Alma S. Adams

Reps. Adams, Takano, and Sen. Sanders Reintroduce Restoring Overtime Pay Act

Position: The release advocates for the Restoring Overtime Pay Act, which would expand overtime eligibility by gradually increasing the salary threshold to $98,000 by 2029, affecting approximately 29.3 million workers currently exempt from overtime protections.

Washington, D.C. — Monday, May 18, 2026, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), and Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) reintroduced the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to expand and strengthen overtime protections for 29.3 million workers. This legislation comes at a crucial time, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and economic policies are driving up costs for everyday Americans. 60 percent of Americans report they are living paycheck-to-paycheck, and the Trump administration is trying to make life more difficult for working families by weakening the protections set by the Biden administration. In 1965, almost 63 percent of America’s full-time salaried workers were guaranteed overtime pay. Today, only 8 percent of full-time salaried workers are eligible. Salaried workers making over $35,000 a year are exempt from overtime pay regulations; wages and worker protections have not kept up with rising costs, and the law must be updated. The Restoring Overtime Pay Act will strengthen overtime protections for up to 29.3 million workers by gradually increasing the overtime salary threshold by $10,000 every year until 2029, when the overtime pay threshold would be matched to the 55th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationwide at a projected $98,000. “For far too long, tens of millions of Americans have been denied overtime pay because of outdated federal law,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “In my district, thousands of residents are struggling to make ends meet while the Trump administration puts the interests of billionaires above those of ordinary Americans. Working people need overtime pay now more than ever, and I am proud to partner with Congressman Takano and Senator Sanders to introduce the Restoring Overtime Pay Act and ensure workers are paid what they’re owed.” “Americans are working more for less,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “Expanding the overtime threshold for salaried employees is the best way to ensure that families can survive the cost-of-living crisis caused by Donald Trump. I am proud to introduce this bill to help make sure over 29 million workers get paid fairly.” “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is beyond unacceptable that President Trump is denying overtime pay to millions of workers who desperately need it to keep up with the outrageously high cost of living,” said Sen. Sanders. “We should be making it easier, not harder, for Americans who work more than 40 hours a week to get the time-and-a-half pay that they have earned and deserve. That’s precisely what this bill would do.” Endorsements:AFL-CIO; American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance-AFL-CIO (APALA); the Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Communications Workers of America (CWA); Dēmos; Family Values @ Work; the Feminist Majority Foundation; International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM); National Employment Lawyers Association; National Employment Law Project (NELP); National Institute for Workers’ Rights; National Partnership for Women & Families; National Women’s Law Center; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; North Carolina Justice Center; Oxfam America; Patriotic Millionaires; Public Justice Center; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); UNITE HERE; United Auto Workers (UAW), United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE); United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); United for Respect; United Steelworkers (USW); Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; WorkLife Law. Issues:Jobs and the EconomyLocal Issues

Rep. Adams Returns Landmark IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to Capitol Hill

Position: Representatives Adams and Hill reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize federal investments in modernizing aging campus infrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including academic buildings, research labs, student housing, and technology infrastructure.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) and Representative French Hill (R-AR-02) reintroduced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for Historically Black College and University Excellence Act, also known as the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, H.R. 8791. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced a companion package in the Senate. “For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,”saidCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus.“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners.” A century of underfunding and financial neglect from state and federal governments have left the vast majority of HBCUs with aging laboratories, deteriorating dormitories, outdated equipment, and crumbling infrastructure. This bipartisan legislation would authorize federal investments to rebuild and modernize aging campus infrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States. HBCUs have a substantially outsized impact on the communities they support. HBCUs represent 3 percent of all four-year colleges and universities in the United States, but graduate 17 percent of all bachelor’s degrees and 27 percent of STEM degrees awarded to Black Americans. 50 percent of Black educators come from HBCUs. Annually, HBCUs contribute $16.5 billion to local communities and regional economies. "Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities,” Congressman French Hill, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus said.“I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done." “Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Senator Coons, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.” “HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Senator Tim Scott, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.” “Despite being historically underfunded and facing severe infrastructure needs, HBCUs have contributed significantly to our nation’s workforce and success,” said Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL-02). “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation helps get HBCUs the investments they need to update their facilities and to thrive, and will be especially impactful in Alabama, which has the most HBCUs in the country." "This legislation is an important step in assuring that students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have access to the best and most modern facilities possible,” said Rep. Richard McCormick (R-GA-07). “I am proud to support this commonsense legislation, which will help HBCUs across Georgia make critical investments in their students and cover much-needed maintenance costs." “As Vice Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am proud to support the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Vice Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.“Alabama is home to some of the finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, institutions that have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, educators, and changemakers. Despite their extraordinary impact, our HBCUs have endured decades of systemic underfunding. This bill represents a transformational investment in the future of HBCUs by modernizing campus facilities, expanding access to technology, preserving historic buildings, and ensuring students have access to the world-class learning environments they deserve.” “Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University and Wilberforce University, both here in Ohio’s 10th congressional district, have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and helped prepare the workforce that strengthens our economy, our research enterprise, and our national competitiveness,” said Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH-10), Vice Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a bipartisan effort to strengthen HBCUs, expand opportunity, and ensure students have the learning environments they need to succeed.” A description of the bill is available here. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act would: Utilize public and private investments to renovate, repair, modernize, or construct new campus facilities, including instructional, research, and residential spaces; Provide access to campus-wide, reliable high-speed broadband to support digital learning and long-term technological capacity; Develop campus facilities to support community-based partnerships that provide students and community members with academic, health, and social services; Procure equipment and technology needed to facilitate high-quality research and instruction; Preserve buildings with historic significance; and Ensure the resilience, safety, and sustainability of campus facilities. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has drawn broad support from higher education associations, HBCUs and their alumni networks, industry partners, and civil rights organizations. President Valerie Kinloch from Johnson C Smith University, President Paulette R. Dillard from Shaw University, Chancellor Anthony Graham from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, President Anthony Davis from Livingstone College, President Maurice Gipson from Philander Smith University, President Safiya George from University of the Virgin Islands, President Quiton T. Ross Jr. from Alabama State University, President Jeffery Norfleet from Shorter College, Dr. Timothy C. Summers from Morgan State University and Dr. Kelvin Laweson from Florida A&M University, Mr. Ronald Carrere from Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dr. Felecia Nave with the 1890 Universities Foundation, alongside representatives of Howard University, Fisk University, and Bowie State University were in attendance for the press conference announcing the reintroduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions,”Dr. Harry L. Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund president & CEO, said. “In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. We thank Rep. Hill, Rep Adams, Sen. Scott and Sen. Coons of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.” "Infrastructure spending strengthens each of our institutions. Currently, West Virginia State University has more than $100 million in deferred maintenance,” said Ericke S. Cage, chair of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Council of 1890 University Presidents and President of West Virginia State University. “That reality frustrates momentum as our University strives to turn out graduates to meet workforce demand in fields such as agriculture, cybersecurity, engineering, nursing and education. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will allow our institutions to thrive, elevating the HBCU experience, enhancing student enrollment and making our institutions a top choice for faculty, thus multiplying the collective impact of our institutions for the betterment of our nation." "When Congress invests in 1890 Land-Grant Universities, it is investing in the food security, agricultural research, and workforce development that this nation depends on. We contribute nearly $15 billion annually to our communities. Our institutions are not on the margins of these critical conversations. We are leading them. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act gives us the infrastructure to lead even more effectively and serve even more students, farmers, and communities across the country,” said Felecia M. Nave, Ph.D., President and CEO, 1890 Universities Foundation. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them,” said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. "For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.” "The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially,”Lomax continued. "We—at UNCF—view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time. When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress. We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America’s future.” The Century Foundation, Goldman Sachs, HomeFree-Usa, Farm Credit Council, Vanguard, LendingTree, TIAA, American Honda Motor Company, Center for Community Self-Help, and the International Franchise Association (IFA) have endorsed the bill. Issues:EducationHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

Rep. Adams Urges Supreme Court to Maintain Access to Mifepristone in Louisiana v. FDA Decision

Position: Rep. Adams urges the Supreme Court to overturn the Fifth Circuit decision restricting mifepristone access, arguing that the FDA's evidence-based approval process supports safe medication abortion and that states should not be permitted to limit access to reproductive healthcare.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) commented on the Supreme Court’s emergency stay of the Louisiana v. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fifth Circuit decision regarding access to the drug Mifepristone. “On Monday, May 4, I filed an amicus brief with over 250 of my Democratic colleagues in Congress urging them to overturn the decision of the Fifth Circuit. “States cannot be allowed to walk back protections that women have fought to secure for decades. “The FDA’s rigorous congressionally mandated, evidence-based process for drug regulations has approved Mifepristone’s use and their studies confirm the drug is safe regardless of how it is dispensed. Reinstating in-person dispensation requirements for Mifepristone severely limits access to the most common method of early, safe abortion. “I have spent my career fighting for women’s access to safe and effective reproductive healthcare. For 50 years, women have been able to take control of their own bodies, and since the Dobbs decision, that control is being taken away. “Women deserve healthcare, and abortion care is healthcare. This lower court decision cannot stand.” Issues:Health CareWomen

Rep. Adams Statement on the Louisiana V. Callais Supreme Court Decision

Position: Rep. Adams opposes the Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court decision, which she argues weakens the Voting Rights Act by requiring proof of discriminatory intent. She calls on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore voting protections.

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the Louisiana V. Callais Supreme Court Decision. "This recent Supreme Court ruling is part of a long assault on the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. The Supreme Court has weakened an essential provision in the VRA used to protect the country from extremely biased racial gerrymandering. These protections weren't a favor; they were a debt this nation owed to Black Americans after centuries of terror at the ballot box. "The Supreme Court didn’t finish this in one day. They chipped away at it in 2013 with Shelby County V. Holder. They weakened it again in 2021 with Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee. Now, they’ve done what the majority has wanted all along and rendered the VRA nearly impossible to enforce with Louisiana V. Callais. "Requiring proof of intent to discriminate in states with documented histories of racial voter suppression is not legal interpretation. It is judicial activism and willful blindness. "I am calling on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act immediately. We did not come this far to go back."

Rep. Adams Pushes to Preserve Department of Education During Congressional Committee Meeting

Position: Rep. Adams opposes transferring adult and family literacy programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor, arguing that ED provides essential expertise in adult literacy instruction and that such a transfer would dismantle critical infrastructure.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), introduced an amendment to halt further dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). “Adult Education is not a job training program,” said Rep. Adams. “It’s an education program that is fundamentally about helping adults learn a foundational level of reading, writing, and math. The Department of Education fills a critical void in our nation’s workforce system by providing much needed expertise in adult literacy instructional delivery.” The Education and Workforce Committee held a markup on H.R. 8210, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Reauthorization is crucial to continue funding for job search assistance programs, literacy programs, dislocated worker programs, and youth training programs. As written, H.R. 8210 would move adult and family literacy training programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor, further removing the Department of Education’s essential functions and dismantling a decades-long adult education infrastructure. Congresswoman Adams introduced an amendment during the committee meeting to remove parts of H.R. 8210 that sought to limit the Department of Education’s responsibilities and restore the previous bipartisan agreement that was authorized in the 118th Congress. “Moving Adult Education to the Department of Labor would rid states, providers of adult literacy courses, and most importantly, adults themselves, of the expertise ED provides through technical assistance, monitoring, and guidance,” Rep. Adams continued. “The inclusion of this language does not represent a thoughtful attempt at WIOA reauthorization, but rather another front in President Trump’s war against the Department of Education.” You can find video of Rep. Adams committee remarks here.

Rep. Adams, Senator Hirono Reintroduce the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act

Position: The release advocates for passage of the STAR Act, which would restore federal flexibility allowing local transit authorities to incorporate public art into federally funded transit projects, reversing restrictions imposed by the 2015 FAST Act.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act, which would reinstate a federal flexibility to allow local transit authorities the ability to incorporate art into federally funded transit projects. “Public art is infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Adams, an artist and former art professor of 40 years. “I’ve seen firsthand how art shapes the way people experience a place—how it invites people in, creates pride, and brings communities together. Public art has been shown to increase ridership, reduce vandalism, and inspire residents and tourists alike." “Due to a change in federal law in 2015, transit systems like the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) are no longer able to use Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to integrate art into stations and park-and-ride lots,” Rep. Adams continued. “The STAR Act would restore this power to local transit authorities to include public art in their infrastructure investments and build more vibrant transit options that are unique to each community.” “Public art is not just something beautiful to look at, it reflects our shared cultural and societal values. In Honolulu, the unique artwork at each station along the rail line encourages ridership, deters vandalism, and promotes the community’s history,” said Senator Hirono. “The STAR Act would better enable local transit authorities to incorporate art into public transit facilities, enhancing riders’ experiences while inspiring a sense of safety, place, and identity in communities across the country.” For decades, municipalities across America employed artists to design various transit projects using FTA funding. These costs comprised 1-2 percent of a project’s budget and could be used to support the employment of an artist on a design team if artistic elements were integrated into the design or facility. However, since the passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015, federal law prohibited the use of FTA funds to be used for the integration of art into transit projects. The law also placed limits on local funds from being used alongside FTA dollars, severely limiting transit agencies’ ability to incorporate art in projects even with their own money. “Transit systems are some of the most visible and widely shared public spaces in our country.” said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. “The Saving Transit Art Resources Act recognizes that communities should have the freedom to design those spaces in ways that reflect who they are. By restoring local control over the integration of art, this bill reopens the door for creative partnerships, supports working artists, and ensures that our transit systems are not just functional, but welcoming, meaningful, and alive with culture.” You can view the full text of the STAR Act here. This bill is endorsed by the Americans for the Arts and Smart Growth America. Issues:Jobs and the EconomyLocal Issues

Statement From Rep. Adams Following House Agriculture Committee Hearing With CFTC Chairman Selig

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 16, 2026, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after questioning Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig at a Committee hearing: “Today's hearing raised serious and unanswered questions about the direction of the CFTC under Chairman Selig's leadership — and the American people, farmers, and investors deserve straight answers. "First, I am deeply concerned that Chairman Selig has indicated a willingness to advance major new regulations without a full complement of commissioners in place. Rulemaking of this magnitude requires the full deliberative process the agency was designed to carry out — not unilateral action by a single sitting commissioner. "Second, when I pressed the Chairman on what specific rule changes have already been made to help farmers and producers, his response was vague at best. If rules affecting American farmers and ranchers have been changed, those changes must go through proper notice-and-comment procedures. Bypassing that process is not just a procedural concern — it is a matter of transparency and accountability to the very producers this agency is supposed to serve. "Third, I find it troubling that when a private trading platform like Robinhood has taken voluntary steps to protect its customers from manipulative 'mention contracts,' the CFTC has yet to act. The Chairman's repeated deferrals to the rulemaking process cannot become a shield against addressing clear and present risks to market integrity. These are contracts already trading on registered U.S. exchanges, and the CFTC has both the authority and the obligation to act. "Finally, I am alarmed that it has now been more than six months since the close of Fiscal Year 2025 — which ran from October 1 through December 31 — and the CFTC has still not published its annual enforcement report, a document that would primarily reflect the record of Chairman Selig's predecessor. When I asked the Chairman directly whether it was his decision to withhold that report, he did not give a clear answer. The public has a right to know who made this decision and why. Delaying or suppressing an enforcement report is not consistent with the zero-tolerance policy the Chairman claims to uphold. Transparency, accountability, and due process are not bureaucratic inconveniences — they are the foundation of a market watchdog that the American people can trust. I will continue pressing the CFTC for answers." You can view the Congresswoman's questioning here. Issues:AgricultureCongressional IssuesFiscal Responsibility

Reps. Adams, Underwood and Sen. Booker Introduce Black Maternal Health Week Resolution

Position: The resolution recognizes Black Maternal Health Week and calls on Congress to address the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis affecting Black mothers through evidence-based solutions and structural reforms to the healthcare system.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congresswomen Alma Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), along with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced the bicameral resolution recognizing April 11 through April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution serves to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the critical need to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black mothers. “Our annual Black Maternal Health Week resolution says, unequivocally, that Black Moms matter,” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “This week is a time for us to raise awareness around the maternal mortality and morbidity epidemic Black mothers face and urge our Congressional and state leaders to take action. We need to see a real commitment from Congress to address this crisis, and I am dedicated to working with our Black maternal health advocates across the country to make that happen. Black mamas can’t wait!” “Our country’s Black maternal health crisis demands urgent action,” said Congresswoman Underwood, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “In 2019 I co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Congresswoman Alma Adams to respond to this crisis and advance evidence-based solutions that will save lives and end disparities. I'm thrilled to continue this work by introducing this resolution with Congresswoman Adams and Senator Booker to recognize Black Maternal Health Week 2026. I am thinking of the families and moms who have been impacted by this crisis like Mercedes Wells, Karrie Jones, and Dr. Janell Green Smith who we tragically lost, and I'm grateful to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance for their leadership in establishing this critical week of awareness and action. We must continue to elevate Black maternal health as a national priority, and we must pass the entire Momnibus.” “It is unacceptable that Black women continue to face a maternal mortality rate two to three times higher than White women because of deep, systemic failures in our health care system,” said Senator Booker. “This resolution is not just about acknowledging the disparities Black women face. It is about recognizing that Congress must do more to protect the lives of Black mothers by addressing the structural barriers that drive them and ensuring that every mother has a safe and healthy pregnancy and the care they deserve.” In the United States, Black women face a maternal mortality rate that increased to 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, even as rates declined for white, Hispanic, and Asian women. Yet studies show that 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. The resolution calls on Congress to support and promote policies that address the ongoing Black maternal mortality crisis. “2026 marks more than a decade of Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) building the skills, convening, and mobilizing the global Black perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health workforce to END maternal mortality. Over the past 10 years, BMMA has worked to establish the global Black Maternal Health Movement, centering the organizing and collaborative efforts of Black perinatal and maternal professionals. That is our midwives, our physicians, our doulas, our nurses, advocates, healing practitioners, and even artists. We have built this movement on the intellectual traditions of Black feminism, womanism, and the principles of reproductive justice and birth justice.” said BMMA, Inc. Co-Founder & Executive Director Angela D. Aina, who is also a 2026 TIME100 Health Honoree. “As we launch our 9th annual Black Maternal Health Week, we do so rooted in both the weight of this moment and the joy of this movement,” Aina continued. “We are witnessing unprecedented attacks on Black families, on reproductive rights, and on the very institutions meant to protect our health and dignity. And yet, we remain rooted. Justice and joy are not separate — they are the foundation of everything we do. BMHW26 is a time for community rooted action in addressing maternal health inequities and ensuring that everyone, especially Black Mamas, receive the resources needed to thrive.” The text of the resolution can be found here. The resolution was cosponsored by 37 members of Congress. Emilia Sykes Mary Gay Scanlon Shomari Figures LaMonica McIver Summer Lee Jennifer McClellan Julie Johnson Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Paul Tonko Debbie Wasserman Schultz Alina Philip Bennie G. Thompson Yvette Clarke Tim Kennedy Ritchie Torres Ayanna Pressley Steve Cohen Rashida Tlaib Gregory W. Meeks Joseph Morelle Raja Krishnamoorthi Ro Khanna Nanette Barragan Shontel Brown Jonathan Jackson Norma Torres Eleanor Holmes Norton Kelly Morrison Sidney Kamlager-Dove Josh Gottheimer Bonnie Watson Coleman Lateefah Simon Sylvia R. Garcia Robin Kelly Andrea Salinas Jahana Hayes Ilhan Omar You can read the full letter of support for the resolution by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance here. The resolution has been endorsed by the following organizations: BMMA, Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance) 4Kira4Moms, Inc A Better Balance Abortion Care Network Alabama Prison Birth Project Alexis Alsup All* Above All American Association of Birth Centers American College of Nurse-Midwives Amplify Georgia Collaborative Ancient Song, Inc. Baobab Birth Collective Black Feminist Future Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective Black Women for Wellness Black Women's Health Imperative Bloom Collective California Black Women's Health Project Center for Maternal Health Equity Center for Reproductive Rights Cherishing Life Beginnings Divine Mother Foundation LLC Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Commonsense Childbirth Inc. Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, Inc. Destiny S, WomBeyond Doula Services Diversity Uplifts Inc. Dr. Sayida Uplifts, LLC. Dr. Zsakeba Henderson DwanElani DBA Mermama Birthwork Services Every Mother Counts Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation Frontera Fund Frontline Doulas Fund Texas Choice Georgia Black Doula Network Georgia Legislative Black Caucus HEART In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda InnerLight Holistic Doula & Perinatal Consulting, LLC Institute for Women’s Policy Research Jamarah Amani, Southern Birth Justice Network Janita Wiley, LMSW Medical Students for Choice Middle Georgia 4 Choice Miraae Insights, LLC MomsRising Most Beautiful W.O.M.B. Inc National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum National Association of Certified Professional Midwives National Health Law Program National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice National Partnership for Women and Families New Voices for Reproductive Justice Nicole Clark Consulting, LLC Not On My Watch Consulting Partners Okunsola M. Amadou, Qiana Lewis National Association of Certified Professional Midwives Oshun Family Center Our Justice PEACE FOR MOMS Pennsylvania House of Representatives Planned Parenthood Federation of America Remnant Community Outreach, Inc. Reproductive Freedom for All Research!America Sankofa Birthworkers' Collective of the Inland Empire Shades of Blue Project Sisters in Loss SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective Board of Directors SiX Action SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!, Inc. Speaking of Birth Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity Summit Medical Associates P.C. Teonia Burton, LM CPM The Melanated Mammary Atlas The Social Justice Center We Testify Women Engaged Women’s Health Specialists MomsRising Issues:Black Maternal HealthWomen

Rep. Adams Backs Resolution to Stop Corruption of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Position: The representatives oppose the Trump Administration's efforts to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program beyond statutory requirements, arguing the program should remain available to public servants including teachers, nurses, and social workers as originally intended by Congress.

Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Scott Peters (CA-50) along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced a Congressional Review Act— legislation to prevent the executive branch from limiting eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program beyond the statutes that have been outlined by Congress. The bill, led by Rep. Courtney, comes amidst efforts from President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to limit PSLF eligibility based on subjective criteria. "The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a lifeline for countless Americans who have chosen careers in teaching, nursing, social work, and other vital roles in public service," said Adams, Ranking Member of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee. "In North Carolina, 1 in every 14 classrooms lacks a teacher with proper licensure and 13 percent of nursing positions sit unfilled. Easing the financial burden of education for these careers is vital. Allowing the Trump Administration to weaponize this program for political purposes is a betrayal of the promise we made to these dedicated workers. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in defending PSLF and ensuring that our public servants receive the loan forgiveness they have earned." “The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created in 2007 as a nonpolitical program to lower the cost of college, reward careers in public service ranging from military service, nursing, teaching, and public safety, and help fill critical positions that our communities need. This new rule by President Trump and Secretary of Education McMahon would pick and choose which public servants are eligible for forgiveness based on the Trump Administration’s ideological agenda, which clearly goes against Congressional intent,” said Courtney. “I will continue to fight against the Trump Department of Education’s unlawful degradation of PSLF, and I will continue working to improve this patriotic program so that it lives up to the promise it makes to America’s hardworking public servants.” "San Diego's public servants, teachers, nurses, and doctors tirelessly serve our community and rely on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program's promise that their student loans will eventually be forgiven. The PSLF program was created to reward those who choose to pursue careers in public service, yet the recent changes by the Trump Administration threaten to drive essential public servants out of these lines of work. We should strengthen this program, not undermine it. I am proud to co-lead this effort to protect the PSLF program for current and future public servants," said Peters. “Americans benefit from highly qualified teachers, firefighters, nonprofit hospital staff, social workers, and other critical public servants,” said Kaine. “But now the Department of Education wants to turn those incredible people into pawns in the Trump Administration’s ridiculous, politically motivated crusades. That’s unfair to the millions of Americans who have dedicated their careers to serving their fellow citizens and is a direct threat to the quality of the services our communities rely on. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading an effort to protect the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program from needless and dangerous politicization.” “Student loan forgiveness should not be ripped away from public servants based on the president’s political agenda,” said Gillibrand. “Student borrowers who have chosen to serve their communities in the nonprofit or public sector, often for less pay than they could have otherwise earned, are counting on a promise from their government that their loans will ultimately be forgiven. The Trump administration’s move to retroactively deny student borrowers this benefit is disgraceful. I urge the Department of Education to focus on lowering costs for the constituents we all serve, not furthering Donald Trump’s partisan games.” “Public Service Loan Forgiveness represents a promise we made to Americans who dedicate their careers to serving others,” said Booker. “Efforts to weaponize that promise for political purposes or to exclude eligible public servants undermines both the integrity of the program and our commitment to public service.” A brief overview of the PSLF program: Congress enacted the PSLF program with strong bipartisan support through legislation that was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The Trump Administration’s new rule would undermine the intent of the program. Specifically, the Trump Administration’s changes would: Politicize and destabilize the PSLF program, by allowing Secretary McMahon to limit eligibility based on a nonprofit’s mission or perceived ideological alignment, making the program vulnerable to shifting political priorities under any future administration. Grant overly broad and subjective discretion to the Department of Education, by permitting disqualification of employers deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose”—an undefined and subjective standard that invites arbitrary and inconsistent enforcement. Target marginalized communities and the nonprofits that serve them. Discourage public service careers and weaken the nonprofit workforce. Read the full text of the Congressional Review Act here. Issues:Education

Reps. Adams, Hill, McCormick, and Figures Introduce HBCU Research Capacity Act To Expand Access To Federal Research Funding

Position: Representatives Adams, Hill, McCormick, and Figures support legislation to establish a federal clearinghouse that would help historically black colleges and universities identify and access federal research funding opportunities, addressing what they characterize as systemic underfunding of HBCUs relative to their economic and research contributions.

Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), French Hill (AR-02), Richard McCormick (GA-06), and Shomari Figures (AL-02) introduced the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Research Capacity Act to create a federal clearinghouse to ensure HBCUs can see what grants they are eligible for. This legislation is a companion of S. 4167, led by Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Katie Britt (D-LA). "HBCUs have always punched above their weight. HBCUs contribute nearly $16.5 billion to the economy every year despite receiving less than 1% of federal research funding. That gap isn't a reflection of merit, it's a reflection of decades of systemic underfunding,” said Rep. Alma Adams, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “The HBCU Research Capacity Act will help by giving our institutions a clear path to federal grant opportunities. I'm proud to champion this House companion with Representatives Hill, McCormick, and Figures and alongside Senators Warnock and Britt to ensure HBCUs receive the funding they have earned." "Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including the four we are blessed to have here in Arkansas, have been a source of opportunity and innovation for generations," said Rep. Hill, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. "Despite their outsized contributions, HBCUs receive a fraction of the federal research funding available to them. The HBCU Research Capacity Act takes a practical step toward changing that by ensuring these institutions have the information and tools they need to compete for federal dollars and continue fulfilling their vital mission for generations to come." “The time to act is now if we want to keep America leading in the world of STEM. Our nation’s HBCUs are producing some of the brightest minds in science and technology, even as they face real funding challenges,” said Congressman Richard McCormick. “I’m proud to co-sponsor the HBCU Research Capacity Act that ensures these students can stay ahead in the global technology race, which starts with investing in our own talent.” "HBCUs have a long-standing track record of making significant contributions to our nation’s economy and workforce despite being consistently underfunded,” said Rep. Shomari C. Figures. “With Alabama being home to the most HBCUs in the nation, this bill is a game-changer for the institutions in my state at the forefront of research and development because it creates a one-stop shop for all federal research funding opportunities. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, and I will continue fighting for HBCUs to receive the resources they need to continue training and educating the next generation of leaders, researchers, and scholars.” Background The HBCU Research Capacity Act would: Establish a federal clearinghouse to provide a centralized source of information on federal grant opportunities available to HBCUs. Ensure HBCUs receive consistent and timely updates on research and development funding opportunities across federal agencies. Provide best practices and guidance to help institutions strengthen research capacity and improve competitiveness for federal grants. Encourage coordination across key federal agencies to better align funding opportunities and reduce barriers to access. Promote transparency and accountability through regular reporting to Congress and participating institutions. Direct agencies to review grant programs and identify gaps in support for HBCU participation. The text of the bill can be found here. For press inquiries, contact Congresswoman Adams' Chief of Staff, Adrienne Christian, at adrienne.christian@mail.house.gov or (202) 940-6284. Issues:EducationHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)