Houlahan, Chrissy RSS Articles

Houlahan Introduces WARRIOR Act to Protect Military Women in Combat

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act, a bill to codify the role of women in combat and protect women’s ability to serve through the creation of true gender-neutral standards.

Rep. Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, introduced the bill with Rep. Maggie Goodlander (NH-01), a Navy Reserve veteran and only other female veteran in the U.S. House, and cosponsors Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18), Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45).

In honor of Women’s History Month, and in response to the Pentagon review of the “effectiveness” of women in combat roles, the WARRIOR Act proactively affirms women’s qualifications to serve in combat. The legislation amends outdated law from 1996 and 2006 to ensure that women are judged on their skills, performance, and the gender-neutral standards that women in combat are already meeting and exceeding. In so doing, the WARRIOR Act prevents any exclusion of women in our Armed Forces.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has repeatedly cast doubt on women’s ability to serve in combat roles. In a House Armed Services Committee hearing in June, Rep. Houlahan exposed Sec. Hegseth’s refusal to acknowledge that women are capable of lethality. This disdain for female servicemembers underscores the need for the WARRIOR Act and the protections it ensures for military women.

“Now more than ever, we should be supporting each and every servicemember willing to wear the uniform, not scrutinizing and pushing out qualified women simply because they are women,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The WARRIOR Act protects our servicemembers, ensuring that no one is excluded from a military assignment on the basis of gender. This bill is about strength – the strength of our military standards, the strength of the women who meet them, and the strength of our nation when we enable these women to serve.”

“America is the land of the free because we are the home of millions of women who have worn the uniform and answered the call to serve,” said Rep. Goodlander. “The WARRIOR Act is about one simple principle: if you can meet the standard, you deserve a fair shot—full stop. This commonsense bill will make our military stronger, our country safer, and ensure every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.”

“I’m honored to join Representatives Houlahan and Goodlander to introduce the WARRIOR Act and reaffirm what Veterans already know: women serving in our armed forces make our country stronger and safer,” said Rep. Tran. “The WARRIOR Act will ensure that anyone with the tenacity and talent for military service can join in the fight to defend our freedoms. This is about more than women’s rightful place in our armed forces – it’s about strengthening our military, improving readiness, and ensuring our national security for generations to come. We need the best possible soldiers in each and every role across our armed forces, and I’m proud to continue standing alongside the women who have served and continue to serve this country.”

“My fellow soldiers I served with in Iraq are heroes – every last one of them. Our nation is stronger because of the female servicemembers who love this country so much they’re willing to risk their lives to defend it,” said Rep. Ryan. “Everybody who has served – including Hegseth, whether he’s willing to admit it or not – owes a debt of gratitude to their heroism. Any attempt to desecrate that service or make it harder for the next generation of Patriotic young women to join up, is a massive disservice to their talent and readiness of our armed services as a whole. I’m proud to join my female combat veteran colleagues to introduce this critical legislation.”

“As a United States Navy Veteran and former Under Secretary of Defense, I can say that some of the best individuals I have served with have been woman. It is ridiculous that their value to our country in uniform is continuously being questioned by this administration,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Over 4,500 women currently serve in combat related roles; no one bent the rules on fitness standards to get them there. They earned it by merit. With the WARRIOR Act, we can ensure that anyone qualified for a military service role is eligible to be considered through fair, holistic evaluation based on their ability, regardless of their gender identity.”

The WARRIOR Act is endorsed by the Women in Service Coalition Inc. (WiSCI), Vet Voice Foundation, Minority Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund (NWLC AF).

“We know from history that women have always had the grit and courage to face enemy fire, fight, lead, and rescue their fellow service members. Today's women have met and exceeded the standards for military service, including the grueling male standards for combat arms,” said Sue Fulton, Executive Director of WiSCI. “Five thousand women currently serve in these roles; and while they have met these challenging physical standards, they have often outpaced their peers with superior problem-solving skills, maturity, and long-term endurance. Women have made our military stronger, smarter, and better across the Services – and in the past ten years, they have made our tip-of-the-spear fighting force – infantry, armor, artillery, combat aviation – stronger, smarter, and better. We can’t afford to weaken our fighting forces by disqualifying people based on someone’s personal feelings or ideology.”

“We have more than a decade of data, thousands of women in combat arms, and zero evidence that women weaken the force. In fact, the opposite is true. Women have met the standard, exceeded it, and proven their place on the battlefield. Reopening this question now is a distraction at best and a threat to military effectiveness at worst,” said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO, Vet Voice Foundation. “If you sideline qualified warfighters because of extremist ideology, you don’t get a stronger military, you get a weaker one. Vet Voice is proud to support the WARRIOR Act. We applaud Representative Houlahan’s leadership and urge all Members to come together and pass this important bill without delay.”

"Service members have been meeting rigorous, job-specific standards for decades, particularly in operational and combat roles where requirements are tied to mission demands. This legislation affirms that service members must meet the standards required to succeed in today’s military and recognizes that excellence is defined by skill, performance, and ability, not gender,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. “Military readiness is best ensured by allowing every qualified person the opportunity to serve in any role, including in combat."

“Since the founding of our nation, women have proudly and honorably served in defense of our country. This commonsense update to gender-neutral occupational standards reflects what we already know to be true: women are a force multiplier across the military,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “As the fastest-growing group of recruits, ensuring women remain eligible to serve in all roles is not only grounded in science—it’s essential to our national security. IAVA is encouraged to see standards that reflect both our nation’s mission and the modern force that serves it.”

“Women serve an invaluable role in our military, displaying courage, skill, and commitment. Our national security and today’s military readiness, recruitment and retention depend on the many women serving their country in the military, including in combat,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at NWLC AF. “But as this administration has made clear, too often their role is undermined and even attacked. The WARRIOR Act reinforces that individuals should be judged on individual merit and ability, not gender-based stereotypes. The bill recognizes the important role of women in the military by prohibiting any exclusions from military occupational specialties or assignments because of gender. We thank Congresswomen Houlahan and Goodlander for taking action and introducing this timely and important legislation.”

A fact sheet on the WARRIOR Act is available here. The bill text is available here.

--end--

Houlahan Leads Pennsylvania Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Prevent Plastic Pipeline Tragedies

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on the third anniversary of the deadly explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) led ten bipartisan Pennsylvania colleagues in introducing the Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act. The Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act legislation will help to prevent future pipeline accidents caused by hazardous legacy plastic piping including Aldyl A—the material linked to the 2023 West Reading explosion. Original cosponsors include Representatives Dan Meuser, Madeleine Dean, Mike Kelly, Mary Gay Scanlon, Ryan Mackenzie, Chris Deluzio, Brendan Boyle, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dwight Evans, and GT Thompson.

“Three years ago, our community lost seven beloved neighbors and friends in West Reading,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “We cannot undo that tragedy, but we can, and must, ensure it never happens again. This legislation follows the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations, requiring operators to identify and address dangerous legacy piping to increase accountability, protect public safety, and prevent future loss of life.”

Background: The 2023 explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania killed seven workers, injured eleven, and displaced families, marking one of the deadliest pipeline accidents in recent U.S. history. The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report found that widespread historic plastic piping and incomplete records meant operators could not reliably identify vulnerable Aldyl A assets, preventing proper mitigation. The Board also emphasized that Aldyl A’s documented failure history, combined with the severity of the West Reading explosion, presents an ongoing safety risk. NTSB recommended that the Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Materials Administration (PHMSA) advise operators to inventory plastic assets exposed to elevated temperatures, identify them during maintenance and construction, mitigate risks that could lead to degradation, and address risks including by replacing or remediating them. Aldyl A has a long-documented history of “poor performance relative to brittle-like cracking” including numerous PHMSA warnings about the material dating back to 1999. Despite these repeated advisories, federal regulations do not require a systemwide inventory and replacement of high-risk plastic pipeline infrastructure.

Over the past two decades, other Aldyl A-related incidents have caused significant harm. In November 2024, a home explosion in South Jordan, UT killed a 15-year-old child and displaced families. Earlier incidents include explosions in Cupertino and Roseville, CA in 2011, which prompted PG&E to commit to replace 1,200 miles of the material, and a 1996 explosion in San Juan, PR, which killed 33 people and injured 69 others. These tragedies underscore the longstanding and ongoing risks posed by legacy Aldyl A piping across the country.

The Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act implements the NTSB’s recommendations to address safety concerns by requiring:

Proper Inventory and Reporting: Ensures pipeline operators identify Aldyl-A components and report total mileage to PHMSA within three years.

Safety and Integrity Program Updates: Requires state programs certified by PHMSA and operators’ integrity management programs to account for pipelines made of older plastics with known safety issues, ensuring risks are considered in monitoring, maintenance, and future repair or replacement efforts.

Please click here for bill text and here for the one pager.

--end--

34 Former Military Members Were Put on Deportation Track in the Past Year

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Originally published in the New York Times
Written by Eileen Sullivan

The Trump administration began deportation proceedings for 34 former members of the military over the past year, according to federal data obtained by The New York Times, after immigration authorities were directed to ignore previous guidance that gave service members and their relatives more deference.

The 34 are among 125 former service members who were arrested over immigration violations over the past year, according to the data. Officials also placed 248 relatives of former military members into deportation proceedings.

The actions represent a break from policies in recent years, including under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s administration, which made it less of a priority to detain and deport members of the military who committed crimes. The Biden administration also avoided targeting for immigration enforcement family members of people who had served.

But the Trump administration rescinded that policy last year, arguing that no one should be protected from the law, which says immigrants who are convicted of certain crimes may be deported.

The Department of Homeland Security did not answer questions, including about whether any of the veterans or family members detained over the past year were ultimately deported. It defended its policy and said no one was exempt from the penalties of violating immigration law.

In a high-profile example of the new policy, Sae Joon Park left Hawaii for South Korea in June under the threat of deportation, even though he had not lived there since he was seven years old. Mr. Park, who earned a Purple Heart for his service, joined the military after high school and was deployed to Panama in 1989, returning with a disability and undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the following years, he was convicted of drug possession, served two years and then missed a bail hearing, which sent him back to prison.

While he was serving his second prison stint, a judge ordered that he be deported. When he was released, he fought his deportation orders and was allowed to stay in the country, according to a Hawaii news report, as long as he stayed out of further trouble and regularly checked in with immigration officials.

Last May, however, an immigration officer told him he would be deported if he did not leave on his own.

Lawmakers and immigration advocates have argued that this new policy does little to make the country safer and insults people who put their lives on the line for the nation.

“Donald Trump’s way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families,” Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, said in a statement on Monday.

The data was disclosed in a Feb. 18 letter from the Homeland Security Department to Democratic lawmakers, including Ms. Warren. It covered the period between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 26, 2026.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement publishes annual data on arrests and deportations of immigrant military members. In the 2024 fiscal year, the government said it arrested 24 immigrant members of the Armed Forces for immigration violations, but did not say whether that number included active duty, former members or a combination of both. The Trump administration arrested 125 former members of the military for immigration violations during its first year.

Only U.S. citizens and green-card holders can join the military. And doing so can expedite a green-card holder’s path to citizenship. The first Trump administration and the current one issued policies that required a longer wait to be eligible to apply. The number of green-card holders who served in the military and applied for citizenship declined significantly during President Trump’s first term.

According to federal data, as of July 31, 2025, there were 26,708 active duty immigrants and another 20,350 in the Selected Reserve and National Guard. Veterans Affairs did not respond to a question about the current number of immigrant veterans. In 2022, there were 115,000 immigrant veterans, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

Military recruiters continue to trumpet the U.S. policy that promises a swift path to citizenship for immigrants who join the armed services as well as temporary protection for their family members. Spouses, children and parents of immigrant veterans and active duty members can apply for temporary permission to stay in the country.

Now some relatives are afraid to apply for the benefit out of fear that doing so will turn them into a target for deportation. The agency does not regularly track military family members placed in deportation proceedings, so it is not clear how the number compares to previous years.

The Trump administration has targeted other groups of immigrants who were previously not considered priorities for enforcement, including undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for decades and have no criminal records.

Between Jan. 21 and Nov. 19 of last year, the administration deported 86 immigrants who had protections from removal because they were brought to the country illegally as young children, according to a separate set of federal data provided to lawmakers.

DHS Response to Houlahan, Members of Congress Reveals “Unacceptable” Trump Admin Proceedings Against Veterans, Military Families

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and other lawmakers, secured new data obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealing that the Trump Administration has attempted to deport hundreds of veterans and their family members after promising immigration protections at the time of recruitment. The new data also reveals that, in some cases, the Trump Administration has targeted veterans, their families, and service members’ families for deportation even after they have applied for Military Parole in Place.

The new data came in response to the lawmakers’ recent investigation, which Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL) co-led with Representative Houlahan and Senator Warren.

In April, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its long-standing policy of considering military service a “significant mitigating factor” when deciding whether to pursue immigration enforcement and issued a new policy that is far less protective of service members and their families. Even so, the military has continued to recruit new service members with the promise of immigration protections that have now been weakened or eliminated.

The new data reveals that in the first year of the second Trump administration:

ICE arrested 125 veterans, nearly two-thirds of whom did not have an active criminal warrant;

ICE attempted to deport 282 veterans and family members, who have long been offered protection from immigration enforcement under other administrations; and

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has used its 2025 policy on issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) to refer over 100 immediate relatives of veterans for deportation after denying them the ability to fix their immigration status through Military Parole in Place (MPIP).

"Those who wear our nation’s uniform deserve the protections of the law, regardless of where they were born,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran. “Non-citizen servicemembers have answered the call to defend our country, and they deserve respect and due process in return. The Trump Administration has failed to provide these servicemembers with the very freedoms they fought to protect. That is unacceptable. I urge USCIS to reverse course and remember the promise we made to those who raised their right hand."

“Donald Trump’s way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must be held accountable for this betrayal.”

“It's absolutely unconscionable that the Trump Administration is targeting our nation’s immigrant servicemembers, Veterans and their family members in their aggressive and overreaching deportation efforts,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran. “There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to be deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend—but this is what happens when Trump cruelly chooses to implement policies more rooted in hate than in logic.”

“The Trump Administration is betraying our military by deporting immigrant veterans,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “Wearing our country’s uniform in service is an ultimate sign of patriotism, and military service has rightfully protected immigrants from deportation for decades. The dozens of immigrant veterans who the Trump Administration has detained or deported deserve to be reunited with their loved ones, brought back, and issued an apology. This practice must be halted immediately. DHS, hands off military families.”

“We make a sacred promise to every patriot who serves our country in uniform: we will stand by you and your family,” said Representative Maggie Goodlander. “Betraying that promise by going after veterans is dishonorable and dangerous. We need full transparency and real accountability — now.”

A copy of the response received from DHS is available here.

--end--

Houlahan Secures Key Provisions of Bipartisan Innovation Bill in Final SBIR/STTR Package

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) today announced that key provisions from her bipartisan Research Advancing to Market Production (RAMP) for Innovators Act have been included in final legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill has now passed both the House and Senate and will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The legislation delivers a major win for small businesses, startups, and research institutions in Pennsylvania’s Sixth District and across the country by strengthening the federal government’s support for innovation and commercialization.

SBIR and STTR—often referred to as America’s “seed fund”—help small businesses develop cutting-edge technologies while addressing federal research and development needs. The final bill incorporates Houlahan’s RAMP provisions that will expand and improve small businesses’ access to the technical and business assistance they need to bring their innovations to market while integrating the SBIR and STTR programs with other key federal innovation programs. The effort was led in the Senate by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).

WATCH Rep. Houlahan Speak on Bill Passage

“Pennsylvania’s Sixth District is home to world-class research institutions and innovative small businesses, but too often great discoveries struggle to reach the marketplace,” said Representative Houlahan. “I’m proud that key provisions from my bipartisan RAMP for Innovators Act will soon become law, giving entrepreneurs more flexibility to access the expertise they need to scale and opening the door to Innovation-Corps training that helps turn promising research into real products and companies. I’m grateful to Senator Chris Coons and Representative Troy Balderson for their partnership in advancing this work and helping ensure American innovators can bring the next generation of technologies to market.”

“Delaware’s incredible small businesses are making discoveries, inventing new products, supporting our communities, and growing our economy every day,” said Senator Coons. “When the federal government helps small businesses access research funding—and those businesses can deliver cutting-edge solutions back to the government—everybody wins. I’m glad Congress passed this crucial bill and urge the President to sign it.”

Representative Houlahan has long championed bipartisan policies that help entrepreneurs, researchers, and manufacturers scale their ideas, create jobs, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. Her RAMP for Innovators Act, introduced with Representative Troy Balderson (R-OH), focuses on helping small businesses successfully commercialize federally funded innovations.

This legislation ensures more American innovations are developed, scaled, and manufactured here at home.

--end--

Barclay Friends Receives $1 Million Federal Grant Supporting Goshen Memory Care Neighborhood

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

March 6, 2026 —Barclay Friends (A Kendal Affiliate) has been awarded a federal Community Project Funding grant of $1,015,000 in support of the community’s Goshen memory care neighborhood, a recently completed expansion designed to serve older adults living with memory impairment in the greater West Chester community.

The funding is part of $12 million in community project grants secured by U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan for 14 initiatives across Chester and Berks Counties. The federal investment supports projects focused on workforce development, community safety, health care capabilities and educational opportunities throughout Pennsylvania’s 6th District.

Representative Houlahan recently visited Barclays Friends to congratulate them on the Community Project Funding grant and tour the Goshen Memory Care Neighborhood.

“Our Chester County community is fortunate to have facilities dedicated to serving those with dementia, including Barclay Friends,” said Representative Houlahan. “I was impressed by the innovations in treatment and patient engagement I learned about during my recent visit, and I am so happy I was able to secure funding that will allow Barclay Friends to serve even more people in need of their specialized care.”

The Goshen Memory Care Neighborhood, now welcoming residents, includes 24 newly constructed apartments thoughtfully designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood features a secure garden, raised garden beds for residents’ use, and interior décor selected to engage the senses and encourage meaningful connection. The grant will help offset a portion of the capital costs associated with developing the neighborhood.

“The completion of the Goshen memory care neighborhood marked an important milestone for Barclay Friends and for older adults in this region,” said Ellen Gilbert, Chair of the board of directors at Barclay Friends. “This federal grant provides meaningful financial support for a project that expands access to specialized memory care and reflects a strong commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Chester County.”

Maria Santangelo, Chief Executive Officer of Barclay Friends, emphasized the broader community impact of the investment. “Goshen memory care represents years of thoughtful planning and dedication to creating an environment that honors each person’s experience,” Maria said. “This funding strengthens the financial sustainability of the project and affirms the importance of expanding memory care services within the community.”

Designed to promote familiarity and comfort, Goshen incorporates accessible outdoor spaces and carefully considered interior elements, including lighting, color palettes, and furnishings selected to support cognitive engagement. The secure garden and raised planting beds offer residents opportunities to spend time outdoors and to garden.

“We are honored by this support,” said Crissy Bowden, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Barclay Friends. “Families navigating dementia deserve care that is safe, dignified, and grounded in compassion, and this funding helps us provide exactly that. We are grateful to Representative Houlahan for recognizing the importance of this work and helping us serve even more members of our community.”

Barclay Friends, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a not-for-profit senior living community and a Kendal Affiliate. Through residential living, personal care, memory care and skilled nursing services, Barclay Friends provides a continuum of options tailored to the changing needs of older adults.

Houlahan, Members of Congress Call for Investigation into Military Leaders "Biblical End Times" Claim

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led 27 of their colleagues in requesting U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Platte B. Moring III open an investigation into reports that servicemembers have lodged anonymous complaints about military commanders invoking religious prophecy and apocalyptic theology to justify the United States’ military actions in Iran.

“At a time when billions of dollars and untold numbers of lives hang in the balance while the Trump administration wages a war of choice in Iran, the imperative of maintaining strict separation of church and state and protecting the religious freedom of our troops is especially critical. We must ensure that military operations are guided by facts and the law, not end-times prophecy and extreme religious beliefs,” the lawmakers wrote.

The members went on to note the pervasive issue of extremist religious encroachment inside the military under the Trump administration, saying: “These allegations are also part of a broader political climate in which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and senior civilian officials have publicly framed Middle East policy in explicitly religious terms.”

They then requested the DOD conduct an independent investigation to determine the accuracy of these reports and to “assess whether Secretary Hegseth’s extreme religious rhetoric has metastasized into segments of the military chain of command in ways that contravene constitutional protections, departmental rules and standards, or professional military norms.”

The members requested the DOD investigate and report back to Congress on several matters, including:

Whether military commanders or other officers have made statements to subordinates asserting that U.S. military operations against Iran are part of a religious prophecy, divine plan, or apocalyptic religious event, and if so, where such communications originated within the chain of command.
Whether any such statements constitute violations of Department of Defense policies, including DoD Instruction 1300.17 “Religious Liberty in the Military Services,” regarding religious neutrality, improper proselytizing, or abuse of command authority.
The scope and geographic distribution of complaints received within the Department of Defense regarding religiously framed messaging related to the Iran conflict.
Whether servicemembers who reported these concerns experienced retaliation or fear of retaliation within their units.
What training, guidance, or oversight currently exists to ensure commanders maintain religious neutrality in operational briefings, command communications, and other official settings.
Whether additional guidance or action is warranted to ensure that personal religious beliefs are not used to justify or frame U.S. military operations.

A full copy of the letter can be found HERE.

In addition to Huffman, Raskin, and Houlahan, the letter was signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mike Levin (CA-49), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

Co-Chairs Houlahan, Bice Announce First BIOTech Caucus Legislative Endorsements

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Co-Chairs and Co-Founders of the BIOTech Caucus, announced the Caucus’s first-ever slate of formally endorsed legislation. This milestone advances the Caucus’s mission to promote bipartisan solutions that maintain the United States’ global leadership on biotechnology.

Caucus endorsement requires support from at least 75 percent of voting BIOTech Caucus members, a high bar designed to ensure strong bipartisan consensus. Both endorsed bills respond directly to recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s April 2025 report, which called for urgent federal action to maintain U.S. competitiveness and protect national security in the biotechnology sector.

“The United States is in a global biotechnology race, and we can’t afford to fall behind,” said Co-Chairs Houlahan and Bice. “We’ve endorsed bills that deliver practical solutions for a competitive edge, strengthening federal coordination and investing in domestic biomanufacturing and workforce development. We’re proud that our first-ever endorsements reflect broad bipartisan support and look forward to building momentum as we secure America’s biotechnology future.”

The endorsed legislation includes:

National Biotechnology Initiative Act (H.R. 2756) – Establishes a whole-of-government biotechnology strategy and interagency coordination across federal research and development, regulation, workforce development, and national security efforts. Co-Chair Stephanie Bice and Vice Chair Ro Khanna presented the bill for endorsement.

Biomanufacturing Excellence Act (H.R. 6089) – Creates a public-private National Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Center of Excellence within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, accelerate innovation, and train the next-generation workforce. Co-Chair Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Jim Baird presented the bill for endorsement.

Co-Chairs Houlahan and Bice also announced a major Caucus milestone: the Caucus has grown to 50 members—25 Republicans and 25 Democrats—reflecting strong bipartisan commitment to shaping America’s future in biotechnology.

The Caucus welcomes continued engagement from stakeholders and encourages Members of Congress to propose additional bipartisan biotechnology legislation for future endorsement consideration.

###

We're Democrats. From food to housing, costs keep rising — here’s a serious fix

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Originally published on Fox News
Written by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Nikki Budzinski

For millions of Americans, affordability is not an abstract policy debate. It is the daily stress of choosing between groceries and prescriptions, rent and childcare, gas and electricity. Families feel it everywhere, and they are right to demand answers.

More than a year past his self-imposed "day one" deadline to lower costs, President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have not only failed to lower the cost of groceries, housing or healthcare, but are actively and intentionally making life more expensive for hardworking Americans.

The American people need a real plan to make life more affordable. Instead of addressing the problem, the president has dismissed affordability as a "fake narrative" that "doesn’t mean anything." But there is nothing fake about families falling behind, workers stretching paychecks or seniors worrying about whether they can afford to age with dignity.

That’s why we’ve worked with our colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to craft the New Dem Affordability Agenda, which lays out a commonsense roadmap to lower the five core costs that are crushing working Americans: healthcare, housing, energy, family care and everyday household goods like groceries.

The New Democrat Coalition is the largest Democratic ideological caucus in the House of Representatives, with 115 lawmakers focused on breaking through gridlock and getting things done. Our agenda isn’t just another white paper wish list — it’s a workable path forward grounded in competition, expanded supply and policies that put working families first.

Groceries and Household Essentials

Prices at the checkout line remain high, in part because supply chains are fragile and markets are increasingly concentrated. President Trump’s trade policies have made matters worse. Broad tariffs function like a sales tax on everyday goods, and we all pay the price. Recent analyses estimate that tariff-related costs add roughly $1,600 per year to the average household’s expenses. The Affordability Agenda strengthens domestic supply chains, supports family and small farmers, and promotes competition to lower prices.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs continue to rise faster than wages, squeezing families and employers alike. Recent Republican healthcare legislation would make matters worse by shifting costs onto households and small businesses. Independent estimates project that more than 15 million Americans will lose coverage, while premiums double or triple for 22 million more. When coverage disappears or becomes unaffordable, families delay care, and employers face higher costs that limit hiring and wage growth. Our approach protects healthcare coverage, increases transparency, enforces accountability and expands competition so health care is affordable and predictable.

Housing

The United States faces a severe housing shortage, estimated at roughly 4 million homes nationwide, and the consequences are playing out in rising rents and fewer paths to homeownership. Years of red tape and outdated regulations have limited new construction. Our agenda cuts those barriers and commits to building at least 4 million new homes over the next decade. More supply will not fix everything overnight, but without it, affordability will continue to slip out of reach.

Energy

Household energy bills are rising, driven by underinvestment, permitting delays and uncertainty that slows progress. Families should not be left wondering whether next month’s utility bill will blow their budget. Our plan accelerates responsible energy development and modernizes the electric grid to keep power reliable and affordable.

Family Care

Childcare and elder care costs are forcing families into impossible choices. Too many parents cut back hours or leave the workforce entirely because care is unavailable or unaffordable. Too many seniors worry about how they will age safely. We’re working to expand access to child and elder care so that families can afford to work, care for loved ones and plan for their future.

Affordability is a core component of the government’s promise to the American people: if you work hard in this country, you should be able to provide a safe and comfortable life for yourself and your family.

We believe everyone should be able to afford the essentials — housing, healthcare, food, childcare, education, a retirement and more — with enough left over to buy that car, take that vacation and save for your future.

That’s what our Affordability Agenda is about: renewing the promise of affordability to every American, not just to get by, but to get ahead.

This is not about ideology. It is about whether Washington is willing to take affordability seriously and act with urgency. Families across the country are asking for relief. The New Dem Affordability Agenda is our answer.

These Democrats aren’t ready to jettison big business as party stalwarts shift left

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Originally published on CNBC
Written by Garrett Downs

Moderate Democrats looking for their party to take back control of the U.S. House in November are offering an alternative to the economic populism message peddled by their more liberal counterparts.

A new blueprint from the center-left New Democrat Coalition, shared exclusively with CNBC, lays out a road map for addressing affordability — top on voters’ minds — without splashy populist promises.

“Buzzy sounds good in a sound bite, but you often end up with unintended consequences or unworkable solutions,” New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., said in an interview. “We’re hearing people saying they are frustrated with the bombast, but also the hollow promises, and they want to see their government coming up with thoughtful solutions.”

The new plan underscores a tug-of-war within the Democratic Party over its economic message ahead of the pivotal November elections, which could return the party to power after President Donald Trump and his Republicans swept the 2024 elections. And with Trump’s polling on the economy plummeting, picking a winning strategy could be the difference between making the president a lame duck and spending two more years in the political wilderness.

The New Democrats argue Americans want a more moderate approach that bridges the gap between big business and the average voter.

“I reject the idea that business is bad,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., one of the plan’s authors. “This is a set of solutions, tangible, practical, doable solutions, and an answer to ‘what are you going to do when you’re in charge?’”

Among the road map’s proposals are lightening the federal permitting process for energy projects with the aim of lowering utility costs, reducing homebuilding regulations with the goal of getting affordable housing built more quickly, and developing a national strategy for data centers to spread out the “benefits and costs” of the facilities and make sure they don’t “overburden” certain areas.

Absent from the proposal are sweeping new taxes on the wealthy, a cap on credit card interest rates and the creation of a single-payer health-care system, which are popular with prominent progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

They, along with state and local officials like new New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are calling for an ambitious, populist agenda that forsakes the wealthy — a movement that’s gained traction as wealth has consolidated at the top and eats into Trump’s own populist base.

“If there are good ideas that will reduce costs for families, sign me up,” Warren said Tuesday in a brief interview at the Capitol when asked about the New Democrats’ dialed-back approach. “But make no mistake, we need big changes, and that’s bringing down the cost of housing and getting universal child care. That’s what makes a big difference in people’s lives.”

Mamdani notably called for universal child care in New York City during his campaign. The New Democrats instead call for “federal pilot programs that explore cost-sharing partnerships among families, employers, and government to lower monthly child care expenses.”

But the New Democrats, who count 115 U.S. representatives as members, insist their road map is not in conflict with their progressive counterparts.

“I think this is an agenda that can and should unite our caucuses across both chambers and across the ideological spectrum,” said Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., a member of both the New Democrat Coalition and the House progressive caucus. “The American people don’t discriminate between progressive versus moderate; they’re looking for solutions that are relevant to them.”

There are some areas where the New Democrats’ road map intersects with progressive goals. The New Democrats are endorsing the creation of a universal paid family and medical leave program. They’re also calling for universal pre-K, a longtime progressive darling priority. And most Democrats agree overturning Trump’s tariffs is a top priority.

Also in the report is a call for eliminating “unfair tax breaks for private equity and large investors” in the real estate market, which is similar to recent progressive calls to bar big financial firms from gobbling up housing that Trump has echoed.

Voters appear mostly dissatisfied with how Trump and congressional Republicans have handled the economy, giving Democrats a leg up going into this year’s elections. Only 36% of Americans approved of the job Trump is doing on the economy in a Marist University poll released Feb. 5, while a whopping 59% disapproved.

Underlying voter dissatisfaction is that 54% of Americans believe lowering prices should be the top priority for the Trump administration, according to the Marist poll.

“For us to get to 218, we’re going to need a lot of progressives elected in districts, and we’re going to need New Dems elected in the toughest districts,” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., who runs the NewDem Action Fund, the caucus’ campaign arm, said, referring to the number of House seats a party needs to have the majority. “This is going to be the agenda we run on.”

“We can only win this election if independents and moderate Republicans want change ... and that’s where the New Dems come in, we can best appeal to independents and moderate Republicans,” Stanton said.

Whether the strategy works remains to be seen, and Democrats got mixed messages in off-year elections in 2025. In addition to Mamdani winning in New York, Govs. Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill — both members of the New Democrat Coalition when they were in the House — romped to victories on a more moderate agenda in Virginia and New Jersey. Progressive Analilia Mejia on Tuesday declared victory over more moderate former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a Democratic primary for Sherrill’s old House seat.

What all four had in common was an election message that was focused on affordability.

Democrats also have the unique challenge of trying to win in disparate districts — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s New York City district is far different than the red district in northern Maine that Rep. Jared Golden has carried for Democrats since 2018 — meaning voters in congressional races may be influenced more by individual candidates than by a sweeping national plan.

Democrats have taken a commanding 5.2-point lead in the generic ballot, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average, a good sign for them as the election approaches.

Pollsters note the debate between progressives and moderates has been a mainstay of election cycles among Democrats. And they are not sure the individual details of plans will ultimately matter to voters when they go to the polls, so long as Democrats offer an alternative to Trump’s Republicans on affordability.

“The extent to which Democrats release any sort of plan, any sort of messaging on affordability, I think that’s going to be helpful to them,” said Matt Taglia, senior director of the Emerson College Polling Center.

“They don’t necessarily have to have one or the other, progressive or moderate, but I do think they need to incorporate elements of both pragmatic policies with a populist message to some degree,” Taglia said.

Join me for my annual State of the Sixth Address

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:00:00 GMT

I delivered my seventh annual State of the Sixth address on February 9, 2026. If you were not able to attend, you can watch it here. And you can view the presentation slides here for more context and information.

Join my 104th Town Hall

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:30:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: My 104th Town Hall: Questions for Chrissy

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

When: Wednesday, November 19 at 6:30pm

To listen to the town hall, click here.

Rep. Houlahan's Third Annual Medicare Town Hall

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: My 103rd Town Hall: Third Annual Medicare/Healthcare Town Hall

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

Guests: Sarah Milam, PA MEDI Local Coordinator at Chester County Department of Aging Services

and Jeanne Franklin, County Public Health Director, Chester County Health Department

When: Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:30am

Click here to listen to the full town hall discussion.

Here is some useful information shared by our guests during the town hall:

To reach PA MEDI, go to www.chesco.org/477/PA-MEDI

To reach PA MEDI by phone, call (610) 344-5004 and press #2
To schedule an open enrollment appointment with PA MEDI, call (610) 344-5234

To compare Medicare plans, go to medicare.gov

Rep. Houlahan's 102nd Town Hall

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: My 10 Town Hall: The Republican Budget

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

When: Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 6:00pm

Where: CCIU, 455 Boot Road, Downingtown PA

Watch and listen to the Town Hall here.

Rep. Houlahan's 100th Town Hall

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: Rep. Houlahan's 100th Town Hall: A Conversation with National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

When: Wednesday, July 30 from 6:30-7:30pm

Click here to watch the Town Hall.

Rep. Houlahan's 101st Town Hall

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: My 101st Town Hall: Questions for Chrissy

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:30pm

Where: Telephone Town Hall--Dial in or watch/listen online

Rep. Houlahan's 99th Town Hall

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: Telephone Town Hall: A Conversation About Social Security with Martin O'Malley

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

Mary Gay Scanlon, PA-05 Congresswoman

Madeleine Dean, PA-04 Congresswoman

Martin O'Malley, former Maryland Governor and Commission of the Social Security Administration

When: Thursday, June 12 from 6:30-7:30pm

HOW: Dial 855-274-3980

Click here to listen to the Town Hall.

98th Town Hall: Questions for Chrissy

Tue, 20 May 2025 22:15:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: Telephone Town Hall--Questions for Chrissy

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

When: Tuesday, May 20 from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m.

HOW: Dial 855-731-4616 or listen on houlahan.house.gov/live

LISTEN: Click here to listen to the town hall recording

Telephone Town Hall: Tariffs, Trade and the Economy

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: Telephone Town Hall: Tariffs, Trade and the Economy

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

Cristian deRitis, Moody's Analytics

Lucine Sihelnik, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

When: Thursday, April 24 from 6 to 7 p.m.

HOW: Dial 855-731-4616 or listen on houlahan.house.gov/live

Click here to listen to a recording of the event.

Telephone Town Hall: Litigation and the Trump Administration

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Here are the details of the event:

What: Telephone Town Hall: Litigation and the Trump Administration

Who: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

Mary Gay Scanlon, PA-05 Congresswoman

Madeleine Dean, PA-04 Congresswoman

Joe Neguse, CO-02 Congressman

David Vladeck, Georgetown Law Professer

When: Wednesday, March 5 from 6 to 7 p.m.

HOW: Dial 855-731-4616 or listen on houlahan.house.gov/live

Click here to listen to a recording of the event.