have been used indefinitely without sufficient checks and balances. Representative Roy highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of the dangers of unchecked emergency authority, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Representative Cohen noted that some emergency declarations from as far back as the Carter Administration remain active, underscoring the lack of time limits and public rationale for their continuation.
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USDA Announces $7.5 Million in Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance

USDA Announces $7.5 Million in Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the application period for the new 2026 Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance (CCG) program, making approximately $7.5 million available. The program aims to competitively fund one or more eligible nonprofit corporations that can demonstrate the capacity to implement and manage a subaward program. These subawards will be used to provide cold storage and distribution equipment to food banks, food pantries, and other emergency food assistance operations. The primary goal is to enhance their ability to deliver high-quality meats, eggs, seafood, dairy, and fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables to vulnerable Americans. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, and interested applicants are encouraged to attend a CCG webinar for additional information and program details.
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U.S. Rep. Mark Alford Introduces Legislation to Shield Federal Workers from Shutdown Financial Hardship

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford Introduces Legislation to Shield Federal Workers from Shutdown Financial Hardship

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a Republican from Missouri, has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting federal employees from financial difficulties during government shutdowns. The proposed bill seeks to prevent adverse credit reporting for missed payments, offer forbearance on foreclosures or evictions, and waive fees and penalties associated with late payments. Additionally, the legislation would allow for the temporary postponement of payments on certain federally backed loans. According to Alford, the intent is to ensure that federal workers do not suffer lasting financial consequences due to funding impasses in Washington. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting further action from Congress. This initiative comes as a response to the recurring issue of government shutdowns impacting the financial stability of federal employees across the country.
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Majority Leader John Thune States Year-Round E15 Requires Compromise with Small Oil Refiners

Majority Leader John Thune States Year-Round E15 Requires Compromise with Small Oil Refiners

Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, has indicated that the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol-blended gasoline, lacks sufficient votes in the U.S. Senate unless concessions are made for small oil refineries. Thune made these remarks during the Midwest Agricultural Export Summit in Sioux Falls, responding to a question from Walter Wendland, president of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association. A lower E10 blend is currently available year-round, and proponents of E15 argue it would bolster the farm economy and enhance energy independence. However, without specific legislation, summertime E15 sales necessitate a federal waiver. The dispute primarily revolves around the Renewable Fuel Standard, which mandates oil refiners to blend a minimum amount of renewable fuels or purchase compliance credits. Small refineries, defined as those processing 75,000 or fewer barrels daily, can seek exemptions if they demonstrate that compliance would cause them “disproportionate economic hardship.” The Ho...
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Bipartisan Lawmakers Reintroduce Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act to Address Healthcare Staffing Pressures

Bipartisan Lawmakers Reintroduce Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act to Address Healthcare Staffing Pressures

Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, and Senator Jeff Merkley have reintroduced the “Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act.” This bipartisan measure aims to tackle staffing pressures within the healthcare sector. The proposed legislation seeks to limit mandatory overtime for nurses in certain situations, establish whistleblower and nondiscrimination protections, and impose civil penalties for violations. The sponsors of the bill assert that its primary goal is to mitigate nurse burnout and enhance patient safety. The reintroduction of this bill comes as 18 states have already implemented some form of restrictions on mandatory nurse overtime, indicating a growing recognition of the issue. The bill has garnered support from over 50 organizations, highlighting a broad consensus on the need for such reforms within the healthcare community.
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Representative Cleaver Introduces Bill to Fund EHR Adoption for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Providers

Representative Cleaver Introduces Bill to Fund EHR Adoption for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Providers

Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) has introduced the Connecting Health and Records Technology for Seniors (CHARTS) Act (H.R. 9844). This proposed legislation aims to establish a competitive grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program would provide financial assistance to post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) providers, enabling them to adopt, upgrade, and optimize electronic health record (EHR) systems. A key objective of the bill is to enhance interoperability across various care settings. The CHARTS Act seeks to address a long-standing gap in federal incentives for EHR adoption, as the 2009 HITECH Act primarily focused on hospitals and physicians, largely excluding skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and home health agencies. The bill proposes grants of up to $500,000 per provider, with a total funding allocation of $5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Following this initial period, HHS would be required to report to Congress on the p...
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Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) have introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act on August 10. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived beverages, mirroring the existing regulations for alcohol. The proposed bill includes a three-tier distribution system, along with rules for labeling, advertising, and trade practices. Key provisions also mandate a nationwide purchasing age of 21 and over, strict testing requirements, limits on THC content, and detailed risk warnings. Furthermore, the act seeks to ban synthetically derived cannabinoids and impose a federal excise tax based on the milligram content of intoxicating THC in these beverages. Representative Van Duyne emphasized that this bill addresses the urgent need for clarity in the hemp-derived beverage market, especially with a federal deadline on November 12 threatening to disrupt the industry. Both representatives highlighted the importance of providing certainty t...
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Representative Van Duyne Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp-Derived THC Beverages

Representative Van Duyne Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp-Derived THC Beverages

Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), alongside Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH), has introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for low-dose, hemp-derived THC beverages. The bill seeks to classify these products as intoxicating adult beverages, rather than agricultural or wellness items, subjecting them to regulations similar to those governing alcohol. Key provisions include age restrictions, accurate labeling, product testing, accountable distribution, advertising standards, tax collection, and meaningful enforcement across the supply chain. The proposed legislation also limits the potency of these beverages to 5 mg of THC per serving, ensuring they are available only to adults. This move comes as the market for hemp-derived THC beverages has grown following the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp as an agricultural crop, leading to a regulatory gap for intoxicating derivatives.
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U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy Advocates for Federal Support for Western New York Grape Growers Amid Contract Cancellations

U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy Advocates for Federal Support for Western New York Grape Growers Amid Contract Cancellations

U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy is supporting efforts to secure federal assistance for grape growers in Western New York who have been impacted by Refresco's cancellation of over 100 local contracts. Refresco, a major grape processor in the region, announced in March that it would no longer purchase Concord or Niagara grapes from local farms, citing market challenges and supply issues. Senator Chuck Schumer has urged the USDA to step in as a new purchaser, utilizing surplus grapes for domestic food assistance programs. Representative Langworthy previously expressed gratitude in April 2024 when the USDA purchased $45 million worth of surplus juice to stabilize industry prices and benefit nutrition assistance programs. He continues to advocate for the agricultural community in the region, emphasizing the importance of ensuring grape growers have a voice in Washington.
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Representative Fedorchak Secures Drought Flexibility for North Dakota Farmers from USDA

Representative Fedorchak Secures Drought Flexibility for North Dakota Farmers from USDA

Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) successfully advocated for North Dakota farmers and ranchers facing severe drought conditions, leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to confirm greater flexibility in federal emergency haying rules. Following her request, the USDA announced that producers can now contact their local county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to request an extension to the standard 15-day timeframe for removing hay bales from Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. Fedorchak raised this issue after an agriculture roundtable with producers and state leaders at Kuhn Farms near Dickinson, where concerns were voiced about the rigidity of federal deadlines that do not align with on-the-ground conditions. Producers highlighted that the 15-day deadline was impractical, especially during harvest, and sought a 30-day extension and more authority for local FSA leadership to determine appropriate timing based on local conditions. This move by the USDA directly addresses these concerns, ...
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Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System

Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System

Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System
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Representative Sanford Bishop Co-Sponsors Bill to Relax Food Traceability Rules Amidst Subcommittee Role

Representative Sanford Bishop Co-Sponsors Bill to Relax Food Traceability Rules Amidst Subcommittee Role

Representative Sanford Bishop of Georgia, a ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, co-sponsored H.R. 7563. This bill, introduced by Scott Franklin of Florida and also co-sponsored by Jimmy Panetta of California, aimed to amend Section 204(d) of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The proposed changes would have relieved retail food establishments, restaurants, and warehouses from the obligation to maintain traceability lot codes and pass them down the supply chain. Additionally, the bill would have mandated the FDA to conduct a series of pilot projects before enforcing any compliance dates. Critics argue that stripping the lot code requirement would effectively gut the food traceability rule, making true public health tracebacks impossible. Although H.R. 7563 did not pass, its provisions later surfaced in subsequent House appropriations bills, ultimately becoming Section 780, which prohibited the FDA from ...