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VFW: Voices Strong Support for Congressional Bills Aimed at Reforming VA Healthcare, Accountability
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 1 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following statement by National Legislative Service Associate Director Meggan Coleman:
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Pending Legislation
Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley, and members of the subcommittee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding this pending legislation.
H.R. 4398, Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act
The VFW
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 1 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following statement by National Legislative Service Associate Director Meggan Coleman:
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Pending Legislation
Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley, and members of the subcommittee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding this pending legislation.
H.R. 4398, Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act
The VFWsupports this legislation to require a physician or nurse practitioner employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who served as a veteran's primary care provider to certify said veteran's death from natural causes within 48 hours of being notified of the death. This would address reported delays of up to eight weeks in VA death certification that can postpone burials and delay access to survivor and burial benefits. It also allows local coroners or medical examiners to certify the death if VA misses the deadline, and requires reporting to Congress on delayed certifications. Timely certification would help reduce unnecessary financial and emotional hardship for grieving families.
H.R. 4805, WINGS Act
The VFW supports this legislation to require VA to conduct a comprehensive, long-term study on the physical, cognitive, and psychological effects of military aviation service, focusing on the cumulative impact of G-force exposure and high-performance flight operations. Military aviators are repeatedly exposed to G-forces, pressure changes, and other physiological stressors, yet significant questions remain about the long-term neurological, cognitive, and mental health effects. The VFW appreciates that this research would help better understand the link between military aviation service and conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide risk, and neurodegenerative conditions. Expanding research in this area may enhance prevention strategies, clinical treatment, disability evaluations, and long-term health outcomes for veterans who were military aviators.
H.R. 6038, Improving Veteran Access to Care Act
The VFW supports this legislation to require VA to establish an integrated project team to improve its health care appointment scheduling. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and timeliness by modernizing the scheduling process, reducing wait times, and improving veterans' access to care. The enactment of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-168) created an increased demand for VA health care and further underscores the need to improve the scheduling system.
H.R. 6835, Veterans STAND Act
The VFW supports this legislation to strengthen and standardize VA's delivery of preventive health evaluations and access to technologies for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Although VA offers many of these services through its Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care, access and availability differ among facilities. This legislation would provide consistent annual evaluations nationwide and expand access to innovative assistive technologies that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life. Codifying these services in statute and enhancing accountability through reporting requirements would help ensure veterans receive timely, comprehensive, and proactive care regardless of location. The VFW believes this legislation builds on VA's existing framework to modernize care, reduce preventable complications, and better support long-term health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
H.R. 9018, Fostering TRUST Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation to require the Secretary of VA to notify Congress when a veteran dies by suicide or attempts suicide at a VA facility or a facility participating in VA's Community Care Network. The legislation also would require that each notification include suicide prevention guidance, information on warning signs, Veterans Crisis Line resources, counseling services, and lethal means safety information, while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of veterans and their families.
The VFW remains concerned about suicide rates among veterans receiving VA health care or VA-coordinated community care. Despite significant investments in prevention programs, crisis intervention, and mental health care, veteran suicide continues to be a significant problem. While transparency is important, Congress should also ensure that oversight protects sensitive information. The VFW welcomes further discussions on implementation and reporting requirements.
Discussion Draft - to expand the eligibility of veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in certain territories or the Freely Associated States for payments or allowances for beneficiary travel
The VFW supports this legislation to expand eligibility for VA beneficiary travel payments and allowances for veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in U.S. territories or the Freely Associated States where no VA medical facility is available. Current law provides beneficiary travel eligibility for veterans who meet certain statutory criteria, including veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 30 percent or higher, veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, veterans receiving a VA pension, and veterans who meet financial need requirements. This legislation would remove the 30 percent disability rating requirement for veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in covered jurisdictions without a VA medical facility, allowing them to receive beneficiary travel reimbursement regardless of disability rating.
Veterans living in U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States often face significant travel burdens that veterans in the continental United States do not. When VA care is unavailable locally, these veterans may be required to travel long distances by air or sea to access earned health care benefits. Requiring veterans with service-connected disabilities to absorb these costs simply because they live where no VA medical facility exists creates an unnecessary barrier to care.
The VFW believes travel assistance should reflect the realities of geographic isolation. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated below 30 percent face the same travel obstacles as those with higher ratings when no local VA facility is available. This legislation appropriately addresses that inequity by ensuring that disability rating alone does not prevent eligible veterans in these jurisdictions from accessing needed VA care.
Discussion Draft - MOU with CMS
The VFW supports this legislation to direct the Secretary of VA to pursue a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Health and Human Services within one year of enactment. This agreement would enable reciprocal data sharing between the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Its goal is to identify veterans enrolled in both VA health care and Medicare, Medicaid, or Medicare Advantage plans to reduce duplicative, improper, or erroneous billings and payments. The legislation also requires biennial reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the agreement in improving payment integrity and reducing duplicate payments.
The VFW supports efforts to improve accountability and reduce fraud, waste, and improper payments within VA health care. Improved coordination between VA and CMS can enhance stewardship of taxpayer resources and reduce administrative inefficiencies. However, implementation must protect veterans' privacy, limit data sharing appropriately, and avoid delays or complications in veterans' access to health care.
Discussion Draft - Foreign Medical Program Integrity and Improvement Act
The VFW supports the intent of this legislation to strengthen and modernize VA's Foreign Medical Program, which reimburses eligible veterans living or traveling overseas for treatment of service-connected disabilities. The VFW supports the provisions that would enhance program integrity by strengthening fraud prevention and oversight, including prohibiting payments involving deceased veterans or providers; establishing procedures to identify, investigate, and recover fraudulent payments; creating a list of providers found to have submitted fraudulent claims; and designating a Fraud Detection and Prevention Coordinator to oversee these efforts. These measures would help ensure taxpayer dollars are protected while preserving the integrity of a program relied upon by veterans around the world.
The VFW also supports the provisions that would authorize VA to contract with third-party administrators and implement modern information technology systems to improve claims processing. The Foreign Medical Program has long faced challenges with delayed reimbursements, inefficient claims processing, and outdated administrative systems. Modernizing the program and providing VA with additional administrative tools should improve efficiency, reduce processing times, and help ensure veterans receive timely reimbursement for covered medical care obtained overseas.
However, the VFW does not support the provision that would limit reimbursement for hospital care and medical services to the lesser of the amount billed or the applicable Medicare payment rate. Current law generally reimburses the actual billed cost of covered care. This legislation would fundamentally change the Foreign Medical Program by replacing that approach with a Medicare-based reimbursement ceiling. Because Medicare payment methodologies were developed for the domestic U.S. health care system rather than foreign health care markets, they often do not reflect the actual cost of care in foreign countries. Limiting reimbursement in this manner could shift costs to veterans, leave them responsible for substantial out-of-pocket expenses, or discourage providers from participating in the program, ultimately reducing veterans' access to care overseas. The VFW believes eligible veterans should continue to be reimbursed for the actual amount billed for medically necessary care covered under the Foreign Medical Program. Accordingly, we recommend removing the proposed reimbursement cap while retaining the bill's fraud prevention, oversight, and administrative modernization provisions.
Lastly, the VFW would like to see improvements to the program as outlined in H.R.467, Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025. It addresses several issues experienced by our members abroad and would improve consistency in care and minimize fraud.
Discussion Draft - VHA OPEN Policies Act
The VFW supports this legislation to require the Under Secretary for Health to make all national VHA policies publicly available on an accessible VA website. Within 90 days of enactment, VA must publish all national directives, handbooks, memoranda, guidance documents, and procedure guides needed to understand VHA policy and program implementation. The legislation also requires newly issued or revised national policies to be posted online within 30 days, increasing transparency and ensuring timely access for veterans, caregivers, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and other stakeholders.
The VFW has consistently advocated for greater transparency and accountability within VA. Public access to national VHA policies would help veterans understand health care decisions, enhance VSOs' ability to advocate for veterans, and strengthen congressional oversight. The VFW urges VA to keep published policies current, searchable, and accessible, while safeguarding information that could compromise security or patient privacy.
Publishing a comprehensive list of all Department policies would significantly advance transparency. Providing clear and complete guidance empowers individuals. VA should make all policies and benefits information publicly available in plain language so veterans and their families can easily understand them. VA should ensure all public-facing documents, including fact sheets and regulations, are available in common languages and presented clearly as required by the Veterans and Family Information Act (Public Law 117-62).
Discussion Draft - VA Health Care Capacity Assessment Act
The VFW appreciates the intent of this legislation, which would require VA to submit a comprehensive report to Congress, within 180 days of enactment and every two years thereafter, assessing staffing and functional capability at each VA medical facility. While comprehensive assessments of staffing, clinic capacity, workload, wait times, and succession planning are valuable for identifying barriers to care and guiding resource allocation, accountability and transparency remain essential to ensure VA can meet veterans' health care needs.
However, under the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182), VA is already required to publish reports on staffing data on its website quarterly, which is timelier than the proposed biannual reporting, and to provide annual updates to Congress on efforts to achieve full staffing and improve onboarding timelines. The VFW believes strengthening and fully utilizing these existing reporting requirements may be more effective than creating an additional reporting mandate, while continuing to focus on strategies to recruit, retain, and support the health care professionals needed to serve veterans.
Discussion Draft - VHA Personnel Transparency and Accountability Act
The VFW supports this legislation to amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018, requiring VA to publish more detailed and frequent information on VHA staffing levels and vacancies. We have consistently raised concerns about staffing shortages across the VA health care system, especially in rural areas and high-demand specialties. Increased transparency on workforce vacancies would help Congress and stakeholders assess how staffing challenges impact veterans' access to care and hold VA accountable for filling critical positions.
Timely, detailed vacancy data would help identify staffing challenges affecting veterans' access to care and support effective congressional oversight. However, reporting must be paired with strong strategies to recruit, retain, and support the health care professionals needed to serve veterans.
Discussion Draft - National Task Force on Youth Caregivers of Veterans Act
The VFW supports legislation to establish a National Task Force on Caregiving Youth within VA. This task force would assess and address the needs of children and adolescents under the age of 18 who provide unpaid care to veterans and service members with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries. It would include representatives from the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Education, and Defense, and would conduct a national study, consult stakeholders, develop policy recommendations, and report annually to Congress for five years.
The VFW has consistently supported veterans' caregivers and recognizes that family members, including children, play a vital role in helping veterans remain safely at home and maintain their quality of life. Although the legislation does not create direct services, it is an important first step in understanding the unique challenges youth caregivers face and identifying ways to improve support through evidence-based policy. The VFW encourages Congress to ensure the task force's recommendations result in meaningful action, not just additional reporting.
Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives
Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, the VFW has not received any federal grants in Fiscal Year 2026, nor has it received any federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.
The VFW has not received payments or contracts from any foreign governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.
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Original text here: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2026/6/pending-legislation
[Category: National Defense]
New report from The Nature Conservancy Finds NYC is Progressing Toward the Goal of 30% Tree Canopy Cover Citywide, But Gains Vary by Neighborhood
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 1 [Category: Environment] (TNSrpt) -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news on June 30, 2026:
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New report from The Nature Conservancy Finds NYC is Progressing Toward the Goal of 30% Tree Canopy Cover Citywide, But Gains Vary by Neighborhood
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The Nature Conservancy today released Growing Greener: The State of Tree Canopy in New York City, 2017-2021, the most comprehensive look, to date, at how New York City's tree canopy is changing across public and private property-and how to accelerate progress towards meeting the goal of achieving 30% canopy cover
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 1 [Category: Environment] (TNSrpt) -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news on June 30, 2026:
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New report from The Nature Conservancy Finds NYC is Progressing Toward the Goal of 30% Tree Canopy Cover Citywide, But Gains Vary by Neighborhood
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The Nature Conservancy today released Growing Greener: The State of Tree Canopy in New York City, 2017-2021, the most comprehensive look, to date, at how New York City's tree canopy is changing across public and private property-and how to accelerate progress towards meeting the goal of achieving 30% canopy coverby 2040, as set in NYC's new Urban Forest Plan.
The report found that in 2021, tree canopy cover reached 23.4% citywide, an increase of 1.2% from 2017. This reflects stronger annual gains compared to previous canopy change data from 2010 to 2017. The analysis also makes clear that historic patterns of uneven canopy cover across NYC persist; areas with historically low canopy cover generally remained less canopied than other areas of the city but notably saw some of the greatest relative gains in canopy from 2017 to 2021.
The report also found that one- and two-family residential properties, which made up the biggest share of privately owned land and a substantial portion of NYC land area (21.83% of total land area in 2021), was the only land use type with net canopy loss at the citywide scale during 2017-2021. These trends suggest that maintaining canopy on private property, let alone expanding it, may be a challenge and requires more attention.
" Growing Greener demonstrates that long-standing inequities in canopy cover persist, leaving many communities without the cooling, public health and other environmental benefits that trees can provide," said Director of TNC's New York City Program and an author of the report, Tami Lin-Moges. "But it is also promising to see that the targeted plantings and maintenance conducted by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and other local organizations in high heat-vulnerable neighborhoods throughout New York City are beginning to pay off, with data showing they had some of the greatest relative gains in canopy. As we prepare for another hot summer, it is clear: Investing in nature is essential to protecting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers."
Report key findings include:
* 45,247 acres, or 23.40% of the city, was covered by tree canopy in 2021, up from 22.20% canopy cover in 2017 and 20.37% in 2010.
* Areas with high heat-vulnerability scores from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, communities designated as Disadvantaged Communities under the NYS Climate and Community Protection Act, and neighborhoods with lower household incomes generally remained less canopied but saw some of the greatest relative gains in canopy from 2017 to 2021.
* Overall, canopy increased in all five boroughs on City, State, Federal and private property, with the strongest gains seen in NYC Department of Parks & Recreation's jurisdiction (which includes trees on City Parkland and streets).
* Private property had the smallest gains in tree canopy, with losses across some types such as one- and two-family residential, predominately in southeastern Queens.
Nearly 90% of the observed canopy growth came from the growth of existing trees, underscoring the importance of regular care and maintenance that trees require.
* If canopy cover has and continues to increase at the rate of 0.30% per year, NYC will achieve its goal of 30% canopy cover by 2042. The report outlines strategies to further to accelerate canopy growth to reach the 30% goal sooner.
"No matter where you live, work, or spend time outside, all New Yorkers know the immediate relief that comes from standing under the shade of a tree on a hot day. What may be less obvious is that trees are one of the most affordable and accessible ways to help adapt to a changing climate," said New York City Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. "As the Growing Greener report shows, for too long New Yorkers of color in environmental justice communities have been left behind, lacking critical access to trees and all the benefits they provide. I am proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy to bring our first-ever Urban Forest Plan to life, using the best available data to achieve 30% tree canopy equitably by 2040."
"Growing Greener confirms that strategic investment in our urban forest pays off, especially in the communities that need it most," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "This progress is the direct result of years of strategic planting and maintenance, and it's a credit to every forester, steward, and community partner who has put in the work. Through initiatives like the Neighborhood Tree Planting Program, we are prioritizing planting where it is needed most, and this report is a reminder that growing our canopy is not just about planting new trees, but caring for and preserving the ones we already have. Our Urban Forest Plan lays out the roadmap for getting all five boroughs to 30 percent canopy cover by 2040, and closing the gaps that still exist between neighborhoods is at the center of that plan. NYC Parks remains committed to growing a greener, healthier, and more equitable city for every New Yorker."
In addition to cooling and shading benefits, trees and their canopy-the layer of leaves and branches visible from above-provide New Yorkers with a wide range of benefits, from reducing air pollution and flooding, to supporting outdoor recreation. These benefits underscore why TNC is committed to building healthier and greener cities that are more resilient to the effects of climate change and enhance the quality of life for residents. Since 2017, TNC has measured and analyzed New York City's canopy, providing policymakers, city agencies, nonprofit partners and communities with the data needed to understand how this critical natural infrastructure is evolving and to evaluate the impacts of tree planting, management and protection efforts. The Growing Greener report is a companion to The State of the Urban Forest in New York City (released in 2021), which provided the city's first-of-its-kind holistic understanding of the NYC urban forest.
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REPORT: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/g/r/Growing_Greener_hires_pages.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/growing-greener-report/
CAIR-MA Welcomes Newton Mayor's Public Reaffirmation of Support for Muslim Community Following Anti-Muslim Campaign
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR-MA Welcomes Newton Mayor's Public Reaffirmation of Support for Muslim Community Following Anti-Muslim Campaign
Mayor affirms City's commitment to hosting future Eid celebrations and equal treatment of all faith communities
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The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) today welcomed the public remarks of Newton Mayor Marc C. Laredo reaffirming the City's support for its Muslim community following an organized campaign that sought
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WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR-MA Welcomes Newton Mayor's Public Reaffirmation of Support for Muslim Community Following Anti-Muslim Campaign
Mayor affirms City's commitment to hosting future Eid celebrations and equal treatment of all faith communities
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The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) today welcomed the public remarks of Newton Mayor Marc C. Laredo reaffirming the City's support for its Muslim community following an organized campaign that soughtto undermine Newton's first public Eid al-Adha celebration.
The controversy arose after an organized effort attempted to cast suspicion on Newton's Muslim community, the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, and CAIR-MA through guilt-by-association allegations surrounding the May 30 Eid celebration held at Newton's War Memorial Auditorium. Approximately 300 people attended the event to celebrate one of Islam's holiest holidays.
In response to the controversy, Mayor Laredo publicly reaffirmed Newton's commitment to welcoming residents of all faiths. As reported publicly, the Mayor stated:
"Newton is a welcoming city. We fully support the Eid celebration as we do celebrations of all other faiths and ethnicities in the City of Newton. People are welcome in Newton regardless of their religious ethnicity or whether they've been here two weeks or twenty years. We believe the allegations that were made are unfounded, and we are looking forward to hosting the Eid celebration again next year in our War Memorial Auditorium."
Following the Mayor's statement, CAIR-MA Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud personally contacted the Mayor's office to express the organization's appreciation for his support for Newton's Muslim community.
In her message, she said:
"We appreciate Mayor Laredo's leadership and his willingness to affirm publicly that Muslim residents deserve the same welcome and respect afforded to every other faith community," said Amatul-Wadud.
Amatul-Wadud added:
"Muslim families should never have to justify their right to gather and celebrate one of the holiest days in Islam. We are grateful that the Mayor has spoken clearly, and we hope his response serves as an example for municipal leaders across the Commonwealth whenever any faith community becomes the target of organized hostility."
CAIR-MA also thanked the many residents who publicly rejected anti-Muslim rhetoric and stood in solidarity with Newton's Muslim community, including those who took the time to email messages of support to CAIR-MA directly.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ma-welcomes-newton-mayors-public-reaffirmation-of-support-for-muslim-community-following-anti-muslim-campaign/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reject the Trump administration's attempt to gut birthright citizenship.
CAIR previously joined other faith-based advocacy organizations in submitting an amicus brief supporting birthright citizenship.
The Supreme Court today issued a ruling in
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reject the Trump administration's attempt to gut birthright citizenship.
CAIR previously joined other faith-based advocacy organizations in submitting an amicus brief supporting birthright citizenship.
The Supreme Court today issued a ruling inTrump v. Barbara regarding the constitutionality of President Trump's attempt to upend more than a century of settled law on birthright citizenship. In 2025, President Trump issued an order that would deny citizenship to U.S.-born children unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
In the amicus brief to the court by many different organizations, CAIR stated:
"CAIR recognizes that birthright citizenship is one of the Constitution's most important and fundamental guarantees. Removing this guarantee would upend the Constitution, spark widespread confusion, and potentially strip an untold number of Americans--including some American Muslims--of their lifelong status as Americans, none of which the Constitution requires."
In a statement today, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
"We welcome the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Constitution and reject this misguided effort to undermine one of our most fundamental rights. Stripping away birthright citizenship would have created chaos, threatened the rights of millions, and eroded the very foundation of our nation.
"The Constitution is clear: anyone born in the United States, with few technical exceptions, is a citizen of this nation. This longstanding principle, rooted in the 14th Amendment, has helped define who we are as a country for more than a century. We are relieved that the Supreme Court has protected the Constitution's guarantee of birthright citizenship."
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/breaking-cair-welcomes-scotus-ruling-upholding-birthright-citizenship/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Calls on Wisconsin Leaders to Repudiate Rep. Van Orden's Racism, Anti-Muslim Bigotry
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Wisconsin Leaders to Repudiate Rep. Van Orden's Racism, Anti-Muslim Bigotry
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Wisconsin elected officials and political leaders from both parties to publicly repudiate a pattern of anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric by U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
CAIR's call comes after a published review of Rep. Van Orden's public
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Wisconsin Leaders to Repudiate Rep. Van Orden's Racism, Anti-Muslim Bigotry
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Wisconsin elected officials and political leaders from both parties to publicly repudiate a pattern of anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric by U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
CAIR's call comes after a published review of Rep. Van Orden's publicstatements and social media activity documented repeated anti-Muslim comments.
The Milwaukee Courier found:
"When the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee was arrested by the Trump administration in April, Van Orden took to X to say, 'I find it shocking that someone named: 'Salah Salem Sarsour' would be arrested for terrorism. This must be a mistake.'...
"In March, Van Orden found it 'absolutely unacceptable' that nearly half of the doctors in a Texas hospital's residency program were Pakistani.
"In February, during the Pepin County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner, Van Orden said the United States was susceptible to a domestic terrorist attack from people in big cities with Islamic populations.
"'It is indisputable that there are radical Muslim sleeper cells here in America murdering American citizens. It is also indisputable that there are people here in America that are being radicalized currently by foolish democrat politician's hate America rhetoric,' he wrote on X on March 13."
SEE: Van Orden's social media history shows pattern of anti-Muslim, racist comments (https://milwaukeecourier.com/news/2026/06/29/van-ordens-social-media-history-shows-pattern-of-anti-muslim-racist-comments) -Milwaukee Courier
In a statement, CAIR said:
"An elected member of Congress should never traffic in conspiracy theories, collective smears, or dehumanizing rhetoric directed at an entire faith community. Representative Van Orden's repeated amplification of hateful stereotypes about Muslims helps fuel the climate of hostility that has contributed to rising anti-Muslim discrimination and violence. Wisconsin leaders should make clear that this type of bigotry has no place in the United States Congress."
CAIR has repeatedly condemned hate rhetoric and actions by public officials.
Yesterday, CAIR's Minnesota chapter called on members of Congress to publicly rebuke U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for racist and xenophobic remarks targeting Somali Americans.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR's latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 - the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-wisconsin-leaders-to-repudiate-rep-van-ordens-racism-anti-muslim-bigotry/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Calls on Muslim Community to Support Va. Mosque Ahead of July Hate Crime Court Harassment Hearing
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Muslim Community to Support Va. Mosque Ahead of July Hate Crime Court Harassment Hearing
Over the weekend, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) joined Dar Al-Nur, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, and Muslim American Society of DC, at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, to stand in solidarity with the Dar Al-Nur Community Center ahead of a critical court hearing on July 16 after more than two years of alleged harassment and anti-Muslim
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Muslim Community to Support Va. Mosque Ahead of July Hate Crime Court Harassment Hearing
Over the weekend, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) joined Dar Al-Nur, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, and Muslim American Society of DC, at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, to stand in solidarity with the Dar Al-Nur Community Center ahead of a critical court hearing on July 16 after more than two years of alleged harassment and anti-Muslimhostility directed at the institution and its congregants.
During the event, CAIR briefed attendees on the extensive advocacy efforts undertaken on behalf of the Dar Al-Nur community, including engagement with law enforcement, prosecutors, and regulatory agencies; support for witnesses participating in ongoing investigations; legal advocacy; and strategic community mobilization.
Video: CAIR Demands Hate Crime Charges for Mosque Attacker in Virginia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIesyY52XMs)
SEE: Video of Dr. Tony Hsiao Harassing Muslim Women at Dar Al Nur (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu6qnslLPuA)
CAIR also conducted a brief Know Your Rights presentation, equipping community members with practical guidance on recognizing hate crimes, documenting incidents, preserving evidence, interacting with law enforcement, and responding safely should acts of bias or intimidation occur.
CAIR is encouraging community members throughout the DMV to continue demonstrating their support by attending the upcoming court proceedings.
Thursday, July 16, at 9:30 a.m.
Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
SEE: Flyer to Support Dar Al Nur (https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-29-at-9.47.02-AM-1.png)
BACKGROUNDER:
For more than two decades, Dar Al-Nur has served Muslim families throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia as one of the region's oldest and most respected Qur'an schools. Generations of students have studied within its classrooms, and many of today's imams, Qur'an teachers, and taraweeh leaders throughout the DMV trace their Islamic education back to Dar Al-Nur.
Over the past two years, however, members of the Dar Al-Nur community have reported repeated acts of harassment, intimidation, and anti-Muslim hostility allegedly perpetrated by an individual associated with the property where the school operates. The matter has resulted in ongoing criminal proceedings, including an assault charge that has since been elevated to a hate crime.
"This case is about much more than one community center," said Nicole Fauster Bradford, Esq., Community Advocacy Director at CAIR. "It is about whether Muslim children can learn the Qur'an free from intimidation, whether families can practice their faith without fear, and whether those who target religious communities will be held accountable. The extraordinary turnout at this event demonstrates that the Dar Al-Nur community does not stand alone."
SEE: Community Called to Fill the Courthouse (Instagram Video) (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYqKSF1uuMT/?hl=en)
Imam Mohamed stated:
"The July hearing marks an important milestone in the criminal prosecution after the assault charge was elevated to a hate crime: a significant step toward accountability and affirming that religiously motivated intimidation has no place in Virginia. A visible community presence inside and outside the courthouse will send a powerful message that attacks on Muslim institutions are attacks on the broader community and that intimidation will not deter families from practicing their faith. Dar Al-Nur has spent decades raising generations of Muslims across the DMV. Now, the community has an opportunity to stand with Dar Al-Nur."
CAIR is urging Muslim community leaders to utilize CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" bookletto help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-muslim-community-to-support-va-mosque-ahead-of-july-hate-crime-court-harassment-hearing/
[Category: Sociological]
Blaszkowski Takes on New Government Relations Role at WMC
MADISON, Wisconsin, July 1 -- Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Blaszkowski Takes on New Government Relations Role at WMC
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) - the combined state chamber and manufacturers' association - announced Tuesday that Anna Blaszkowski has been promoted to Senior Manager of Employment Regulation & Technology Infrastructure Policy.
"Anna has quickly established herself as a trusted member of WMC's government relations team," said Scott Manley, WMC Executive Vice President of Government Relations. "Her strong
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, July 1 -- Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Blaszkowski Takes on New Government Relations Role at WMC
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) - the combined state chamber and manufacturers' association - announced Tuesday that Anna Blaszkowski has been promoted to Senior Manager of Employment Regulation & Technology Infrastructure Policy.
"Anna has quickly established herself as a trusted member of WMC's government relations team," said Scott Manley, WMC Executive Vice President of Government Relations. "Her strongwork ethic and ability to navigate complex legislative issues make her a tremendous asset to our team and our members."
In her new role, Blaszkowski will play a key role in advancing WMC's policy priorities related to employment regulation and technology infrastructure issues impacting Wisconsin employers. Blaszkowski joined WMC last year as Associate Director of Government Relations.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to take on this expanded role at WMC," said Blaszkowski. "I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that support job creators, reduce regulatory burdens, and position Wisconsin for long-term economic success."
A graduate of Marquette University, Blaszkowski earned her bachelor's degree in political science and international affairs. Prior to joining WMC, Anna developed experience across the public and nonprofit sectors, including roles on a Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign, with a Milwaukee-based community development organization, and in a congressional office in Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.wmc.org/press-releases/blaszkowski-takes-on-new-government-relations-role-at-wmc/
[Category: Business]
