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Representative Laura Gillen Votes to Pass Major Richard Star Act, Expanding Veteran Benefits

Representative Laura Gillen Votes to Pass Major Richard Star Act, Expanding Veteran Benefits

Representative Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced her vote in favor of the Major Richard Star Act, which recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a statement released on November 12, 2026, Congresswoman Gillen expressed her pride in co-sponsoring the bipartisan legislation. She emphasized that the bill aims to fulfill the nation's commitment to veterans by providing full retirement and disability benefits to eligible wounded service members. Gillen highlighted the importance of strengthening the benefits owed to veterans and ensuring they receive the support they have earned through their sacrifice. Her statement underscores a commitment to veteran welfare and bipartisan cooperation on issues affecting military personnel.
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Representatives Carey and Barragán Introduce Bipartisan STRONG Kids Act to Enhance Afterschool Programs

Representatives Carey and Barragán Introduce Bipartisan STRONG Kids Act to Enhance Afterschool Programs

Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) have jointly introduced the Sports Training, Recreation, and Opportunities for the Next Generation Act (H.R. 9839), also known as the STRONG Kids Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen afterschool arts, community connections, and workforce development initiatives across the United States. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to play a central role in these efforts. The introduction of this act comes as Congress continues to address federal funding, with a continuing resolution recently passed to prevent a government shutdown and fund the federal government through December 11, 2026. This legislative push highlights an ongoing focus on youth development and educational support outside of traditional school hours.
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Representative Tony Wied Joins Bipartisan Call for Senate Action on Small Business Legislation

Representative Tony Wied Joins Bipartisan Call for Senate Action on Small Business Legislation

U.S. Representative Tony Wied (R-WI-08) has co-led a bipartisan letter urging the Senate to act on 32 House-passed bills aimed at supporting small businesses. The letter, spearheaded by Representative Derek Tran (CA-45), was sent to Chairwoman Ernst and Ranking Member Markey of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. These bills, which have already passed the House of Representatives, address various issues including workforce development, fraud prevention, transparency, and technology solutions for small businesses. Representative Wied specifically highlighted his co-led bills, H.R. 4549 and H.R. 8879, emphasizing their role in increasing transparency and providing rural small businesses with necessary tools. The coalition of House members is pressing for Senate consideration before the 119th Congress concludes in January, warning that failure to act would result in the expiration of all 32 bills, requiring them to be reintroduced and restart the legislative process in the next Congre...
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CHRO Association Endorses Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Employee Benefit Flexibility

CHRO Association Endorses Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Employee Benefit Flexibility

CHRO Association Endorses Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Employee Benefit Flexibility
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Rachel Maddow Releases New Book, 'Department Of Fate,' Arguing DOJ Collapse

Rachel Maddow Releases New Book, 'Department Of Fate,' Arguing DOJ Collapse

Rachel Maddow has released her new book, 'Department Of Fate: The Promise, The Power, And The Collapse Of America's Most Consequential Institution,' which asserts that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is on the brink of collapse. Maddow argues that the DOJ, despite its critical role in the American constitutional republic, has become significantly weakened. Her book delves into the department's 150-plus-year history, examining instances where it served justice and also when it was used for less noble aims like greed, vengeance, and corruption. Maddow highlights that the department has lost thousands of personnel, contributing to its diminished state. She contends that the DOJ is effectively 'gone' in its current form, creating an opportunity to 'refound' it. The book also explores historical examples, such as Attorney General Amos Akerman's efforts to combat terrorist rule in post-Civil War Confederate states and Attorney General Richard Olney's use of the Sherman Antitrust Act against railroad workers rath...
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Congresswoman Judy Chu Co-Leads Bipartisan CREATE Act to Boost U.S. Film and Television Production

Congresswoman Judy Chu Co-Leads Bipartisan CREATE Act to Boost U.S. Film and Television Production

Congresswoman Judy Chu Co-Leads Bipartisan CREATE Act to Boost U.S. Film and Television Production
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Hassett expected to leave Trump administration, Semafor reports

Hassett expected to leave Trump administration, Semafor reports

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - The director of the White House's National Economic Council is expected to depart the Trump administration in the coming weeks, Semafor reported on Friday, citing three people familiar with the plans.
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FEMA Administrator Hamilton Proposes Shifting Disaster Responsibility to States, Raising Concerns Over Local Impact

FEMA Administrator Hamilton Proposes Shifting Disaster Responsibility to States, Raising Concerns Over Local Impact

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton has outlined plans to reduce state and local dependence on federal disaster assistance. In an October 15 memo, Hamilton called for stronger state emergency management capabilities and greater responsibility for preparedness and recovery. These proposals echo recommendations from President Trump’s FEMA Review Council, which suggested giving states and private insurers more responsibility for disaster response. The Council has also proposed raising the bar for federal disaster declarations and requiring states to spend more before requesting federal aid. An analysis by the Council indicated that 29% of disasters declared between 2012 and 2025 would not have met an inflation-adjusted indicator, though these events accounted for only 0.69% of federal funding. Critics argue that while building state capacity is a worthy goal, simply shifting responsibility may not reduce overall damage and expense, but rather transfer the financial burden from Washington to local communities....
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Rubio acknowledges 'people are struggling' economically in speech after GOP midterm wipeout

Rubio acknowledges 'people are struggling' economically in speech after GOP midterm wipeout

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that Americans are struggling in the current economy
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Representatives Schrier and Bonamici Reintroduce 'Healthy Meal Time Act' to Standardize School Lunch and Recess Durations

Representatives Schrier and Bonamici Reintroduce 'Healthy Meal Time Act' to Standardize School Lunch and Recess Durations

U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) have reintroduced The Healthy Meal Time Act. This federal bill aims to ensure public school students receive adequate time for eating and playing during the school day. Currently, federal regulations under the National School Lunch Program specify nutritional requirements for meals but do not mandate the duration students have to consume them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of twenty minutes of seated eating time, but this is not a federal requirement, leaving such decisions to state and local school administrators. Research indicates that shorter meal periods lead to reduced consumption of fruits, vegetables, and entrees, alongside an increase in food waste. The proposed legislation seeks to address this by directing the USDA and the U.S. Department of Education to conduct a national study and disseminate evidence-based best practices for school meal durations.
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University of Maryland Extension Secures $580,000 Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Training Across Maryland

University of Maryland Extension Secures $580,000 Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Training Across Maryland

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) has been awarded a $580,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This funding is designated to broaden mental health awareness, literacy, and crisis response training throughout Maryland over the next three years. The initiative, spearheaded by UME Mental Health Specialist Alexander Chan, will build upon existing Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid programs. The primary objective is to equip community members with essential skills to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness, safely de-escalate crisis situations, pinpoint community resources, and connect individuals with appropriate services. This expansion comes at a critical time, as the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that nearly one in four U.S. adults experienced a mental health issue in the past year, and approximately one in five adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxie...
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U.S. House Passes Seven Bipartisan Small-Business Bills to Streamline SBA Operations and Boost Manufacturing

U.S. House Passes Seven Bipartisan Small-Business Bills to Streamline SBA Operations and Boost Manufacturing

U.S. House Passes Seven Bipartisan Small-Business Bills to Streamline SBA Operations and Boost Manufacturing