Rep Onder Newsletter: A Busy and Productive Week in Washington

This week was incredibly busy here in Washington, but it was also deeply meaningful and productive. From reintroducing critical legislation to welcoming Chloe Cole as my guest for the State of the Union, participating in important committee discussions, engaging in national media, and publishing a major op-ed, each day was focused on advancing policies that protect our children, strengthen our communities, and restore trust in our institutions.

Below is a look at some of the key moments from this week. 

On Monday, I returned to Washington from the district and officially reintroduced the Chloe Cole Act of 2026, legislation designed to protect minors and ensure accountability within the medical system.

As outlined in the official press release, the Chloe Cole Act would:

• Protect minors from medical transgender interventions - including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures – by placing fully liability on hospitals, clinics and hospitals;
• Establish a private right of action, allowing affected individuals and their families to pursue civil damages, including detransition of medical expenses and damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering; and
• Provide a lengthy statute of limitations to ensure individuals have sufficient time to seek legal recourse.

The legislation is intended to strengthen legal protections for minors, ensure accountability within the medical system, and provide an avenue for individuals and families to pursue justice where harm has occurred.

I was honored to receive strong support from my colleagues in Congress and from numerous organizations across the country that are committed to protecting children and advocating for accountability and transparency within the medical industry. 

Click HERE to read the Fox News article highlighting this important legislation.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing

Tuesday began with important work in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where I participated in a hearing titled: "Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 – Administration Priorities."

The WRDA bill is one of the primary ways Congress guides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' civil works missions by addressing:

• Flood control
   
• Navigation and inland waterway maintenance
   
• Ecosystem restoration
   
• Critical infrastructure improvements

A reliable two-year WRDA cycle ensures that vital water infrastructure projects continue moving forward efficiently, strengthening our economy and protecting communities.

Our nation's ports and waterways support over $500 billion in economic activity annually. These infrastructure investments are essential not only for economic growth, but also for national security and community safety.

During the hearing, I was proud to bring forward the perspectives and priorities I heard directly from Missouri leaders and residents LAST WEEK in the district. Ensuring Missouri's infrastructure needs are addressed remains one of my top priorities.

National Media Appearance with Chloe Cole, My Guest for the State of the Union

Later that day, Chloe Cole and I joined Fox News with John Roberts to discuss the importance of protecting America's children and to highlight the significance of the Chloe Cole Act.

Chloe's extraordinary courage in sharing her deeply personal story continues to inspire countless Americans, myself included. During the interview, she spoke with clarity and conviction, explaining that she would never have taken puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or undergone irreversible surgery had she known the lifelong consequences. Her voice is a powerful reminder of why Congress must act to ensure that no child is subjected to life-altering medical decisions without full understanding, transparency, and protection.

To hear our full interview on Fox click the link below 

Attending the State of the Union Address

Tuesday evening, I had the distinct honor of attending the State of the Union Address, one of the most significant and enduring traditions in American government. It is a moment when the President of the United States speaks directly to the American people, outlining his priorities, accomplishments, and vision for the future of our nation.

During his address, President Donald Trump made clear that his administration is committed to ending taxpayer funding for harmful transgender procedures. As he declared with unmistakable clarity: "We must ban it, and we must ban it immediately." 

As I sat beside Chloe, we joined in applauding the President's leadership and his commitment to protecting America's youth from irreversible, life-altering procedures. Our children deserve protection. They deserve accountability from those entrusted with their care. And above all, they deserve a future free from harm.

Click below to hear the latest episode of Dr. Bob Rx where I reflect on this year's State of the Union and discuss the importance of the Chloe Cole Act.

On Wednesday, my op-ed was officially published in The Washington Times, where I outlined the critical importance of greater price transparency in health care.

Transparency is essential to restoring trust in our medical system and ensuring that patients, families, and physicians can make informed decisions, putting patients firmly back in control of their own care.

This piece gave me the opportunity to expand on the principles that guide my work: empowering patients with clear information, protecting families from hidden costs, and restoring the sacred trust between doctors and those they serve. Patients deserve honesty, accountability, and the ability to make decisions without navigating a system clouded by uncertainty.

Publishing this op-ed allowed me to elevate this conversation on a national level and share meaningful, patient-centered solutions with Americans across the country. I remain committed to advancing reforms that protect patients, strengthen our health care system, and ensure it serves the people, (not the other way around).

Click HERE to read my full Op-Ed 

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Thank you, and may God bless you and our great nation.