Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), sent a letter to Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Caleb Vitello, and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, to address concerns raised by the use of military personnel and assets for removal and deportation purposes.
The letter can be read in full below or as a PDF here:
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) reintroduced her bill to rename the United States Postal Service office located at 4400 E. Paisano Dr. after Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero, a founder of Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe.
“Mrs. Sánchez Cordero’s achievements embody the very spirit of our frontera community — an unwavering commitment to warmth, compassion, and care for those most in need. Her legacy stands tall as a beacon of hope, embracing her beloved Segundo Barrio,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “At the heart of her impact lies Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe, an invaluable asset that continues to uplift and heal its community today. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that honors her contributions to El Paso for generations to come.”
“Mi Madre – Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero – was our family’s greatest source of love, strength, and courage,” said Melissa Sánchez, daughter of Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero. “Aside from her own children, my mother had one purpose in life: to protect and uplift her beloved Segundo Barrio and its families. Her legacy lives on through the organization she helped found, Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe, and the lives she touched with her activism. My family and I are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for fighting to ensure that Nina Sánchez Cordero’s legacy is honored through the renaming of the Paisano Street Post Office. Our children and future generations need to know about the woman, the hero, who helped save their community.”
“Nina Sánchez Cordero is a revolutionary figure in Segundo Barrio’s history. This institution of health care, of social justice, and community advocacy would not be here if it had not been for her. Countless lives changed for the better because of Nina — including my own. She took our community’s youth, kids like me, under her wing. She mentored us and gave us a bit of her strength so we could walk a better path, one that led us to become the next generation of teachers, health-care workers, social workers, and activist leaders. Renaming the Paisano Street Post Office after one of our own, a woman of great courage and spirit, is the right thing to do,” said Salvador Balcorta MSSW, Chief Executive Officer, Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe.
This bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Representatives Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Sylvester Turner (TX-18), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Al Green (TX-09), and Keith Self (TX-03).
Full text can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the Department of Defense rescinded a policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive the reproductive care they need. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), alongside her fellow democratic women veterans in the House of Representatives, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), shared the following statement:
“As women who have served this country and know firsthand the hardships that military families face, Secretary Hegseth’s decision to strip critical protections away from service members will have devastating consequences. Reproductive health care, including fertility and abortion care, is essential to ensuring that everyone can make informed and timely decisions about their health and well-being. We are asking that these women not be stopped from accessing care based on the duty station to which they are assigned and that they maintain the ability to travel for critical health care that allows them to decide when and if they have a family.
Supporting the health of our service members is not just a moral responsibility — it is critical to protecting our readiness and national security. Service members face unique barriers to care. Many are stationed in states where abortion is banned or completely out of reach. The Department’s decision is plainly cruel and discriminatory, and it could mean service members or loved ones may be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will or give up on their plans to have a family while serving.
As veterans, we fought and stood for the freedoms of every person in this country. Now, we must fight to protect members of our military — including their right to access the health care they need when and where they need it. We call on Secretary Hegseth, who said repeatedly in his confirmation hearings how much he respects America’s female warriors, to prove it.”
Background:
Under the cloak of darkness, the Department of Defense (DoD) rescinded a critical policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive reproductive care they need but cannot access through military healthcare currently available.
Federal law now prohibits the DoD from providing abortion services at military treatment facilities and from covering an abortion under TRICARE, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother’s life. In addition, TRICARE does not cover certain assisted reproductive services, including intrauterine insemination. To access these services, servicewomen must travel.
Under the new policy, that travel is not reimbursed, effectively punishing or penalizing our servicewomen who are based where we have stationed them. Servicemen and women do not choose where they are stationed.
Representative Sherrill continues to lead in the fight for women’s health in Congress. She stood up for servicewomen and military families against Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to overturn the Department of Defense’s abortion travel policy. Additionally, she successfully secured an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA to codify access to year-long supplies of contraceptives to service members. Sherrill has introduced legislation to promote education about women’s heart health, and has co-led a bill to ensure women can access a full year’s supply of contraceptives, rather than just three months at a time. Finally, she is leading efforts to end “judge shopping,” a tactic used by anti-abortion advocates to gain favorable outcomes.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Doris Matsui (CA-07), John Moolenaar (MI-02), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act, legislation that would establish an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenses to support and advance the United States’ semiconductor research and development initiatives.
Semiconductor design is a research and development activity that works to improve how chips process information and enable increasingly complex modern technologies. The STAR Act would allow for a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design research and development expenditures and extends the 48D manufacturing tax credit for the next 10 years. Semiconductors are key to maintaining America’s technological leadership, playing a vital role across industries like defense, health care, energy, agriculture, and transportation. As countries around the world continue to out-invest the United States in semiconductor research and development, the STAR Act will ensure semiconductor intellectual property is developed and secured in the United States.
“Semiconductors are critical to our economy, powering everything from cars to cellphones. Congress made great strides with the passage of the Chips & Science Act, but we need to continue investing in domestic chip production to ensure that America remains a global leader in this critical economic and national security technology,” said DelBene. “The bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today will support further semiconductor research and workforce development, strengthen our economic security, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, all while creating good-paying jobs in our communities.”
“Semiconductors are the linchpin to the technologies of the future in countless sectors, from health care to defense to energy, and they are critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” said Moore. “I thank my colleagues for their partnership in reintroducing the STAR Act, and I look forward to the investment incentives this bill will bring to enhance U.S. leadership in chip design and maintain a secure value chain for these innovations.”
“U.S. production of semiconductor chips is an economic and national security imperative, which is why I authored the CHIPS for America Act — to decrease our reliance on other countries for these critical assets,” said McCaul. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STAR Act to build on that success, further bolstering our national security and bringing high-paying jobs to our communities. The chip revolution is the greatest technological advancement since the Manhattan Project, and I look forward to cementing the United States as the global leader in semiconductor research and design.”
“As we roll out the transformative investments of the CHIPS Act, we have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for generational leadership in semiconductor innovation and job creation,” said Matsui. “We must continue to build upon the investments that the CHIPS Act jumpstarted and continue to ensure that the U.S. leads the entire supply chain for semiconductor technologies, from design through manufacturing, for generations to come. This legislation will supercharge high-wage jobs in semiconductor design which are vital for the California economy. In tandem with CHIPS Act investments, these tools will continue to secure American’s position as the global pacesetter for innovation.”
“This bipartisan legislation cuts taxes, protect jobs, and levels the playing field for American chipmakers,” said Moolenaar. “The STAR Act fuels innovation, ensuring America stays ahead of the curve. We’re proud to empower US chipmakers to outpace Chinese competitors that steal American intellectual property and benefit from massive state subsidies.”
“At a time when semiconductors increasingly drive the future of technology, the United States must strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry, including our development and research capacity,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation meets this need by providing incentives for investments in domestic semiconductor R&D to help ensure continued American leadership in chip design that will safeguard our national and economic security.”
DelBene, Moore, McCaul, Matsui, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi are also joined by Representatives Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Joe Morelle (NY-25), André Carson (IN-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Sewell (AL-07), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in reintroducing this bill.
A copy of the bill can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)
Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) cosponsored H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of Constitutional Carry states.
“Law-abiding gun owners should not be penalized for simply crossing state lines,” said Congressman Meuser. “Our Constitutional rights don’t end at a state border, and the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that responsible gun owners can exercise their Second Amendment freedoms no matter where they travel. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation eliminates the confusing patchwork of state laws that often turn law-abiding citizens into unwitting criminals. With 49 states allowing nonresident carry and 29 states adopting permitless or Constitutional Carry, it’s time for Congress to act. I urge my colleagues to pass this critical bill to protect law-abiding citizens and uphold our fundamental right to self-defense.”
The act is supported by major pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Tex of the legislation can be found here.
Background:
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) celebrated the completion of the Meyergrove Detention Basin with a ribbon cutting and walk through of the basin with Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, and Harris County Flood Control District Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen. Completed in December 2024, the Meyergrove Detention Basin is a 7.5-acre stormwater detention basin that will support water overflow for more than 27 million gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events to prevent flooding of nearby residences, commercial buildings, and roadways. The project is a result of a partnership between the City of Houston, Harris County, Harris County Flood Control District, and Congresswoman Fletcher.
“The Meyergrove Detention Basin project is a much-needed improvement in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District that will have a real impact on the people of this community, and I was so glad to join Councilmember Kamin, Commissioner Ellis, and Director Petersen today in celebrating its completion,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “The Meyergrove Detention Basin reminds us why infrastructure investments are so important, what they can do, and why having government that works efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively is what we need, deserve, and can have.”
“I am grateful for Congresswoman Fletcher’s bold leadership and her commitment to protecting our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Abbie Kamin. “This project, years in the making, is an important step for a more resilient Houston. As we tackle flood mitigation efforts head on, today is a reminder of how critical these dollars are for our community. As we continue to push for progress, this project serves as an example of what is possible when we all work together to protect residents from extreme weather and flooding.”
“This is so much more than a flood control project,” said Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “This is an investment in public safety, quality of life, and access to green space for our community. I am grateful to Congresswoman Fletcher and everyone who made this transformative project a reality.”
“The completion of the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin marks a major step in our efforts to reduce flood risks and build a more resilient community,” said Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District. “This project, made possible through strong partnerships and federal support, will provide critical stormwater storage to help protect homes and businesses. The success of this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. We look forward to continuing this work, further strengthening flood mitigation for Harris County.”
In 2021, Congresswoman Fletcher requested and secured nearly $10 million in federal funding to design and construct the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin through the Community Funded Projects process in Congress. The funding was included in the Funding for the People Act, a bipartisan government funding bill that funds essential programs and projects, including the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin. President Biden signed the bill into law on March 15, 2022. Later that month, she held a press conference to highlight funding for this project. In February 2024, Congresswoman Fletcher joined community leaders at the project’s groundbreaking. In July 2024, although the project was not yet complete, the basin captured water during Hurricane Beryl that would have otherwise ended up in the streets.
The 24.31 square miles of flood reduction will benefit areas that have experienced repeated flooding events and severe damage, including from the Tax Day and Memorial Day Floods, and from Hurricane Harvey. The basin is part of a 2018 Bond Project to reduce flooding in the area and will be located between Brays Bayou and North Braeswood Boulevard adjacent to Interstate 610.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) reintroduced the Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act, which would direct the State Department to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).
The bill would direct the Secretary of State to designate the Gulf Cartel, the Cartel Del Noreste, the Cartel de Sinaloa, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion as FTOs and codify President Trump’s Executive Order into law.
An FTO designation would provide the federal government with more authorities to combat these cartels, including additional investigative and intelligence resources, the ability to apply stiffer penalties on FTO affiliates, revoking visas of FTO members in the U.S., and freezing FTO assets in U.S. financial institutions.
Congressman Roy said the following about the bill: “The cartels have spent the last four years exploiting our border to profit off of misery, fear, and death. Now that their open-borders cash flow is about to dry up, they have resorted to planting live explosives on the Texas border and shooting at Border Patrol agents in broad daylight. They are terrorists, and we need to treat them like it.
That’s why I started pushing the Trump administration for FTO designations during my first few months in Congress back in 2019. President Trump’s day-one order to designate them as FTOs and give U.S. authorities more tools to take them down was the right move, but Congress needs to ensure it can’t be undone by a future administration. Equally as important, my bill affirms that foreign nationals cannot use an FTO designation as grounds for asylum. Let’s take this bill up, put it on President Trump’s desk, and take these terrorist criminals down once and for all.”
Congressman Roy is proud to be joined by Reps. Ryan Zinke (MT-1), Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Clay Higgins (LA-3), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Josh Brecheen (OK-2), Paul Gosar (AZ-9), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Randy Weber (TX-14), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Keith Self (TX-3), and Roger Williams (TX-25) in introducing this legislation.
Comments from supporting organizations:
Texas Public Policy Foundation
“It is all too easy for one president to the next to completely dismantle our national security efforts. We applaud all members of Congress seeking to immediately codify the excellent executive orders President Trump signed to strengthen border security and protect American communities. With this legislation enacted, it will not be so easy for any incoming president to undo such important work.”
-Greg Sindlear
America First Policy Institute
“America First Policy Institute proudly supports Congressional border security efforts to address an imminent threat to the homeland – transnational criminal organizations. Securing the homeland for the American people should be the top priority for Congress, and this effort is an important first step to empowering law enforcement efforts and holding TCOs accountable.”
-Chad Wolf, Executive Director, Chief Strategy Officer and Chair for the Center for Homeland Security and Immigration
The full text of the legislation is available here.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) proudly announces the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winners for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. Two brilliant minds, Summer Boatman and Bryson Flowers, students at Grenada High School, clinched first place with their groundbreaking digital application creation, “FITTERFLY.” The app is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle for teenagers while incorporating familiar elements of social media (user profiles, badges, activity streams, etc.) to keep users engaged. To view the 2024 winners, including FITTERFLY, click here.
“At a very young age, we’ve had a passion for fitness, and through the app, we hope to inspire others. We are both in NJROTC [Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps], and we understand fitness and the importance of a healthy lifestyle… There is a lack of physical engagement and education with teens, and we want to make a change. We use multiple fitness apps ourselves and wanted to make an app that combines our favorite features into one,” said Summer and Bryson.
Congressman Thompson expressed his pride in hosting the annual Congressional App Challenge, urging students to pursue STEM careers. “I commend the outstanding efforts of Summer and Bryson, and all participating students. I look forward to a greater influx of innovative applicants in the future.”
2025 Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge, a revered national event, beckons middle and high school students keen on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to conceptualize and design applications for computers, tablets, or phones. The call for submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District will open in May 2025. For more information and to participate, visit the Congressional App Challenge website.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Army Mark Averill urging an extended halt to Army helicopter training flights in the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a safety review on the future of military helicopter training in the area. Their letter came two days after the fatal mid-air collision above the airport.
They wrote:
“In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.
“We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity.
“As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.
“Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative.”
Complete text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.
–
Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Averill:
In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.
We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity. National’s runway 1/19 is the busiest runway in the country, and National typically sees 800 daily aircraft takeoffs and landings, with an above average number of missed approaches and early turnouts. This is compounded by regional helicopter travel and a restricted airspace over our nation’s capital—just the day before Wednesday’s collision, another airplane was reportedly forced to abort a landing at National due to a near miss with a helicopter. Each of these factors further constrains the National Capital Region’s airspace, making local air travel increasingly challenging.
We appreciate your swift leadership in immediately grounding the battalion involved in this tragic event for 48 hours. We also thank you for your collaboration thus far with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on its forthcoming investigation and report. As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.
Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative. Secretary of the Army-designate Daniel Driscoll told Senators during his nomination hearing regarding this incident, “I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.” Situating helicopter trainings beside the busiest runway in the country is an inappropriate risk when much of America has significantly clearer airspaces that could provide the same benefits to such training with much lower risk. We absolutely cannot risk further loss of life, both civilian and military, for entirely preventable reasons.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your swift response and to working for the best interests of our armed forces and the National Capital Region.
Sincerely,
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Acting Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell requesting answers regarding the slow pace of authorizing, processing, and disbursing the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC). The letter comes in response to concerns from local businesses who are depending on the program to retain employees.
“As a pandemic-era relief program, eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations could claim ERCs to assist with retaining employees,” Dingell wrote. “It is the end of January of 2025, marking nearly 5 years after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which implemented this tax incentive program.”
“A moratorium for new ERC claims was announced in September 2023, and it has had a clear impact on eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations. It is known that the ERC program was a target for significant widespread fraud, which also affected other pandemic-era programs and led to the enforcement of the moratorium,” Dingell continued. “However, the moratorium has had a punitive effect on entities that are lawfully qualified for this program. Though the moratorium was initially implemented to prevent the processing of new claims, it appears that since September 2023, very little progress has been made on the unresolved ERC claims that were filed before the moratorium was implemented.”
“Several of the businesses in my district have reported that without the refunds from their tax credit claims, they are in jeopardy of being able to retain their employees,” Dingell concluded. “I urge the Internal Revenue Service to conduct a comprehensive review of its current procedures and provide a detailed update on the steps being taken to ensure qualifying employers receive the credits guaranteed to them through the CARES Act. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.”
Specifically, Dingell requested answers to the following questions:
View the full text of the letter here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Army Mark Averill urging an extended halt to Army helicopter training flights in the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a safety review on the future of military helicopter training in the area. Their letter came two days after the fatal mid-air collision above the airport.
They wrote:
“In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.
“We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity.
“As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.
“Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative.”
Complete text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.
Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Averill:
In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.
We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity. National’s runway 1/19 is the busiest runway in the country, and National typically sees 800 daily aircraft takeoffs and landings, with an above average number of missed approaches and early turnouts. This is compounded by regional helicopter travel and a restricted airspace over our nation’s capital—just the day before Wednesday’s collision, another airplane was reportedly forced to abort a landing at National due to a near miss with a helicopter. Each of these factors further constrains the National Capital Region’s airspace, making local air travel increasingly challenging.
We appreciate your swift leadership in immediately grounding the battalion involved in this tragic event for 48 hours. We also thank you for your collaboration thus far with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on its forthcoming investigation and report. As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.
Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative. Secretary of the Army-designate Daniel Driscoll told Senators during his nomination hearing regarding this incident, “I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.” Situating helicopter trainings beside the busiest runway in the country is an inappropriate risk when much of America has significantly clearer airspaces that could provide the same benefits to such training with much lower risk. We absolutely cannot risk further loss of life, both civilian and military, for entirely preventable reasons.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your swift response and to working for the best interests of our armed forces and the National Capital Region.
Sincerely,
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)
Washington, January 31, 2025
Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Billionaire Elon Musk Takeover of Executive Branch
In addition to trying to purge two million government workers and pushing for trillions in devastating cuts through his DOGE scheme, billionaire Elon Musk has expanded his power grab. He and his allies are now seeking access to sensitive information that is used to distribute Social Security and Medicare benefits, federal salaries, and tax refunds. In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:
“The Elon Musk takeover of the executive branch is already causing chaos, confusion, and putting Americans’ sensitive information at risk, including their Social Security numbers and banking information. In his latest power grab, Musk sought access to payment systems that are used to distribute Social Security and Medicare benefits and tax refunds. Elon Musk has no business accessing Americans’ most sensitive information. We should all be asking why he wants it.
Billionaire Elon Musk’s power grab continues to come at the expense of the American people. Democrats will fight back any way we can.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)
NEW YORK- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) brought together local service providers, advocates, and policymakers for an urgent discussion on the impact of recent Trump administrations immigration policies. The conversation focused on how local leaders and non-profits can support immigrant communities in the face of the administration’s aggressive deportation tactics and expanded interior enforcement efforts.
Held at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn and CUNY School of Law in Long Island City, the roundtables featured national immigration experts and local organizations who shared their perspectives on the real-life consequences of these policies. Attendees explored strategies to protect immigrant communities, ensuring they have access to legal resources and critical support during this challenging time.
“In the wake of the Trump administration’s unprecedented immigration actions, it’s vital that New Yorkers stand up to protect our immigrant communities,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Today’s roundtable shows that our community is united in defending our neighbors and ensuring immigrants know their rights. New Yorkers are strong, resilient, and ready to defend the rights and dignity of all who call our city home.”
“In just a few days, President Trump has unleashed a blizzard of executive actions which have put immigrant communities in fear and threatened to take away legal status from thousands of New Yorkers,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council. “This roundtable was an important opportunity for local leaders to come together and figure out what has happened already, what is yet to come, and what all of this means for the communities they support.”
“CUNY School of Law was honored to host this critical conversation during such a pivotal moment for immigration policy,” said Sudha Setty, Dean of CUNY School of Law. “Our students and faculty bring both lived experience and advocacy perspectives to our classrooms and clinics, where we work toward both immediate and systemic change. Through collaboration with community organizations and those gathered today, we remain committed to expanding access to justice.”
“As we see families too scared to go to school and jobs, punitive enforcement that ensnares American citizens, and reductive policies including the unconstitutional effort to end birthright citizenship, it is more important than ever to organize to protect New Yorkers’ rights,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I applaud Congresswoman Velázquez for uniting our community for this essential conversation, because New Yorkers will stand together in the fight to keep families together.”
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Thank you so much to Congresswoman Velasquez for organizing this group of community leaders, advocates and experts to identify ways to respond to this Administration’s attacks on our immigrant communities. All new Yorkers deserve to live safe, stable, and dignified lives without fear. We are ready to collaborate and equip our neighbors, friends and loved ones with the knowledge and resources they need in the event of an ICE raid at their workplace, places of worship, schools, or homes.”
“In the wake of harmful and xenophobic Presidential policies, we need to protect our neighbors who live in our sanctuary city. The immigration roundtable at CUNY Law highlighted plans and strategies to provide legal assistance and other critical aid to vulnerable communities being targeted,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thank you to Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for your leadership and for hosting this important conversation.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, to kick off Black History Month, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) reintroduced the Black History is American History Act, legislation that would mandate the inclusion of Black history as a required component of the American History and Civics Academies’ competitive grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This bill strengthens history education, expands access to Black history resources, and ensures Black history is integrated into the U.S. Department of Education grants administered through the American History and Civics Academies.
The American History and Civics Academies provide workshops to help teachers strengthen their knowledge of American history and civics through the Presidential Academy. The bill supports the establishment of Congressional Academies – providing high-need students opportunities to deepen their understanding of these subjects. While these programs aim to deepen understanding, they currently do not require Black history as part of those endeavors —this bill changes that.
Congresswoman Beatty released the following statement regarding the bill’s significance:
“Black history is American history, and it is under unprecedented attack,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “For too long, Black Americans’ contributions have been minimized, whitewashed or downright excluded from our national story. The Black History is American History Act helps protect the stories of those who shaped our nation—from the Tuskegee Airmen’s heroism to the Black women mathematicians who helped America win the Space Race. In a time where extreme MAGA Republicans continue to censor critical components of Black history in schools, my bill seeks to amplify the life and legacy of Black Americans in classroom conversations, and communicate a fundamental truth: Black history is American history.
The Black History is American History Act would:
This bill is cosponsored by:
Rep. A. Adams (NC-12), Rep. Barragán (CA-44), Rep. Bishop, Jr (GA-02), Rep. Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Brown (OH-11), Rep. Carson (IN-07), Rep. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Rep. Castor (FL-14), Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Cleaver, II (MO-05), Rep. Clyburn (SC-06), Rep. Davis (IL-07), Rep. Davis (NC-01), Rep. Degette (CO-01), Rep. DeSaulnier (CA-10), Rep. Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Doggett (TX-37), Rep. Evans (PA-03), Rep. Foushee (NC-04), Rep. Frankel (FL-22), Rep. Frost (FL-10), Rep. Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Green (TX-09), Rep. Grijalva (AZ-07), Rep. Hayes (CT-05), Rep. Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Ivey (MD-04), Rep. Jackson (IL-01), Rep. Johnson (GA-04), Rep. Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Kennedy (NY-26), Rep. Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Larsen (WA-02), Rep. Lynch (MA-08), Rep. Magaziner (RI-02), Rep. McBath (GA-06), Rep. McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Meeks (NY-05), Rep. Menendez (NJ-08), Rep. Meng (NY-06), Rep. Norton (DC-At Large), Rep. Plaskett (VI-At Large), Rep. Pressley (MA-07), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Sykes (OH-13), Rep. Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Underwood (IL-14), Rep. Velázquez (NY-07), Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Rep. Wilson (FL-24)
The full bill text can be found HERE.
Congresswoman Beatty previously introduced this bill in the 118th and 117th sessions of Congress, following its original introduction by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) in the 116th Congress.
For media inquiries please contact: christine.thompson@mail.house.gov and cassandra.johnson@mail.house.gov.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Neal Dunn (FL-02), and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would continue incentives that enable Medicare providers to participate in value-based health programs, which are designed to improve the quality of care for seniors while lowering costs.
Specifically, this bill would extend incentive payments for qualifying participants (QPs) in advanced alternative payment models (APMs) at 3.53% through payment year 2027 and freeze the scheduled increase in qualifying thresholds.
“Our health care system needs to move from volume to value to deliver better care at a better price. Health care providers and hospitals participating in Alternative Payment Models are leading this change, but the federal government needs to keep in place the right incentives to continue this shift,” said DelBene. “The Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act will help pay providers and health systems for the quality of care they deliver instead of the amount.”
“Alternative Payment Model incentive payments are essential to ensuring that Americans have the highest quality of care possible,” said LaHood. “I am proud to champion and be joined by my colleagues in introducing the Preserving Access to Accountable Care Act to ensure that physicians and other healthcare providers are able to deliver high-quality, well-coordinated, and cost-effective comprehensive care. By continuing the incentives and maintaining the current qualifying thresholds, this will help sustain and grow participation in value-based payment models.”
“Alternative Payment Models ensure that patients receive the best possible care while rewarding providers for delivering high quality care at an affordable price,” said Dunn. “Congress must encourage this commonsense approach to healthcare, which will keep costs low while improving patient outcomes.”
“Alternative Payment Model incentive payments are an effort to make our health care system more efficient by rewarding providers for transitioning to value-based care models that don’t compensate based on numbers of visits or procedures, but based on patient outcomes,” said Schrier, M.D. “Value-based care is one way to ensure high quality, efficient care for seniors. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will extend APM incentive payments and thereby offer a range of practices to improve care for Medicare recipients.”
“Advanced APM incentives have enabled clinicians to reinvest in patient care and better manage the health of their populations,” said National Association of ACOs Incoming CEO Emily Brower. “This progress is evident in the continued growth of APMs, with over 50% of traditional Medicare beneficiaries now receiving care through an accountable care organization. This legislation plays a vital role in driving the ongoing shift toward value-based care”
“Passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act is critical for AMGA members to continue providing a high level of care to their patients,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “This legislation ensures that AMGA members can continue to participate in value-based care and get rewarded for providing outstanding care to their patients. AMGA members support this legislation and thank Rep. LaHood for introducing this important bill.”
“The advanced alternative payment model incentive has increased adoption of accountable care across the country,” said Accountable for Health CEO Mara McDermott. “We appreciate the bipartisan commitment to this policy that accelerates the transformation of health care delivery to improve care for patients and lower costs.”
A copy of the bill can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with nine of his Democratic and Republican colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation which would support physicians and protect access to care for those receiving Medicare benefits. With staff and operating costs continuing to climb, declining reimbursement rates could lead to layoffs, reduced services, and permanent closures of care facilities, especially in underserved and rural areas.
On January 1, 2025, Medicare reimbursement cut of 2.83 percent went into effect despite a physician shortage in America. and that Medicare reimbursement for physician services have declined 33 percent from 2001 to 2025, according to the American Medical Association. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimating a projected 3.6 percent increase in practice cost expenses this year alone, physicians could see a total 6.43 percent cut unless Congress takes action.
Joining Congressman Krishnamoorthi are Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), John Joyce (R-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Carol Miller (R-WV).
“America’s seniors deserve timely access to the best quality of care from physicians in their own communities, but Medicare reimbursement cuts gravely endanger that access,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. “Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent those dangerous cuts but also ensure that seniors continue to have access to the high-quality medical care they deserve.”
“Physicians in America are facing unprecedented financial viability challenges due to continued Medicare cuts. Access to affordable and quality health care for millions of seniors is in severe jeopardy,” Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., said. “Doctors see Medicare patients out of compassion, not for financial gain. The cost of caring for a Medicare patient far outpaces the reimbursement that physicians receive for seeing them. On top of that, the expense of providing care continues to rise due to medical inflation. This inflation, coupled with declining reimbursement rates, creates enormous financial pressures on physicians, forcing many to retire early, stop accepting new Medicare patients, or sell out to larger, consolidated hospital systems, private equity, or even insurance companies. The future of private practice medicine, the most cost-efficient and personalized care, is in dire straits. This bipartisan legislation prevents further cuts, provides a modest inflationary adjustment to help ease the cost of care, and ensures Medicare remains viable for both doctors and patients.”
“Medicare payments to physicians in California’s 19th Congressional District and around the country have not reflected economic realities and rising costs of healthcare,” Congressman Jimmy Panetta said. “The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would ensure that providers are not penalized by harmful cuts while adjusting reimbursements for inflation. By passing this bipartisan legislation, we will protect seniors’ access to quality care and support the providers who make it possible.”
“Throughout the country, we have seen more consolidation and less access within our health care system,” Congressman John Joyce, M.D., said. “Now, after yet another cut to the physician fee schedule, more physicians will be forced to limit the number of Medicare patients they see, or in some cases, shutter their doors. This will result in a lack of access to care for many Medicare beneficiaries. While the price to administer high-quality care has continued to rise over the last twenty years, the Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians has continued to drop. I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan solution to ensure that patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas, can continue to receive the care they need and want from the physicians they know and trust.”
“Medicare is essential to ensuring seniors have access to care, especially in rural and under resourced communities,” Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., said. “Rising costs and administrative burdens make it clear that Medicare reimbursement policies must reflect the true costs of providing care. I’m proud to support the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act which will help make sure seniors have access to the care they deserve.”
“Access to quality healthcare is something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further early retirement, burnout, and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.”
“Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,” Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D., said. “Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians—most often in rural or underserved areas—are already closing their doors. It’s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.”
“Preventing the impending Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians is critical to ensuring seniors have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said. “Financial stability for providers isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s essential for protecting access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas like western New York where physician shortages have been a persistent challenge. The rising cost of delivering care, coupled with increasing administrative burdens, makes it clear that Medicare payment policies must evolve to reflect the true costs faced by physicians.”
“Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,” Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., said. “Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both doctors and patients.”
“Seniors in West Virginia and across the country should not lose access to their local health care because of reimbursement cuts,” Congresswoman Carol Miller said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would increase funding for services that are necessary for Medicare patients. Physicians should have the resources they need to treat their patients and everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality medical care.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)
Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera (CA-06), Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released a statement denouncing the Trump administration’s purge of high-ranking FBI officials:
“I am deeply concerned by the abrupt and arbitrary dismissal of several top FBI officials—career civil servants with decades of experience protecting our nation from crime, cyber threats and terrorism. These individuals were not political appointees but seasoned professionals tasked with overseeing critical national security and criminal investigations.
“Sweeping purges like this, without clear justification, risk undermining the FBI’s ability to protect the American people. The sudden removal of senior leaders disrupts ongoing operations, weakens institutional knowledge and leaves the American public more vulnerable to threats from criminals and terrorists who seek to harm our nation.
“The American people deserve an FBI that is strong, independent and led by experienced professionals. The Trump administration must provide transparency regarding these dismissals and prioritize national security over political retribution.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va)
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement:
“Elon Musk’s hostile takeover of the Office of Personnel Management, sanctioned by Donald Trump, is putting Americans in danger. Since Trump handed Musk the keys to our government, it’s been reported that Musk has set up private servers that risk a cybersecurity nightmare, sent out unsanctioned and untrustworthy resignation offers, and locked career officials out of agency systems. And that’s just in the past few days. The actions of Co-Presidents Musk and Trump will have disastrous consequences not just for the civil servants whose lives they are upending, but for the American people who will suffer as a result.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)
Philadelphia, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the White House announced that the Administration will impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico starting tomorrow:
“Donald Trump and his Republican allies love to claim they’re fighting for the American worker, but their actions tell a different story. Slapping a reckless 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico won’t protect American jobs—it will drive up costs and make life more expensive for middle-class families.
These tariffs mean higher prices for everyday essentials. Families will pay more for fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Manufacturers will face rising costs for parts and materials, putting good-paying American jobs at risk.
Let’s be clear: tariffs are taxes. Trump’s policies will squeeze farmers, workers, and small businesses while the wealthiest corporations and billionaires continue to cash in on massive tax breaks.
I stand with American workers, not phony populists who talk tough but sell them out at every turn. Democrats will keep fighting for real trade policies that protect jobs, keep prices fair, and strengthen our economy—without forcing the middle class to pay the price.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement after a plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia within his congressional district:
“Tonight, our community has experienced a tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the first responders—especially our brave Philadelphia firefighters—who acted quickly and courageously. Their dedication and service to our community are truly remarkable.
I have been in contact with the FAA and NTSB and will continue to follow their investigation closely. It is critical that we get answers and take any necessary steps to prevent future tragedies. I am also in contact with Mayor Parker as we monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary resources are available.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)
EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:
“This February, we celebrate Black History Month and honor the work of the Black leaders, pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes who broke down barriers and helped propel our nation forward. It is leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and my dear friend John Lewis, who took a stand and fought for a cause greater than themselves. It was their ‘good trouble,’ along with many others, that paved the way for future generations to have a better life. This month, and every month, let us celebrate their triumphs, advancements, and innovations. Black history is American history, period.”
“As we reflect on the great strides we have made, we recognize there is still a lot of work left to do. Just this week, as the nation mourned the victims of the devastating midair collision in Washington, D.C., President Trump held a press conference to falsely blame diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the cause of this incident. Not only are Trump’s claims untrue, but they also speak to his desire to divide us as a country. We must never let hate win. Dr. King famously said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love will do that.’
“I am proud to represent my hometown of Evanston, Illinois, the first jurisdiction to pass a reparations resolution to help dismantle the systems of oppression that remain from slavery, and the 9th Congressional District, one of the most diverse districts in the nation. Our diversity is truly one of our greatest strengths.
“This Black History Month let’s all embrace this diversity and reflect on how we can work to make the world a better place. As the famed poet and activist Amanda Gorman once said, ‘For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.’”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s imposition of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China:
“President Trump campaigned on tariffs as a tool to level the playing field between American workers and industries and our foreign competitors,” Golden said. “I don’t agree with Trump on everything, but he’s right that the old deal stinks, and we need a new one.”
“Tariffs push back against decades of free trade and globalization that prioritized low prices above all else. It was a race to the bottom that left America deep in trade debt and dependent on foreign nations and gutted our manufacturing sector, domestic supply chains, and entire middle-class communities.
“By privileging our own production and industries — something other countries already do — tariffs can help us rewire our economy for production, not just consumption. We can incentivize job creation and manufacturing while leveling the playing field and rebalancing our trade. These tariffs are also a leveraging tool to help crack down on the deadly flow of fentanyl into our country.
“Reversing the damage of decades of globalization will take time. In the meanwhile, every dollar raised in tariff revenue should be used to offset costs for Americans or invest in and protect American jobs and industries. Paired with increased energy production, support for unions, regulatory reform, and infrastructure investment, tariffs are one piece of the puzzle for building a strong, production-based economy that works for working families.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Bellevue, WA, February 1, 2025
Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Don Beyer (VA-08) released the following statement after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on some of our largest trading partners.
“President Trump just started a trade war that will raise prices on American families and invite retaliation against American businesses, workers, and farmers. This is a tax on everyday goods that will hit the pocketbooks of middle-class families at the grocery store, the gas station, and the pharmacy counter. Trump says this is a negotiating tactic, but everyday Americans and small businesses will suffer while he and his billionaire friends are insulated from the economic pain this will cause.
“This is a blatant abuse of executive power. No president should unilaterally be able to put in place these broad-based tariffs that will have far-reaching economic impacts in communities across the country – Red, Blue, and everything in between. Congress must reassert its authority by reining in this egregious misuse of the law.”
Background
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released a statement in response to President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on nearly all trade with Canada and Mexico:
“I am all for the smart use of tariffs — they are an important policy tool that Democrats and Republicans have used to defend critical domestic industries. I worked with President Trump in his first term to make our trade agreement with Canada and Mexico fairer for American workers, and I am ready to do so again.
“President Trump claims to be using these tariff threats to urge greater cooperation on addressing the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. If his goal is truly to stem the tide of fentanyl, there’s an action he can take that would make a difference: closing the de minimis loophole, which allows fentanyl into the U.S. through uninspected low-value shipments. He has the authority to do this today with the stroke of a pen.
“Instead of developing a comprehensive worker-centered trade policy that will bring jobs back to the U.S., President Trump is using the threat of across-the-board tariffs not on behalf of American workers and consumers but to advance his own extremist policy agenda.”
In January, DeLauro urged President Trump’s transition team to finalize efforts to close the de minimis loophole. You can read her letter here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
QUEENS, NY – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement on Black History Month:
“It is critical that we continue recognizing the profound contributions that African Americans have made to our country. We honor all of those trailblazers who persevered through the horrors of slavery and the Jim Crow era to pave the way for major achievements in every segment of this country including science, engineering, mathematics, entertainment, technology, culture, public service, business, the military and much more. Black innovation, entrepreneurship, resilience, and perseverance are woven into the very fabric of this nation. We continue to make remarkable strides in breaking barriers by entering fields such as artificial intelligence where our accomplishments reshape the tech landscape. This Black History Month, we must choose to educate and challenge narratives that perpetuate the marginalization of African Americans. Although we have made so much progress, we cannot neglect the work that lies ahead to deliver on the promise of our great nation for all Americans.
“While the Trump Administration wrongly pursues an anti-DEI agenda that ignores our country’s past of historical, systematic exclusion of African Americans, we as Americans must remember that diversity is the foundation of our country. It strengthens democracy by embracing unique perspectives that serve our society. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values that must not be dismantled.
“After all, Black history is American history.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
AURORA – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) released the following statement on Buckley Space Force Base being used for mass deportation efforts.
In a statement, Congressman Crow said:
I am deeply concerned about reports that Buckley Space Force Base in my district will be used for mass deportation efforts.
Pulling our military into politicized and contentious domestic immigration enforcement dishonors the service of our troops and distracts them from the important work of defending our nation.
Perhaps most disturbingly, it could force our service members to assist in the detention and deportation of peaceful members of the community. The President is threatening to go after our neighbors, family members, business owners and friends in order to create a narrative that most immigrants are violent criminals. This is simply not true.
My community and our military can expect my vigorous oversight and, if warranted, my opposition as a member of Congress.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)
Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers
While noticeably going softer on China, Trump’s tariffs hurt key allies and top trading partners Mexico and Canada
“Donald Trump has plunged our country into a dangerous trade war and the American people will bear the cost. Thanks to Trump, American businesses will be saddled with higher costs, which could lead to higher prices on goods Americans need. Prices will likely go up the grocery store, as people still feel squeezed at the checkout counter. The price of homes is expected to increase, as materials used to build homes become more expensive, which comes as homeownership remains unaffordable to many.
For millions of Americans still grappling with inflation, Trump’s tariffs will be a gut punch. History should inform us that another trade war could cause devastation again. The last time Trump picked a trade fight, Wisconsin dairy farms suffered the brunt, contributing to record-level family farm bankruptcies and billions in bailouts. Trump resorted to costly bailouts to cover for his failures and have left farmers weaker in the long term.
In his second term, Trump continues to use tariffs as a political scheme, this time against our top allies and trading partners. Tariffs can help American industries and support our workers if they are used deliberately and carefully, but Trump’s across the board tariffs are neither. As our allies impose retaliatory tariffs, the damage will get worse. Donald Trump hasn’t even been in office for a month, and he is already breaking his promise to lower the cost of living.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement:
“I oppose President Trump launching a trade war with Canada and Mexico, who are already retaliating. It will be a blow to the middle class, working people, and the vulnerable.
“President Trump’s trade war on Canada and Mexico, which are part of the USMCA trade agreement, driven by his 25% tariff on nearly all imports from those countries, will drive up prices on all Americans. All three countries in the USMCA have, until now, acted based on the rules and norms set up by that agreement. It was President Trump who initially proposed the renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA, and I was among the Democrats who helped negotiate the agreement and secure wins on labor and other key provisions. The USMCA passed Congress with bipartisan support.
“I condemn President Trump launching a trade war that absolutely guarantees price increases on key products as well as retaliatory tariffs that will affect exporters across many states. We should expect price increases on a wide array of products, including gas, groceries, home construction materials, household appliances, and automobiles. These price increases are unacceptable at a time when Americans are already struggling with the high cost of living.
“I support the tariffs on China that serve America’s interests.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The Crown has today shown its commitment to settling with Ngāpuhi by initialling the proposed transfer of Kororipo Pā to Ngāti Rēhia, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say.
“This initialling is an important step in beginning to provide reparations to Ngāpuhi and will be the first redress the Crown provides,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Ngāti Rēhia has long sought the return of Kororipo Pā, and since 2022 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust has formally engaged with the Crown on its proposed early vesting. The Trust intends to hold the site as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi.
“I need to emphasise that public access to the reserve will not be affected.
“Initialling the deed is a significant milestone. Before the deed can be signed, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust will seek support for the proposed vesting from its hapū members.
“This initialling demonstrates our commitment to reaching a comprehensive Ngāpuhi Treaty settlement, which remains a high priority. I would like to commence negotiations with Ngāpuhi as soon as possible.
“Kororipo Pā will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust as a historic reserve and on-account of a future comprehensive Ngāpuhi settlement.”
“This has been a long journey and I thank Ngāti Rēhia and others for their ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution,” Mr Potaka says.
“The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai and Ngāti Rēhia have a long-standing partnership and I’m glad that mahi will continue to protect the significant historic taonga and conservation values of Kororipo Pā.”
Source: IHC
IHC welcomed its new IHC Group Chief Executive Andrew Crisp at a pōwhiri in Wellington on Monday morning.
More than 200 people gathered to welcome Andrew Crisp, who joins IHC from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“I was fortunate to meet with some people with intellectual disabilities before I started and I heard their request for me to step up for people with intellectual disabilities and for IHC,” Andrew says. “I will answer that call.”
Andrew joins the IHC Group at a key moment amid changes in disability funding, opportunities in social and community housing, a continued need to advocate for people’s rights and an ongoing determination for people with intellectual disabilities to have their say.
He says he has three key initial priorities. “I want to listen, first and foremost, to learn and understand the whakapapa of the organisation, I want to connect inside and outside the organisation to gather a range of perspectives and I want to work with everyone to prioritise the resources on things that will have the most positive impact on the people we support.”
IDEA Services Board Chair, and IHC New Zealand Board Member Suzanne Win formally welcomed Andrew emphasising the importance of the new role in the lives of many thousands of people looking to him to lead and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
She reminded everyone that just three people have held this esteemed role and have each made an impact for people with intellectual disabilities – which is our mission and calling.
“Last year IHC turned 75 and in the early years much change occurred as people with intellectual disabilities moved out of institutions and into communities,” said Suzanne. “There have been battles for equity in every policy area since – education, health, housing, employment, rights and more. It’s great to reflect on achievements, but only as we acknowledge how much more needs to be done.
“We are proud to be a rights-based organisation. People have the right to good health care and education, a good home, equitable access to services and participation, autonomy and social connection.”
Suzanne said that the organisation is excited to welcome a new champion to our sector and there are many challenges laid at his feet.
“This is more than a job,” said Suzanne. “It is history and future thinking, advocacy and consistent quality delivery, disability and housing, community connection and individual support. Much expectation and hope is resting on your shoulders,” she said.
“But you are not on your own. You join a team of thousands.
“Some of us are vocal and some of us are quiet,” she said. “Sometimes we’re excited, sometimes we’re angry, sometimes we’re worn out and sometimes we’re energised – but we’re all unwaveringly and doggedly committed to our mission and we’re proud to be here.”
Andrew already has visits to services and the wider organisation booked in the diary including to Waikato and Canterbury and he’ll be starting by visiting services and staff in Lower Hutt later this week.
About IHC New Zealand
IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties