Pettersen, Brittany RSS Articles

At the Start of Suicide Awareness Month, Congresswoman Pettersen Introduces Legislation to Increase Awareness for 988 Crisis Helpline

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase awareness for the 988 helpline with a public awareness campaign for those experiencing mental health crisis. The Public Transit Mental Health Awareness Act which Pettersen introduced with Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), specifically increases awareness by placing information about this lifesaving, existing resource in front of millions of Coloradans in places they travel every day: public transit vehicles, stations, and facilities.

The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found that over a two-year period, the state’s overall rate of youth suicide decreased by 11% following the 2022 launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline. This legislation would help save even more lives.

“Colorado has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the nation, and suicide has become the leading cause of death for our kids. The 988 crisis help line has proven to be a significant driver to reducing those rates across the country, and providing a lifeline to millions of Americans. It’s imperative that we take action to support behavioral health services and increase awareness with a tool that already exists,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “I lost my brother, Justin, to suicide over 15 years ago – there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and wish he was still here with us. It’s because of him and the millions of Americans who are facing a crisis like him, and the families who are left to honor their memories that I led the introduction of a bill that increases awareness of this vital resource, especially in places used frequently by millions of Americans, no matter where they live. It’s critical that we meet people where they are, and this makes it possible for us to provide connections for people and families who need it most.”

“Every life is precious, and we have a responsibility to ensure that anyone facing a crisis knows they are not alone and that help is available. The 988 on Public Transit Act is a commonsense, low-cost way to make sure New Yorkers and Americans across the country know that support is just three digits away, free, confidential, and available 24/7. With a small investment, we can make a real difference and connect people with the resources they need when they need them most,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“Everyone should know that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health crisis," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support, and making information about 988 visible on public transportation can help ensure that more people know where to turn when they need support. NAMI is proud to support this legislation and thanks Rep. Pettersen for her efforts to increase awareness of 988 and connect people with lifesaving crisis services.”

“988 saves lives – but only if people know it’s there for them,” said Dr. Marketa M. Wills, American Psychiatric Association CEO & Medical Director. “Displaying 988 information on public transit will put this vital resource in front of millions of people and help connect more Americans to free, confidential, and timely support when they need it most. APA applauds Representative Pettersen for championing this commonsense, urgently needed legislation.”

“Awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline continues to grow, with more than 26.2 million calls, texts, and chats since July 2022,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). “We commend Representatives Pettersen and Lawler for introducing the bipartisan Public Transit Mental Health Awareness Act, which would promote awareness of 988 through signage on public transportation. Expanding awareness of 988 is a powerful way to connect more people with this life-saving resource and provide hope to those experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis, as well as to loved ones seeking resources. By making 988 more visible, we can help ensure that more people know where to turn when they need support.”

Bill text can be found HERE.

This bill has been endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The original cosponsors of this legislation include Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Deborah Ross (D-NC).

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To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

Congresswoman Pettersen Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Designate Overdose Awareness Day Ahead of National Recovery Month

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, as co-chairs of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), alongside Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), introduced a resolution designating August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day. The Task Force intends to increase awareness of the continued overdose crisis, honor the lives lost, and pledge action to curb it. Pettersen’s family, like too many families in Colorado, has been personally affected by the opioid crisis – with her mom celebrating nine years in recovery. According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health, more than 1,700 Coloradans tragically passed from drug overdoses in 2025.

“Far too many American families, including my own, have felt the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic. In the fight to save my mom’s life, I realized just how broken our health care system was. She was one of the lucky ones, and my mom was able to get the help she needed, but everyone doesn’t get that chance,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “Deaths from overdose are preventable, and passing this resolution will help us continue to reduce stigma and better confront this crisis. I’m proud to have passed previous legislation that will give real support to those who need it, but we need to do so much more. Congress needs to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services, so fewer families are left with an empty chair at the dinner table because of this crisis.”

“Far too many families in the Commonwealth and across our country know the devastating pain of losing a loved one to an overdose. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure every person affected by addiction knows that they are not alone,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan “Addiction doesn’t check party affiliation or nationality. It strikes in silence and no family should be forced to fight it alone. By formally recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to addiction and honor the families and communities impacted by this crisis. We must continue working to reduce stigma and expand access to lifesaving treatment and care.”

“Much of what guides my work in Congress on addiction and recovery has been shaped by sitting across the table from families whose lives have been forever altered by this crisis, and by working alongside the first responders, treatment providers, advocates, and community leaders who devote themselves every day to saving lives and helping people rebuild theirs,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “There is no single policy that will solve this crisis, and no place for partisanship when lives are at stake. But together, we can continue to make meaningful progress by strengthening prevention, expanding education and awareness, improving access to treatment and sustained recovery, and confronting the deadly threat of illicit fentanyl. With this resolution, we remember those we have lost, stand with the families who carry their absence, and renew our resolve to prevent the next loss.”

The bipartisan resolution honors the lives lost to overdose and strengthens prevention, treatment, harm-reduction, and recovery services. It also calls for continued collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, health care providers, community organizations, businesses, patients, and families to prevent overdoses and support those affected by substance use disorder.

In 2025, nearly 70,000 Americans lost their lives to a drug overdose, a decrease of almost 14% from the 81,313 deaths estimated in 2024. It was the third straight annual drop, making it the longest decline in decades and a return to pre COVID-19 levels. However, fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids continue to fuel the overdose epidemic.

Congresswoman Pettersen has been a leading voice in Congress on addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Inspired by her own mother’s struggle, Pettersen has fought for legislation to prevent the import of illicit drugs, crack down on drug traffickers and their financing operations, and prevent overdose deaths by ensuring airplanes, law enforcement, and hospitals are able to distribute naloxone when necessary. In 2025, Rep. Pettersen worked with Reps. Trahan and Fitzpatrick on bipartisan legislation recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Pettersen’s SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act was passed by Congress and became law. This bill strengthens funding for critical prevention, treatment, and recovery substance use disorder programs. Pettersen also introduced the HANDS Act, which aims to prevent overdose deaths and limit financial burden on patients by providing no-cost opioid overdose reversal drugs to those who need them. Pettersen is also a co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force, a coalition of over 100 members from both parties that work together to advance evidence-based policies that address the root causes and impacts of the mental health and addiction crises.

Congresswoman Pettersen Continues Fight to Support Those Impacted by Radiation & Toxic Waste at Rocky Flats

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation that will uphold our nation’s obligation to support and compensate communities harmed by the US nuclear testing. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA), which Pettersen introduced alongside Representative James Moylan (R, GU-AL), would ensure Colorado residents impacted by radiation and toxic waste from Rocky Flats receive justice, financial restitution, and critical healthcare coverage.

“For too long, Coloradans have been impacted by radiation from U.S. nuclear weapons production, testing, and uranium mining at Rocky Flats and Cotter Mill without the compensation they deserve. This bipartisan legislation could finally offer some relief for communities that have suffered without federal support despite decades of documented exposure,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen. “I'm going to continue to do all I can to push not only to extend existing support, but to expand it so that everyone who has been affected by these radioactive sites in my district and across the country gets the care they deserve.”

"This legislation brings together a strong bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress, survivors, advocates, and communities who have refused to give up this fight,” said Congressman Moylan. “Together, our voices are stronger, and together, we will keep fighting until every American harmed by radiation exposure receives the justice they have been denied. I’m not backing down until we get this across the finish line for the people of Guam who were impacted and all those still left behind.”

Specifically, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 would:

Expand eligibility to additional impacted communities.
Extend the filing deadline by fifteen years.
Increase compensation.
Authorize reimbursement of medical expenses.
Broaden the list of eligible diseases.
Streamline the claims process through the use of affidavits where records are unavailable.
Establish a process for adding future classes of eligible individuals without requiring additional acts of Congress.
Recognize the unique challenges faced by many rural, Tribal, Native, and territorial communities.
Expand eligibility for atomic cleanup veterans.
Direct a comprehensive study into the long-term and multi-generational health effects of radiation exposure.

For Colorado, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 would:

Add 57 ZIP codes surrounding Rocky Flats and Cotter Mill to eligibility under RECA Manhattan Project Waste Claims.
Expand downwinder eligibility to individuals living in Colorado for a period of at least one year from 1951 to 1992.

Pettersen was an original co-sponsor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments. The bill proposed to extend RECA for 19 years after the bill’s enactment and expand eligibility for compensation payments to cover additional diseases and downwinder communities in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Guam.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

Pettersen Joins Entire Colorado Congressional Delegation in Support of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration Request for Colorado Wildfires

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Denver — Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen joined Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Jeff Hurd and the entire Colorado Congressional delegation – Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, and Gabe Evans – in a letter to President Trump expressing strong support for Governor Jared Polis’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties in Colorado. This request comes in response to more than $18 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency validated damages from Colorado’s Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires.

In June, Colorado experienced two large, destructive fires within 48 hours, the Aspen Acres Fire and Gold Mountain Fire, due to prime wildfire conditions including high winds, extreme heat, and prolonged drought. These fires burned over 140,000 acres collectively across Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties and destroyed hundreds of homes and structures and energy and water infrastructure. The burn scars left by these fires also contributed to significant post-fire flooding and debris flows that led to one fatality in Beulah, Colorado.

Summer is peak tourism season for Colorado, and the fires and subsequent flooding caused major disruptions to transportation, lodging, recreation, hospitality, outfitter, and guide businesses. They also damaged the operations of agricultural producers who lost livestock, fencing, and grazing lands. Several rural communities were also affected by road closures, which made accessing work, school, healthcare, or essential services extremely difficult. State and federal emergency response officials state that they expect disruptions to continue through the remainder of the summer season.

“Successful recovery is essential to restoring the counties’ economies, which depend on clean drinking water, tourism, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing. Without additional support, residents could face potentially insurmountable barriers to rebuilding homes and businesses, increased drinking water and electric utility costs, and the loss of important habitat and grazing lands. In addition, these communities face ongoing hazards from the post-fire burn scars, including debris, burned trees, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure,” wrote the lawmakers.

“[...] a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal assistance programs, including Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants, that are indispensable to recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience. These communities urgently need federal relief to rebuild. We thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” concluded the lawmakers.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Mr. President:

We strongly support Governor Jared Polis’ request on [TK August 24, 2026] for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration with Public and Individual Assistance for Custer and Pueblo Counties, Colorado, in response to the Aspen Acres Fire and Public Assistance for Ouray County in response to the Gold Mountain Fire. Both fires burned during June, July, and August 2026. As part of this request, Governor Polis has also requested the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for the affected counties.

In June 2026, extreme heat, prolonged drought, and high winds up to 100 miles per hour contributed to two mega fires in Colorado within 48 hours. The Gold Mountain Fire burned approximately 40,000 acres in Ouray County, Colorado, and the Aspen Acres Fire burned over 102,000 acres across Custer County and Pueblo County, Colorado. Together, these fires destroyed drinking water and electric utility infrastructure, and over 800 structures and 324 homes. The burn scars from both fires contributed to significant post-fire flooding and debris flows that destroyed additional homes, buildings, and electric, water, and transportation infrastructure. On August 16, a significant rain event resulted in one fatality in Beulah, Colorado.

Both fires occurred immediately before the Fourth of July during the summer’s peak tourism season, disrupting lodging, recreation, hospitality, outfitter, and guide businesses. Repeated fire, flood, and debris flow closures have limited visitation and disrupted tourism along the U.S. 550 corridor in Ouray and San Juan Counties, and in Beulah, Rye, and Westcliffe, Colorado. State and federal emergency response officials expect these disruptions to continue through the remainder of the summer season, with flood warnings and business closures continuing to cause cancellations while agricultural producers lose livestock, fencing, and grazing lands. In already isolated rural communities, the ongoing road closures are limiting access to work, schools, pharmacies, medical care, and other essential services.

Governor Polis has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Aspen Acres Fire and Gold Mountain Fire. With over $17 million in validated damages, and with significant gaps in private insurance coverage, the Aspen Acres Fire meets the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s threshold for both Public and Individual Assistance. Losses incurred due to the Gold Mountain Fire meet FEMA’s threshold for Public Assistance.

Successful recovery is essential to restoring the counties’ economies, which depend on clean drinking water, tourism, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing. Without additional support, residents could face potentially insurmountable barriers to rebuilding homes and businesses, increased drinking water and electric utility costs, and the loss of important habitat and grazing lands. In addition, these communities face ongoing hazards from the post-fire burn scars, including debris, burned trees, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure.

As you are aware, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal assistance programs, including Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants, that are indispensable to recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience. These communities urgently need federal relief to rebuild. We thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

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On First Day of School, Congresswoman Pettersen Leads 6 Democratic Members in Calling Out Donald Trump for Skyrocketing Costs Families Are Paying During Back-to School Season

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

LAKEWOOD – On the first day of school in Jefferson County, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) led an effort with six Democratic Members directly calling out Donald Trump for the impacts his tariffs are having on the rising costs of back-to-school supplies. According to the Groundwork Collaborative, school supplies are up 11% this year, forcing families to spend an estimated $4000 per child this school year alone, thanks to Donald Trump’s disastrous trade and defense policies driving up the price of goods and gas.

“The cost of everything is going up, including school supplies. From the grocery store to the gas station and the office supply store, I know every family is feeling the crunch,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “And yet, this President has consistently said he doesn’t care. That’s why I’m leading this effort calling him out directly. I will not let him ignore everyday families who are struggling while he uses the presidency to enrich himself and his billionaire friends on the backs of the rest of us.

Pettersen and the signers write in the letter that they wish to “express our alarm at the damage that your administration’s policies are having on American families as they prepare to send their kids back to school. Time and time again, you have proven that you do not care about the affordability crisis, calling it a “hoax” and declaring that affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.”

Congresswoman Pettersen has also consistently voted against Donald Trump’s agenda, including opposing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the recent GOP reconciliation package that would have authorized $73 billion for the war in Iran. She has consistently voted against authorizing Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Last August, Pettersen sent a letter regarding his tariff policies and the impacts on families that received no response from the administration. Pettersen is a longtime champion for children and families, including recently introducing the Supporting Our Military Childcare Workforce Act, defending Colorado LGBTQ youth against the administration’s discriminatory policies, and voting against House Republicans’ Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill that cuts nutrition assistance programs that millions of families, children, and seniors rely on. Congresswoman Pettersen is a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

Congresswoman Pettersen led the letter which was also signed by Reps. Nikema Williams (GA-05), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Derek Tran (CA-45), George Whitesides (CA-27), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31).

See the full text of the letter HERE and below:

Dear President Trump:

We write to express our alarm at the damage that your administration’s policies are having on American families as they prepare to send their kids back to school. Time and time again, you have proven that you do not care about the affordability crisis, calling it a “hoax” and declaring that affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.”

As of June 2026, the average household in the United States has had to spend roughly $3,500 more on goods and services, including an average of $695 more on housing costs, $310 more for groceries, and $504 more on gas. Families already straining to keep food on the table and gas in the tank are being pushed to the brink as back‑to‑school costs rise beyond reach. The cost of typical school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% this year compared to 2025, while the cost of packed lunches is up almost 11%. Estimates show that families will spend roughly $175 on school supplies and $3,800 on packed lunches this year per student.

Many back-to-school essentials are manufactured overseas, leaving parents to shoulder the higher prices caused by your reckless tariffs. When a company has to pay a fee to import a product to the United States, they often are forced to pass the cost directly to the consumer. Over the course of 2025, nearly 90 percent of the tariffs’ economic burden fell on U.S. firms and consumers. This is painfully clear to parents, one-third of whom say they can’t afford back-to-school shopping this year, and as a result, nearly half expect to sacrifice essentials like groceries or bills to make room in their budgets.

You claimed that you would lower costs on “day one,” and yet, nearly 2 years later, families are struggling even more than before. You have repeatedly left questions unanswered, while American families are being squeezed because of your reckless decisions. Lowering prices for them should be a top priority. We urge your administration to immediately take action to lower costs and stress for millions of hard-working parents. We look forward to hearing from you.

In Response to the Aspen Acres and Willow Fires, Rep. Pettersen Leads Bipartisan Wildfire Mitigation Package

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

LAKEWOOD – Today, Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) introduced a suite of six bills aimed at helping communities prepare, respond to, and recover from increasingly destructive wildfires. This comes after the Aspen Acres and Willow fires have been raging across the state of Colorado, scorching over a hundred thousand acres of land, claiming over 300 homes, and upending the lives of families and small businesses in the state.

“The recent Aspen Acres and Willow fires were devastating to our communities and natural environment. Our Colorado families understand that wildfire season is no longer just a few months of the year. The threat is constant and increasing due to climate change, and we need an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Rep. Pettersen. “These bills will help us turn wildfire research into action, streamlines and removes partisanship from our processes, protect every firefighter exposed to dangerous conditions, combat the devastating mountain pine beetle outbreaks that make our forests more vulnerable to destructive fires, and ensure communities receive the disaster-mitigation resources they need on time, when it matters.”

Pettersen continued, “My heart is with all those who lost their homes and businesses in these devastating fires and are now preparing to start over. I am deeply grateful to all the first responders who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe and the four wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting the communities we love.”

The 6 bills in the bipartisan package include:

Wildfire Research Coordination Act, Representatives Pettersen and Mike Lawler (R-NY)
- Supports increased collaboration among federal agencies to improve wildfire research and prevention strategies.
- Bill text can be found here.
Wildfire Responder Protection Act, Representatives Pettersen and Mike Lawler (R-NY)
- Ensures all those who fight fires are entitled to the proper health care coverage when they are exposed to hazardous conditions.
- Bill text can be found here.
Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response Act, Representatives Pettersen and Joe Neguse (D-CO)
- Provides grant opportunities to on-the-ground partners working in coordination with the Forest Service to mitigate mountain pine beetle threats.
- Bill text can be found here.
Mountain Pine Beetle Coordination Act, Representatives Pettersen and Joe Neguse (D-CO)
- Directs the Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements with states specifically to prevent, monitor, and respond to mountain pine beetle outbreaks.
- Bill text can be found here.
Guaranteed Disaster Assistance Act, Representative Pettersen
- Ensures that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is distributed to states following a major disaster or when Fire Management Assistance Grant funding is provided to respond to a wildfire.
- Bill text can be found here.
HUD Disaster Information Improvements Act, Representatives Pettersen and Tim Moore (R-NC)
- Requires the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to work seamlessly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration to support families and businesses when a disaster strikes.
- Bill text can be found here.

Colorado’s wildfire seasons have grown longer, more intense, and more destructive as hotter, drier conditions coupled with record low snowfall increase the risk of catastrophic fires across the state. Since 2012, Colorado has experienced 17 of its top 20 wildfires in history, and in total, nearly 2,800 homes in Colorado have been lost to fires in the past 14 years. Communities are facing unprecedented threats to homes, businesses, critical infrastructure, and natural resources, while firefighters and emergency personnel are being asked to respond in increasingly dangerous conditions. These disasters are worsening year after year. This requires urgent investment in prevention, improved coordination, and efforts that ensure responders and communities have the resources they need before, during, and after a wildfire.

Introduced by Representatives Pettersen and Mike Lawler (R-NY), the Wildfire Research Coordination Act directs the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program to coordinate with the Department of Interior’s Joint Fire Science Program when establishing fire-research priorities. This will support increased collaboration among federal agencies to improve wildfire research and prevention strategies, and to better ensure that recommendations are deployed in the field when wildfires strike.

Representatives Pettersen and Lawler also introduced the Wildfire Responder Protection Act, which will expand the definition of “firefighter” to include all personnel who support fire activities and are exposed to fire-related hazards to ensure all those who fight fires are entitled to the proper health care coverage when they are exposed to hazardous conditions. This will empower the firefighting workforce by supporting the health and safety of first responders.

These bills are endorsed by the Alliance for Wildfire Resilience.

"Wildfires continue to threaten our communities, public lands, and military installations across the country. We must make sure our firefighters have the tools, resources, and protections they need as they put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe. These two pieces of legislation take important steps to strengthen wildfire research and coordination while ensuring the brave men and women who perform critical fire prevention and suppression duties, including burn bosses, fuels specialists, and prescribed fire crews, have access to the workers’ compensation protections they deserve," said Congressman Lawler.

Representatives Pettersen and Joe Neguse (D-CO) introduced the Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response Act, which would establish a Mountain Pine Beetle Emergency Response Program within the U.S. Forest Service. The program would provide grant opportunities to on-the-ground partners working in coordination with the Forest Service to mitigate mountain pine beetle threats on National Forest System land. Mountain pine beetle outbreaks can kill large numbers of trees, damage watersheds and outdoor recreation areas, and create dangerous conditions that can worsen the threat of wildfires.

Representatives Pettersen and Neguse also introduced the Mountain Pine Beetle Coordination Act, which would direct the Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements with states specifically to prevent, monitor, and respond to mountain pine beetle outbreaks. This will allow localities additional resources and a stronger framework for responding to emerging outbreaks before they cause widespread and lasting damage.

These bills are endorsed by Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and the Colorado State Forest Service.

“Colorado’s forests are under increasing strain from hotter, drier conditions, and now devastation caused by the spread of mountain pine beetles,” said Congressman Neguse. “As Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to ensure our communities and land managers have the resources they need to respond to emerging threats. Protecting our public lands as we face an outbreak of mountain pine beetle along Colorado's Front Range requires strong coordination at every level of government. I’m proud to work with Representative Pettersen to strengthen federal-state partnerships and ensure Colorado has the tools needed to confront this challenge head-on.”

Representative Pettersen introduced the Guaranteed Disaster Assistance Act, which will ensure that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is distributed to states following a major disaster or when Fire Management Assistance Grant funding is provided to respond to a wildfire. Currently, access to certain long-term hazard-mitigation resources can depend on whether the President issues a major disaster declaration. This legislation would ensure that mitigation funding is automatically made available, allowing states and communities to begin recovering and reducing future risks without waiting for an additional presidential declaration.

Representatives Pettersen and Tim Moore (R-NC) also introduced the HUD Disaster Information Improvements Act, which would require the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support families and businesses when a disaster strikes. This increased government coordination will allow federal support to be funneled into communities affected by wildfires and natural disasters more efficiently, allowing communities to better rebuild after disasters.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it became clear that we need better coordination between agencies to get disaster assistance to communities faster,” said Congressman Tim Moore. “The GAO and HUD’s Inspector General have identified serious challenges with data sharing, duplication-of-benefits determinations, and improper payments. This legislation strengthens transparency and coordination between agencies, helping reduce waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring disaster relief gets to folks more efficiently.”

During her time in Congress, Rep. Pettersen has been actively bolstering federal support for wildfire prevention and mitigation. Recently, the House passed her bipartisan Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act. She also introduced the Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act and Natural Disaster Property Protection Act and helped introduce the SHELTER Act. These bills would help communities reduce wildfire risks, detect fires earlier, protect homes and businesses, and restore landscapes after disasters. Rep. Pettersen also launched a Wildfire Resource Hub on her website to help Colorado families prepare for, track, and recover from wildfires.

As Trump Moves to Politicize Federal Grants, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push to Protect Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Funding

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) led 45 members in calling on the Trump Administration to reverse course on their policy effort to politicize the federal grantmaking process, allowing political appointees to have the final say on whether or not communities receive taxpayer funding. In her letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russel Vought and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pettersen specifically highlights the importance of non-partisan grant making for programs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which would also be at risk under the administration's proposal.

“My mom, like far too many Americans, struggled with substance abuse disorder for decades until she was finally able to get the help she needed and enter recovery. In the fight to save her life, I realized just how broken our health care system is, especially for mental health and substance use. I’ve spent 15 years in elected office building up our behavioral health system, and it has worked. Colorado recently saw a 35% reduction in fentanyl-related deaths,” said Rep. Pettersen. “But Trump wants to backtrack on all the progress we have made. SAMHSA performs critical work, and its grants make sure communities in Colorado, especially our rural areas, have access to high-quality care when they need it. I am so lucky that my mom was able to get help, but that opportunity should be open to everyone who needs it. Federal grants are existential for many of these treatment programs, and we must ensure they continue to be awarded based on evidence, not by Trump's political goals and vendettas.”

In the letter, the members wrote, “The proposed rule would fundamentally alter how federal grants are awarded by shifting decision-making away from an established, neutral criteria. Instead of relying on statutory requirements, expert agency review, and merit‑based evaluation, the rule would allow appointed officials to decide which communities, institutions, and programs receive federal support. It’s a sharp break from long‑standing Uniform Guidance.”

The members continued, “The proposed rule would undermine the longevity of vital programs, including those that support care for mental health and substance use disorder in the United States. By destabilizing the very framework that enables sustained federal investment in these services, the rule threatens the backbone of our national response and the programs that rely on predictable, reliable grant administration to reach the communities most in need.”

SAMHSA operates grant programs that help states and local communities prevent and treat substance use disorder, expand mental health services, strengthen the behavioral health workforce, and support crisis response and suicide prevention efforts. These efforts have shown incredible success, with preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a 14% drop in overdose deaths in 2025. But earlier this year, SAMHSA terminated over 2,000 grants — totaling more than $2 billion — deepening widespread insecurity across our federal grantmaking system. After pressure from Congresswoman Pettersen, the Trump Administration reversed this decision.

Trump’s Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) so-called “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would fundamentally alter how federal grants are awarded by shifting away from an established, neutral criteria, instead allowing political appointees to determine which communities, institutions, and programs receive federal support. This is an unprecedented move, which would further their efforts to use the federal government as a tool to settle political scores against certain states and communities rather than a non-partisan support for the American people.

Colorado has been a consistent target of the Trump Administration’s politically motivated funding attacks. The Administration has moved to freeze more than $300 million for child care and other essential services, $94 million from Jefferson County Public Schools, and canceled $109 million in transportation grants for rail safety improvements, public transit, and electric vehicle infrastructure. These were resources already approved to help Colorado families and communities, but the Administration withheld them because Colorado would not fall in line with its political agenda. This proposed rule would give the Administration broad authority to deny federal funding from specific communities and localities, further jeopardizing the services and development projects that Coloradans rely on.

This rule also comes in the aftermath of over two years of grant instability caused by widespread impoundment, cancellations, and delays of federal funding under the Trump Administration. Millions of organizations, local governments, and providers in every state depend on federal funding through the grantmaking process to perform essential services and critical scientific and medical research. One-third of nonprofits reported experiencing a disruption in government funding in the first months of 2025, including 21 percent that lost funding and 27 percent that experienced a delay, pause, or freeze. These disruptions have forced child care providers, schools, local governments, health care organizations, and research institutions to operate under constant uncertainty, threatening the services families rely on and the research that drives American innovation and strengthens our global standing.

Rather than correcting the instability of recent years, this rule risks deepening it — creating new barriers, injecting additional uncertainty into the grantmaking process, and undermining the ability of communities to plan and deliver the programs Americans depend on.

Rep. Pettersen has consistently spoken out against the Trump Administration’s politicization of federal funding and its targeting of Colorado and the resources families rely on. Rep. Pettersen led 83 members of the Democratic delegation alongside Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in demanding that the Trump Administration immediately reverse course on its freeze of over $10 billion in child care funding for five Democratic-led states. After this pressure, the Trump Administration recently announced that it would lift its freeze.

The full version of Pettersen’s latest letter can be found here and below:

Dear Director Vought:

We write to express our deep concerns with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” released on May 29, 2026. This rule would revise Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, otherwise known as “Uniform Guidance,” and it carries significant implications for our mental health and substance use disorder services and systems. Uniform Guidance has existed for over a decade. It serves as the framework for managing financial assistance while also consolidating OMB requirements for federal awards. This guidance has historically supported the financial and physical security of federal grant operations, providing a durable oversight structure that safeguards federal dollars, preserves interagency integrity, and anchors the stability that the proposed rule now places at risk.

The proposed rule would fundamentally alter how federal grants are awarded by shifting decision-making away from an established, neutral criteria and toward processes that could allow for political influence over funding determinations. Instead of relying on statutory requirements, expert agency review, and merit‑based evaluation, the rule would invite political actors to decide which communities, institutions, and programs receive federal support. It’s a sharp break from long‑standing Uniform Guidance.

The proposed rule would undermine the longevity of vital programs, including those that support care for mental health and substance use disorder in the United States. By destabilizing the very framework that enables sustained federal investment in these services, the rule threatens the backbone of our national response and the programs that rely on predictable, reliable grant administration to reach the communities most in need. Our concerns arise from recent instances that have demonstrated the importance of safeguarding the foundation, stability, and predictability of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants.

In January 2026, SAMHSA announced the abrupt termination of over 2,000 grants, totaling more than $2 billion. Upon notification, awardees received minimal justification regarding the cancellation. Only twenty-four hours later, administration officials rescinded this decision confirming that all impacted grant funding would be restored. Despite this reinstatement, the unanticipated announcement sent awardees across the country into widespread alarm. The whiplash of termination, reinstatement, and subsequent recovery time demonstrated how fragile program stability becomes when foundational guardrails are weakened, underscoring the critical need to safeguard predictability for SAMHSA grantees and the communities they serve.

Funding for substance use disorder treatment and mental health services is not a partisan priority; it is a responsibility of the government and must not be left to the priorities of political actors. All fifty states and the District of Columbia offer programs and strategically invest in resources and services to support individuals with substance use disorder and those living with mental health conditions. Combatting this epidemic and reducing overdose deaths remains a collaborative effort. Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrates a 13% decline in U.S. overdose deaths this year. This decline is the result of long-term investment in substance use disorder funding and resources, and further progress must not be delayed or threatened. Individuals, communities, and families across the nation are depending on reliable resources that are anchored to dependable funding sources, including the federal investments that sustain critical mental health and substance use disorder programs.

Given the overwhelming support to preserve and protect grant funding that expands access to treatment and resources for mental health and substance use disorder, we request that OMB immediately repeal any proposed changes to Uniform Guidance. At a moment when progress against overdose deaths is finally emerging and demand for mental health services continues to rise, it is essential that we maintain, not weaken, the foundation that allows these lifesaving programs to operate. Fracturing that foundation would jeopardize the future of critical services that individuals, families, and communities depend on every day.

We appreciate your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Rep. Pettersen Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Address Child Care Crisis for Military Families

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation that would address the military child care crisis for families. The Department of Defense (DOD) oversees the nation’s most expansive employer-backed child care system, but a severe staffing deficit has stranded more than 7,800 military children on waitlists. This workforce crisis has forced classroom closures at various installations and has resulted in a persistent attrition rate of 50%. The Supporting Our Military Childcare Workforce Act, which Pettersen introduced alongside Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07), would address staff shortages, retention, and an underpaid workforce which has caused a crisis for families who have already sacrificed much in the name of duty and their country.

“Military families put everything on the line for our country. The least we should do for them is ensure they get the basic care and services they need. But the reality is, our service families are struggling – over 40% are food insecure, up to a third of families maintain $500 or less in emergency funds, and more than 10,000 children remain on childcare waitlists. That’s unacceptable,” said Rep. Pettersen. “These are all problems we need to urgently address in a bipartisan way, which is why I’m proud to be working with my friend, Congressman Mackenzie, to solve part of this puzzle.”

“American servicemembers and their families depend on access to high-quality child care,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), co-lead for this bipartisan legislation. “At a time when providers are grappling with a nationwide shortage of staff, it’s essential that the Department of Defense step up to provide competitive wages for its child care workers. That’s why this legislation provides a clearer understanding of the military’s capacity to offer the child care benefits that families in our armed forces deserve. Thank you to Rep. Pettersen for working to ensure that American servicemembers have access to high-quality child care for their families.”

Under the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act the DOD was mandated to establish a revised pay structure for our child care workforce. While these vital changes were slated for a nationwide rollout on April 1, 2025, the Army remains the sole branch to have publicly announced the implementation.

The bipartisan Pettersen/Mackenzie legislation would stabilize all our service members' families, who are having to make difficult decisions around quality child care, and also rising costs that are plaguing civilian families. Colorado is a leader in recruiting and keeping our military childcare workforce.

Rep. Pettersen has been a strong advocate for our service members and veterans since coming to Congress, championing critical initiatives to broaden healthcare availability and address the housing affordability crisis. Her legislative agenda prioritizes the establishment of rural veterans affairs (VA) clinics and advances bipartisan solutions to ensure greater transparency within the VA home-loan system, providing the direct support our heroes deserve.

This legislation is endorsed by the First Five Years Fund.

Text of the legislation is available HERE.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen Voted No on Republican’s Latest Attempt to Drive Up Costs for American Families

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against the first steps to the third reconciliation package put forth by House Republicans that includes $73 billion to cover the cost of Donald Trump’s unconstitutional war in Iran.

“House Republicans just chose Trump’s illegal war over American families. They voted to pour another $73 billion into the war with Iran while the rest of us foot the bill. They're making America less safe and everyday life has never been harder. It’s shameful,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen.

The fast track budget resolution bill, popularly being called Reconciliation 3.0, allows Republicans to spend $95 billion, without a single way to pay for it. The bill includes $73 for military operations in Iran, $12 billion for aid for farmers struggling due to Donald Trump’s ongoing and absurd trade war, and $10 billion for election-related grants to states for voter-ID implementation for the Republican voter suppression campaign known as the SAVE America ACT. Americans are not blind, they know this bill does little to save Americans, but does much in its attempt to wage war and silence their voices.

While the Congresswoman supports providing aid to farmers, she cannot support a bill that includes poison pills like aid to continue an illegal war, and funding to disenfranchise millions of American voters, especially women and communities of color. The Senate has signaled that these pieces of funding streams included are unacceptable as well, and further demonstrates how unserious Republicans are about governing when they have the reins of power.

Instead of working with Democrats to bring down the costs of gas and groceries and other basic necessities, the Republicans have once again put forth a budget that shows that their priorities lie with Donald Trump, exclusively, and not with American families. Voters were clear in our last election, they sent representatives to Washington to deliver results, and not messaging.

Representative Pettersen has also consistently voted against Donald Trump’s agenda, including opposing over $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” She has consistently voted against authorizing Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Pettersen has joined two War Powers Resolutions to check executive power in regards to military action in Iran: H.Con. Res. 38, led by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, and H.Con. Res. 40, introduced by Reps. Greg Meeks, Jim Himes, and Adam Smith, the top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Armed Services Committees.

As Illegal War with Iran Drags On, Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republican Defense Authorization Bill That Includes Voter Suppression Provisions

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027:

“Our service members put everything on the line to serve our country and keep us safe. We have an obligation to honor their sacrifice showing them the utmost respect and ensuring they always have access to exceptional resources when they come home. Unfortunately, this bill fails to do that, and abandons the long-standing tradition of bipartisanship in honoring that service.

“Trump has bypassed Congress to singlehandedly drag us into a war with Iran and continues to put our servicemembers in harm's way. He told us the war would be over within 3 weeks, but it’s been months. Congress passed a War Powers Resolution to stop this unauthorized war. Even so, he’s digging in further and pressing the war forward — now using that vote to justify asking for a $1 trillion blank check. This war has made all of us more vulnerable to foreign threats. We cannot authorize more money for the Pentagon to continue this war while families here in Colorado are dealing with higher costs after Republicans cut their health care and nutrition assistance.

“Republicans have also loaded this bill with provisions attacking transgender servicemembers and the LGBTQ+ community – policies that have no place in a defense bill. Trump has already put us in increased danger with his illegal war in Iran, and these provisions will force out qualified servicemembers and damage our military readiness during this critical time. Transgender Americans have faced relentless attacks from Trump and Republicans, but they deserve the same basic dignity as anyone else – the freedom to serve their country and live openly and authentically without fear or discrimination. And supporting our transgender servicemembers is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to building the strongest and most capable military possible.

“Additionally, this bill includes the SAVE America Act, which raises unnecessary and burdensome documentation requirements for voters to prove their citizenship before they can vote. This is Donald Trump’s attempt to sway the midterm elections before they happen by disenfranchising millions of American voters and sowing doubt in our election system. The inclusion of SAVE shows just how desperate Trump and Congressional Republicans are to remain in power at any cost. SAVE would rob 70 million women of the right to vote, and deepen barriers to voting access for communities of color. Republicans wanted to send a message to Americans by including SAVE here, and that is that only some voters matter, those that vote for them and their dangerous agenda.

“Despite my amendment that would benefit Colorado being included in this bill, I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that otherwise undermines our values and laws, empowers the Administration to put our troops in harm’s way, and fails to support the servicemembers who put their lives on the line for this country.”

One of Rep. Pettersen’s amendments were included in the FY 2027 NDAA:

Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on how it will maintain consistent optical communications and networking standards as Space Development Agency programs are transferred to other defense and intelligence agencies.

FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Webinar

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As Trump Moves to Politicize Federal Grants, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push to Protect Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Funding

Rep. Pettersen Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Address Child Care Crisis for Military Families

Rep. Brittany Pettersen Voted No on Republican’s Latest Attempt to Drive Up Costs for American Families

As Illegal War with Iran Drags On, Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republican Defense Authorization Bill That Includes Voter Suppression Provisions

FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Webinar

FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Webinar

Littleton Mobile Office Hours

Wheat Ridge Community Resource Fair

Broomfield Mobile Office Hours

Wetmore Mobile Office Hours

Federal Workers and Community Resource Fair

The Office of Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s Federal Workers & Community Resource Fair

Bailey Mobile Office Hours

Broomfield Office Hours

Conifer Office Hours

The Office of Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s
Federal Workers & Community Resource Fair