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Smith Leads Letter Strongly Supporting Implementation of President Trump's EO on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 (TNSida) -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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39 Members of Congress send letter
Smith leads letter strongly supporting implementation of Pres. Trump's EO on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children
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Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, led 38 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fully supporting and urging the implementation of President Trump's Executive Order (EO) on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 (TNSida) -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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39 Members of Congress send letter
Smith leads letter strongly supporting implementation of Pres. Trump's EO on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children
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Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, led 38 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fully supporting and urging the implementation of President Trump's Executive Order (EO) on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and InfantChildren--issued during his first term--to protect premature infants from discrimination.
"All infants--especially those with disabilities or conditions requiring life-sustaining care after birth--deserve love, compassion, and equal protection under the law," said Smith. "I am grateful for Sec. Kennedy and President Trump's ongoing work to help those in need--and through the full implementation of the Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children EO, we can continue to protect and defend the most vulnerable among us."
In the bicameral letter, first reported by the Washington Examiner, the Republican lawmakers cite the heartbreaking case of McKenna West--a surrogate pressured to abort the baby she was carrying after a 20-week ultrasound diagnosed a serious, but treatable, heart condition--as evidence of "the need for quick federal action on this matter."
Although Ms. West says that she faced pressure to abort from the baby's biological parents, she refused and offered to raise the baby herself or find him a loving home. She relocated to Texas to be near a hospital equipped to provide the baby with lifesaving care after he was born. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened in McKenna's case, and a Texas judge issued an order directing that the baby receive life-sustaining care after birth and preventing his removal from the state of Texas.
"We are grateful that Texas law recognized and protected the rights and personhood of Ms. West's surrogate baby and acted to save his life. Sadly, this protection is not uniform in all the states across our nation," the Members of Congress write.
"Leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is needed to ensure that all vulnerable infants receive equal protection under the law, instead of being at the mercy of health care systems that may unjustly declare them unworthy of life."
The lawmakers then urge Secretary Kennedy to elevate the directives embedded within President Trump's EO on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children--issued on September 25, 2020, and never formally rescinded by the Biden Administration--which clarifies that all individuals, including vulnerable infants, are protected under federal law, such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) (42 U.S.C. 1395dd), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794), and The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (1 U.S.C. 8).
The co-signatories note that the directives for the HHS Secretary in the EO "offer important opportunities to ensure vulnerable newborns, including newborns with diagnosed disabilities, are receiving the care they deserve, no matter where in the United States they are born."
They also urge Secretary Kennedy to consider reissuing a rule highlighting federal law protecting premature infants and adults with disabilities from discrimination. In January 2021, during President Trump's first Administration, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) had issued a proposed rule, entitled "Special Responsibilities of Medicare Hospitals in Emergency Cases and Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Critical Health and Human Service Programs or Activities."
House Cosigners (30): Reps. Smith (R-NJ), Cammack (R-FL), Wagner (R-MO), Aderholt (R-AL), Barr (R-KY), Biggs (R-AZ), Biggs (R-SC), Bost (R-IL), Brecheen (R-OK), Cline (R-VA), Cloud (R-TX), Clyde (R-GA), Estes (R-KS), Fulcher (R-ID), Grothman (R-WI), Harris (R-MD), Higgins (R-LA), Johnson (R-SD), Joyce (R-PA), Latta (R-OH), Mann (R-KS), McDowell (R-NC), McGuire (R-VA), Miller (R-IL), Moore (R-UT), Norman (R-SC), Onder (R-MO), Palmer (R-AL), Rose (R-TN), Thompson (R-PA)
Senate Cosigners (9): Sens. Lankford (R-OK), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), D. Graham (R-SC), Blackburn (R-TN), Lummis (R-WY), Justice (R-WV), Daines (R-MT), Banks (R-IN), Ricketts (R-NE)
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INFODOC: https://chrissmith.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-10-01_-_Smith_Bicameral_Letter_on_Implementing_HHS_E.O._to_Protect_Vulnerable_Babies.pdf
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Original text here: https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415885
Sen. Banks Joins 126 Lawmakers Urging an Investigation Into Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release:
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Friday, October 2, 2026
Sen. Banks Joins 126 Lawmakers Urging an Investigation into Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and 124 congressional colleagues in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) to investigate Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates for potential waste, fraud, abuse, and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release:
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Friday, October 2, 2026
Sen. Banks Joins 126 Lawmakers Urging an Investigation into Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and 124 congressional colleagues in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) to investigate Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates for potential waste, fraud, abuse, and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
The lawmakers cited the Small Business Administration's ongoing investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates improperly received $88 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reports alleging violations of federal criminal laws and mandatory state child-abuse reporting requirements.
Read the Fox News Exclusive here.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dear Inspector General Bell,
We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) review and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation into the activities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization's affiliates, which receive federal funding connected to programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Concerns have long been raised regarding the organization's compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and program requirements governing the receipt and use of federal funds. In particular, these concerns relate to whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates have adhered to applicable requirements governing program integrity, financial accountability, and the proper use of funds provided through HHS-administered programs.
Just this year, the Small Business Administration opened an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates illegally received $88 million in loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in addition to numerous other reports of fraud, making false statements, violating federal criminal laws, and knowingly failing to disclose violations of criminal law. For example, state laws require medical professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require facilities and practitioners to comply with mandatory state reporting laws, but there are reports that Planned Parenthood fails to comply.
Given the significant taxpayer resources that flow through federal health and human services programs, it is critical that recipient organizations operate with transparency, integrity, and full compliance with federal standards. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the OIG:
1. Review the federal funding streams received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates through HHS programs, grants, contracts, or subawards.
2. Assess whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates have complied with applicable statutory, regulatory, and grant conditions associated with those funds.
3. Determine whether any evidence exists of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations affecting federal health programs.
4. Evaluate whether enforcement actions, including administrative remedies, suspension, exclusion from federal health care programs, or referral to the appropriate authorities, may be warranted if misconduct is identified.
We also ask that the OIG coordinate with relevant oversight bodies within the Department, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and also with the Office of Management and Budget to ensure a comprehensive review of the organization's activities.
Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
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Original text here: https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-joins-126-lawmakers-urging-an-investigation-into-planned-parenthood/
Latta Visits Savannah River Site, Nuclear Facility
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 -- Rep. Robert E. Latta, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Latta Visits Savannah River Site, Nuclear Facility
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Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, visited the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) to receive an in-depth tour of the facilities and receive updates on the process for the disposal of nuclear waste. Congressman Latta released the following statement after his visit:
"It was great to see the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, where the Department of Energy is taking on the federal
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 -- Rep. Robert E. Latta, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Latta Visits Savannah River Site, Nuclear Facility
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Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, visited the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) to receive an in-depth tour of the facilities and receive updates on the process for the disposal of nuclear waste. Congressman Latta released the following statement after his visit:
"It was great to see the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, where the Department of Energy is taking on the federalgovernment's statutory responsibility to clean up nuclear waste.
"The site plays a vital role in advancing our nation's nuclear interests, both domestically and internationally, and SRS's focus on cleaning up nuclear components is critical for protecting the health and well-being of every American.
"As a member of the Environment Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I understand how important it is for our country to safely dispose of nuclear waste so that surrounding communities are protected from environmental hazards.
"Seeing the site's comprehensive process for safe disposal, and watching the expert professionals who operate this facility has given me even further confidence in our ability as a nation to handle complex energy waste issues.
"Last month, the Energy Subcommittee held a hearing with the Department of Energy and industry professionals to discuss the future of spent nuclear fuel storage and how we can support every stage of our nuclear fuel cycle moving into the future.
"With tremendous support for nuclear power, it's critical that we continue to focus on generating more affordable, and reliable power in efficient and safe ways. Advancing safe nuclear power for America is paramount to our national security and environmental safety."
Details of the visit:
During his time at the facility, Congressman Latta focused on SRS's integrated radioactive liquid waste treatment facility that handles by-products from the processing of nuclear materials.
Congressman Latta first visited the H tank farm, one of two tank farms, where SRS stores about 32 million gallons of radioactive waste in 43 underground carbon-steel waste tanks.
The Congressman also visited the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF), where SRS treats the radioactive salt components that make up more than 90% of the contents of the tanks. Congressman Latta also participated in a sampling discussion at the SWPF.
At the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), Congressman Latta viewed where SRS takes radioactive sludge from the tanks, and combines it with higher activity salt waste components to be turned into glass for storage and disposal.
The Congressman's final facility viewing was a drive through the Saltstone Disposal Units (SDUs) where lower level salt solutions from the nuclear waste are permanently stored.
Once a tank from the farm is emptied and the contents are treated and safely disposed of or stored, the tank is cleaned and operationally closed.
To learn more about SRS's facility and nuclear waste treatment processes, click here.
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Original text here: https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407872
Gallego, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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October 2, 2026
Gallego, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires
Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act makes it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce wildfire risk
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WASHINGTON -- This week, the Senate unanimously passed Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly's (D-AZ) Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce the risk
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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October 2, 2026
Gallego, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires
Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act makes it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce wildfire risk
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WASHINGTON -- This week, the Senate unanimously passed Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly's (D-AZ) Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce the riskof catastrophic wildfires. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to reduce hazardous fuels before they contribute to larger and more destructive wildfires. However, current federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fires proactively. The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would give states greater certainty that they will not be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk.
"Prescribed burns are essential to protecting millions of Americans who are threatened by wildfires each year, including in many communities across Arizona," said Senator Gallego. "I urge the House to take up this common-sense bill and send it to the President's desk."
"Arizona communities know how much damage catastrophic wildfires can do, and we need to do everything we can to reduce that risk before a fire starts," said Senator Kelly. "Prescribed burns are a proven way to clear out dangerous fuels and keep our forests and communities safer. I look forward to getting it across the finish line."
Gallego and Kelly introduced the bill alongside Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). The legislation advanced unanimously out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee earlier this month.
Read the full text of the legislation HERE (https://www.gallego.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DA92A62275BE9341F645A9F86A72B9D09C536313FCBBF3A4B4590806CB63BACA.s.-wildfire-emissions-prevention-act-of-2026.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-celebrate-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-catastrophic-wildfires/
Gallego, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Access to Women's Preventative Health Services
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Gallego, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Access to Women's Preventative Health Services
October 2, 2026
WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 14 Senate Democrats in reintroducing the Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women's Health Act, legislation that would increase the availability of preventive, life-saving cancer screenings at safety-net health care providers like Planned Parenthood.
The bill would create new grant and pilot programs to expand
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Gallego, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Access to Women's Preventative Health Services
October 2, 2026
WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 14 Senate Democrats in reintroducing the Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women's Health Act, legislation that would increase the availability of preventive, life-saving cancer screenings at safety-net health care providers like Planned Parenthood.
The bill would create new grant and pilot programs to expandaccess to preventive services and screenings for breast and gynecological cancers -- especially for low-income women and women of color -- and train health care providers in providing high-quality cancer screening, early detection, and follow-up care.
"The reintroduction of this bill is an important step toward ensuring women everywhere have access to the preventive health care that can mean the difference between life and death," said Senator Gallego. "I'm proud to stand with my colleagues to expand access to lifesaving cancer screenings and break down the barriers too many women continue to face, regardless of their income or background. In doing so, we honor Jeannette Acosta's legacy and stand with every woman and family whose lives have been impacted by cancer."
"I'm proud to reintroduce the Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women's Health Act in honor of Jeanette Acosta, a fierce advocate who fought to make sure every woman could get the health care she needs," said Senator Murray. "Too many women suffer preventable deaths because they didn't have access to the cancer screenings that would have detected their condition early on. That is an unacceptable tragedy. We know that early detection saves lives -- not to mention health care costs -- and investing in preventive services to help more women get treatment before it's too late is just common sense. I'm not going to stop fighting to pass this crucial piece of legislation in Jeanette's memory."
In addition to Gallego and Murray, the bill was sponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The bill is endorsed by: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Black Women's Health Imperative, Human Rights Watch, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Read the full text of the legislation HERE (https://www.gallego.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/TAM26A29.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-access-to-womens-preventative-health-services/
Congresswomen Nikema Williams & Ashley Hinson Call for Technology Improvements to Be Utilized to Advance Maternal Health
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (TNSida) -- Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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Congresswomen Nikema Williams & Ashley Hinson Call for Technology Improvements to be Utilized to Advance Maternal Health
Oct 01, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congresswoman Ashely Hinson (IA-02) led a bipartisan congressional letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet C. Oz, MD and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Director Abe Sutton to address maternal health.
The representatives urged CMS to develop
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (TNSida) -- Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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Congresswomen Nikema Williams & Ashley Hinson Call for Technology Improvements to be Utilized to Advance Maternal Health
Oct 01, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congresswoman Ashely Hinson (IA-02) led a bipartisan congressional letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet C. Oz, MD and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Director Abe Sutton to address maternal health.
The representatives urged CMS to developand test a demonstration model through CMMI that uses telehealth and remote monitoring technologies to improve maternal health outcomes. The letter calls for the CMS to leverage technology to make pregnancy and postpartum care safer, more accessible, and more effective, while generating evidence to support broader adoption of innovative maternal healthcare solutions.
Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America stands in support of Congresswoman Williams and Congresswoman Hinson's bipartisan effort to improve maternal health outcomes.
The Members wrote:
"As sponsors of the Tech to Save Moms Act (H.R. 8317), we write to encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), through the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), to pursue a demonstration model that advances the goals outlined in our legislation and leverages technology to improve maternal health outcomes nationwide."
"The United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal health crisis, with disproportionately poor outcomes in rural, underserved, and high-risk communities. As CMS has previously recognized, innovative telehealth payment and service delivery models for maternal health represent an important opportunity to improve access to high quality care, particularly for patients facing provider shortages, transportation barriers, and other challenges that impede access to maternity care."
The Members requested that the CMII evaluate, develop and test a demonstration model that:
* Expands access to maternal telehealth services and remote monitoring technologies for Medicaid beneficiaries during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
* Supports the screening, monitoring, and management of common pregnancy-related and postpartum health complications;
* Improves access to care in rural and urban underserved, low income, and high-risk communities;
* Evaluates the impact of technology enabled interventions on clinical outcomes, patient engagement, and program costs with an eye toward closing health gaps socioeconomic, geographic, and racial and ethnic divides; and
* Identifies best practices for broader adoption within Medicaid and other CMS programs.
The Members said:
"As we have stated publicly, innovative technology can play an important role in addressing our nation's maternal health crisis, and we should be using every available tool to make pregnancy and postpartum care safer, more accessible, and more effective for families across the country. We appreciate CMS's continued commitment to addressing the maternal health crisis and we look forward to working with you directly."
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INFODOC: https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/nikemawilliams.house.gov/uploads/2026/10/Congressional-Letter-on-Telehealth-for-Maternal-Health.pdf
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Original text here: https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswomen-nikema-williams-ashley-hinson-call-for-technology-improvements-to-be-utilized-to-advance-maternal-health
