U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
CAPAC Demands Accountability Following ICE Response at Delaney Hall Facility
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following news release:
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CAPAC Demands Accountability Following ICE Response at Delaney Hall Facility
Today, Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement regarding conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, and the pepper spraying of U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents:
"Members of Congress have a constitutional right and a duty to conduct oversight of federal
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WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following news release:
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CAPAC Demands Accountability Following ICE Response at Delaney Hall Facility
Today, Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement regarding conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, and the pepper spraying of U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents:
"Members of Congress have a constitutional right and a duty to conduct oversight of federaldetention facilities, particularly when lives are at stake. Over the past several days, members of the New Jersey congressional delegation visited the Delaney Hall detention facility and heard disturbing accounts from detained individuals and their families, including reports of inedible food, denial of medical care, and barriers to due process.
"During one of these visits, ICE deployed an armored vehicle and a line of armed agents who tackled civilians and fired pepper balls and pepper spray into the crowd-including at CAPAC Executive Member Senator Andy Kim. It is a disgrace and an abuse of power that should alarm every American. If this is how ICE responds to elected officials, it raises grave concerns about how detainees are being treated behind closed doors.
"These inspections are more important than ever amid mounting reports of abuse and civil rights violations in federal detention centers. CAPAC members will not be intimidated, and will continue exercising our oversight authority to demand accountability from this lawless agency."
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Original text here: https://capac.house.gov/press-release/capac-demands-accountability-following-ice-response-delaney-hall-facility
Cantwell Statement on Fatal Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company Explosion
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Statement on Fatal Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company Explosion
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05.26.26
EDMONDS, WA - This morning, a major chemical explosion killed and injured multiple people at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company, a pulp and paper mill in Longview, WA.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:
"I am devastated by reports of fatalities following today's chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview. My heart is with the workers, families,
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WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Statement on Fatal Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company Explosion
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05.26.26
EDMONDS, WA - This morning, a major chemical explosion killed and injured multiple people at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company, a pulp and paper mill in Longview, WA.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:
"I am devastated by reports of fatalities following today's chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview. My heart is with the workers, families,and entire Longview community as they wait for updates about their loved ones. I'm grateful to the first responders who are on the scene working to keep people safe. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with state and local officials. Please follow instructions from local authorities."
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Original text here: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-fatal-nippon-dynawave-packaging-company-explosion
Bresnahan Hosts Secretary Rollins in PA to Sign Disaster Declaration Following Devastating Freeze
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Bresnahan Hosts Secretary Rollins in PA to Sign Disaster Declaration Following Devastating Freeze
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SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for a roundtable discussion with local farmers, community leaders, and agricultural stakeholders impacted by April's devastating freeze. Following the roundtable, Rep. Bresnahan and Secretary Rollins held a press conference where Secretary Rollins signed a Secretarial Disaster
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WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Bresnahan Hosts Secretary Rollins in PA to Sign Disaster Declaration Following Devastating Freeze
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SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for a roundtable discussion with local farmers, community leaders, and agricultural stakeholders impacted by April's devastating freeze. Following the roundtable, Rep. Bresnahan and Secretary Rollins held a press conference where Secretary Rollins signed a Secretarial DisasterDeclaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a response to a catastrophic freeze that stuck Pennsylvania on April 20-21, 2026.
"Our farmers cannot control the weather, but Washington can make sure they are not left to shoulder these losses alone," said Rep. Bresnahan. "The April freeze devastated orchards and specialty crop producers across Pennsylvania, and this declaration will help get critical relief to the growers who keep our communities fed and our agricultural economy strong. I'm grateful to Secretary Rollins for working with us to deliver support for Pennsylvania farmers."
"Fighting for our farmers means being there for them when Mother Nature hits, today we are showing that USDA stands with Pennsylvania agriculture -and we will continue working to ensure producers have the support they need to recover and move forward," said Secretary Brooke Rollins. "This designation is a first step forward to help agricultural producers access emergency loans and programs in the aftermath of freezing temperatures. Under President Trump, USDA will continue to put farmers first and make sure they have the resources they need."
The Secretarial Disaster Declaration will make affected farms eligible for low-interest emergency loans and additional USDA disaster relief resources needed to manage ongoing operational costs and mitigate losses.
Last week, Rep. Bresnahan joined bipartisan members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation in calling on USDA to approve a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for all counties in the Commonwealth. You can read the full letter here or below:
We write to voice our strong support for a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for all counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the catastrophic freeze that occurred on April 20-21, 2026. This significant, unprecedented event caused extraordinary damage to blooming crops, notably Pennsylvania's apple, peach, and pear orchards.
Early estimates from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture show that Pennsylvania's specialty crop industry could face between $150 million and $200 million in economic losses due to these low temperatures. This rare late April freeze, with temperatures dropping into the low 20's for extended periods, now has our constituents anticipating near-total crop losses for the season.
Our farmers desperately need this Secretarial Designation and the associated low-interest loans from USDA to manage ongoing costs as they continue to grapple with the crippling impacts caused by these destructive low temperatures.
We urge you to take swift action to support Pennsylvania's specialty crop growers. The top industry in Pennsylvania is agriculture, and the small family farms that we represent in Congress are at risk. Disaster resources from USDA are critical to ensuring that our farms, orchards, and vineyards can survive these historic losses and contribute to our country's agricultural heritage for generations to come.
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Original text here: https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-hosts-secretary-rollins-pa-sign-disaster-declaration-following
Blumenthal, Murphy & Larson Statement on $30.8 Million for Pratt & Whitney
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal, Murphy & Larson Statement on $30.8 Million for Pratt & Whitney
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[Hartford, CT] -U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and U.S. Representative John Larson today announced that RTX will receive $30.8 million for Pratt & Whitney to produce F35 engines.
"This $30.8 million contract modification to produce more Pratt & Whitney F135 engines is a solid investment in our state's defense manufacturing base and another
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WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal, Murphy & Larson Statement on $30.8 Million for Pratt & Whitney
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[Hartford, CT] -U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and U.S. Representative John Larson today announced that RTX will receive $30.8 million for Pratt & Whitney to produce F35 engines.
"This $30.8 million contract modification to produce more Pratt & Whitney F135 engines is a solid investment in our state's defense manufacturing base and anothervote of confidence for the unparalleled quality of Connecticut-made technology. Our military services and allies deserve nothing but the best engines, and the Joint Strike Fighter program is a critical piece of our nation's military readiness. We are thrilled to see our state's talented machinists and engineers recognized for their skill and ingenuity and will keep fighting to ensure that Pratt & Whitney remains the sole engine provider for F-35 fighter jets," the delegation said.
The contract modification, announced by the U.S. Navy, will support the construction of F135 engines for the Joint Strike Fighter program. Work will be performed in Cromwell.
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Original text here: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-and-larson-statement-on-308-million-for-pratt_whitney
Amo, Reed, Whitehouse Celebrate National Endowment of the Arts Funding for Newport Contemporary Ballet
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Amo, Reed, Whitehouse Celebrate National Endowment of the Arts Funding for Newport Contemporary Ballet
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WASHINGTON, DC - TODAY, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Congressman Gabe Amo in announcing $30,000 in National Endowment of the Arts funding for Newport Contemporary Ballet. This funding will support the Ballet's annual Newport Dance Festival, which this year will explore the theme of freedom in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
"Federal investment in the arts strengthens
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WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Amo, Reed, Whitehouse Celebrate National Endowment of the Arts Funding for Newport Contemporary Ballet
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WASHINGTON, DC - TODAY, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Congressman Gabe Amo in announcing $30,000 in National Endowment of the Arts funding for Newport Contemporary Ballet. This funding will support the Ballet's annual Newport Dance Festival, which this year will explore the theme of freedom in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
"Federal investment in the arts strengthensRhode Island's vibrant cultural contributions, empowers our communities, and drives economic development across our state," said the lawmakers. "This funding will help the Newport Ballet celebrate our 250th anniversary by bringing artists to Aquidneck Island, expanding community engagement, and celebrating our nation's enduring freedom through dance."
"The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts," said Mary Anne Carter, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. "As we celebrate the country's 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage."
Background
U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Gabe Amo support efforts to strengthen and expand Rhode Island's arts and culture ecosystem.
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Original text here: https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-reed-whitehouse-celebrate-national-endowment-of-the-arts-funding-for-newport-contemporary-ballet
Amata Recognizes Public Works Week
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Recognizes Public Works Week
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of National Public Works Week 2026, honoring the public works professionals whose service supports daily life, safety, and community access in American Samoa and across the nation:"National Public Works Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the men and women whose work is woven into daily life. Their service is seen in the roads our families
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WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Recognizes Public Works Week
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of National Public Works Week 2026, honoring the public works professionals whose service supports daily life, safety, and community access in American Samoa and across the nation:"National Public Works Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the men and women whose work is woven into daily life. Their service is seen in the roads our familiestravel, the drainage systems that help protect our villages during heavy rain, the public facilities our people use, and the repairs and maintenance that keep communities connected.
"In American Samoa, public works is a practical service to our people. Families depend on safe roads to get to school, work, church, medical care, and village events. Emergency responders depend on access when every minute matters. Schools, businesses, churches, and public services all rely on infrastructure that must be maintained, repaired, inspected, and improved over time.
"Much of this work is done before it is noticed, or when conditions are difficult. After heavy rain, flooding, storm impacts, road damage, or urgent repair needs, public works employees and infrastructure teams are often part of the response. Their work may include planning, engineering, equipment operation, road maintenance, drainage work, facility repairs, inspections, cleanup, and coordination with other public agencies.
"This year's theme, 'Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,' is a fitting reminder that public works is local service. These men and women help protect access, safety, cleanliness, and quality of life for the people they serve.
"I thank our public works employees, road crews, equipment operators, engineers, maintenance workers, sanitation workers, inspectors, and all who contribute to this important work. Your service strengthens American Samoa in ways that are visible, necessary, and deeply appreciated. May God bless and protect you as you continue serving our communities."
National Public Works Week was observed May 17-23, 2026. The annual recognition, organized by the American Public Works Association, honors public works professionals who help plan, build, operate, repair, and maintain infrastructure and public services that support transportation, sanitation, public safety, emergency readiness, and community life.
Issues : Environment
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-recognizes-public-works-week
Amata Highlights EMS Week
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights EMS Week
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of National EMS Week 2026, honoring Emergency Medical Services professionals in American Samoa and across the nation:"Thank you to our Emergency Medical Services professionals, EMTs, paramedics, ambulance crews, dispatchers, firefighters, and first responders. When a medical emergency happens, you are often the first help to arrive and the first reassurance
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WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights EMS Week
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of National EMS Week 2026, honoring Emergency Medical Services professionals in American Samoa and across the nation:"Thank you to our Emergency Medical Services professionals, EMTs, paramedics, ambulance crews, dispatchers, firefighters, and first responders. When a medical emergency happens, you are often the first help to arrive and the first reassurancea family receives. Your work saves lives, brings comfort in difficult moments, and helps protect our villages and families.
"EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who answer emergency calls, provide urgent care, stabilize patients, and help make sure people can reach the medical attention they need. In American Samoa, where distance, weather, roads, and limited resources can make emergency response especially challenging, your service is deeply important to our people.
"This year's EMS Week theme, 'Improving Outcomes, Together,' reminds us that emergency medical care is a team effort. EMS professionals work closely with hospitals, health care workers, public safety officials, firefighters, law enforcement, families, and the wider community. I appreciate each person who plays a role in this lifesaving work.
"May God bless and guide our EMS professionals and all who serve on the front lines of emergency response. Thank you for your dedication, courage, and compassion."
EMS Week is observed each year to recognize the vital role of Emergency Medical Services in responding to illness, injury, accidents, and other urgent situations. EMS professionals provide care before patients reach the hospital and are an essential part of public health, emergency management, and public safety.
Issues : Healthcare
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-ems-week-0
Amata Highlights $3.25 Million HHS Grant for Health Services in American Samoa
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights $3.25 Million HHS Grant for Health Services in American Samoa
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is highlighting a $3,252,225 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the American Samoa Department of Health for continued health center services.Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
The grant is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Center Program.
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WASHINGTON, May 26 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights $3.25 Million HHS Grant for Health Services in American Samoa
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is highlighting a $3,252,225 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the American Samoa Department of Health for continued health center services.Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
The grant is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Center Program.This funding supports health care services that local families rely on, including primary care, preventive care, and other community-based health services.
"Congratulations to Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Abigail Poyer, and everyone at the American Samoa Department of Health upon this important grant," said Congresswoman Amata. "This funding helps support the front-line health services our people rely on, especially in a remote island community where access to care is so important. Our families need dependable health services close to home, and these federal resources help strengthen that care for our people. Thank you to HHS, HRSA, and all those locally who work to meet federal requirements and keep these important health resources flowing to American Samoa."
The grant award is listed as a competing continuation for health services, with a grant budget period of June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The project is titled Pacific Basin, with the American Samoa Department of Health listed as the grantee.
Health centers play an important role in helping communities receive routine care, preventive services, and other basic health support. For American Samoa, where distance and limited access to specialized care can create additional challenges, continued support for local health services is especially important.
Issues : Healthcare
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-325-million-hhs-grant-health-services-american-samoa
AFGE Local 1699 VP Leffler Testifies Before Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee released the following testimony by Matthew Leffler, vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1699 at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Pennsylvania, from a May 13, 2026, hearing entitled "Protecting Those Who Served: A Review of VA Police Operations":
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Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for inviting the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to participate in today's hearing on "Protecting Those Who Served: A Review of VA Police Operations."
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee released the following testimony by Matthew Leffler, vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1699 at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Pennsylvania, from a May 13, 2026, hearing entitled "Protecting Those Who Served: A Review of VA Police Operations":
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Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for inviting the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to participate in today's hearing on "Protecting Those Who Served: A Review of VA Police Operations."My name is Matthew Leffler, and I serve as the Vice President of AFGE Local 1699 at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. I am a proud Marine Corps Veteran, where I served as a Military Police Officer for four years. Following my military service, I have continued to serve in federal law enforcement by serving 10 years as a Marine Corps Civilian Police Officer. For the past six years, I have served my fellow veterans as a Senior Police Officer at the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania VA Medical Center, marking 20 years in federal law enforcement.
It is a privilege to testify today on behalf of AFGE and its National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC), representing over 800,000 federal and District of Columbia government employees, 325,000 of whom are proud, dedicated Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees. How fitting it is to be able to focus my testimony today on the approximately 2,500 VA Police Officers that AFGE represents during Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. Of those approximately 2,500 Police Officers, 90 percent are veterans themselves, serving in facilities throughout the nation. As the Committee continues to evaluate the best ways to support the VA Police Force, AFGE has several recommendations that can help the VA with law enforcement recruitment and retention and help it better serve veterans and their families.
Staffing
The VA Police Force faces significant issues with the staffing levels of VA Police. In August 2023, the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report entitled "OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year 2023."/1
The report noted 73 facilities had a severe shortage of VA Police in the 0083 series, with more common shortages found for only seven other positions./2
An updated 2024 version of the report noted that VA police shortages "were reported by at least 20 percent of facilities since FY 2018."/3
This has further worsened in the current FY 2025 report, as the VA OIG states:
"In FY 2025, the OIG found that 58 percent of facilities (80 of 139) designated Police as a severe occupational staffing shortage, making it the most frequently reported nonclinical shortage occupation and most frequently reported of all occupations. The Police occupation was among the top five most frequently reported nonclinical shortages in each year since 2019, when VHA first made official designations for clinical and nonclinical occupations, and the seventh most frequently reported shortage among all occupations in 2018."/4
On the ground in VA facilities, the shortages referenced by OIG hinder the ability of officers to perform their duties. In some facilities, expensive new security screening equipment sits unused because there are not enough officers to operate this equipment. There are other facilities where only one or two officers are available to respond to emergencies. In some cases, short staffing in 1A facilities limits response to one emergency at a time. The staffing problem is also acute for Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) where the nearest officer is often miles away, or Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Offices (RO) which are often protected by other police forces.
Short staffing and inadequate pay harm officer morale. One officer recently stated on an AFGE VA Police call, "[m]orale across VA is low. [D]owngrading people only pushes more people to leave." Additionally, with the staff shortage at the level it is, VA facilities must further rely on extensive use of overtime, which often leads to the denial of annual leave for officers, leading to further burnout of the officers that remain.
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1 "OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year 2023," August 22, 2023. VA OIG 23-00659-186.
2 Id at 8.
3 "OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year 2024," August 7, 2024. VA OIG 24-00803-22 at 10.
4 "OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year 2025," August 12, 2025. VA OIG 25-01135-196 at 9.
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To address this, AFGE urges the VA to fully staff the VA Police force and recommends several legislative changes that will help with recruitment and retention of VA Police Officers and help better serve veterans and their families.
Stopping Proposed Downgrades
AFGE and the NVAC strongly support H.R. 8010, the "VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act" introduced by Rep. Kennedy (D-NY). If enacted, this legislation would prohibit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the VA from downgrading the positions of VA Police Officers, retroactive to October 1, 2025. AFGE is also actively working to amend this legislation so it can advance in a bi-partisan manner.
OPM's actions to downgrade the positions of Police Officers, which is the bureaucratic way of saying pay cuts, runs counter the VA's mission "[t]o fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."
VA Police Officers have a critical and unique role in protecting the safety of veterans, their families, and VA employees every day. As AFGE has previously highlighted Congress, VA Police Officers receive training at the Law Enforcement Training Center and additional specialized training in crisis intervention to help prevent veterans from harming themselves or others. Moreover, as 90 percent of officers are veterans themselves, these officers can tap into their own experience when both communicating with and policing veterans, building relationships with the veterans they serve, and understanding the nuances of the physical facilities where they police. As a fellow VA officer from the Great Lakes Region recently articulated:
"VA medical centers are complex environments that present unique law enforcement challenges. Officers respond to violent incidents, mental health crises, domestic disputes, narcotics activity, and threats against staff and patients."
This unfortunately happens across the country. Officers frequently interact with veterans armed with guns and knives or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This was tragically put in stark relief in March, after VA social worker Nicholas Crews was murdered at a VA clinic in Jasper, Georgia, demonstrating the bravery and dedication required of VA Police Officers s as well as the broad scope of their responsibilities.
This is particularly problematic when VA Police Officers have other opportunities to serve in other federal agencies or in state, county, or local police forces that pay starting salaries significantly higher compared to the planned downgraded GS-5 salary. For example, in Topeka, Kansas, a GS-5 Step One makes $41,400 annually,/5 while the starting pay for a Police Officer in the City of Topeka, KS is $65,374./6
Similarly, a GS-5 Step One in West Haven, Connecticut makes $48,005 annually, while an "Entry Level Police Officer" in the West Haven Police Department makes between $74,810 an $88,484.87 annually./7
Severe staffing shortages, low retention, and poor morale require attention and solutions, not downgrades in positions and pay.
The VA should do everything in its power to recruit and retain its police force. While AFGE is pleased that the planned downgrades have been "paused," AFGE still fully supports H.R. 8010, the "VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act," as it is a necessary first step to stem the tide of departures from the VA Police Department. AFGE strongly encourages the swift passage of H.R. 8010 to prevent any future downgrades from OPM and looks forward to working with the committee to pass this bill.
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5 See GS Salary Table 2026-KC. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salarytables/pdf/2026/KC.pdf
6 See City of Topeka webpage on "Police Careers" and "Reasons to work for the City of Topeka - New Applicants." https://www.topeka.gov/government/police_careers/#collapse1830b0
7 See West Haven Connecticut's Police Department website on "Recruitment" https://www.whpd.com/administrative-division#RECRUITMENT and link to Policeapp.com link for the West Haven Police Department https://www.policeapp.com/West-Haven-CT-Police-Department/317/
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VA Law Enforcement Pensions
Another crucial step that Congress can take to help with the recruitment and retention to the VA Police Force is to extend Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) status and what are commonly known as "6(c) benefits," to VA Police Officers. Under 5 U.S.C 8336(c), any LEO who either serves 25 years or is age 50 or older and serves 20 years may retire without penalty for early retirement. Currently, the definition of LEO relied upon in the code (5 U.S.C. 8401(17)) does not include VA Police Officers, and consequently they do not receive retirement benefits on par with federal law enforcement officers at other federal agencies. AFGE strongly supports H.R. 3226, the "Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) Equity Act," introduced by Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), which would grant "6(c)" benefits to VA Police Officers. The bill also covers police at other agencies that do not have LEO status, including those at the Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Federal Protective Service (FPS). This widely bi-partisan bill currently has 64 co-sponsors, including many members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The Senate version of the bill has not yet been reintroduced in the 119th Congress, but was S. 1658 in the 118th Congress, introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), and co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
Providing full LEO status to VA Police Officers would significantly help the VA Police Force with recruitment and retention. Currently, the VA hires many new recruits, sends them to the Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) for training similar to other federal LEOs, and then sees these officers depart the force for other opportunities within the federal government that do have 6(c) benefits, or to other state and local police departments with already higher salaries. Granting full LEO status to VA Police Officers will diminish this turnover and help the VA maintain a stronger and better trained police department with higher morale. Additionally, it is important to note that at a joint hearing before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee Subcommittees on Oversight and Health on May 17, 2023, Tracey Therit, the VA's Chief Human Capital Officer, stated: "The last thing that I'll mention is we very much support the 'Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act.' We look forward to being able to provide our Police Officers with those enhanced benefits as well to make us more attractive and to fill those positions." While the "Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Equity Act," is not in the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, AFGE urges that members of this Committee to support legislation to grant "6(c)" benefits or VA Police Officers.
VA Police Reorganization
AFGE understands the VA's intent to streamline the VA Police Command structure and have it run through the VA Office of Operations, Security and Protection (OSP).
However, despite this realignment, AFGE wants to highlight that Police Officers are still funded from the same budgets as other medical center personnel. This practice forces each medical center director to choose between hiring between hiring a medical professional or a Police Officer, with priority often going to the healthcare provider. AFGE believes Congress and VA should consider a dedicated funding source or specific line item for VA Police to ensure that these officers are not competing for funds with medical providers.
Training
One of the key strengths of the VA Police force is the level of training officers must undergo to serve the veteran population. A key example of this is the crisis intervention training that passed in the 116th Congress as part of then Chairman Takano's VA COMPACT Act which became a part of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Because of this law, VA Police Officers who serve at VA Medical Centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), or VBA ROs now undergo crisis intervention training to prevent veterans from themselves or others.
This training is a critical, specialized investment that helps protect veterans, their families, VA providers, and VA staff. Unfortunately, high attrition among VA Police Officers reduces the number of officers who receive this training. Improving retention would increase the share of active officers who complete this statutorily required training and would enhance safety at VA facilities.
Physical Security
The VA Police's first obligation is to fulfill its Mission Statement "To Protect Those Who Served." To achieve this goal, AFGE recommends that security needs to be tailored to each facility to best protect its veterans.
In relation to staffing and coverage, AFGE urges the VA to increase staffing so VA Police can cover all VA facilities, including but not limited to medical centers, CBOCs, and VBA ROs with employees who have undergone crisis intervention training and are best equipped to police veterans at VA facilities.
AFGE also urges that the VA provides its police with training on any new security technologies installed at VA facilities and that only VA Police Officers, who have undergone crisis intervention training required by statute and are best equipped to respond to an emergency at a VA facility, are allowed to operate such technology, and not third-party contractors. AFGE also recommends that VA ensure that facilities using or piloting screening technology account for the extra demand on staff and hire more officers accordingly. Some facility police forces do not have the capacity to operate screening technology and perform their other duties. There have been reports of VA facilities that have new equipment sitting unused because of short staffing.
AFGE also asks the committee and VA to consider more standardization in allowing VA police to protect VA employees and veterans on VA property that is unconnected to the VA facility where they are based, as well as the spaces between those facilities and next to VA facilities. This would allow, for example, VA police to protect veterans and staffers while they travel between a VA facility and a unconnected parking lot late at night.
AFGE and the NVAC look forward to working with the Committee and the VA to improve the recruitment and retention of the VA Police Force and ensure that it is fully staffed.
Thank you.
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Original text here: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/5AF265FC-DE5B-4B73-98C3-60418C2A6433
