Latest news with #DianaDeGette
CBS News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Colorado congressional members accuse ICE of trying to prevent oversight of detention facilities
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow says he was first denied access to the immigration detention facility in Aurora, and now, Crow says he's being denied basic information about who is being held there. Crow and Colorado's three other Democratic U.S. House members -- Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen -- visited the ICE facility Monday after giving seven days' notice under a federal policy they are suing to overturn. Crow says he was unable to get an exact head count at the facility, let alone information on who's being detained and whether they have criminal records. He was also unable to truly assess the conditions at the facility, he says, because the whole place was on lockdown for the entire visit. Crow says he's visited the Aurora facility 10 times in six years, but he says this visit was unlike any other. "This has been the most difficult visit in terms of getting information, getting answers out of the facility and employees," he said. He says ICE is now requiring members of Congress to submit any questions they have through the agency's headquarters in D.C., and anyone wanting to talk to a detainee must have a signed privacy release in advance. "So, if I want to visit my constituents in this facility, then somehow, I have to get a privacy release to them through the mail or other means," said DeGette. She says she was able to see immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra, but the rest of the delegation was allowed to visit only one other detainee. The representatives say they have a duty to conduct oversight of federal operations, and ICE is making their job increasingly difficult. Last month, they were told they needed to give seven days' notice before any visit, so they sued. "If you have to give seven days' notice, they clean up pretty good," said DeGette. Still, Pettersen says, what they did see was concerning, including a lack of access to legal resources: "There is a phone, but you have to pay 15 cents a minute in order to make the calls that you need. That is a huge barrier for people." In addition to Democrats, Republican Rep. Gabe Evans has also asked ICE for more information on those being detained. Government data from June showed that about half of all detainees nationwide had been convicted or charged with crimes, while 70% of those in the Aurora detention facility had. Evans and his Democratic colleagues want to know the nature of the crimes. Neguse says they will continue to push for more access and information. "Above all else, transparency matters, oversight matters, accountability matters," he said. "You certainly can expect the Democratic members of Colorado's House delegation to continue to lean in on all fronts." As of Monday evening, a spokesperson for ICE had not yet responded to a request for comment from CBS News Colorado sent Monday morning.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sens. Hickenlooper and Moran and Reps. DeGette and Hudson Reintroduce The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act
Bipartisan Legislation for Transformative NIH Down Syndrome Research – A Legacy for GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon Denver, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) have reintroduced the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (S.1838/H.R. 3491). Also joining as original cosponsors are Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). The bill provides statutory authority for the trans-NIH INCLUDE 'Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome' Project. As a result of Global Down Syndrome Foundation's advocacy, the INCLUDE Project was established in 2018 to investigate the co-occurring conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome (e.g. Alzheimer's, autoimmune disorders) and their quality-of-life needs. It has focused on targeted research on chromosome 21, assembling a large study population of individuals with Down syndrome, and conducting clinical trials that include those with Down syndrome. 'Hundreds of thousands of Americans live with Down syndrome, and yet its research has been underfunded for decades,' says Senator Hickenlooper. 'This bill is named for my friend DeOndra Dixon, who lived a full, vibrant life and wanted the same for all people living with Down syndrome. We are determined to get this bill across the finish line for her, and for every American who will benefit from research on many different health conditions.' 'Research, supported by the NIH, has helped improve and extend the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, but there is still more to learn,' says Senator Moran. 'This legislation will invest in scientific studies on Down syndrome to help members of the Down syndrome community and their families find answers and solutions for the health challenges they face.' 'Down syndrome, the leading cause of developmental delay in the U.S. and worldwide, was the least funded genetic syndrome at the NIH for decades,' says Representative Diana DeGette. 'We have made tremendous strides in new federal investments in Down syndrome research to understand why those living with Down syndrome are so at risk for some diseases, such as Alzheimer's and autoimmune disorders, and protected from other diseases such as solid tumor cancers. Passage of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act will ensure these successful trans-NIH initiatives continue to make significant scientific advances to improve and extend the lives of people with Down syndrome and millions of other Americans as well.' 'People with Down syndrome enrich our world in many unique ways," says Representative Hudson. "The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act ensures people with Down syndrome are valued, respected members of society and that NIH is supporting their health, enabling them to live their lives to their full potential – with no barriers or bias or obstacles standing in their way. I am honored to continue and grow research efforts so people with Down syndrome have the long and healthy lives they deserve.' The legislation is named in honor of the life and legacy of DeOndra Dixon, beloved Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) Ambassador and sister of Academy Award-winning and Grammy Award-winning talent Jamie Foxx. DeOndra was an inspiration behind GLOBAL's highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award and she traveled the world promoting awareness and advocacy. She was a talented dancer and musician who performed with her brother at the Grammy Awards. 'We are forever grateful to GLOBAL for creating such purpose for our little sister DeOndra,' says Jamie Foxx. 'My sister Deidra and I are so proud of the big difference she made through her advocacy in DC, and now with this bill she will continue to make a difference. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't miss her, but today I know she's dancing up in heaven because this legislation is named after her and will help millions of people with Down syndrome.' 'GLOBAL is truly overwhelmed by the strong bipartisan support for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act that will formally authorize the INCLUDE Project at the NIH and make the project more permanent,' says Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. 'We couldn't have come this far without the leadership of HELP Committee leaders Sens. John Hickenlooper and Markwayne Mullin, House Energy & Commerce leaders Reps. Richard Hudson and Diana DeGette, and our appropriation champions Reps. Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro and Robert Aderholt. We also owe so much to Dr. Joaquin Espinosa for bringing scientific breakthroughs to the table, to Ambassador DeOndra's beautiful family, and to our original congressional champions, especially those who have children with Down syndrome such as Reps Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Pete Stauber and Eleanor Holmes Norton.' GLOBAL had advocated for a trans-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Down syndrome research program since its inception in 2009. In 2017, three GLOBAL leaders , including board member, Frank Stephens, testified at the hallmark House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services subcommittee hearing on Down syndrome research. Frank's testimony went viral that evening with 1 million views and today has over 200 million views. Shortly after the hearing, GLOBAL's long-time advocacy goal was fulfilled, and the NIH established the INCLUDE Project. Since the INCLUDE Project was established in 2018, the program has funded 389 unique awards within 21 of the 27 NIH institutes investing $434M. Thirteen of these institutes did not participate in Down syndrome research prior to this program. The INCLUDE Project has also supported the development of the clinical trial infrastructure. Prior to the program, there were only two NIH clinical trials focused on people with Down syndrome. In just seven years, the INCLUDE Project has funded fourteen promising clinical trials with possible immediate or short-term impact for people with Down syndrome. 'DSA of Central Oklahoma is a long-time supporter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and their government advocacy work that resulted in the establishment of the trans-NIH Down syndrome research program called the INCLUDE Project,' says Sarah Soell, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. 'We know first-hand from our families that the increased research funding is making a difference. We see real progress in the treatment of the many co-occurring conditions that we see in people with Down syndrome, including autoimmune conditions, regression disorder, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's and more. Given the nearly twenty years of Down syndrome being the least funded genetic condition at the NIH prior to the INCLUDE Project, it is so important to pass this bill!' Formally authorizing the INCLUDE Project beyond an annual congressional directive will ensure that people with Down syndrome are not left behind when it comes to participating in clinical trials; it will improve health outcomes and improve their quality of life; and it will send a strong message that our society values and wants to invest in the future of our children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. GLOBAL urges advocates to contact Congress to urge them to co-sponsor and support passage of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act: GLOBAL Affiliate, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, has multiple clinical trials specifically designed for persons with Down syndrome testing new therapies for Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Regression Disorder, and autoimmune conditions. To read about the impactful research that the INCLUDE Project has funded visit the NIH Down Syndrome Coordinating Center Website at: ### About Global Down Syndrome Foundation The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 100 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus. GLOBAL's widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome WorldTM . GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit and follow us on social media (Facebook & Twitter: @GDSFoundation, Instagram: @globaldownsyndrome). ## end ## CONTACT: Anca E Call Global Down Syndrome Foundation (720) 320-3832 pr@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Two Colorado representatives at center of debate over Medicaid work requirements in nation's capital
Two members of Congress from Colorado will play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of Medicaid, a program that provides health care for one in five Coloradans. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican representing Colorado's 8th Congressional District, and Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat representing Colorado's First Congressional District, sit on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and is tasked with finding $880 billion in savings over the next 10 years. Rep. Gabe Evans CBS The chair of the committee released a bill Sunday night that includes big changes to the program, including new eligibility requirements. Recipients who are able-bodied and have no dependents would have to prove they are working, volunteering, or going to school 80 hours a month. Those who make more than 100% of the federal poverty level - or about $32,000 a year for a family of four - would be required to pay some out-of-pocket costs. States would have to verify all enrollees' eligibility twice a year, including proof of citizenship. States like Colorado, which provides Medicaid for non-citizens, would see federal funding cut by 10%. States would also have to scrub their rolls for people enrolled in multiple Medicaid programs. Republicans say more than a million people are covered in more than one state. Evans said Medicaid will continue to grow 25% a year under the Republican plan. He says they are simply slowing the growth. "If you are a lawful beneficiary of Medicaid, then the program is going to still continue to function and work for you and it will probably actually work better because by cutting out this fraud, waste, and abuse, our providers and the system itself will be more efficient so we can get care to the people who actually rely on it and better and faster," said Evans. Rep. Diana DeGette CBS DeGette said initial analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office shows more than 8 million people will lose coverage. "It's kind of an alternative reality if Republicans are going to say, 'We're going to cut more than $700 billion from Medicaid but we're not going to cut anybody off of Medicaid.' That's not true and if they really think that, then they're lying to themselves," said DeGette. "But what's worse is that they're lying to their constituents who are going to lose their Medicaid coverage." The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, which administers Medicaid, says the work requirements could impact nearly 380,000 Coloradans and the administrative costs could run more than $57 million. Under the bill, any changes approved by Congress wouldn't be implemented until 2029.
Washington Post
14-04-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
The Trump-Kennedy cuts at NIH will crush our leadership in biomedicine
Diana DeGette, a Democrat, represents Colorado's 1st Congressional District in the House. Fred Upton is a former Republican congressman from Michigan. When Donald Trump accepted the 2024 GOP nomination for president, he included in his speech the importance of American leadership in biomedical innovation. 'We're going to get to the cure for cancer and Alzheimer's and so many other things,' he said. 'We're so close to doing something great. But we need a leader that will let it be done.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado's DeGette calls for resignation of two Trump officials involved in Signal chat
Democratic U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette speaks at the Colorado Democratic Party watch party on Nov. 5, 2024. (Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline) U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat, called for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisory Michael Waltz to resign after release of the full transcript of a Signal chat that accidentally included a journalist. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported Monday that sensitive details of pending U.S. military action were sent in a group chat on Signal, an encrypted commercial messaging app, of senior Trump administration officials that Waltz accidentally added him to. The Atlantic on Wednesday published the full transcript of the conversation, which included minute-by-minute attack plans ahead of U.S. bombings in Yemen earlier this month. Administration officials had minimized the severity of the breach. DeGette said 'at minimum' Hegseth and Waltz must resign, and she demanded Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe be investigated for perjury after denying on Wednesday that classified information was shared in the chat. DeGette said 'it may well be that all of these officials need to be fired.' 'The level of incompetence shown by the Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor is staggering. This is a systemic failure by some of the highest-ranking officials in our government, and if the information shared on this unsecured platform fell into the hands of an adversary, it would have put American servicemembers' lives at risk,' DeGette said in a statement. 'There must be accountability, and their failure to take responsibility while gaslighting the public about what exactly happened demands answers.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
