Lauren Underwood

Adams, Underwood Announce Maternal Health Priorities Included in FY25 Appropriations Law

Position: The representatives secured federal appropriations funding for maternal health initiatives and advocate for passage of the Momnibus Act, comprehensive legislation to address maternal health disparities and mortality.

WASHINGTON — The Black Maternal Health Caucus (BMHC) secured over $363 million for critical maternal health priorities in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2025, including $72 million in “Momnibus” funding based on the Momnibus Act, comprehensive legislation to end America’s maternal health crisis. The Momnibus is sponsored by BMHC Co-Founders and Co-Chairs Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) and Rep. Lauren Underwood. Since it was founded, the Caucus has secured over $253 million in NEW funding directly through the federal appropriations process based on the Kira Johnson, Data to Save Moms, and NIH IMPROVE Acts in the Momnibus. The BMHC led efforts to secure these resources in the final FY25 appropriations package; their inclusion reflects the strength of the BMHC’s advocacy and broad, bipartisan recognition of the urgent need to address our nation’s growing maternal health crisis and its disproportionate impact on Black moms. “For the sixth year in a row, the Black Maternal Health Caucus secured significant federal resources to address our maternal health crisis and save moms’ lives. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought to ensure that evidence-based maternal health priorities were funded at the highest levels to support moms across the country and to directly address the drivers of maternal mortality and morbidity,” Rep. Lauren Underwood said. “But our work is far from done. Moms across America are demanding a comprehensive solution, and they cannot afford to wait any longer. We must pass the Momnibus now.” “Through a hard-fought budget process emerges good news for mothers – especially expectant Black mothers,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. “Funding increases for vital research like the NIH IMPROVE Initiative will help reduce maternal mortality and by addressing the disparities that have made the childbirth more dangerous for so many women. Other critical maternal health projects Congresswoman Underwood and I have been fighting for through our work with the Black Maternal Health Caucus were preserved as well. As we work to close racial health gaps, Congressional Democratic Leadership continues to show their commitment to creating an equitable society for all Americans.” The FY25 appropriations package includes: $53.4 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) initiative. The BMHC has championed IMPROVE since its establishment in 2019 and secured robust funding every year since. The FY25 funds will allow NIH to expand research on the leading causes of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities, and identify clinical and non-clinical interventions that will save lives and promote maternal health equity. BMHC Co-Chair Underwood has also introduced legislation, the NIH IMPROVE Act, to permanently authorize this program. The list of FY24 funding announcements is available here. $10 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund research grants at minority serving institutions to study maternal health disparities. This funding is based on the Data to Save Moms Act in the Momnibus. The BMHC worked with the House Appropriations Committee to secure this NEW funding for the first time in FY23 and has successfully secured additional funding every year since. $9.3 million, an increase of $2.3 million, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health to fund community-based organizations that are supporting moms in geographic areas with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes. This funding is based on Co-Chair Adams’s Kira Johnson Act in the Momnibus. $23 million to fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers & Babies (SET-NET) program, which detects the effects of new health threats on pregnant people and their babies by collecting key data. This funding is based on Co-Chair Underwood’s Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act in the Momnibus. Report Language that continues to support $15 million for implementation of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act (P.L.117-69) at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Co-Chair Underwood’s Protecting Moms Who Served Act, enacted in 2021 under the Biden-Harris Administration, was the first Momnibus bill signed into law. $55 million through HRSA to fund State Maternal Health Innovation Grants. With this funding requested by the BMHC, states collaborate with maternal health experts to implement state-specific action plans to improve access to maternal care services, identify and address workforce needs, and support postpartum and interconception care services. These grants play an important role in improving access to comprehensive and high-quality care for populations disproportionately impacted by maternal mortality and severe morbidity. $110.5 million through CDC for Safe Motherhood programs. This funding requested by the BMHC will help to improve health outcomes during and after pregnancy, including reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes. $8 million through HRSA to expand the maternal health workforce in Maternity Care Target Areas. This funding requested by the BMHC supports efforts through the National Health Service Corps to identify areas experiencing a shortage of maternity care providers and provide loan repayment and scholarships for the maternal health workforce in these underserved areas. $5 million in funding for midwifery education and training through HRSA. This funding will support grants to educate midwives and address the national shortage of maternity care providers, one of BMHC’s key priorities. $8 million through HRSA to support training for Certified Nurse Midwives. This funding supports loan repayment and scholarships for Certified Nurse Midwives who commit to serve in “Maternity Care Target Areas.” $10 million in funding for Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategic (RMOMS) program at HRSA. The RMOMS program funds critical initiatives to expand access to services in rural communities and is strongly supported by the BMHC. $38.1 million to fund substance use disorder treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This funding requested by the BMHC addresses one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in states across the country. $11 million, a $1 million increase, through HRSA for Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression and Related Disorders. This funding will expand access to community treatment and recovery support services for pregnant people and new mothers with maternal mental and behavioral health conditions, a major priority of the BMHC. $200,000 to fund an Advisory Committee to monitor and report on the implementation of the recommendations from the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC) through the HHS Office of the Secretary. This funding will advance efforts to promote the safe inclusion of pregnant and lactating individuals in clinical trials for vaccines and therapeutics, a priority supported by BMHC. $7 million in funding for the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. The hotline, a BMHC priority, provides 24/7 free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy, including phone or text access to professional counselors, real-time support and information, and services in both English and Spanish. The hotline is available at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Prioritization of birth center expansions at HRSA HRSA must develop a plan to assist in birth center expansion in rural and urban maternity care deserts. Underwood and Adams co-founded the BMHC in 2019 to advance federal solutions that save moms’ lives. The United States is one of the most dangerous countries on earth to give birth, with the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country. The situation is even more dire for Black women, who are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications. Our moms are dying, and the Momnibus is the only comprehensive federal legislation that will address every driver of our maternal health crisis. As we consider future Appropriations bills, the BMHC is continuing to advocate for urgent federal action to fully fund the Momnibus and solve our nation’s maternal health crisis. ### Issues:Health Care and Reproductive Rights

Reps. Adams, Underwood, Sen. Booker Reintroduce Bicameral Black Maternal Health Week Resolution

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood, Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and 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. In the United States, Black women face a maternal mortality rate two to three times that of white women, yet studies show that 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. The resolution calls on Congress to support and promote policies addressing Black maternal health in order to address the ongoing Black maternal mortality crisis. “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.” “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!” “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.” “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.” Full text of the resolution can be found here. ###

Underwood, Schrier, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

Position: The legislators introduce the Child Suicide Prevention Act to provide evidence-based training on youth suicide prevention to healthcare professionals and establish a centralized resource database to address rising suicide rates among young people.

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Child Suicide Prevention Act, legislation that would address suicide among children and young adults by providing evidence-based training to current and future health care professionals. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. From 2000 to 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide rates among young Americans increased 52 percent. “I have heard from so many young people about their challenges and struggles with mental health. We can and we must do better for our kids, and I want them to know that there is hope,” said Underwood. “Representative Schrier, Senator Schatz, and I introduced the Child Suicide Prevention Act to make sure health care providers are equipped with life-saving training and interventions backed by data. Our legislation takes meaningful action so that young people can get the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives.” “As a pediatrician, children's health and well-being have always been my top priority,”said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis that has led to skyrocketing suicide rates among children. We must do all we can to address this crisis head-on, which is why I’m proud to introduce legislation to give healthcare providers the tools and resources they need to help keep our children safe.” “Youth suicide is a crisis in Hawai‘i and across America, and we need to do everything we can to get young people help when they need it,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill provides important training and resources to medical professionals who will be able to deliver timely help and prevent these tragedies.” The Child Suicide Prevention Act would provide funding for evidence-based training on youth suicide prevention to current and future health care professionals. Additionally, the bill would create a centralized database of resources where at-risk youth and their families, medical and nursing schools, and health care professionals can turn for best practices in suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Rep. Underwood’s website also includes a Behavioral Health Resources page to help our community find support. Issues:Health Care and Reproductive Rights

Underwood, Adams, Booker Reintroduce Momnibus Bills to End America’s Maternal Health Crisis

Position: Representatives Underwood and Adams and Senator Booker advocate for passage of the Momnibus, a comprehensive 14-bill package designed to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, expand access to maternal mental health and substance use care, grow the perinatal workforce, and increase federal investment in maternal health research and community-based organizations.

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Lauren Underwood, Alma Adams (NC-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Momnibus, 14 bills that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. “80% of maternal deaths in America are preventable, and the Momnibus is designed to stop them. I’m proud to introduce this historic package with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to build on the progress we have made and secure the investments we need to end this crisis,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This bill has the tools we need to make America a safer place to give birth, especially for the Black moms who are at the highest risk. The Momnibus will save moms’ lives, and Congress must act urgently to pass it.” “The Momnibus Act is the most comprehensive piece of legislation ever drafted to address the maternal health crisis,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “The maternal mortality rate in the United States is worse today than it was 20 years ago. With all the advances of modern science, that speaks to a serious lack of investment in our research and health care systems that care for our moms. Not only that, the rate of mortality for Black women is disproportionately higher and that gap has not shrunk in decades. This is an unacceptable reality, and we must act urgently and boldly to address this crisis. The Momnibus is the solution. Congress must make the safety and health of our moms a priority and get this bill passed into law.” “Access to high quality health care has always been a top priority for me, and it is unacceptable that the United States has the worst maternal health mortality rates among its peer countries, especially when so many of these deaths are preventable,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to reintroduce this historic legislation, which will take meaningful steps to address the maternal health crisis and ultimately save lives. Through the Momnibus we are investing in better care, strengthening support for families, and confronting the racial disparities facing Black mothers, who are disproportionately more likely to experience serious health complications or die from pregnancy related causes. Congress must pass this legislation immediately to protect our nation’s mothers and end this crisis.” The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, a trend that continues to get worse—and Black women are three times more likely to die. But there is hope: More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Momnibus is designed to end preventable maternal death in America by ending maternal health disparities, growing and diversifying the perinatal health workforce, expanding access to maternal mental health and substance use care, lowering health care costs, investing in technological solutions, closing research gaps, improving data collection, and providing direct federal funding for local community-based organizations that improve maternal health outcomes. Underwood and Adams co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019 to advance federal solutions that save moms’ lives. They first introduced the Momnibus in 2020. A one-page summary of the Momnibus can be found here. Additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found here. The Momnibus is made up of fourteen bills. The legislation will: Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods. Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans. Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust. Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it. Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms. Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies. Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies. Invest in research to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths, end disparities, and improve health for women before, during, and after pregnancy. Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies. Full text of the legislation can be found here. 199 House Democrats joined as original cosponsors: Alma Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jim Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Sharice L. Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (TX-07), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jared Golden, Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adam Gray (CA-13), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-At large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John B. Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-00), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI-00), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), David Scott (GA-13), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Norma Torres (CA-35), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). ###

Underwood Statement on Republicans’ Resolution to Justify Trump’s Unconstitutional War with Iran

Position: Representative Underwood opposes the Republican resolution affirming Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, arguing it lacks credible evidence of imminent threat and is designed to justify military action without proper constitutional authorization.

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Lauren Underwood released the following statement on her NO vote on Republicans’ nonbinding resolution to “Reaffirm Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism”: “The Trump Administration has failed to provide credible evidence that an Iran-backed attack on America was imminent. This nonbinding resolution was designed to support Donald Trump’s unconstitutional and dangerous war.” said Rep. Underwood. “Iran’s longtime support of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas must be condemned, but I will not support the misleading statements in this resolution that invoke language used in prior Authorizations of Military Force to justify putting American families and our servicemembers in harm’s way. Our communities have made it very clear: they want affordable health care and groceries, not to be plunged into another endless and dangerous war in the Middle East.” ###

Underwood Delivers Remarks at Department of Homeland Security Hearing on Potential Impacts of a DHS Shutdown

Position: Congresswoman Underwood opposes the current operations and leadership of ICE and Border Patrol, arguing they have violated constitutional rights and civil liberties. She calls for accountability, transparency, and congressional oversight of these agencies, and criticizes Republican colleagues for blocking safeguards against federal agent misconduct.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, delivered the following remarks at a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hearing on the potential impacts of a DHS shutdown: “Let’s be clear about why we are here. Republicans have allowed ICE and Border Patrol to operate out of control, abuse their authority, trample civil rights, break the law, violate the Constitution, and kill U.S. citizens—all while lying to the public about actions we can plainly see with our own eyes. So, if my Republican colleagues were serious about keeping the American people safe, we’d be discussing how to protect citizens from their own government. Today, we should be hearing from Secretary Noem and the leaders of the agencies that are terrorizing and killing Americans. Instead, we’re having a sham hearing with Republicans trying to shift blame, even though our Democratic leadership has already offered a funding proposal with safeguards to protect Americans from misconduct by federal agents. It seems the White House would rather shut down agencies like FEMA during historic winter storms than accept the bare minimum of accountability and transparency for ICE and Border Patrol, so here we are. Just to level set, Secretary Noem has not appeared before this committee since last year—before her agents killed Renée Good and Alex Pretti, before Greg Bovino terrorized my constituents in Illinois during Operation Midway Blitz, before more than 170 U.S. citizens were illegally detained by federal agents, before 5-year-old boy Liam Ramos was snatched on his way home from school because ICE wanted to use him as bait, and before countless other atrocities were committed on her watch. So where is she today? Since day one, Secretary Noem has violated our Constitution and the oath she took to defend it. DHS’s leader behaves as though Congressional oversight is optional—and her negligence is enabled by my Republican colleagues. That negligence is visible across the Department. Four of the five DHS components represented today are being run by acting officials—not because qualified leaders do not exist, but because Republicans have abandoned even the pretense of governing. And now, after failing to confirm permanent leaders, refusing congressional oversight, and starving the components they do not care about, Republicans want to lecture this Subcommittee about the impacts of a shutdown on the agencies THEY have neglected all along. But I don’t think it’s going to fool the American people. The real Republican priorities are painfully obvious. My constituents can understand what it means that FEMA recently denied Illinois’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms. Mr. Phillips, I’m not going to waste our time today asking you why this decision was made—I think we all know why. My constituents see what’s happening here. They paid their federal taxes, but now that they need help to rebuild, FEMA tells them they’re on their own. That’s not a result of a funding lapse. That’s a policy choice. It’s a policy choice that reflects a pattern of governance that treats some missions and some communities as expendable. Apparently the Trump administration has enough money for immigration agents to rappel down from helicopters to raid an apartment building on Chicago’s South Side – resulting in zero criminal charges – but not to address flooding when heavy rain overwhelmed the sewer system a few miles away. And under Kristi Noem’s failed leadership, it’s not just disaster response that’s getting shortchanged in order to pay for the secret police terrorizing American communities. Cybersecurity. Transportation security. Maritime safety. Our nation’s most valuable resources and secrets. All being sold out by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, agencies like Border Patrol and ICE—whose actions are opposed by 63 percent of American voters—got a blank check in the Big Ugly Bill last summer, and now my Republican colleagues want to give them another one with no strings attached. So spare us the fiction of Republican concern about paying federal employees or sustaining critical services. This is not about resources. This is about choices. And it’s also a choice to hold this sham hearing today instead of bringing Secretary Noem in to answer for the unlawful abuses of power the American people have experienced under her leadership. That tells me everything I need to know, so I have no questions for these witnesses, and just one question for Secretary Noem: when will YOU stop hiding behind your subordinates and come explain yourself to this committee?” Video of Underwood’s remarks can be viewed here. ### Issues:Homeland Security and Defense

Underwood Calls for Public Action on Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule Threatening Nursing Profession

Position: Rep. Underwood opposes the Department of Education's proposed rule that would reclassify advanced nursing programs as graduate rather than professional degrees, arguing it will increase costs, reduce access to nursing education, and strain the healthcare system.

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood released the following statement on the Department of Education’s proposed rule to limit federal student loan eligibility for advanced nursing programs by reclassifying them as graduate, rather than professional, degrees. The move will make schooling for nursing professionals more expensive and harder to access, raising health care costs system-wide. “Every day, nurses in communities around our country are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. We’re providing excellent clinical care, conducting important research, and carrying out critical public health initiatives. We are dedicated professionals, and this uninformed, shortsighted proposal is a slap in the face,” said Rep. Underwood. “This rule will make it more difficult and vastly more expensive for nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and nurse educators. It will put an even greater strain on our already overloaded health care system, raise costs for everyone, and put public health at risk. As the largest and most trusted health care profession, nurses are formidable advocates. This regulation is not yet final, and thankfully, there is still time to urge the Trump Administration to reverse course. The public comment period is open and now is the time for action. America needs more nurses, not fewer. It is critically important that every nurse in our country participates and makes our voices heard to reverse this disastrous policy.” Members of the public are urged to submit comments on the proposed rule here until March 2, 2025. The proposed rule comes as the United States faces a historic health care crisis caused by Republican’s Big Ugly Bill, the largest cut to health care in our nation’s history. In addition to these cuts, the Big Ugly Bill places new caps on federal student loan borrowers who are pursuing graduate degrees that prevent borrowers from covering the full cost of their education. Nursing professionals will be directly harmed if this proposed rule is implemented and advanced nursing programs are reclassified. Rep. Lauren Underwood is a registered nurse with a BSN in Nursing and a Masters of Nursing and Public Health. She is one of three registered nurses serving in the 119th Congress. ### Issues:Health Care and Reproductive Rights

Underwood Demands Full Accounting of Operation Midway Blitz

Position: Representative Underwood opposes the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement operations, citing concerns about constitutional violations, wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, misuse of taxpayer funds, and lack of transparency. She is demanding accountability and documentation from DHS, ICE, and CBP regarding Operation Midway Blitz.

WASHINGTON — Representative Lauren Underwood, member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, sent three investigative letters to Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, to demand answers and documentation related to Operation Midway Blitz. In her letters, Underwood raised serious concerns about these agencies’ conduct, including potential constitutional violations, the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and an unprecedented lack of transparency. The letters further underscore major unanswered questions about the cost, scope, and impact of immigration enforcement operations on Illinois’ communities. “Congress has both the authority and duty to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether federal agencies are following the law,” Underwood said. “This Administration is completely out of control, and these so-called immigration enforcement operations in Illinois and around the country are terrorizing our communities, putting people in danger, and undermining our civil rights. I will not stop pressing for the accountability and transparency that our families deserve.” Underwood and other Members of the Illinois delegation have repeatedly sought briefings, facility access, and basic details of immigration enforcement actions from the Trump Administration. Those requests have been consistently delayed or denied, obstructing Congress’s ability to conduct lawful oversight and help constituents impacted by enforcement actions. People who need help with federal agencies like ICE and DHS are always encouraged to contact Rep. Underwood’s office for free assistance at (630) 549-2190 or visit https://underwood.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency. Full text of Underwood’s letters can be found here: Investigative letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigative letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Investigative letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ### Issues:Homeland Security and Defense