Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
April 03, 2025
San Diego, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) visited Feeding San Diego’s food distribution center to meet with volunteers and learn how the Trump Administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program (LFPA) will undermine efforts to fight hunger in the region. LFPA provides funding to help organizations like Feeding San Diego purchase food grown and produced locally. These cuts take away an essential funding stream for food banks, hurting farmers and the people who rely on food banks.
“Despite claims that he would lower prices on Day One, the Trump Administration has only driven food prices higher, forcing more people to turn to food banks to put food on the table. New tariffs will make things even worse,” said Rep. Levin. “Now, the Administration is taking another step that will directly harm families in our region and make it harder for food banks to help people in need. Fighting hunger has always been one of my top priorities in Congress. I’ll continue to stand up for food banks, defend food assistance programs from grueling cuts, and push for the restoration of federal funding.”
“The recent USDA cuts will have a profound impact on hunger relief efforts, making it even harder for organizations like Feeding San Diego to meet the growing need in our community,” said Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “Families who rely on these programs will face even greater challenges in accessing nutritious food. We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Levine for visiting Feeding San Diego today and for his commitment to understanding the urgent issues at hand. His support is critical as we work together to ensure no one in our community goes hungry”
Feeding San Diego was anticipating receiving over $1 million in funding from LFPA next year. With these recent cuts, once its current funding runs out, it will need to find a new funding stream. For Feeding Sand Diego, this could result in a shortfall of 500,000 pounds of food, enough to produce 400,000 meals.
Cuts to these programs hurt everyone from children to farmers. One in five Californians struggle with food insecurity, and federal programs play a critical role in ensuring food banks have the funding they need to meet demand. By cutting programs to help purchase locally-gown foods, the Administration is stripping away funding that supports local farmers and feeds people in need. This comes in addition to cuts to additional food assistance programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program and House Republicans’ proposed cuts to CalFresh.
In response to these cuts, Rep. Levin sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, along with Members of the California delegation, demanding the Administration reverse these devastating cuts.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that eight SUNY campuses are developing departments, centers, and institutes of AI and Society to engage diverse disciplines and communities, broaden AI development to prepare students for the future and advance the use of AI for the public good. Through this program, the state has provided $5 million in funding to foster collaboration across disciplines to promote inclusive AI research, to address ethical concerns in the use of AI, and to advance responsible data use.
“The progression of AI research in New York State is going to inspire other states to follow our path,” Governor Hochul said. “Investing in AI within the SUNY system is an investment in our students to expand their knowledge about what the future will bring. We are not just preparing students for AI – we’re shaping how AI serves society, ensuring it strengthens communities and our economy.”
Investments announced today will launch the following projects:
University at Albany- Launching a new AI & Society College & Research Center
Binghamton University- Creating the Institute for AI and Society
University at Buffalo- Creating the Department of AI and Society
SUNY Downstate- Establishing the Global Center for AI, Society and Mental Health
SUNY ESF- Establishing the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Society, and the Environment (AISE) (seed funding)
SUNY Poly- Developing an Institute for AI and Society (seed funding)
Stony Brook University- Creating the Department of Technology, AI and Society
Upstate Medical- Forming the AI for Health Equity, Analytics, and Diagnostics (AHEAD) Center (seed funding)
SUNY Chancellor John B. KingJr. said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, SUNY researchers, faculty, and students are leading the way in using AI to advance the public good. SUNY’s commitment to academic excellence includes making it possible for students from a wide range of disciplines to come together, explore new ideas, and develop the skills that will lead to lifelong success.”
SUNY Board Trustee Courtney Burke said, “As SUNY and the State of New York continue to invest in AI research for public good, these grants will allow our campuses a vital opportunity to expand their existing AI programs and further stretch the advantages of AI on and off campus. The SUNY Board of Trustees looks forward to witnessing the impact of this investment on each campus selected.”
SUNY is delivering on Governor Hochul’s vision of artificial intelligence for the public good. Projects are up and running at the first “alpha” phase of the Empire AI computing center, housed at University at Buffalo (UB) and Empire AI brings together researchers from SUNY’s four University Centers – the University at Albany, Binghamton University, UB, and Stony Brook University – as well as the City University of New York, Cornell University, Columbia University, New York University, the Flatiron Institute, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Governor Hochul’s FY2026 Executive Budget provides additional resources to expand Empire AI’s computing capacity and provide additional computing resources for SUNY researchers. Early SUNY projects include:
Binghamton University is conducting research on large language models and antisemitism on social media in order to detect hateful content. Another project is on 3D foundation models for high-throughput characterization of metal-organic frameworks for climate change applications.
A team at UB is working on a comprehensive solution to characterize and treat every disease.
StonyBrook University researchers have a project on transforming how vaccines are developed by creating an innovative AI-driven platform for antigen design.
In addition, SUNY has also updated its General Education Framework to incorporate AI as part of the Information Literacy core competency.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State is the heart of innovation, and thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, ESD is investing in the industries – like artificial intelligence – that will power the Empire State’s long-term economy. SUNY’s funding for dedicated departments to advance AI & Society will help ensure the benefits of this revolutionary technology are used to foster positive interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving, promote the public good, and support inclusive economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.”
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Artificial intelligence is the technology of the future and its impact on society will be transformative in ways that we can only imagine. By providing funding to launch the Departments on AI and Society at eight different SUNY campuses, we guarantee that New York will be at the forefront of the development of AI and its subsequent research will be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. I applaud Governor Hochul and Chancellor King for the first in the nation plan to ensure AI serves the public good.”
State Senator Kristin Gonzalez said, “Thank you to SUNY and Governor Hochul for reaffirming New York State’s commitment to advancing AI initiatives that serve the public good, ensuring ethical innovation and inclusive progress. I’m really excited for the insights and work from the new Departments of AI and Society that will help shape a future where technology enriches and strengthens communities.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Through the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John King, and the State Legislature, New York State is leading the nation in ‘public purpose’ focused AI research and development. The Empire AI Consortium is an innovative model for prioritizing public benefit projects and research in AI development. SUNY has been a leader in AI for many years and is at the forefront of taking AI to the next level. We must continue to support funding for these initiatives.”
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “SUNY’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence for the public good is a critical step in ensuring that emerging technologies are used responsibly and equitably. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, these investments in AI research and education will not only drive innovation but also help address pressing societal challenges – from combating online hate to improving healthcare solutions. With the rapid rise of AI, it is essential that we learn how to better understand and harness its potential to advance our state. I applaud Chancellor King and SUNY for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that will prepare our students for the future while ensuring AI serves all communities fairly and ethically.”
About The State University of New York The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. Learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities.
overnor Kathy Hochul, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Delancey Street Associates today announced the commencement of projects to make the Delancey St–Essex St Station complex accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and to develop mixed-income housing on the former site of the Essex Market.
“Making the Delancey-Essex station complex fully accessible with an affordable housing development at Essex Crossing is possible with the revenue from congestion pricing — a program that will put the proceeds toward New Yorkers’ needs,” Governor Hochul said. “We are committed to creating a more accessible and more affordable New York with improvement plans that are focused on bettering opportunities and the transit customer experience for riders.”
Delancey Street Associates will construct a 99 unit mixed-income housing complex and provide an easement to the MTA to allow the construction of an elevator connecting the northeast corner of Delancey and Essex Streets to the Delancey–Essex F M J Z station complex. The MTA announced that it is commencing design on that elevator and a comprehensive set of accessibility upgrades needed to make the station complex fully ADA-accessible. This will include three elevators to ensure that all connections and transfers within the station can be made step-free.
These accessibility improvements will be supported by proceeds from the Congestion Relief Zone. The project is included in the MTA’s 2020-24 Capital Plan. Delancey St–Essex St F M J Z Station serves 68,000 riders per day.
With the project proceeding, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and Delancey Street Associates will enter into a binding agreement and advance the new station entrance design. Delancey Street Associates expects to start construction in 2026 on 99 mixed income units of housing.
Delancey Street Associates’ proposed building will rise at the site of the former Essex Street Market building, also known as Essex Crossing’s Site 9. Essex Crossing is the result of a successful collaboration between the local community, the City – through NYCEDC and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development — Manhattan Community Board 3, and Delancey Street Associates. The project, which originally received ULURP approval in 2012, has delivered a new home for Essex Street Market, 175,000 square feet of retail space, 64,000 square feet of community space, and with Site 9, will deliver approximately 1,100 units of housing overall, 50 percent of which will be affordable.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “The MTA is making subway stations accessible at five times the pace of previous administrations. Every New Yorker — seniors, young families with strollers, people with disabilities — need to be able to get to jobs, school, shopping and everything else the City has to offer, so I’m thrilled NYCEDC and Delancey Street Associates were able to figure out a deal so we can move forward on this long overdue project.”
MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “This announcement demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering better, more accessible transit. This subway complex will soon be an accessible hub for the Lower East Side and everyone who benefits from this redevelopment.”
MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyosaid, “Delancey-Essex is at the heart of the Lower East Side, and ensuring the complex is accessible will open up new trips for thousands of people, including seniors, caregivers with strollers and people with disabilities. It is great to see projects moving forward with funding from Congestion Relief, and fantastic that it will be paired with affordable housing units right at the station.”
New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimballsaid, “The Delancey-Essex subway station’s accessibility upgrades will spur forward the Essex Crossing project, which continues to transform the area into a dynamic, mixed-use hub for economic opportunity and growth. After more than a decade since the project’s initial approval, today’s announcement by the MTA — in partnership with NYCEDC and Delancey Street Associates — is a testament to this Administration’s commitment to delivering on past promises, addressing our city’s housing challenges, and meeting the needs of New Yorkers.”
Representative Dan Goldman said, “I’m thrilled that the MTA is moving forward with the long-awaited work to create a fully accessible station at Delancey St.-Essex St. Accessible public transit is essential to New York City’s infrastructure and must be made available to all New Yorkers. My colleagues and I have pushed this project forward and we finally are seeing the progress that prioritizes vital accessibility improvements.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “We have worked long and hard to secure the funding for this essential project and to ensure that all parties remained committed to the process of figuring out how to get the necessary construction done in such a crowded space. I’m thrilled to join in announcing this major victory for our seniors, residents with disabilities, families with strollers, all who rely on this critical transit hub, and every New Yorker who cares about equitable access to our public transit system. I thank the MTA, NYCEDC, Delancey Street Associates, my colleagues in elected office, and the many local leaders and advocates who fought relentlessly to make both accessible transit and accessible affordable housing a reality here. The Lower East Side deserves nothing less.”
Assemblymember Grace Lee said, “Building elevators isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about dignity, independence, and equitable access to resources. I’m grateful that after years of advocacy from elected officials and community members we are finally seeing progress as the MTA moves forward with the accessibility of the station at Delancey St-Essex St.”
Council Member Carlina Rivera said, “We must work with urgency to upgrade our subway infrastructure, and congestion pricing gives us the dedicated funding we need to make critical investments happen. Work to make the Delancey St-Essex St F M J Z Station fully accessible will greatly benefit all residents, but especially older adults, parents with strollers, and New Yorkers with disabilities. By improving our transit system, we are ensuring a safer, healthier, and more connected city for everyone.”
Council Member Christopher Marte said, “I have long advocated for improvements to the Delancey St – Essex St F M J Z Station, and I’m thrilled to see this important project finally moving forward. This station is a vital hub that connects four subway lines and is one of the few accessible stations in the area. Making it fully accessible is not only crucial for the mobility of our community, but especially for the senior population in Lower Manhattan who rely on public transportation to stay connected. I’m proud to see this project advancing and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our neighborhood.”
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has charged 15 individuals with immigration crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona.
The following defendants were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported:
Salvador Rodriguez-Villa, of Mexico;
Noel Paz-Diaz, 34, of Guatemala;
Christian Mendoza-Salas, 29, of Mexico;
Isidro Gutierrez Gabriel, 35, of Guatemala;
Mateo Pascual-Francisco, 40, of Guatemala;
Tomas Naz-Gonzalez, 27, of Guatemala;
Marco Julio Agustin-Miranda, 27, of Guatemala;
Rafael Juan-Francisco, 35, of Guatemala;
Jose Rigoberto Acosta-Calles, 36, of El Salvador;
Elmer Geovany Sarmiento-Sifrian, 32, of Honduras;
The following defendants were charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm:
Elmer David Hernandez-Garcia, 39, of Honduras;
Christian Ivan Sanchez, 36, of Mexico;
Jhoan Jesus Rodriguez-Perez, 21, of Mexico;
Orli Umberto Marquez-Cordon, 24, of Mexico;
Maria Monserrat de Jesus Bautista-Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, has been charged with illegal re-entry after a prior removal and for being an alien in possession of a firearm.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America partners, Homeland Security Investigations – Atlanta, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Houston Division, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division, investigated these cases.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Peter Welch joined U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 25 of their colleagues in introducing The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, legislation to provide unaccompanied children with legal representation for their court when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. This comes after the Trump Administration’s recent termination of a contract that provides legal services for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied children who appear in immigrant court.
“There is one word to describe what the Trump Administration is doing to unaccompanied migrant children—cruel,” said Senator Welch. “These children can’t be expected to navigate our complex immigration system and should never be forced to face off against seasoned government attorneys alone, but that’s what President Trump is doing. In response to the administration’s actions, Congress must reaffirm America’s commitment to due process and ensure all unaccompanied children are afforded legal counsel. Justice demands it.”
“Children cannot represent themselves in Court—it’s that simple,” said Senator Hirono. “Legal representation helps ensure unaccompanied minors in our court system get the fair hearing they’re entitled to, and is critical to the function of immigration court proceedings. As the Trump Administration continues its war on immigrants, The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act will safeguard legal representation for unaccompanied children, helping to protect them from heightened risk of mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking.”
Nearly half of all unaccompanied children represent themselves during legal proceedings and it is extremely difficult for children to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney—unrepresented children appear alone in immigration court to face a judge and an adversarial government attorney seeking their removal from the United States. Many of these children, potentially as young as 3-years old, are unable to speak English and unable to understand our complicated legal system. Immigration judges are nearly 100 times less likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children without counsel compared to those with counsel. The federal government previously provided legal representation to some unaccompanied minors in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which created special protections for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or a legal guardian. Now, the Trump Administration is working to terminate those services completely.
“The Trump Administration’s breathtakingly cruel decision to strip tens of thousands of tiny children of access to a lawyer shows exactly why this legislation is so important,” said Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “The right to legal counsel is a central tenet of our justice system. Yet unaccompanied immigrant children as young as 3 and 4 years old are expected to navigate the cold complexities of our legal system with no one to help them through the process. The consequences of sending these children back to the countries they are fleeing can be literally life-and-death and presents grave human-trafficking risks. We have a moral obligation to ensure that that decision is made with due process, including access to an attorney.”
“Abandoning immigrant children to navigate a complicated legal system alone with their future on the line is beneath who we are as Americans,” said Senator Coons (D-Del.). “I’m proud to cosponsor the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would address this shocking policy in our legal system by giving children the representation they need and ensuring they have a fair day in court.”
“The idea that small children could represent themselves in a court of law is ridiculous,” said Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). “The immigration court system is complicated and confusing, and we shouldn’t expect any minor to navigate it on their own. This commonsense bill would fix a glaring flaw in our immigration system.”
“It is deeply, cruelly unfair that so many unaccompanied children—including some who don’t speak English or are too young to understand what a judge is asking them—are forced to represent themselves in immigration court without a lawyer,” said Senator Duckworth (D-Ill.) “Having attorney representation can make the difference between safely remaining in the United States or being deported back to the same dangerous conditions they fled in the first place. This commonsense bill would help right this wrong and provide these children the legal representation they need to effectively navigate our complex immigration system.”
“Time and time again, children, as young as three years old, enter the U.S. immigration court system without an attorney present. And now, the Trump Administration is trying to force these children to face an immigration judge alone. Not only do attorneys help these children navigate a complicated system, but they also play a critical role in preventing and stopping trafficking, abuse, and neglect,” said Senator Durbin (D-Ill.). “That is why I am signing on to the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would ensure that no child has to navigate our complex legal process without representation.”
“Alongside Senator Hirono, we are leading an effort to ensure that children are treated fairly and humanely with access to legal representation,” Senator Ossoff (D-Ga.) said.
“As the Trump administration continues to generate distress with its immigration actions — including the recent cancellation of a vital contract that provides legal services to unaccompanied migrant children — we must ensure that we protect the safety, welfare, and legal rights of vulnerable minors,” said Senator Markey (D-Mass.). “The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 would provide unaccompanied children with the critical legal representation they need, ensuring that kids do not have to go to court alone.”
“President Trump’s inhumane immigration policies are putting kids in danger by forcing unaccompanied children to represent themselves in court,” said Senator Merkley (D-Ore.). “It’s unimaginably cruel, and we must fight to ensure every child has a fair chance to accurately present their case for legal protection in our country.”
“For unaccompanied children caught up in our immigration courts, navigating our complex immigration system alone is virtually impossible. The numbers speak for themselves: unaccompanied children without counsel are almost 100 times less likely to receive protection from deportation,” said Senator Padilla (D-Calif.). “The Trump Administration’s decision to stop funding legal representation for these children is needlessly cruel and severely misguided. At the very least, these children deserve legal representation to help ensure their voices are heard.”
“Children shouldn’t be forced to navigate the immigration system alone—especially when their future is on the line,” said Senator Schatz (D-Hawaii). “This legislation ensures that unaccompanied kids have legal representation and due process rights, no matter where they come from.”
“Forcing toddlers to represent themselves in immigration court does not make us safer, yet that’s exactly what’s happening because of this Administration,” said Senator Smith (D-Minn.). “Children should worry about growing up and going to school, not about facing a prosecutor and judge alone. This bill would provide some much-needed support for children caught up in our broken immigration system, and make sure their rights are respected and protected.”
“It’s unacceptable to force unaccompanied children to navigate immigration court by themselves – yet that’s the frightening reality that far too many face. This legislation will help prevent this unjust practice, and ensure they have a lawyer when they come before a court,” said Senator Van Hollen (D-Md.).
“Forcing toddlers to navigate their immigration hearing without a lawyer is cruel and violates their due process rights,” said Senator Warren (D-Mass.). “This bill will provide them with the necessary protections to ensure they are treated with dignity and have a fair shot in court.”
“No kid should ever have to represent themself in court – period,” Wyden said (D-Ore.). “It should go without saying that courts are meant to be navigated by the attorneys who understand America’s complex legal system. The Trump administration’s decision to gut legal representation for unaccompanied kids is not only immoral but also blatantly illegal. Forcing unaccompanied babies, toddlers, and youth to go without representation will leave kids vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. Congress must ensure children have real legal counsel and protect them from harm.”
Specifically, the The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act:
Requires that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide counsel to noncitizen unaccompanied children appearing before the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state court, unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense;
Extends the government’s duty to ensure counsel for unaccompanied children to the end of the immigration proceedings, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings;
Ensures that children are informed of their right to representation within 72 hours and creates infrastructure to identify, recruit, and train pro bono lawyers to provide representation;
Allows unaccompanied children to reopen their case if HHS fails to provide counsel;
Requires the government and stakeholders to create guidelines and duties for counsel representing unaccompanied children, largely based on American Bar Association recommendations;
Clarifies that the government may, at its choosing, also provide counsel to other individuals in immigration court;
Requires noncitizens, and their attorneys, to receive a complete copy of the noncitizen’s immigration file at least 10 days before the removal proceedings;
Guarantees access to counsel for all noncitizens detained in DHS facilities; and
Requires a report on children’s access to counsel.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act is endorsed by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND); Acacia Center for Justice; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; and National Center for Youth Law.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined a group of 33 House Democrats in pressing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for answers after the sudden shutdown of five regional Head Start Offices, including the San Francisco regional office that serves families in the Central Coast.
The closures come on the heels of a major agency reorganization and reduction in force that led to 10,000 layoffs on Monday. In the letter, the lawmakers raise concerns about the lack of warning or transition plan and the potential impact on children and families who rely on the program. “The abrupt closures—without a clearly communicated transition plan—puts services and education for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families at risk,”the lawmakers wrote. Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health care, and family services at no cost to low-income children across the country. In the last 60 years, Head Start has positively impacted more than 40 million children and their parents across the nation, including more than 55,000 in Santa Barbara County. The letter stresses the essential role regional offices play in helping local Head Start centers access federal support and navigate complex regulations and that the closures will jeopardize vital services. “Removing these support structures without an alternative plan or clear communication on the impact jeopardizes the reliability and quality of services that so many families depend on,”the lawmakers continued. The group is asking Secretary Kennedy to respond by April 7 with answers to the following:
What criteria were used to decide which regional offices to close?
When were staff informed that their offices would be shutting down?
What is the Department’s plan to support Head Start providers in the wake of these closures, and how will that be communicated to states and local communities?
“All children deserve quality education and services to support their early development during the most crucial years of childhood,”the lawmakers wrote.“An investment in Head Start and the regional offices that support them should remain a top priority.” For a full copy of the letter, clickhere.
Rep. Carbajal, who formerly worked with Head Start as a Parent Involvement Coordinator and Family Services Advocate, is a leader in fighting for childhood education programs. In Congress, he’s worked to prioritize funding for Head Start to ensure this important program has the necessary resources to be successful in our communities.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 133 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on criminal illegal alien offenders and other immigration violators in western, central, and northern New York to bolster public safety, national security and border security March 24-28.
“By leveraging our federal partnerships and intelligence-driven investigations, ICE continues to carry out its mission in a way that best serves national security, public safety and border security,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo acting Deputy Field Office Director Philip Rhoney. “I am grateful for the professionalism, dedication and support from all of our partners during this week-long operation to remove dangerous alien offenders from our New York communities.”
ICE and federal partners concentrated their efforts in and around the Buffalo area, but operations extended throughout western and upstate New York. Operations led to arrests of 84 illegal aliens from the Buffalo and Rochester areas, and 49 illegal aliens from Syracuse, Albany, Rouses Point, and Massena.
“The success of this enhanced enforcement operation underscores the importance of utilizing a whole-of-government approach when protecting the public from criminal aliens and dangerous individuals living in our western, central, and northern New York communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “Standing side-by-side with our partners, ICE HSI will utilize every tool at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers. I commend our partners from the FBI, CBP, USBP, ATF, DEA, DSS, and USMS for their unwavering collaboration in support of this vital mission.”
Of those arrested, 20 had criminal convictions or charges including three who were convicted of homicide. Nine of the arrests were of aliens who have been previously removed from the United States.
Four criminal search warrants were executed during the operation. They were executed during the worksite enforcement component of the operation for federal violations of bringing in and harboring certain aliens and resulted in multiple bookings and records seizures as well as 18 administrative arrests for violations of immigration law.
Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:
A 49-year-old illegal alien from Trinidad and Tobago convicted of murder.
A 66-year-old illegal alien from the Dominican Republic convicted of course of sexual conduct with a child.
A 32-year-old illegal alien from El Salvador convicted of murder and gang assault.
A 70-year-old illegal alien from the Dominican Republic convicted of manslaughter and criminal sale of controlled substance.
A 50-year-old illegal alien from China convicted of assault.
A 42-year-old illegal alien from Mexico convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
A 24-year-old illegal alien from Ecuador with several convictions for DWI.
A 43-year-old H-2A visa holder from South Africa charged with distribution and possession of child pornography.
Partner law enforcement agencies participating in the operation were FBI Buffalo; FBI Albany; Drug Enforcement Administration New York; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Buffalo; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives New York; U.S. Marshals Service Buffalo; USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security; Department of State Diplomatic Security Service; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western and Northern Districts of New York.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.
Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X, @EROBuffalo.
HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Ruben Alonso Urbina Martinez, a 39-year-old illegal alien from Honduras, from the U.S. April 2. Urbina is a foreign fugitive wanted in Honduras for murder.
Urbina was transported aboard a flight coordinated by ICE’s Air Operations Unit from the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, to the Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Upon arrival, he was transferred into the custody of Honduran authorities.
Urbina illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. ICE received information Feb. 20 confirming that Urbina was wanted in Honduras for murder and safely took him into custody that same day in Dublin, Texas, during a targeted enforcement action with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office. Urbina was processed as an expedited removal and repatriated to Honduras April 2.
“This foreign fugitive fled to the United States to evade prosecution for murder in his home country of Honduras,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford. “Working in tandem with our partners at the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to quickly locate him and safely take him into custody. By repatriating him to Honduras to face justice for his alleged crimes, we have eliminated a threat to public safety in our local communities and sent a resounding message that Southeast Texas will not be a refuge for foreign fugitives or anyone else who undermines the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”
ERO Honduras and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Task Force assisted with Urbina’s removal.
The SAFE Program is a fugitive enforcement and information sharing partnership that was created in 2012 to better use subject information derived from local in-country investigative resources and leads to locate, apprehend, detain, and remove individuals residing in the U.S. illegally who were subject to foreign arrest warrants. The SAFE Program operates under the respective host nation’s Assistant Attaché for Removal, which constructs a SAFE task force composed of relevant foreign law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, attorneys general, and national identification repositories – as well as other regional, national, state, and local government agencies. The managing AAR ensures that each task force member complies with SAFE policies and standards consistent with the program’s standard operating procedures. Once established, the AAR-led SAFE task force generates new leads and vets existing SAFE fugitive referrals for ERO action.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.
For more news and information on how the ICE ERO Houston Field Office carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROHouston.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Jeffery McPherson, of Webster Groves, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Mr. McPherson is a partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP. He earned his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University. In addition to his practice, McPherson currently serves on the Appellate Missouri Bar Association. McPherson will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Virginia W. Lay to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.
DETROIT – A 52-year-old Detroit man, Israel Crumpton, was sentenced to 40 months in prison yesterday for trafficking heroin laced with fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.
Beck was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
For over a six-month period in 2018 and 2019, Crumpton and several lesser co-conspirators distributed substantial quantities of heroin laced with fentanyl and crack cocaine in the 7700 block of East Palmer Street in Detroit. Crumpton led and organized the drug distribution business. As the leader, he secured bulk narcotics from his suppliers and sold or directed others to sell those drugs to resellers or users, generating significant cash proceeds.
In November 2018, the County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET) became aware of Crumpton’s drug distribution business. COMET members subsequently surveilled Crumpton’s “trap house” and “stash house” in the 7700 block of East Palmer Street, observing numerous apparent illicit drug transactions occurring there. Based on its surveillance and other investigative activities, COMET secured search warrants for the two E. Palmer Street locations and another location on the westside of Detroit. Upon executing the search warrants, COMET members found and seized large quantities of distributable narcotics, drug paraphernalia, numerous firearms and ammunition, and over $40,000 in cash proceeds. Crumpton and a co-conspirator were charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking and one count of firearm possession. The co-conspirator pled guilty to drug trafficking. And, in May 2024, a jury convicted Crumpton of the drug trafficking charges.
Yesterday, the Honorable Denise Page Hood sentenced Crumpton to 40 months in prison.
“Our office aggressively pursues drug traffickers who push substantial quantities of dangerous drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine into our neighborhoods for personal gain and with indifference to the tragedy they inflict. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Michigan State Police’s County of Macomb Enforcement Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker has been removed from our streets,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
“Isreal Crumpton sold a poison in our community out of pure greed, all while armed with illegal firearms. ATF and the Michigan State Police are united in their partnership to identify and target for federal prosecution armed drug traffickers of fentanyl in our community. Mr. Crumpton’s plight should serve as a reminder that accountability is inevitable across Michigan for people who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of peddling poison in our community. The message should be very clear: If you deal deadly drugs while armed with an illegal firearm, you’re not just on our radar – you’re on the fast track to prison; so, pack a bag, we’re coming for you,” said James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Division.
This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police’s County of Macomb Enforcement Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by AUSAs Pat Martin and Sarah Alsaden and investigated by AUSA Paul Kuebler.
US alcohol has been removed from sale in the Canadian province of British Columbia.lenic/Shutterstock
As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.
Even before Donald Trump announced across-the-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.
His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia.
This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.
Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.
Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA.
Who owns what?
The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not.
In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies.
This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.
The fact that Facebook is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.
Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.
These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable.
All-American brands
But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.
As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.
Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.
Do boycotts work?
A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996.
In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott. At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).
These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power.
Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches (FISCAL) Act which requires schools to provide fluid milk substitutes in school cafeterias. This takes the onus off schoolchildren to request plant-based milk and instead places it on schools to give kids a real-time choice while they are in line to pick up food.
This bill will require schools to place plant-based milk alternatives that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans alongside cow’s milk options in the cafeteria, allowing kids to select the nutritious beverage of their choice. That broader set of product offerings will perform like the marketplace, where plant-based milk options are readily available and a routine choice for consumers, our students, resulting in less waste.
In Congressman Carter’s home state, a 6-year-old lactose intolerant Black girl from Zachary, LA, was recently forced to consume dairy milk at school breakfast, became sick from it, and had to clean up her accident in class. The girl, despite documented medical records of lactose intolerance and perhaps dairy allergies, was still served cow’s milk. She soon became ill and requested bathroom breaks but was told by her teacher to stay in class. The child then defecated in her clothing and was forced to clean up the mess herself.
“It is abundantly clear that the current milk substitute system that USDA employs is delivering detrimental impacts on students,” said Rep. Carter. “Too many children who cannot safely or comfortably consume dairy are being forced to accept containers of cow’s milk on their lunch trays. My wife and children are all lactose intolerant, so I know just how uncomfortable consuming dairy milk can be for someone who cannot process it. The recent incident at Rollins Place Elementary School in Zachary is unacceptable and a glaring example of why we need immediate reforms in our schools to ensure all children have safe and appropriate dietary options. My bill ensures the health and nutritional needs of all our nation’s students are met. America needs to embrace its diversity at the lunch counter.”
There is a lack of understanding that cow’s milk makes many children ill, especially minority children. Studies show that a large percentage of Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian Americans have a degree of lactose intolerance, including roughly three-quarters of Black people. These children experience adverse health effects simply because, in practice, dairy is the only type of milk currently offered in schools.
Many children forgo drinking dairy milk they are served due to the adverse health symptoms they incur after consuming it. This has led to massive waste in our school systems.
“The federal government is wasting $400 million of our tax dollars a year by mandating that every school kid getting nutrition assistance has a carton of cow’s milk on the tray even though millions of them don’t want it and get sick from it,” said Rep. Mace. “Thirty percent of kids throw the milk away in the carton, and hundreds of millions of tax dollars wasted is not spilled milk. Kids should have a healthy choice in lunchrooms.”
“Upwards of 40 percent of kids participating in the National School Lunch Program are lactose intolerant, yet federal law requires that kids are served cow’s milk even if it makes them sick,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “There should be nothing controversial about Congressman Troy Carter’s bipartisan bill to give kids a healthy beverage option and to unwind a program that makes kids sick and causes a third of kids to throw unopened milk cartons in the trash.”
Background
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires public schools to serve cow’s milk with breakfast or lunch meals to kids who qualify for food assistance. The school must serve this milk, or reimbursement for the cost of the entire meal will be denied. The annual outlay for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reimbursements to local school districts is roughly $1 billion yearly just for the milk.
Although the NSLP allows milk substitutes, the law’s substitution requirements are burdensome, and delivering the substitute to kids is now unworkable and impractical. Unlike the policy for cow’s milk, USDA doesn’t reimburse schools for the substitute.
Based on the ethnic and racial backgrounds of the participants, perhaps half of the 30 million kids in the NSLP are lactose intolerant. The lack of availability of a milk substitute and the burdensome requirement for a substitute produce adverse outcomes. Millions of lactose-intolerant kids and others with an aversion to milk throw away the beverage, squandering $400 million (40% of milk is discarded), or they consume a product that makes them sick, making real-time learning in the classroom more difficult.
The FISCAL Act:
Requires schools to offer kids cow’s milk and plant-based milk for breakfast and lunch. There will be no doctor’s note or other special request requirements.
Ensures that any plant-based offering that is provided to children meets or exceeds nutritional standards contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or as established by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Reimburses schools for plant-based milks, just as it reimburses schools for cow’s milk.
Only requires schools to stock enough plant-based milk to meet demand for it.
The FISCAL Act is endorsed by Animal Wellness Action, National Urban League, the National Rural Education Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today introduced legislation to support aquifer recharge and water infrastructure in Idaho.
“Water is the lifeblood of what we do in Idaho, and the federal government should not be hampering the ability of local leaders to implement important aquifer recharge measures,” said Risch. “My legislation will allow the Idaho Water Resources Board to carry out critical recharge work without having to jump through unnecessary, bureaucratic hoops.”
“Water is one of our most precious resources in Idaho,” said Crapo.“Empowering the Idaho Water Resources Board with the tools they need to conduct aquifer recharge is essential to secure the long-term health and viability of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. This legislation will eliminate excessive federal red tape that is delaying implementation of these vital projects.”
In 2020, Risch’s Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act was signed into law to improve the ability of states to conduct aquifer recharge across federal lands and utilize federal facilities. The original legislation was intended to provide public entities, such as the Idaho Water Resources Board, greater ability to use agricultural canals for aquifer recharge without needing to obtain additional easement authorizations.
However, despite the consent of easement owners and clear flexibility provided in the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, the Bureau of Land Management has interpreted that the law does not apply to the Idaho Water Resources Board, preventing this efficient form of recharge. The legislation introduced today is a technical fix to allow the Idaho Water Resources Board to proceed with this important recharge work.
Risch also introduced a bill to broaden infrastructure funding to apply to additional dams constructed under the Carey Act.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)
WASHINGTON, DC [4/4/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.
The competition is open to students in grades 9-12 who live in Oregon’s First Congressional District, which includes large portions of Washington and Multnomah counties and all of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties. A panel of local arts leaders will select the winning student artist, whose artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. All students who participate in the competition will be invited to a reception with the Congresswoman where the winner and honorable mention will be announced.
“I host the Congressional Art Competition every year because the student artists I’ve met give me hope for the future,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “They are thoughtful, talented, and passionate, and it is always exciting to see the incredible art they create for the competition. I encourage all high school artists to participate this year.”
Students interested in submitting artwork can find more information here. The deadline for art submissions is Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Art may be mailed to the Beaverton office at 12725 SW Millikan Way, STE 220, Beaverton, OR 97005. Participants may also call 503-469-6010 to arrange an appointment to drop off in-person.
Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Don Beyer (VA-08), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Terri Sewell (Al-07) introduced the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, legislation that would modernize outdated trade authorities and ensure that Congress retains final approval over the imposition of broad tariffs.
This legislation would eliminate Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose 15% tariffs on all imports in the event of a balance of payments crisis. Originally designed to address situations where a nation’s currency was tied to a commodity or a foreign currency, this provision is now obsolete, as the United States no longer operates under the gold standard.
In recent years, the Trump administration misinterpreted the term “balance of payments issue” to justify tariffs based on trade imbalances rather than actual economic crises. This misuse highlights the need for Congress to reaffirm its authority over trade policy. This legislation was introduced in response to President Trump’s planned widespread tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
By repealing Section 122, the Reclaim Trade Powers Act would:
“President Trump is trying to use outdated laws to argue that he can unilaterally impose huge tax increases on American consumers without congressional approval,” said DelBene. “This legislation is one of several that would reaffirm Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy and ensure the president alone cannot impose broad-based tariffs, which are taxes, on our trading partners.”
“The balance of payments authority has been mischaracterized and misused to justify broad, indiscriminate tariffs that bypass Congressional oversight,” said Panetta. “The Reclaim Trade Powers Act would close that loophole and help establish a trade policy that reflects modern economic realities rather than outdated statutes. This legislation would protect our economy from unnecessary and harmful tariffs, ensure major trade decisions are not made solely by executive branch, and restore Congressional authority over trade.”
“No one should be under any illusion that the Trump administration would require an actual balance in payments crisis to levy these across the board tariffs,” said Beyer. “Pretextual and dishonest justifications are this president’s stock-in-trade, which makes this executive authority simply too dangerous to leave on the books.”
“It’s long past time that Congress assert its constitutional responsibilities and put a check on President Trump’s reckless, arbitrary, and punitive approach to trade policy, which is only hurting our consumers, companies, and economy,” said Schneider. “We must close outdated loopholes—like Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, among others—that Trump is using to impose sweeping tariffs while punishing our small businesses, retirement accounts, and economy.”
“In a few short months, President Trump has abused multiple trade authorities as he initiates trade wars with our allies,” said Sewell. “Congress must act to draw back trade authorities from this administration in order to protect American consumers, farmers, and manufacturers from President Trump’s reckless trade agenda. I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to strengthen our checks against this administration.”
Headline: U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Announce Title IX Special Investigations Team
Amid a staggering volume of Title IX complaints, the U.S Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announce the Title IX Special Investigations Team (SIT) to ensure timely, consistent resolutions to protect students, and especially female athletes, from the pernicious effects of gender ideology in school programs and activities.
At UConn Health, community isn’t just a word, it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s the connections between our patients and providers, the collaboration among our teams, or our commitment to serving those beyond our walls, community defines who we are. This month, we’re highlighting the ways in which our staff and departments comes together to support, uplift, and strengthen one another. From innovative partnerships to everyday moments of kindness, we celebrate the power of community in shaping a healthier future for all.
Janel Simpson:, UConn Health Chief Administrative Officer, Jini Korcz, Adriana Lopez de Victoria, Farmington Links Board Member
On Saturday, March 15, UConn Health and UConn faculty, staff, students and researchers, came together with community partners at the Black Family Wellness Expo, a vibrant annual event dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the Greater Hartford community hosted by the Artists Collective in Hartford. The expo, organized by the Farmington Valley and Greater Hartford Chapters of The Links Incorporated was co-sponsored by UConn Health’s Health Disparities Institute (HDI), the UConn School of Social Work, the Department of Public Health Sciences, and UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP),
Now in its second year of participation, HDI played a central role in the expo, not only through sponsorship but also in deepening institutional partnerships and collaboration with UConn Health and UConn that included the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), the Center on Aging, the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Public Health Sciences, Area Education Centers (AHEC), and InCHIP, among others.
“Instead of having UConn and UConn Health departments scattered throughout the expo, we intentionally grouped UConn Health and UConn tables, allowing the community to see the multiple ways in which we engage and serve Connecticut residents, beyond health care delivery and education,” said Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, HDI director and professor in the department of medicine.
HDI also created an interactive engagement opportunity for attendees. This year at the expo, HDI engaged attendees by asking what makes for a great health care experience, and we heard overwhelmingly about the importance of the interpersonal aspects of care and engagement. Providers who take the time to really listen, are empathetic, and show compassion were common responses,” said Dr. Sprague Martinez. “Events like this are important opportunities for UConn Health to connect with community residents and our patients in a meaningful way.”
“Events like the Black Family Wellness Expo create a space not only for direct engagement with community members but also for fostering connections with organizations that share HDI’s commitment to health equity and exploring ways to deepen collaboration through collective efforts that drive lasting impact,” said Trisha Pitter from the Health Disparities Institute who initiated the partnership with the Farmington Valley Links, Inc. to promote this year’s event as well as the 2025’s expo.
JDH Diversity Council’s Role and Impact
Community Wishing Tree
As part of its mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the JDH Diversity Council played a key role in engaging attendees through interactive initiatives. Their presence included two tables: one focused on Human Resources, providing information about UConn Health career opportunities and workplace culture, and another featuring the “Community Wishing Tree,” an idea proposed by Elizabeth Haskell, sepsis nurse, were invited to share personal barriers to health care and their wishes for improvements in their community. The activity proved to be a meaningful way to amplify community voices and gather valuable insights that will be reviewed at an upcoming Diversity Council meeting.
“For me, joining the Diversity Council was about helping to create a more inclusive and equitable health care environment, not just for patients, but for our faculty and staff as well,” said Cassandra Keola, administrative program coordinator. “It’s inspiring to see our work extend beyond the walls of our hospital and into the communities we serve.”
“As a newer member of the Diversity Council, I was drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with a team dedicated to fostering growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion, both at an organizational level and as individuals. With 17 years of experience as a nurse, I have had the privilege of caring for patients from diverse backgrounds, which has reinforced the vital role that cultural awareness and inclusivity play in delivering equitable and effective health care. Being part of this council allows me to contribute to meaningful change and advocate for a more inclusive environment for both patients and staff,” said Eliza Rivera, population health manager.
Collaboration Across UConn and UConn Health Departments
Dr. Linda Barry, associate director of Health Disparities Institute, led the Alzheimer’s discussion and CT AHEC brought a team of Urban Health/AHEC Scholars and preceptors to provide health promotion education as well as screenings (oral health, blood pressure, blood glucose). The CT AHEC team worked closely with partners from Charter Oak Community Health Center for community member handoffs for vaccinations, mental health, muscular skeletal and A1C screenings. In total more than 35 community members were seen by this interprofessional team.
James “JJ” Odom, University Director of Buildings and Grounds at UConn Health, far left plays the drums during a musical performance
Leslie Bell, administrative director in nursing administration and diversity council member, shared her experience: “The room was filled with people providing essential services and education. I had the opportunity to attend a UConn Health panel discussion on Alzheimer’s, which was both informative and impactful. There was such a strong presence of organizations committed to health and wellness; it was truly inspiring.”
The event also facilitated networking opportunities among health care professionals. Bell was able to help connect a physician from Saint Francis Hospital with UConn Health’s ALS program to ensure continuity of care for a patient facing insurance challenges. This kind of real-time problem-solving exemplifies the council’s broader mission to bridge gaps in health care access and equity.
Looking Ahead
HDI’s ongoing partnership with the Farmington Valley Links will continue to shape future wellness initiatives, including the 2025 expo. HDI is co-sponsoring an upcoming Women’s Health event with the Farmington Valley Links, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls, and InCHIP focused on intergenerational dialogues on menopause. Community events like the Black Family Wellness Expo create spaces for HDI to engage with residents, learn about priorities, and to build collaborations across UConn and with communities to promote health.
In addition to participating in the Black Family Wellness Expo, the Diversity Council continues to lead and support various initiatives, such as ODI’s monthly “coffee break” discussions, cultural awareness events, and employee appreciation activities. Their ongoing efforts reinforce UConn Health’s dedication to an inclusive workplace and community engagement.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Diversity Council members expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations and deeper community connections. “The sheer volume of interest in wellness and information was encouraging,” said one attendee. “Seeing so many people engaged and eager to learn reaffirms why events like this matter,” said Keola.
By fostering dialogue, sharing resources, and strengthening partnerships, the Diversity Council continues to make a meaningful impact—both within UConn Health and throughout the communities it serves.
The Black Family Wellness Expo was a powerful example of UConn and UConn Health’s institutional commitment to community engagement, health equity, and partnership. Through shared leadership, HDI and its collaborators are ensuring that UConn’s presence in the community is both impactful and enduring.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) sent letters to Moderna, Inc., Pfizer Inc., BioNTech US Inc., and Johnson & Johnson seeking records and communications about the development and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.
In the letters, Chairman Johnson cited the many billions of taxpayer dollars these companies received to manufacture and deliver COVID-19 vaccines. These federally-funded vaccines have since been associated with reports of myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Chairman Johnson also referenced past attempts by the Department of Health and Human Services to conceal records related to the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, warning vaccine manufacturers, “Any attempt to obstruct or delay responses to this request will result in compulsory process.”
The chairman’s requests included internal and external communications related to reports of adverse events, clinical trials, and testing of the vaccines against variants of SARS-CoV-2. These requests encompass communications between vaccine manufacturers, the federal government, and social media platforms.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, President Trump dismissed General Timothy Haugh, the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, without explanation. Press reports indicate that Laura Loomer, a fringe conspiracy theorist, convinced the President to dismiss General Haugh and fire a slew of expert staff on his National Security Council. The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed General Haugh to his post in December 2023.
Senator Reed issued the following statement in response:
“I am alarmed and angered that, at the insistence of a far-right conspiracy theorist, President Trump dismissed one of the most skilled, accomplished officers in the U.S. military. As the commander of Cyber Command, General Haugh led the most formidable cyber warfighting force in the world and kept our enemies up at night. President Trump has given a priceless gift to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea by purging competence from our national security leadership.
“I have long warned about the dangers of firing military officers as a political loyalty test. In addition to the other military leaders and national security officials Trump has fired, he is sending a chilling message throughout the ranks: don’t give your best military advice, or you may face consequences. The President must immediately explain himself to the American people.”
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
04.04.25
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and ten of their Senate colleagues who are LIHEAP champions sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on the recent reported elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) staff at HHS.
The letter comes in response to the reduction of about 10,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These cuts reportedly include the entire staff running the $4.1 billion LIHEAP program, which helps millions of American households afford their heating and cooling bills.
The thirteen Senators sent a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., writing:
“We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE).”
Full text of the letter follows:
The Honorable Robert Kennedy, Jr.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
We write regarding reports that you have terminated staff responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). If true, these terminations threaten to devastate a critical program dedicated to helping Americans afford their home energy bills.
For over 40 years, LIHEAP has been the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors pay their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. Each year, more than six million households across the country rely on LIHEAP to afford their energy bills. It is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine.
We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season.
Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.
Background
The federally funded LIHEAP program is a crucial lifeline that helps over 6 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil. Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.
Senators Murkowski, Collins, and Reed led the successful effort to provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP this fiscal year, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. In Fiscal Year 2024, Alaskans got $21.3 million from LIHEAP.
HHS has already released 90 percent of those federal funds to state partners. The remaining 10 percent, almost $400 million, used by states to pay for summer cooling, and emergency funding for households that need additional assistance and weatherization, cannot be released until HHS determines the state-by-state allocation. Now, it’s unclear how the remaining funds could be disbursed to the states.
In addition to Murkowski, Reed, and Collins, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on General Tim Haugh, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service:
“General Haugh has served our country in uniform, with honor and distinction, for more than 30 years. At a time when the United States is facing unprecedented cyber threats, as the Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China has so clearly underscored, how does firing him make Americans any safer?
“It is astonishing, too, that President Trump would fire the nonpartisan, experienced leader of the National Security Agency while still failing to hold any member of his team accountable for leaking classified information on a commercial messaging app – even as he apparently takes staffing direction on national security from a discredited conspiracy theorist in the Oval Office.”
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and colleagues introduced the Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act to help the seafood industry meet workforce demands by exempting fish processors from the H-2B visa caps. The legislation is vital to the fishing industry, economy, and food supply chain.
“When you think Louisiana, you think seafood,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Creating jobs in this industry is good for our economy and state.”
“Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart,” said Senator Murkowski. “Coastal communities, family-owned fishing boats, and Alaskans who work in the industry need to know that they have fully-functioning operations where they can deliver their catch. Through this legislation, I’m working to ensure that the industry has a dependable workforce that can process and deliver the highest-quality seafood in the world.”
H-2B visas allow domestic employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services if they cannot fill these jobs with American workers. Employers must first obtain certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and then complete an application process through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain these visas.
The program is crucial to the survival of the seafood industry. When seafood is harvested, processors are at the back of the line for visas and rely on “supplemental” visas being issued, which are discretionary. If there is not sufficient processing capacity, fishermen have nowhere to deliver their catch and do not get paid, which is devastating to small, family-owned seafood operations and the communities they live in.
Cassidy and Murkowski were joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in introducing the legislation.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Agriculture Committee Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and a bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers in a letter urging Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to reinstate potash and add phosphate – both critical fertilizer ingredients – to the U.S. Critical Minerals List.
The designation will support domestic production and strengthen supply chains, important steps to protecting food security and stabilizing the market for farmers. The lawmakers state that doing so will send a powerful message that the United States is serious about safeguarding the nation’s food supply.
“The importance of potash to the nation’s economic and national security was recognized in 2018 when DOI included potash on its list of 35 critical minerals. However, under the previous administration, the 2022 update removed potash from the list—a decision that clearly warrants reconsideration. We appreciate President Trump’s support for reversing this in his March 20, 2025, executive order,” the members wrote.
The U.S. depends on imports for approximately 85 percent of its potash needs, primarily sourcing it from Canada. Worldwide, only 14 countries produce potash, with Belarus and Russia accounting for nearly 40 percent of total production. The members emphasized that the United States must address the growing risks to the potash supply chain, including a return to domestic potash production as quickly as possible.
“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production. Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty—challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families,” the members wrote.
“Potash and phosphate are essential to growing the food that sustains our nation, and we rely heavily on imports to get them. Global disruptions put farmers in a tough spot, driving up costs and hurting farm profitability,” said Iowa Soybean Association President Brent Swart. “Adding these minerals to the Critical Minerals List helps secure a stable, domestic supply, protecting both our farms and the wallets of everyday consumers.”
“Fertilizers, specifically potash and phosphate, are crucial tools in the toolbox that Iowa corn farmers rely on as they supply food, feed, fiber, and fuel globally,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Galt, Iowa, Stu Swanson. “ICGA supports the relisting of potash and the inclusion of phosphate on the U.S. Critical Minerals List. We thank Senator Ernst for her ongoing advocacy for Iowa agriculture.”
In the Senate, additional cosigners include Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), along with Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Risch (R-Idaho) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
In the House, the letter is led by Reps. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). Additional cosigners include Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), Sharice L. Davids (D-Kan.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-N.Y.), John R. Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Eric “Rick” Crawford (R-Ark.), Michael Simpson (R-Idaho), David G. Valadao (R-Calif.), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Donald Davis (D-N.C.), Gregory F. Murphy (R-N.C.) and Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.).
Full text of the letter can be found HERE.
Background:
Grassley has long advocated for family farmers in Iowa and across the country. Grassley and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Fertilizer Research Act to shed light on market factors driving the cost of fertilizer by requiring the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market to determine their subsequent impacts on price.
Grassley also pressed Attorney General Garland to investigate anti-competitive activity and market manipulation in the fertilizer industry and urged President Trump to exclude potash under any proposed tariff regime.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)
ALBANY, NY — Ahead of Barth Syndrome Awareness Day (April 5th), Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) announced his bipartisan resolution to raise awareness about the ultra-rare genetic disorder and ensure individuals living with this condition have access to safe and effective treatments.
Rep. Tonko successfully championed the push in Congress to improve visibility and access to treatments for the millions of individuals impacted by rare disease with his Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act, which was signed into law in December 2022.
“For the millions of Americans living with a rare or ultra-rare disease, precious little information and even fewer treatments are available, leaving patients and their families without options and without hope,” Congressman Tonko said. “To that end, I’m immensely proud of my work alongside advocates to pass my HEART Act, but my work to uplift the needs of those living with these rare conditions is far from over. That’s why I’m introducing a resolution to raise awareness for Barth syndrome. I’m thankful to the individuals who have shared their experiences with this life-threatening condition, and I pledge to continue working to ensure Congress meets the needs of those living with a rare disease.”
“We are deeply grateful to Representative Tonko and his bipartisan colleagues for their continued commitment to the Barth syndrome community. His leadership and unwavering support are bringing us closer than ever to realizing what once felt impossible — an FDA-approved treatment for this life-threatening condition. Thanks to their recognition of the urgent need, we may now be just weeks away from a breakthrough that will give hope and change lives for those living with Barth syndrome.”said Emily Milligan, Executive Director of the Barth Syndrome Foundation.
Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Lori Trahan (MA-3), Joe Wilson (SC-2), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4) joined the Congressman as original cosponsors.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum requesting to reinstate potash and add phosphate – both critical fertilizer ingredients – to the U.S. Critical Minerals List. In the letter, the lawmakers explain this designation will support domestic production and strengthen supply chains, important steps to protecting food security and stabilizing the market for farmers.
“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty—challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families.”
“Potash and phosphate are essential to growing the food that sustains our nation,” said Rep. Cammack. “Our farmers in Florida rely on these minerals to ensure soil fertility and high crop yields that feed our state and nation. It’s important we ensure their availability so our producers have the tools needed to continue their important work.”
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Trump cut $106 million to Massachusetts schools, imperiling literacy programs, air quality updates, math tutoring, and more.
Letter Text (PDF)
Washington (April 4, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – today wrote to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon after the U.S. Department of Education notified the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that the Department would rescind $106 million in funding already disbursed to school districts across the state for K-12 education. This clawback is part of a nationwide Trump administration effort to wrest from 41 states more than $2 billion in funding intended to support students and educators.
In the letter the lawmakers write, “Congress authorized this funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and Massachusetts has continuously distributed it to local school districts. The Trump administration advised Massachusetts that American Rescue Plan Act funding would remain available until March 2026. As of last week, school districts across the Commonwealth expected to receive it, to the tune of $106 million. Relying on the expectation set by the Trump administration, school districts and schools developed their budgets and made spending decisions. For example, the New Bedford school district allocated funds for a school-based health center. Some school districts were anticipating using the funding for mental health supports, security, air quality improvement, and math tutoring.”
The lawmakers continue, “Instead, many school districts will now lose millions of dollars. New Bedford faces more than $15 million in losses. Springfield could lose more than $47 million. Although the Department represented that it would instead consider making funding available to states on an ‘individual project-specific basis,’ that pathway would create red tape by requiring school districts to invest time and resources to request funding that the Trump administration promised would remain available. The Administration’s reneging on its funding promise is both harmful and incredibly frustrating to students, families, educators, and school district leaders, especially considering that the funding the Administration is now pulling back may be used to fuel billionaire tax cuts at the expense of students.”
The lawmakers conclude, “The about-face on the continued availability of this essential funding is an insult to the hardworking educators, school staff, and public officials who are dedicated to providing students the best possible opportunities. Massachusetts gives students the best education in the country. We urge you to reverse course and allow leaders in the Commonwealth to deliver for students and communities without continued chaos and disruption.”
Impacted school districts in Massachusetts:
Springfield ($47,357,654)
New Bedford ($15,603,433)
Fitchburg ($6,578,468)
Everett ($4,897,300)
Revere ($4,613,327)
Boston ($3,468,659)
Leominster ($1,868,215)
Stoughton ($1,512,470)
Worcester ($1,454,350)
Chelsea ($1,448,715)
Lawrence ($1,307,307)
Dracut ($648,702)
Holyoke ($395,863)
West Springfield ($354,868)
Lynn ($339,357)
Fairhaven ($250,802)
Greater Fall River Regional Vocational Technical ($115,465)
Ludlow ($83,334)
Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical ($21,461)
Mashpee ($2,481)
Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Holyoke ($118,894)
Saint Stanislaus School in Chicopee ($172,692)
Senator Markey has continuously fought back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
On February 6, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
April 04, 2025
Senate to vote on Republican tax plan paving way for $7 trillion in tax handouts for billionaires and billionaire corporations
“…Are we going to hand our country over to co-presidents Donald Trump and Elon Musk and a handful of other billionaires and make everyone else pay for it?…That is the fight in front of us, and that’s the fight I’m fighting every single day for families in Massachusetts and all across this country.”
Video of Speech (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) delivered a speech on the Senate Floor, slamming President Trump and Elon Musk’s chaotic cuts to programs and charting the path forward to fight back on behalf of Massachusetts. Senator Warren announced she is filing amendments to the Republican budget bill to protect federal funding for Massachusetts medical research institutions and health care providers; undo cuts to the National Institutes of Health; and protect education funding in Massachusetts, including for Head Start.
Transcript: Floor Speech on Fighting Back for Massachusetts Against Trump and Musk Chaos U.S. Senate Floor April 4, 2025
As Delivered
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Now, Republicans in Congress are putting forward a proposal to deliver these tax cuts for the wealthy and well-connected, and they’re asking us to vote on it tonight.
This bill — and Trump and Musk’s cruel agenda — isn’t good for Massachusetts and isn’t good for our country. I’m hearing from families at home in Massachusetts who are feeling the pain right now.
Start with medical research. Medical research powers the economy in Massachusetts and is the reason we’ve had incredible breakthroughs like vaccines and cancer drugs that save lives. So, how did Donald Trump and Elon Musk thank the doctors and researchers who are doing this work? By canceling tens of millions of dollars in federal funds that support medical research at Massachusetts hospitals, universities, and health care providers on everything from clinical trials to pandemic readiness. And they did it just weeks after Trump tried to cut the funding that keeps the lights on at our community health centers.
So, to anyone who believes in science and believes in investing in cures for horrible diseases, now is the time to fight back. That’s why I’m filing amendments to the Republican bill to keep up federal support for Massachusetts’ medical research institutions and health care providers — including our community health centers. And it’s why I’m filing another amendment to fight back against Trump and Musk’s National Institute of Health funding cuts — because we are a country that believes that we should invest in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, for diabetes, for cancer, and other diseases.
And on education. Education levels the playing field. It gives every kid a fighting chance in this country. Doesn’t matter to Trump and Musk. This week, they slashed millions in funding for K-12 education in the Commonwealth. Shut down a regional office in Boston that helps administer Head Start. Canceled millions of dollars in funding that was helping to pay for kids’ school lunches. To them, that was the cherry on top of Trump’s executive order to, quote, “abolish” the entire Department of Education, throwing schools across the country into crisis.
So, to students, parents, and teachers, now is the time to fight back. We are fighting for an America where it’s not just the kids of billionaires who get a good education but every kid in every community all across our Commonwealth. It’s why I’ve got an amendment to the Republican bill to protect education funding in Massachusetts and protect services like Head Start that lift up our kids and make sure we’re not leaving families hanging out to dry.
And I’m fighting for our workers. Last week, Donald Trump signed an illegal executive order attacking federal unions and stripping workers of their rights. It’s the definition of union-busting — and it is an attack on the workers who make sure our food is safe to eat, who make sure it’s safe for us to fly in airplanes, who make sure that we take care of our veterans, who try to help us and protect us from viruses and disease, and so much more.
So, to workers in Massachusetts and across America, now is the time to fight back. We need to amend this Republican tax cut bill to affirm federal workers’ right to unionize and collectively bargain because the labor movement is bigger than Donald Trump and his unelected billionaire co-president. And we believe that every worker deserves the freedom to join a union and negotiate for a fair contract.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk are sawing through the programs that help working families breathe a little easier every day. And they’re doing it so that their billionaire buddies and giant corporations get trillions of dollars in tax giveaways, paid for on the backs of everybody else.
So here’s the big question: are we going to hand our country over to co-presidents Donald Trump and Elon Musk and a handful of other billionaires and make everyone else pay for it? Or are we going to be a country that says, “No, we want to make these investments so that everyone in this country gets an opportunity.” Everybody’s at least got a chance to build something for themselves. That is the fight in front of us, and that’s the fight I’m fighting every single day for families in Massachusetts and all across this country.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, April 4 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside food service and airport workers, today announced that they will hold a press conference on Tuesday, April 8, to introduce the Raise the Wage Act. This bicameral legislation will ensure American workers make a living wage, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality by raising the minimum wage to $17 over five years for all workers and gradually eliminating subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.
Details
What: Press conference to reintroduce the Raise the Wage Act
When: Tuesday, April 8, 3:00 p.m. ET
Where: Senate Swamp. The press conference will also be livestreamed on Sanders’ social media.
Who:
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.)
Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas)
April Verrett, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President
Food service and airport workers
Press RSVP: Press interested in attending should RSVP with press@sanders.senate.gov.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Legislation would commit to fully funding special education, finally fulfilling the federal government’s unmet promise 50 years after the passage of IDEA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) in reintroducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 50 years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage, Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by over 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations.
Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
“All students, regardless of ability, deserve access to a quality education. Yet, President Trump’s cruel dismantling of the Department of Education is putting millions of students with disabilities at risk of losing essential IDEA funding. The IDEA Full Funding Act upholds our commitment to offer every student a chance at the American dream by working to close longstanding opportunity gaps in our education system. This investment serves our students, supports our educators, and strengthens our economic future,” said Senator Padilla.
“A good education has the power to transform lives, and Congress needs to fully fund the educational resources that support children with disabilities and their families. Every child deserves a quality education and the chance to meet their full potential in life. At a time when support for special education is threatened, I join my colleagues in insisting that Congress deliver on its promise to fund these vital services so that every student has access to a quality education,” said Senator Schiff.
“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Representative Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”
The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05),
G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), and Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12).
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
Published on April 4, 2025
Statement by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, on his arrival at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers (Brussels, April 3, 2025) (excerpts)
In the face of the troubled times we’re going through, in the face of the new global disorder that is setting in, our alliance’s members must, more than ever, show unfailing solidarity.
Solidarity first of all with Ukraine, because today the only obstacle to peace is Russia. It certainly isn’t Ukraine, because three weeks ago the Ukrainians agreed – and it was a brave compromise – to accept the unconditional ceasefire proposal made to them by the United States of America. And in the past three weeks we’ve seen Vladimir Putin stepping up his delaying tactics, continuing his strikes on energy infrastructure and continuing his war crimes. It’s now up to Russia to say whether it wants a ceasefire – yes or no. (…)
Solidarity in the face of the threat Russia represents today, which is a threat to all our alliance’s members, in the north, south, east and west. Firstly because Russia currently devotes 10% of its national wealth to its war effort and 40% of its national budget to its military expenditure, and because Vladimir Putin this week announced a new conscription drive of 160,000 soldiers, the highest number in 14 years. And also because Vladimir Putin has deliberately chosen to place the threat in the nuclear field, through a revision of the doctrine, through a strengthened partnership with proliferating powers like Iran and North Korea, and also through the unprecedented use of this threat as a bullying method to serve his war of aggression in Ukraine.
In this context, the efforts led by France and the United Kingdom must enable a huge boost – a huge boost in support for Ukraine. And last Thursday in Paris, through President Macron, alongside President Zelenskyy, we announced a further €2-billion outlay to support the Ukrainian resistance. The meeting of heads of State and government invited to Paris by President Macron led to an agreement on joint work to support the US effort and lay the groundwork for a monitoring of the ceasefire, once it’s been achieved. And beyond this, some members of this coalition of willing and able powers wanted to lay the groundwork for a reassurance force, which in due course will allow a genuinely lasting peace agreement to be concluded between Ukraine and Russia, and this will also be the purpose of the visit to Ukraine at the end of this week by the French and British chiefs of defence staff. The purpose really is to achieve an end to this war of aggression and create the conditions for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected in a lasting way.
I’ll also add that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty applies not only to Ukraine but to all the countries in our alliance and their overseas territories. Europe’s borders are not negotiable. Nor are the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Alliance countries.
Solidarity, as I was saying, on the development of NATO’s European pillar. The time has come to develop it. We’re ready for that. Our US partners have also asked us to. In reality, we’re ready for a twofold increase: an increase in the share of our military expenditure in our national wealth, and an increase in the European share of European military expenditure.
The first increase, as I was saying, is the share of our military expenditure in our national wealth. At national level, thanks to two military estimates acts instigated by President Macron, we’ve managed to reach the threshold of 2% of national wealth devoted to our military spending, and the President has set a target of 3% to 3.5%. And we’re preparing to meet it: 3.5% is roughly the level of US military expenditure.
The second increase, to the European share of European military expenditure, is also one of the goals we set ourselves at European level with the White Paper on defence, with the European Council’s recent decisions. Today the European share of military expenditure stands at roughly 50%. For our American partners, the US share of US military expenditure is roughly 100%. So we have considerable room for progress in developing this European share of our military expenditure.
As I said, unfailing solidarity, which is required from all members of the Alliance today. Solidarity which is nevertheless being put to the test by the decisions taken and announced yesterday by President Trump, with the imposition of reciprocal tariffs, which will have negative consequences on both the American economy and the economies of all the Alliance’s members. This also applies to the European economy, and at 4.00 p.m. today President Macron will be meeting the representatives of the sectors concerned, to assess the consequences of these decisions. The European Union will respond – it will do so initially next week – in retaliation for the tariffs the United States has already imposed on steel and aluminium, a few weeks ago. Then, as it’s already said, it will begin consultations to adopt further measures if needed, following the reciprocal tariffs imposed yesterday evening. As the European Commission President has reiterated, Europe has every means to protect Europeans, their interests and their prosperity. Over the past few years we’ve developed powerful trade-defence instruments for this. But our response will be effective only if it is united, if Europeans show unity. That is how they’ll be able to enter into the negotiations in a position of strength when they begin, to benefit European prosperity.