Congressman Begich Attends White House Roundtable on Historic Rural Health Investment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jan. 16, 2026 – Today, Congressman Nick Begich attended “The Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health Roundtable” at the White House, where President Donald J. Trump highlighted the Administration’s commitment to delivering real, measurable improvements in rural health care across America.

Following the roundtable, Congressman Begich issued the following statement:

“Today’s roundtable at the White House highlighted just how historic the rural healthcare transformation fund framework created under the Working Families Tax Cuts truly is,” said Congressman Begich. “This fund is a sustainable, pragmatic answer to one of the hardest challenges in American healthcare: delivering quality care in rural and remote communities. Instead of short-term subsidies or temporary fixes, this approach invests in systems, workforce, and innovation that actually improve outcomes. This investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system.”

The roundtable was headlined by President Trump, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, alongside medical professionals, and healthcare leaders from across the rural health care space.

The discussion focused on the historic framework created under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

Video coverage of today’s roundtable can be viewed HERE.

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Huffman, Dingell, Beyer Lead Over 80 Congressional Democrats Demanding Trump Withdraw Attack on Endangered Species Act

Today, 86 Congressional Democrats demanded the Trump administration withdraw four proposed rules that would blow massive holes in the Endangered Species Act — the law that has saved 99 percent of listed species from extinction.

In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), ESA Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virg.), and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned the changes would gut environmental review, strip protections from hundreds of vulnerable species, and let politics override science in listing decisions—all while the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service face unprecedented staffing and budget shortfalls thanks to the Trump administration.

“These sweeping changes would fundamentally weaken our nation's most important wildlife conservation law at a time when one million species face extinction globally,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw these proposed rulemakings and instead work to implement the ESA as Congress intended: any regulatory changes should further the objectives of the ESA to conserve species and prevent extinction.”

The ESA has prevented more than 99 percent of listed species from going extinct and has helped hundreds move toward recovery. Section 7 consultations typically take just two weeks for informal review and two months for formal review—contrary to conventional wisdom, the ESA does not stop projects from moving forward. According to one peer-reviewed study, the ESA did not halt a single project between 2008 and 2015.

The lawmakers highlighted how the proposed rules would:

Gut Section 7 consultation requirements by letting agencies claim project impacts “would occur regardless of whether the proposed action goes forward” — a loophole that could exempt highways, pipelines, and development projects from meaningful scrutiny;

Strip protections from threatened species — by rescinding the “blanket 4(d) rule” that extends baseline protections to all threatened species, creating dangerous years-long protection gaps that resource-agencies can’t fill. The blanket 4(d) rule provides automatic protections to species such as the piping plover and the West Indian Manatee, species listed as threatened in the future would not receive those same baseline protections; and

Let politics override science by injecting cherry-picked ‘economic’ considerations into listing decisions. Congress explicitly required that listing decisions be based solely on the best available science, not on arbitrary evaluations of certain impacts or political pressures.

“With reduced staff and resources, the Services should prioritize addressing the backlog of species awaiting protection and advancing recovery efforts for those already listed, rather than redirecting attention to rewriting long-standing and effective regulations,” continued the lawmakers. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we should be working to uphold and strengthen the ESA, not weaken it.”

The letter notes that roughly 90 percent of listed species are threatened by habitat loss, making the proposed restrictions on critical habitat designation particularly damaging to recovery efforts.


Warner, Kaine, Scott, McClellan Statement on U.S. District Court Ruling Allowing Construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project to Resume

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, along with U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott and Jennifer McClellan issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration allowing Dominion Energy to resume construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project:

“We applaud today’s federal court decision granting Dominion Energy’s request for a preliminary injunction and allowing construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project to resume. This project has already undergone years of rigorous review and is poised to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy while creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Hampton Roads. CVOW represents the kind of investment in domestic energy our region and nation need.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for Virginians, who otherwise would face increased energy costs as a result of the Trump Administration’s shortsighted opposition to clean energy. We will continue to work to protect this critical and growing industry and to ensure clean energy projects that have met every legal and regulatory requirement can move forward without undue political interference.”

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Boyle Introduces Multi-Employer Plan Auto Enrollment Relief Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and Congressmen Brad Finstad (MN-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), and John Larson (CT-01) announced their introduction of the Multi-Employer Plan Auto Enrollment Relief Act, legislation which would exempt multi-employer plans from Section 101 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Moreno (R-OH) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Traditionally, under SECURE 2.0, if a company offers a 401(k), they must automatically enroll new workers at 3% of their pay, increasing annually up to or exceeding 10%. While this model is adequate for single-employer plans, it creates unique challenges for multi-employer plans. The Multi-Employer Plan Auto Enrollment Relief Act would ensure that multi-employer plans won’t be forced into automatic enrollment rules that don’t fit their structure, while still allowing them to add a 401(k) feature voluntarily.

“This bill is a commonsense fix that protects workers’ access to hard-earned retirement benefits by cutting unnecessary red tape on multi-employer plans. I’m proud to partner across the aisle to make sure these plans can continue serving working families,” said Rep. Boyle.

“Hard-working Americans deserve to have more options for how to save for their retirements – not less,” Rep. Carey said. “By avoiding mandatory enrollment into 401(k) plans when they are offered, employees and employers maintain more choices when making retirement savings decisions. Our bipartisan legislation removes bureaucratic burdens to ensure workers in multi-employer pension plans have access to strong retirement savings and benefits.”

“At its core, this is about fairness and flexibility. Entities offering multi-employer plans shouldn’t be forced into rules that don’t work for them. This bipartisan legislation ensures workers still have access to retirement savings without putting unnecessary burdens on the plans that serve them,” said Rep. Finstad.

“Retirement security is not a one-size-fits-all approach, especially for union workers with multi-employer plans,” said Rep. John B. Larson. “I am proud to join this bipartisan effort with my colleagues to cut through red tape so union workers can adequately save for their retirement. I will continue to fight to ensure all Americans who work their entire lives can retire with dignity, both by enhancing Social Security benefits and expanding access to private retirement plans.”

“Workers in construction, trucking, and manufacturing rely on multiemployer union retirement plans to build financial security and prepare for their futures. While automatic enrollment can be a helpful tool to boost retirement savings, it doesn’t work the same way in multiemployer settings, where frequent job changes and uncoordinated payroll systems pose serious logistical challenges,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation provides relief for workers and businesses with multiemployer union retirement plans, so that we’re not imposing one-size-fits-all mandates where they don’t fit.”

“Hardworking Ohioans deserve retirement plans that work for them,” said Senator Moreno. “This bill removes unnecessary red tape from automatic enrollment rules, allowing Americans’ rightfully earned benefit plans to continue serving them without added compliance burdens from frequent job changes.”

"We applaud lawmakers for advancing a bipartisan fix that protects the availability and the operational integrity of multiemployer 401(k) plans. MPAERA will help preserve plan flexibility and encourage broader adoption of 401(k) plans, ultimately strengthening retirement security for millions of working families,” said Michael Scott, Executive Director, National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans (NCCMP).

"The introduction of MEPAERA is a critical step forward for multiemployer plans. By addressing the unintended consequences of SECURE 2.0, this legislation ensures that Taft-Hartley plans can continue delivering efficient, union-negotiated retirement benefits without unnecessary administrative burdens,” said Matt Fairbanks, Chair of the Board, Health&PensionWORKS.

Background:

Section 101 of the SECURE 2.0 Act requires employers with more than 10 employees to automatically enroll new employees at 3% of pay, increasing annually by 1% up to at least 10% but no more than 15% of pay.

The 401(k) automatic enrollment provision presents a unique and increased set of challenges for Taft Hartley plans that do not burden single-employer plans in the same manner and that require further legislative reforms.

Based on data from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), it is estimated that there are approximately 1,050 multiemployer defined contribution plans. Of these, there are approximately 370 plans with 401(k)s established prior to the enactment of SECURE 2.0 that were “grandfathered” in under draft Internal Revenue Service and Department of the Treasury interpretation of the act, (which are expected to be finalized) these plans would not subject to the automatic enrollment provision. However, legislation is still necessary, both to codify this interpretation and ensure that 401(k) plans remain a viable tool for multiemployer plans into the future.


Bresnahan Joins President Trump for Roundtable on Rural Healthcare

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined President Donald J. Trump for a roundtable discussion on rural healthcare, the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and their plans to lower the cost of healthcare. Rep. Bresnahan was given the opportunity to speak, and his remarks can be viewed here.

“When you think about Northeastern Pennsylvania, clinics and rural hospitals are the backbones of our community,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “The targeted investments included in the Rural Health Transformation Fund are going to transform rural healthcare for our region, our state, and our nation. Under new leadership in Washington, rural America will no longer be overlooked.”

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In addition to Rep. Bresnahan, roundtable participants included Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, Senator Dan Sullivan (AK), and Representative Mike Lawler (NY-17).

Rep. Bresnahan has been a leader on rural healthcare. In December, he welcomed Administrator Oz to Scranton, PA, for a discussion on the Rural Health Transformation Fund. At the end of the month, he applauded the fund’s $193 million investment in Pennsylvania healthcare.

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Buchanan Recognizes Local Student Innovators for App Protecting Seniors’ Health

“Children Are 25 Percent of the Population, but 100 Percent of the Future, And That Future Is Bright with Innovators Like Gabriel and Omar Leading the Way.”

BRADENTON, FL — Congressman Vern Buchanan recently recognized Hillsborough County students, Gabriel Raymond Cacho and Omar Halwani, as the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. They, along with two additional students, designed a mobile and wearable application that uses real-time monitoring and fall-detection technology to help protect seniors’ health and safety.

“I was proud to recognize Hillsborough County students Gabriel and Omar as winners of the Congressional App Challenge for their innovative app, Senior Health Guardian–AI,” said Buchanan. “With roughly 36 million falls each year among Americans age 65 and older, their use of artificial intelligence to monitor health trends and provide real-time fall detection can help seniors stay independent while giving families peace of mind. As chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I am focused on advancing innovation that improves health outcomes, and this is exactly how STEM education empowers students to solve real-world problems. Children are 25 percent of the population, but 100 percent of the future, and that future is bright with innovators like Gabriel and Omar leading the way.”

The winning entry, Senior Health Guardian–AI uses artificial intelligence to analyze walking patterns for indicators associated with Parkinson’s disease. The app can also monitor sleep quality and oxygen levels, which may help identify broader cognitive and health trends. The system alerts caregivers immediately if a fall or other concerning health pattern is detected, supporting seniors’ independence while giving families peace of mind.

The winning team drew inspiration from watching family members age and recognizing that many existing technologies fail to support seniors’ independence. Seniors in their families wanted to remain active but faced challenges related to balance and sleep. The students designed their application to support prevention, using AI-driven insights to detect risks early and respond in real time.

The app will be featured on House.gov for one year and will also be hosted on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. Gabriel and Omar will additionally receive waived copyright registration application fees under the ARTS Act.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment is projected to grow by 4.0 percent between 2023 and 2033, while STEM-related occupations are expected to grow by 10.4 percent during that same period.

The Congressional App Challenge was created by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015 and allows students to compete against their peers across the country by creating an app for desktop, web, tablet, mobile, Raspberry Pi or other platforms. The challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science.

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Buchanan Statement on Administration’s Efforts to Lower Health Care Costs

“Lowering Health Care Costs and Increasing Transparency Are Essential to a System That Works for Patients.”

The Great Healthcare Plan Would Aim to Reduce Health Care Costs for Patients

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Administration’s announcement of The Great Healthcare Plan to address rising health care costs and increase transparency:

“Lowering health care costs and increasing transparency are essential to a system that works for patients. President Trump’s announcement of The Great Healthcare Plan reflects Republican efforts to reduce patient costs and improve transparency, and I will continue working with the Administration on these issues.

“The House Ways and Means Committee has already advanced patient-first reforms to lower costs, expand access to care and promote transparency. As Health Subcommittee Chairman, I look forward to continuing this work while advancing Republicans’ agenda to ensure savings reach patients and families.”

The Administration recently outlined The Great Healthcare Plan, a broad health care framework focused on lowering costs and increasing transparency. The proposal includes policies aimed at:

Lowering prescription drug prices by building on actions taken to reduce costs for American patients

Reducing insurance premiums by cutting hidden fees and middleman practices

Increasing accountability for insurers by requiring clearer disclosure of pricing, coverage and profit margins

Expanding price transparency so patients can better understand health care costs and make informed decisions

For more information, visit: whitehouse.gov/greathealthcare

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Carter successfully pushes for investigation into woke California community colleges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) last November authored a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Education (DOE) successfully urging them to investigate the California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA) Transgender Participation Policy, which allows biological males to compete in women’s sports.

“As a grandfather to six granddaughters, it is unacceptable to allow biological males to compete against girls or share their locker rooms. The radical left’s decision to politicize this issue tears at the very fabric of women’s rights and everything previous generations fought to secure, said Rep. Carter.

Rep. Carter continues, “This anti-competitive agenda puts girls and women in harm’s way, both physically and mentally, robbing them of fair opportunities. Women deserve the right to compete on a level playing field against their biological peers, not to have that right sacrificed by politicians pandering to those with mental illnesses. I look forward to following this investigation to ultimately restore women’s sports to the way they should be: women against women.”

Read the full letter here.

BACKGROUND

On February 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Executive Order (EO), Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, clearly stating that programs receiving federal funds must ensure that participation in women’s sports is limited to biological females.

The CCCAA’s Transgender Participation Policy directly conflicts with the EO, allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports.


Burlison Sends Letter to ATF Director Daniel Driscoll Demanding Immediate Corrective Action

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) sent a letter to Acting Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Director Daniel Driscoll calling out the agency’s failure to implement recent National Firearms Act reforms and demanding immediate corrective action.

The letter addresses widespread breakdowns in the ATF’s eForms system following the elimination of the NFA tax and urges the agency to fix its systems, provide transparency, and stop undermining the law Congress passed.


Newsweek article on US-Taiwan trade deal'US Secures Historic Chip Deal Amid Tech War With China'

By Micah McCartney

Published January 16, 2026 at 3:09 PM EST

The United States has clinched a sweeping agreement with Taiwan that would reduce tariffs on the "Silicon Island" in exchange for up to a quarter‑trillion dollars in investments, a move that carries significant security implications for Taipei amid mounting pressure from China.

The deal follows similar arrangements Washington struck last year with Japan, European countries and China that brought down trade duties Trump had ratcheted up since April as part of a campaign to cut trade deficits and revive American manufacturing.

Why It Matters

The agreement comes as a relief to Taiwanese exporters and marks a boost for U.S. efforts to expand domestic production of critical technologies, particularly semiconductors used in everything from consumer electronics to advanced military systems. That push for onshoring accelerated during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Taiwan accounts for roughly 60 percent of global semiconductor output and more than 90 percent of cutting‑edge nodes, including those used to power artificial intelligence technologies central to Washington’s tech competition with China.

Newsweek reached out to the White House and to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry and representative office in Washington, D.C., with written requests for comment.

What To Know

Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the United States and the American Institute in Taiwan, the U.S. government‑run office that handles Washington’s unofficial relations with Taipei, signed the agreement, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called it a "landmark agreement," saying the partners would see "boosted economic integration, high-tech collaboration an two-way investments across key sectors, paving the way for a stronger partnership and more prosperous future."

Under the deal, chipmakers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and other tech firms will commit at least $250 billion to expand U.S. capacity for advanced chips, clean‑energy technology, and AI. Taiwan will also provide $250 billion in credit guarantees to support Taiwanese companies building out the U.S. chip ecosystem.

The logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) displayed at the Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel on June 3, 2025. | I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty

Taiwan and the U.S. will also jointly establish “world‑class” industrial parks in the United States to reinforce Washington’s push to become a global hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.

In exchange, U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods will be capped at 15 percent. Taiwanese aircraft components and generic pharmaceuticals, along with their ingredients, will be subject to a 0 percent tariff.

Section 232 duties on Taiwanese lumber, timber, wood‑derived products, and auto parts will also be lowered. Section 232 duties are essentially national‑security tariffs imposed by the Commerce Department on selected imports to protect industries deemed essential to U.S. defense and critical supply chains.

The U.S. accounted for just 10 percent of global wafer fabrication in 2024, down from 37 percent in 1990, according to the Commerce Department.

"China firmly opposes the negotiating and signing of any agreement with sovereign connotations and an official nature between China’s Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic relations with China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters Friday.

What People Are Saying

New Jersey Representative Chris Smith, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a statement: “At a critical moment when the United States and Communist China are locked in a tight race for technological dominance, Taiwan’s impressive investment in U.S. technological development makes a world of difference."

David Sacks, a fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said in a statement shared with Newsweek: “Beneath the surface of Taiwan’s pledges to increase U.S. trade ties lies an apprehension about the United States’ ultimate objectives, and what a potential rebalancing of global supply chains would mean for the island’s security. If the United States successfully onshores chip production, it may no longer care about Taiwan’s security and, therefore, not defend it from Chinese aggression.”

What Happens Next

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, through force if necessary. While the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it remains the island’s main arms supplier, and its long‑standing policy of strategic ambiguity over whether it would defend Taiwan is widely seen as a key factor deterring Beijing.

But doubts over U.S. reliability have grown in Taipei over the past year, fueled by remarks from President Donald Trump, including falsely accusing Taiwan of stealing America's chip industry and suggesting the island should pay protection money.

Trump has said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not move against Taiwan during Trump's second term.


Congressman García on ICE Terror in Minnesota:

ST. PAUL, MN — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) joined more than two dozen U.S. Members of Congress, led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) at a field hearing in Minneapolis titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Deadly Assault on Minnesota.

Below is a transcript of his remarks:

“Thank you, Ranking Member Jayapal and Representative Omar, for organizing this really important visit. And thank you, Minnesota for standing up for the belief that all of us are created equal in this year that we celebrate 250 years of that promise.

“Because what we’re seeing in Minnesota is a community defending and protecting itself from an authoritarian takeover that is spreading violence and chaos in the streets.

“But by now, none of this is new. The federal government lawlessly invaded Chicago last year, sowing terror, and my district was the epicenter of their campaign of terror across the Chicagoland area.

“It was the same pattern that we’re seeing here: flooding the streets with armed, masked goons who kidnap and assault our neighbors with impunity. ICE agents murdered Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez after he dropped his kids off at school, and shot Marimar Martinez, a teacher, without justification, as the cowards in the White House and at DHS lie over and over again.

“This is not a coincidence; this is their playbook. Invade our cities, escalate violence against our neighbors, and incite our communities to justify brutality.

“But here’s what became clear in Chicago, and what’s become clear in the Twin Cities. Our communities are stronger and braver than the sadistic criminals that they have unleashed on us.

“In Chicago, our longstanding coalition of community groups has mobilized to protect our residents and make sure that they know their rights. You are doing that right here.

“And we’ve seen a lot of that organizing and mobilizing right here. No matter how much Trump and his cronies lie, rapid response networks keep our communities safe. They represent the strength and resilience of our people in the face of government brutality.

“Thank you for protecting my two grandchildren in Minneapolis, my son and all of their neighbors.”

A video of his remarks can be found on this link.


Congressman Cohen Statement Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) plans to commemorate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday and Day of Service on Monday by encouraging everyone to read some of his stirring oratory and perform some community service in his memory. Congressman Cohen will spend part of the holiday at the National Civil Rights Museum which will have free admission.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Thursday, January 15th, and its commemoration as a federal holiday, on Monday, January 19th, are opportunities to contemplate the kind of nation he encouraged us to be. Dr. King was a multi-dimensional figure in American history – fighting poverty and militarism, along with systemic racism, bigotry and violations of civil rights – and said pointedly not to celebrate his birthday unless you’re willing to support what he lived and died for. The holiday is a time for quiet contemplation that should spur us to action.

“In his day, Dr. King was the conscience of the nation, teaching us the true meaning of character, fairness and justice. His ‘dream’ inspired a movement that continues to call for real change. Efforts to curb voting rights in the courts and in state legislatures show just how far from his dream we have strayed. We should continue to work to eliminate poverty, end unfair policing practices, ensure better access to health care, protect voting rights, assure the right of workers to organize, and be the Good Samaritan to our immigrant neighbors as he’d have wished. Let's renew our commitment to strive every day to meet Dr. King’s aspirations. As he said in Memphis the night before he died, ‘We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.’”

Congressman Cohen noted that the Trump administration ended the policy of free admission to the national parks on the Martin Luther King federal holiday and added Trump’s birthday, June 14, which is also Flag Day.

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Costa Supports Farm and Family Relief Act to Help Central Valley Communities

WASHINGTON - This week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced his support for the of the Farm and Family Relief Act framework which was rolled out by Democratic members of the House Agriculture Committee at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Watch the press conference here.

The Farm and Family Relief Act is a response to President Trump’s crushing tariffs and massive unfunded mandate to the states through a cost-shift in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – which have endangered the financial wellbeing of farmers, increased the cost of groceries and threatened food access for millions of American children, seniors and veterans.

“Folks in farm country are hurting. We lost key export markets during President Trump’s first term and still haven’t recovered them in his second,” said Rep. Costa. “Tariffs are a tax on American consumers and a burden on farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. Families feel it every time they go to the grocery store. Food is a national security issue, and it’s inexcusable that food deserts exist in the richest country in the world. The Farm and Family Relief Act will provide real relief to our farmers and families, helping ensure they can stay in business and put dinner on the table.”

“Americans know that life is simply more expensive today than when President Trump took office last year. Family farmers have been bankrupted by Trump’s ill-conceived trade wars and state governments are facing the terrifying reality that they may need to let millions of residents go hungry because of his heartless cuts to food assistance. The Farm and Family Relief Act doesn’t pick winners and losers. It helps all Americans by reigning in the tariffs that have increased our cost of living, giving states breathing room to adapt to shifting SNAP rules and providing an economic lifeline to farmers so they can continue to feed our nation and the world. Unlike the Trump administration, which loves to pick winners and losers, the Farm and Family Relief Act has provisions that help all Americans – and only as a package can we deliver true relief to the American people,” said Ranking Member Craig.

View the Farm and Family Relief Act one-pager HERE.

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimated in November that U.S. farmers have accumulated over $50 billion in losses across the last three crop years. The 2025/26 crop year shows the steepest loss at $28 billion, influenced by Trump’s tariffs. Farm leaders have described the president’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program as “not enough.” Fruits and vegetable prices are up an average of 5.3 percent, while food eaten away from home has increased 4.1 percent. It still remains unclear how much, if any, specialty crops will receive.


Crow Hosts Hundreds of Coloradans, Nearly 50 Employers at Annual Job Fair in Littleton

LITTLETON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) today hosted a free job fair, an annual opportunity organized by the Congressman to help connect local Colorado employers and Coloradans seeking new job opportunities.

More than 400 Coloradans attended the event, which featured nearly 50 employers and was hosted at Arapahoe Community College.

“I grew up in a working class family and worked construction to help pay my way through school. I know the value of a good-paying job and the dignity of hard work,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m grateful to the Colorado employers and job seekers that came today and I’ll continue to do what I can to connect hardworking Coloradans with new opportunities.”

Participating employers came from across industries, from government and retail to nonprofit and aerospace. They included Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora Public Schools, Goodwill of Colorado, Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, and Denver Pipefitters Local 208.

Crow has hosted his job fair since 2019, helping thousands of Coloradans get access to resources and connections to advance their careers.

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Crow Introduces Legislation to Safeguard Against Political Harassment

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) introduced the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, legislation to protect individuals and organizations, including non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, and educational institutions, from politically-motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. The NOPE Act would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech, and provide additional legal tools for those targeted in politically-motivated prosecutions or civil enforcement actions.

Less than a year into President Trump’s second term, there are hundreds of documented instances of his Administration using the vast powers of the federal government to go after its perceived political enemies. This includes threats Congressman Crow has repeatedly faced by this Administration after he and five other lawmakers released a video reminding troops of their oaths to the Constitution. In response, President Trump called for his arrest, prosecution, and execution, and both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia have attempted to harass Crow.

Congressman Crow was joined on the bill’s introduction by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10).

“I went to war three times for this country to defend the rights of every American, including those who I may disagree with, because that is who we are as a country. The President is trying to use the full force of the federal government to suppress free speech rights. I won’t remain silent as the President and his administration go after their political opponents and stifle dissent,” said Congressman Crow.

“President Trump - and the loyalists who carry out his orders - think they can weaponize the federal government to target people who speak out against the regime with total impunity,” said Senator Murphy. “They’re going after elected officials and public figures, but their real goal is to intimidate the millions of everyday Americans who oppose Trump’s political agenda into silence. Our bill gives those who are speaking truth to power the tools they need to defend themselves if the regime comes after them – and includes serious, enforceable legal consequences for the Trump loyalists who are carrying out his campaign of retribution. This bill shouldn’t be controversial. If Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on the basic idea that the president can’t use government employees and funds to go after his political enemies, then we are closer than ever to losing our democracy.”

Congressman Crow has long worked to stand up for our democracy and condemn political violence,even amidst threats against him from President Donald Trump. Last year, he delivered a speech from the House Floor in which he spoke directly to the American people about the concerning state of American politics and the path forward to unite our country. The full speech is available here.

Specifically, the No Political Enemies Act offers:

Clear Statement of Congressional Policy: Would enact a clear statutory declaration that no federal executive branch official may initiate or direct investigative, regulatory, or enforcement actions against Americans to suppress or burden constitutionally protected speech or association (i.e., “politically motivated” targeting).

Statutory Defense in Political Targeting Cases: Would create an affirmative defense in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions. If a defendant presents substantial evidence that protected speech or association was a motivating factor, the burden shifts to the government to prove that legitimate, non-protected grounds justified the action. As part of this inquiry, the court may grant expedited discovery into government motivations. This provides a tool for those wrongly targeted to get meaningful access to evidence, corrects the imbalance of proof, and allows courts to quickly dismiss abusive actions.

Narrow Statutory Bivens Remedy to Deter Targeted Political Retaliation: Would establish a cause of action allowing individuals to sue federal officials for damages when their First Amendment rights are violated due to politically motivated targeting. The bill would immunize officials who demonstrate the target’s speech was not constitutionally protected, but end existing immunities for federal employees from lawsuits in their personal capacity.

Attorney Fee-shifting to Deter Meritless Politically Motivated Enforcement: Would require the U.S. government to pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs to individuals and organizations who prevail in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions if they can demonstrate the government's action was substantially motivated by a desire to suppress their constitutionally protected speech or association.

Prohibition on Use of Funds for Politically Motivated Targeting: Would prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigatory, regulatory, or enforcement action initiated or pursued to suppress protected speech. Violations would trigger the Anti-Deficiency Act, creating administrative and potential criminal liability, and allow private parties to seek to prevent the use of such funds.

“Freedom of speech is the bedrock of American democracy and as the Trump administration drives America towards authoritarianism, it is more important than ever to affirm the rights of the people to stand up and speak out for what they believe,” said Senator Schumer. “The NOPE Act would protect citizens and organizations from political persecution at a time when Trump uses the Department of Justice and other agencies as attack dogs to target his perceived enemies. Congress must protect the power of the First Amendment and pass this critical legislation.”

“Freedom of speech is sacrosanct in America. President Trump’s attempt to control our speech – whether by condemning and threatening Democratic Senators, cancelling Jimmy Kimmel, or setting out of office messages for furloughed employees – is a full on five alarm fire. This President is abusing and politicizing the executive branch because he wants to distract Americans from his failing economy and broken campaign promise to make things more affordable. The NOPE Act reaffirms what we know and will never stop fighting for: our democracy depends on our freedom of speech,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“President Trump is escalating his campaign to silence dissent and weaponize his office against anyone who disagrees with him. The right to free speech, enshrined in the Constitution, is a bedrock of our democracy. This legislation imposes additional safeguards to protect Americans from politically-motivated prosecutions. It stops Presidential punishment for exercising constitutional rights,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Trump administration’s blatant disregard for our Constitution is eroding the bedrock values upon which our country is built. Congress must act to stop this Administration’s assault on people and organizations simply because they don’t agree with their point of view,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation offers a clear roadmap to protect non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, educational institutions, and others from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This isn’t about whether you are on the Right or the Left—every person and every organization has a right to free speech and to express their views without harassment or persecution. We cannot sit by and watch Trump desecrate the Constitution and undermine our fundamental right to free speech, even if the views expressed are unpopular, controversial, or simply disliked by him.”

“The Trump Administration is relentlessly attacking free speech – trying to shut down opposition by throwing the full weight of federal law enforcement against those who dare to challenge them. This politically-motivated weaponization of government clearly violates the First Amendment and demands action from the Congress. This legislation will help provide additional safeguards to protect Americans’ free speech rights from a lawless administration,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The President and his Administration have shredded the fundamental principle that in America, we don’t punish our political opponents — we protect free speech,” said Senator Padilla. “History warns us that when leaders try to weaponize the government against members of Congress or entertainers like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert simply for questioning authority or voicing their disagreements, it’s a sign of weakness, not strength. The NOPE Act will make essential reforms to help protect the constitutionally protected right to free speech for all Americans.”

"From targeting media companies to nonprofit organizations to universities, Donald Trump’s administration has been pushing to silence and intimidate the president's critics. Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm our Constitutional rights and prohibit the president from weaponizing the federal government against people who disagree with his administration. With this bill, we’re fighting back to ensure we continue to protect the American people’s rights and freedoms,” said Senator Schiff.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen an escalating crackdown from this Administration on the right of every person to do what they want and say what they think within the bound of our laws and due process,” said Senator Smith. “Today, my colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to upholding the most American of values: that our speech, our words and our principles are protected.”

“President Trump’s relentless harassment of those who speak out against his Administration’s disastrous agenda is a dangerous move toward authoritarianism and a direct attack on free speech,” said Senator Welch. “Defending First Amendment rights is essential to ensuring that the American people can place their faith and trust in our democratic institutions.”

“Free speech isn’t just a core American value—it’s a foundation for democracy,” said Senator Merkley. “As Trump continues his authoritarian assault on the First Amendment, Congress must defend the rights of all Americans by protecting the freedom and free speech we all hold dearly.”

“Today in America, we face the biggest free speech crisis in modern history. The president is abusing his power to silence people who disagree with him or his billionaire friends, and too many of our wealthiest and most powerful institutions are bending the knee. Congress must change the law to protect the rights of all Americans to speak and be heard,” said Congressman Casar.

“The Constitution is not a buffet line where you take what you like and ignore the rest. It is binding in full, even when it is inconvenient. We cannot defend constitutional rights only when they align with our politics and abandon them when they do not," said Congresswoman Houlahan. "If we allow political retaliation to replace the rule of law, we undermine the very democracy we are sworn to protect. The No Political Enemies Act is about restoring a simple principle: that no one in power gets to use the machinery of government to silence political opposition.”

“Trump campaigned on upholding freedom of speech, but continues to prosecute and harass political dissidents,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “The No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act will protect individuals, organizations, journalists, educators and educational institutions from harassment and prosecution by the federal government. We should not need legislation to protect one’s constitutional right to free speech, but we will never stop working to protect the American people from oligarchs and fascists.”

“The Trump Administration is scaring people into silence. Ridiculing reporters and blocking them from the White House, suing and extorting settlements from the media, threatening ABC over Jimmy Kimmel, taking funding from nonprofits, and intimidating businesses who cave to their demands. In America, we don’t bow to kings,” said Congressman Frost.

The bill is endorsed by Protect Democracy, Americans Against Government Censorship, the Campaign Legal Center, Public Citizen and MoveOn.

“President Trump is carrying out an unprecedented campaign of retribution against his political opponents–this is what autocrats do to cement their grip on power,” said Justin Vail, Counsel at Protect Democracy. “In a democracy, the president cannot use the vast powers of government to silence critics. The genius of the No Political Enemies Act is that it empowers everyday Americans with new tools to defend themselves against political targeting and hold government officials accountable for attacks on their free speech, regardless of who the president is.”

“The Trump administration is openly breaking the law and weaponizing the machinery of government to punish its critics and silence dissent. The No Political Enemies Act is a good step that gives important protections to Americans who speak out against the government, strengthening their rights to free speech and creating more accountability for politicians that abuse their power,” said Cole Leiter, Executive Director of Americans Against Government Censorship. “Over the last year, we have seen historic efforts to use the power of government to silence the president's political opponents. No American should fear they will be the victim of a weaponized government, and legislative action should be a cause for bipartisan agreement and action.

“Abusing government power to attack political opponents should be a hard NOPE,” said Adav Noti, Executive Director at Campaign Legal Center. “As threats to the rule of law grow, Americans are increasingly at risk of retaliation and intimidation for speaking their mind. The right to criticize and challenge government actions is not just protected by the Constitution — it is a cornerstone of American life. The No Political Enemies Act is an essential step toward protecting that foundational principle. This important legislation will prohibit the government from targeting individuals and domestic groups for their protected speech and political activities, as well as give Americans new tools to defend their rights. CLC thanks the sponsors of this bill for their leadership and urges Congress to pass the NOPE Act without delay."

For full bill text, click here. For a one-pager of the bill, click here.


Davids Leads Bipartisan, Bi-State Delegation Letter Commending State Department on Kansas City Passport Agency

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) led a bipartisan, bicameral Kansas–Missouri delegation in thanking U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his collaborative efforts to swiftly develop a new Kansas City Passport Agency. The letter underscores the urgent need for improved passport access in the region and the significant relief the new agency will provide to families, workers, and businesses across Kansas and Missouri.

Along with Davids, the letter was signed by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Bob Onder (R-MO-03), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), reflecting broad bipartisan support from both states.

“Please accept our utmost appreciation for your collaboration in the long-awaited Passport Agency construction in Kansas City,” wrote the Members. “This project will significantly strengthen communications within our states, expand opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of the families and businesses we serve. We are grateful for your commitment to this matter and the Department of State resources that have been dedicated to these efforts.”

The delegation highlighted years of constituent concerns about delayed and inaccessible passport services that have forced Kansans and Missourians to miss weddings, honeymoons, funerals, time-sensitive work travel, and other critical life events.

Without a local passport agency, residents of the Kansas City metro area have been required to travel hours for expedited assistance — including trips of more than six hours to Minneapolis, seven hours to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and more than eight hours to cities like Dallas and Denver.

The delegation noted that, once all newly announced passport facilities open nationwide, 96 percent of Americans will live within a five-hour drive of a passport agency — a substantial improvement from 2023.

In 2024, Davids and Cleaver broke the news about Kansas City being selected as a Passport Agency location. Now, the Department of State has broken ground on the facility. The pair also previously urged the U.S. Department of State to provide answers for the dramatic delays in processing passport applications.

Read Davids’ full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to commend the U.S. Department of State on their collaborative efforts to swiftly develop the new Kansas City Passport Agency. In 2023, after we heard from many constituents in Kansas and Missouri, our respective delegations took action to highlight this issue and re-emphasize the need for a Passport Agency within the Kansas City metro area.

Our offices have heard directly from constituents whose delayed or inaccessible passport services caused them to miss weddings, honeymoons, time-sensitive work travel, funerals, and other once-in-a-lifetime or critical obligations.

Currently, Kansans and Missourians are burdened with hours-long trips to receive expedited passport assistance. Specifically, from the Kansas City Metro Area, travel times to the nearest agencies include:

Minneapolis, MN: 6.5 hours

Hot Springs, AK: 7 hours

Chicago, IL: 7.5 hours

Dallas, TX: 8 hours

Denver, CO: 8.5 hours

Soon, our constituents will have convenient access to a passport agency close to — if not directly in — their own community.

The future Kansas City Passport Agency will make travel and passport maintenance more accessible by shortening commutes and wait times for processing and renewal services for Kansans and Missourians. Once the additionally announced new passport facilities open for operation, ninety-six percent of Americans will be within a five-hour drive of a passport agency for urgent or emergency travel. Though this commute is still lengthy, it is a notable improvement and expansion from 2023.

The Kansas City Passport Agency will allow residents in Kansas, Missouri, and surrounding areas to receive federal assistance with increased accessibility and faster means to manage passport inquiries or possible issues that may arise with acquiring government documents.

Please accept our utmost appreciation for your collaboration in the long-awaited Passport Agency construction in Kansas City. This project will significantly strengthen communications within our states, expand opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of the families and businesses we serve.

We are grateful for your commitment to this matter and the Department of State resources that have been dedicated to these efforts. We remain committed to supporting the development of the Kansas City Passport Agency at every stage and appreciate the significant impact of your involvement in this process.

Sincerely,


DeLauro, Krishnamoorthi Issue Statement on Empowering Trade Fraud Prevention Task Force

WASHINGTON —Today, US Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party released the following joint statement celebrating passage of additional funding and directed authorities for the Trade Fraud Prevention Task Force:

“Trade crimes are not victimless—they cost American workers jobs, cheat manufacturers that play by the rules, and allow goods made with forced labor, including the exploitation of Uyghurs, to enter U.S. markets. For too long, the U.S. government has failed to enforce its trade laws to protect against these abuses. This funding helps right that historical wrong and ensures the Department of Justice has the resources to begin rigorously protecting American companies and workers from trade cheats. By pairing strong legislation with the appropriations which passed the House today, we are sending an unmistakable bipartisan signal that the U.S. will close enforcement gaps and hold trade cheaters accountable. American workers and communities deserve nothing less.”

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Congressman Deluzio, Ambridge Leaders Celebrate More Than $1 Million in Federal Funding for New Recreation Center

AMBRIDGE PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), State Rep. Rob Matzie, and Ambridge Borough leaders and community members celebrated more than $1 million in Community Project Funding that Congressman Deluzio secured to help build a new Ambridge Borough Recreational Center. Congressman Deluzio presented a ceremonial check to Ambridge Borough for $1,015,000, and local leaders touted how the investment will make life better for the community.

The Ambridge Borough Senior/Recreation/Wellness Center will repurpose a former steel mill brownfield site into a regional facility that will promote economic development and provide recreation opportunities for surrounding communities. The current plans for the center include basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts; batting cages; basketball shooting machines; a mini shooting gallery for volleyball, futsal, and basketball; a turf field; and multipurpose fields. It will also host sports tournaments and other services like health screenings, educational programs, and job training programs.

“I am so proud that I secured more than $1 million in federal funds for the new Ambridge Borough Recreation Center,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This project will bring new opportunities to Ambridge and the surrounding area—for our kids and families, for the whole community, and for the area economy. Congratulations to Ambridge Borough on this well-earned federal funding, and thank you to State Rep. Rob Matzie for going to bat for the project in Harrisburg, too. I’ll always fight down in Washington to bring home federal money to make life better for all of us in Western PA.”

“This investment adds to the funding I was able to secure to help get the vision of Ambridge across the finish line,” said State Representative Rob Matzie. “Working together with the congressman to support our communities allows for big things to happen and for our tax dollars at the state and federal level to make Beaver County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Ambridge is such a strong community, and having a place where neighbors can come together, where our kids can play sports, and where we can host neighborhood programming will only make our community even stronger,” said Ambridge Mayor Tina Iorfido-Schmidt. “On behalf of the Borough of Ambridge: thank you to Congressman Deluzio for being our advocate in Washington and bringing home this funding to help make our dream of a Recreational Center a reality.”

“Any project of this size requires partnership and collaboration across multiple levels of government. And luckily, here in Ambridge, we are fortunate to have leaders like Congressman Deluzio and State Representative Rob Matzie who know how to get stuff done,” said Ambridge Borough Manager Mario Leone. “We couldn’t have gotten to where we are today without their support. We look forward to celebrating with the entire community when we cut the ribbon on the finished recreational center.”

“As coach, I always say that there’s no limits on what kids can achieve if they work hard. But for my players to believe in themselves, they need to know that the community believes in them, too. And this investment in youth sports and our community’s recreation and health sends a clear message to all our kids: we want you to be the best you can be,” said Ambridge Youth Football Coach Thomas Cephas.

Congressman Deluzio’s office has already brought home more than $4.6 billion in federal funds to the congressional district. He will keep up the fight to bring home resources to Western Pennsylvania, including urging the President to sign into law the $185 million in funding for four projects that the U.S. House approved last week and continuing to push for funding his other 2026 requested community projects.

Photos from the press conference are available for use by the press here.

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Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, Labor Caucus Leaders Press Rail Regulator on Proposed Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific Merger

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, the Chairs of the House Monopoly Busters Caucus and Chairs of the Labor Caucus pressed the Surface Transportation Board (STB) about the proposed merger of Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02) and Labor Caucus Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) cited serious concerns over the deal’s potential to devastate rail workers and compromise public safety.

In a letter to the rail regulator, the Chairs lay out a series of questions about the merger’s impact on rail workers, safety protocols, and market competition that must be addressed before the Board moves forward with any approval.

“Rail workers have borne the brunt of decades of industry consolidation and cost-cutting priorities that put corporate profits above worker and public safety,” the Chairs wrote. “A merger of this magnitude would affect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers, and it is critical that the STB fully account for these impacts.”

The letter highlights the history of intense consolidation in the rail industry, noting that since the 1980s, the number of Class I freight railroads has plummeted from 33 to just six, while total rail employment has fallen from 500,000 to fewer than 200,000. The Chairs also pointed to the catastrophic February 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, as a stark reminder of the safety failures that can happen under existing operational practices and consolidated corporate power.

The Chairs are demanding that the STB require the rail companies to provide verified responses to questions regarding:

Accountability for Past Deals: A full audit of whether Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific actually fulfilled the labor and safety commitments they made during previous acquisitions and mergers;

Workforce Impact: Provide current staffing levels and specific projections for job losses or changes to unionized craft positions over the next five years;

Safety Integration: Detailed plans on how the companies will merge two complex networks without compromising track maintenance, hazardous-materials training, or worker safety; and

Protection of Bargaining Power: Analysis of how reducing the number of major employers from six down to five will impact wage growth and collective-bargaining leverage for rail unions.

The lawmakers have asked STB Chair Patrick Fuchs to make these responses available to the public and to Congress at least 60 days prior to any final decision on whether the merger is in the public interest.

The full letter can be found here.

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Downing Introduces McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act

Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act. This legislation will eliminate the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), create a United States Insurance Representative appointed by the Treasury Secretary, and expand state insurance representation on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) by elevating the current nonvoting state insurance commissioner to a voting member.

In early 2025, Congressman Downing introduced the Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act, which eliminated the office and all of its features in their entirety. The McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act reflects substantial industry feedback to preserve key functions of the office like the facilitation of U.S. representation on the international stage and inclusion in FSOC.

Original cosponsors of the McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act include Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) and Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05). Supporting organizations include the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”), the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Read exclusive reporting on the McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act in CQ News here.

“The Federal Insurance Office exists in spite of the fact that the regulation of insurance has and always will belong to the states,” said Congressman Downing. “FIO is a duplicative federal bureaucracy that hinders the efforts of state regulators better equipped to address the insurance needs of their communities. The McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act affirms this by eliminating the Federal Insurance Office while preserving some of its key features, delivering greater clarity for U.S. insurance regulation.”

“The consensus is clear: regulatory authority over insurance should be left to the states,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC SVP of Federal & Political Affairs. "Rather than informing federal policymakers, the Federal Insurance Office has for years duplicated the work of state regulators, routinely exceeding statutory guidance and inflicting burdensome costs that are ultimately paid by consumers. As a former state insurance commissioner, Congressman Downing knows this all too well, and NAMIC appreciates his leadership in stopping this wasteful federal overreach.”

“We are thankful to Rep. Downing for his work to protect the integrity of McCarran-Ferguson and the state-based regulatory system. Over the years, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) has shown to have questionable value for insurance markets as well as consumers,”said Big “I” SVP of Federal Government Affairs Nathan Riedel. “As the largest association representing independent insurance agents and brokers, the Big ‘I’ supports eliminating the FIO, and affirming the valuable work that state regulators do.”

“The McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act safeguards the proven state-based system of insurance regulation by repealing the Federal Insurance Office—an unnecessary federal bureaucracy created under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act,” said PIA CEO Mike Skiados. “For more than a century, state regulators have effectively protected both consumers and the insurance marketplace, and they remain best positioned to do so moving forward. PIA appreciates Rep. Troy Downing for his leadership and commitment to preserving the state insurance regulatory system.”

"The McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act is a critical measure to preserve the strength of our state-based system of insurance regulation–a framework that has protected consumers and ensured market stability for decades,” said Sam Whitfield, APCIA’s senior vice president of federal government relations and political engagement. “The bill also equips the Treasury Department with tools to advocate for this proven system internationally, while appropriately eliminating unnecessary powers of the Federal Insurance Office. APCIA thanks Rep. Downing for his leadership and commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance this important legislation."

“State insurance regulators strongly support Rep. Troy Downing’s McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act because it restores the proper balance between the states and the federal government,” said NAIC President and Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Insurance regulation has always been, and should always remain, a state responsibility. This legislation eliminates a federal office that conflicted with that framework, while preserving a focused, non-regulatory role for Treasury to engage internationally and defend the U.S. system of state-based supervision. It reinforces regulatory clarity and respects the model that has successfully protected policyholders for more than a century and a half.”

Background:

In 1945, Congress passed the McCarran-Ferguson Act, solidifying states’ regulatory authority over the insurance industry.

The 2010 Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act created the Federal Insurance Office under Treasury, charging FIO with “the authority to monitor all aspects of the insurance sector,” clearly violating McCarran-Ferguson.

Downing introduced the Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act in early 2025, which eliminated FIO broadly.

The McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act would eliminate the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), create a United States Insurance Representative appointed by the Treasury, and expand state insurance representation on FSOC by elevating the current nonvoting state insurance commissioner to a voting member.

The roles of the United States Insurance Representative would include representing the federal government on the international stage, replacing the FIO Director as a nonvoting member of FSOC, and assisting in administering the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA).

Notably, the bill narrows the scope of the Insurance Representative to prudential aspects of insurance only, requires Treasury to hire and retain individuals with expertise in matters related to insurance, and includes no authorization of appropriations.

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Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Detainee Death at Camp East Montana Likely to be Classified as Homicide

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to the Washington Post’s article about a detainee death at Camp East Montana likely to be classified as a homicide:

I have been sounding the alarm about Camp East Montana, a $1.24 billion privately operated immigration detention facility funded by American taxpayers since it opened. Among the consistent concerns from detainees has been the lack of access to necessary medication, retaliation, and a number of other issues. And we have now learned that another detainee has died, and the El Paso County Medical Examiner is likely to rule it a homicide.

I reiterate what I’ve said before: this facility should be shut down and the contract terminated. It has never adhered to basic or appropriate standards to ensure the safety and dignity of the human beings in custody and it is clearly a profit-making enterprise for the corporation.

For months, I have asked Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Director Todd Lyons to provide me with information about the contract and the facility and to address the concerns I raised with them. As a member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for the House Appropriations Committee, I can unequivocally say that DHS is operating with absolutely no regard for transparency, truthfulness or regard for human life.

There must be accountability for this and other egregious violations of our values as a nation and the laws DHS is required to follow.

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Fedorchak joins colleagues in urging USDA and DOJ to identify regulations hindering ag input competition

KEY LETTER EXCERPTS:

“In 2024, nominal production expenditures per farm increased by over 39 percent

compared to 2020. These rising input costs coupled with low commodity prices have fueled an economic crisis in Rural America, and it’s why the efforts by your agencies to promote competition in the agricultural input marketplace are critical for our nation’s farmers and ranchers, especially as family farm bankruptcies increased by 55 percent in 2024 alone.

[...]

“Strong, consistent enforcement of existing antitrust provisions is critical to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace that protects America’s producers and ultimately helps to make food affordable for all consumers.

[...]

“Producers and manufacturers have long-held concerns about costly permitting and compliance obligations that federal regulations have imposed on their businesses. Overregulation not only restricts employment, limits production, and slows down the construction of new input production capacity, but it can often keep new innovations and entrants out of the marketplace, since these businesses have fewer resources to comply with a burdensome regulatory structure.

“As you partner to ensure a competitive supply chain for our farmers and ranchers, we request that you respond to this letter, by February 13, 2026, with a list of regulations across all agencies that impede competition in the marketplace for agricultural inputs.”

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

“Rising costs for fertilizer, seed, and equipment have placed enormous strain on farmers across the Cotton Belt,” said Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council. “To help these producers, we must address unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure that agricultural input markets remain fair and competitive. The National Cotton Council appreciates the leadership of Representative Arrington and other Members of Congress for bringing attention to these challenges.”

“Corn growers nationwide just finished a third consecutive year of net negative returns,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and President of the National Corn Growers Association. “Input prices remain at near-record highs as corn prices per bushel have sharply dropped. That’s why NCGA appreciates the efforts by Rep. Arrington and other members Congress to address the root causes of high input costs while supporting competition.”

“Farmers continue to face rising input costs and limited competition,” said Barry Evans, Board Member of the National Sorghum Producers. “Enforcing existing antitrust laws and reviewing regulatory barriers are important steps toward promoting fairness and choice in the agricultural marketplace.”

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Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces the Middle Class Home Tax Elimination Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced the Middle Class Home Tax Elimination Act, legislation that would eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of primary residences. This bill is designed to help increase housing supply and modernize the tax code to reflect today’s housing market realities by removing outdated limits on the capital gains exclusion that no longer protect typical homeowners.

“Eliminating the capital gains tax on the sale of primary residences is a necessary step to help middle-class families keep more of what they’ve built through years of hard work and homeownership,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “Families shouldn’t be penalized by the tax code simply because they’ve lived in their homes for years while housing prices increased. This bill restores fairness, reduces market distortions, helps unlock more housing supply for buyers, and brings stability to the housing market.”

BACKGROUND: The current exclusion of capital gains on the sale of a principal residence was enacted in 1997, with dollar limits of $250,000 for single taxpayers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. At the time, these limits were considered sufficiently high. Only a small fraction of home sales were expected to generate taxable gains. However, the exclusion amounts were not indexed for inflation or home price growth.

As a result, sustained increases in housing prices over the past two decades have significantly eroded the real value of the exclusion. Home prices have risen substantially since 1997, particularly in high-cost and rapidly growing regions. Many homeowners, especially long-term owners, now face substantial capital gains tax liability despite selling homes that are modest by local market standards. Single filers are disproportionately affected due to the lower exclusion cap, even though widowed or divorced taxpayers may have accumulated gains during periods of joint ownership. These outcomes increasingly conflict with the original intent of the exclusion, which was to shield typical homeowners from capital gains tax when selling primary residences.

Read the bill text here.

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Congressman Flood Honors Papillion Mayor David Black’s Public Service

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – This week, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) delivered remarks on the House floor recognizing Papillion Mayor David Black’s career of public service following his decision to not run for another term as mayor.

A video of Congressman Flood’s remarks can be accessed by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for reporting purposes. The full text of Congressman Flood’s speech is provided below.

Through more than two decades of service to the people of Papillion, Mayor Black helped guide the city into the thriving economic hub it is today.

This month, he announced that he will not seek reelection, concluding 17 and a half years as mayor and nearly five additional years serving the city in other roles.

Mayor Black leaves behind a strong foundation built on partnership with an exceptional professional staff and the business community.

Decades of engagement and community outreach have produced clear results, attracting firms such as Google and Facebook to expand in Papillion.

He will be deeply missed by the people of Papillion, and I am hopeful he will continue his commitment to public service in the future.

Mayor Black has more than earned the opportunity to spend additional time with his family once his final term concludes. Papillion, Mister Speaker, is a special place– and Mayor Black’s legacy is yet another example of that truth. Thank you for your outstanding public service.


Foster Introduces Legislation to Safeguard U.S. Financial System

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Enhancing Financial Stability Research and Oversight Act. The legislation would establish minimum budget and staffing levels for the Office of Financial Research (OFR) and the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), adjusted for inflation, to prevent misguided attempts to undermine our top financial stability watchdogs.

The OFR and FSOC were created as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to monitor for and address potential risks to the stability of the U.S. financial system. During Trump’s first term, his administration cut staffing at OFR and FSOC by nearly 50 percent and 18 percent, respectively. Since Trump returned to office, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed cutting FSOC's budget by 32 percent.

“I worked in Congress to help create the OFR and FSOC in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to monitor the U.S. financial system for vulnerabilities or risks that could lead to another economic crisis,” said Rep. Foster. “For years, Republicans have tried to cut funding for these agencies, which would weaken their ability to protect our economic system. This legislation would help protect the important work these agencies do and insulate them from misguided efforts that only serve to put American consumers at risk.”

A copy of the bill can be found here.

Cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Sean Casten (D-IL), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).

Congressman Foster serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions. Congressman Sherman serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets. Congresswoman Beatty serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions.

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RELEASE: Congresswoman Friedman Tours AADAP’s Mickle’s House

Above: Friedman with AADAP administrators and service providers.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) toured the Asian American Drug Abuse Program’s (AADAP) Mickle’s House, the organization’s newest Recovery House and Recovery Bridge Housing program for women in recovery, as well as their young children.

“What I saw today were hardworking members of our community stepping up to support people working to break the cycle of addiction and improve their mental health. That’s something we should all applaud,” said U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Unfortunately, the Trump administration has once again created chaos by abruptly attempting to rip key investments in public health. Time and again, they’ve shown that they want to cut healthcare to pay for their billionaire tax cuts. I will always stand against these misguided priorities and fight for our communities.”

AADAP has served Los Angeles County for more than 50 years, offering holistic, person-centered services for substance use recovery and prevention, in addition to mental health counseling, case management, workforce development, and temporary supportive housing. The AADAP’s Mickle’s House specifically provides a safe and family-centered approach to housing and healing that is meant to help families transition to long–term stability and independence.

Just 6 months into her first year in office, Friedman led the charge to claw back more than $19 million for HIV prevention services that were previously frozen by the Trump Administration without explanation. In November, Friedman stood alongside community-based organizations like My Friend’s Place to highlight the impacts of federal policy rollbacks, including the Trump Administration’s refusal to disburse SNAP funds during the most recent government shutdown.

Below: Friedman tours AADAP’s Mickle’s House.

Below: Friedman with AADAP administrators and service providers.

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RELEASE: Congresswoman Friedman Tours Port of Los Angeles Amid Trump’s Renewed Tariff Threats

Above: Friedman speaks with Port of Los Angeles authorities.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) toured the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California with port representatives and leadership. The cohort discussed key issues including the impact of tariffs, supply chain resilience, international trade, and workforce development.

“What I’ve seen on this tour reaffirms my belief that every time Trump threatens a trade war or a new set of tariffs, local jobs suffer and prices rise.” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “That’s why I’m proud to be helping lead the charge to end Trump's tariffs once and for all, so that we can finally cut costs for hardworking Americans.”

The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the United States. Along with the Port of Long Beach, it handles roughly one third of US imports and is central to US-Asia trade and global competitiveness. Activity at the Port of Los Angeles helps support hundreds of thousands of jobs regionally and millions of jobs nationally, particularly in trucking, rail, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing.

Friedman is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation, including the maritime transportation that feeds into America’s ports, as well as the highways, bridges, and railroads that allow for the transportation of goods from ports to consumers. She has fought against President Trump’s destructive tariff policies and put affordability front and center in her legislative goals. She is helping lead the bipartisan Tariff Review Act of 2025, a bill that will help end President Trump’s unnecessary tariffs and lower prices for Americans. She has also rallied against Trump’s earlier threats of an unrealistic 100% tariffs on foreign films, and has instead championed a national film tax credit.

Below: Friedman listens to a presentation from Port of Los Angeles executives.

Below: Friedman tours the Port of Los Angeles.

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RELEASE: Representative Friedman Attends 55th Annual YMCA-LA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast

Above: Program from the YMCA LA 55th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) joined thousands of community members and leaders at YMCA-Los Angeles’ 55th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast. This annual event celebrates the legacy of Dr. King and honors notable community members that have worked towards fulfilling his dream of equal opportunity and treatment for all Americans.

“Dr. King’s legacy is one of deep service to community and the relentless pursuit of justice through incredible adversity. I’ll continue to reflect on his legacy as a guiding light as we work in Congress to build a more just and fair America for everyone.” said U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Today and every day, I hope we can all continue to be inspired by Dr. King’s unyielding moral convictions as we fight for a better future.”

In both the California Assembly and in Congress, Friedman has led her colleagues in combatting discrimination and hate, like when the Coast Guard recently proposed to downgrade the swastika and noose from hate symbols to “potentially divisive”.

Below: Friedman with Mountain View School District Board of Education Member Cindy Wu.

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Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Urges President Trump to Protect Student Loan Borrowers’ Paychecks

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—As prices on everyday goods continue to rise from tariffs and millions of Americans see their health care premiums skyrocket, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged President Trump today to ensure his Administration does not garnish up to 15% of wages from student loan borrowers who have defaulted on payments and work with Congress to protect Americans’ paychecks and prevent irreparable damage to the economy. Despite the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of a delay on wage garnishment, it remains unclear how long this temporary pause will be in effect.

Congressman Gonzalez writes, “As you may know, an estimated five million borrowers across the country have defaulted on their student loans, including an estimated 461,000 in the State of Texas – that is a collective debt of $1.67 trillion. In Texas alone, the defaulted debt is $9.5 million. To put things further into perspective, the median wage in the 34th Congressional District of Texas is $55,000 with the average student debt being $22,309. Many of my constituents are already having to choose between paying down debt or covering the necessities. Garnishing wages will only push families into further financial hardship.”

“Furthermore, borrowers who default will see their credit ratings plumet and encounter difficulties in purchasing homes, cars, and accessing credit cards further hindering any chance at upward economic mobility,” the Congressman continued.

In addition to potential wage garnishment, the U.S. Department of Education has taken steps to limit student loan repayment options that were designed to help keep monthly payments low for working Americans. This includes a pending agreement to eliminate the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan, which provided the most affordable and flexible option for borrowers. Once again, the Administration is creating an economic crisis of its own making while having the authority to enact immediate relief.

In the letter, Congressman Gonzalez also writes, “The federal student loan moratorium was the right call by your previous Administration. This was instrumental in ensuring millions of Americans stayed afloat as they found ways to pay back their student debt. It is imperative we protect our students who want to better themselves through education and not punish them for their pursuit of a better life and well-paying jobs.”

“I urge you and your Administration to act swiftly and reverse this decision and put America first. I stand ready to work with you to find an alternative such as a moratorium on collection or a bailout similar to the one provided to Argentina,” the Congressman concludes.

The letter in full can be read here.

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Congressman Johnson Leads Dem Push To Protect Workers From Deadly Silicosis

Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet Argues: Courts Are Place to Resolve Disputes Not Granting Blanket Immunity to Big-Money Donors of Donald Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property,

Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet held a hearing entitled: “Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Protecting the U.S. Stone Slab Industry from Lawfare,” a Republican attempt to curry favor with big-money donors of Donald Trump who manufacture artificial stone counter tops, not to protect workers’ health, safety and ability to unionize.

The following are Congressman Johnson’s opening remarks:

Workers across the country are getting sick and dying of an entirely preventable disease. This disease is called silicosis. And it happens when silica dust and other toxic materials are inhaled into the lungs over and over again. Toxic particles are trapped deep inside workers’ lungs, leaving them struggling to breathe. Silicosis has no cure, and it is a death sentence.

Many of us from Georgia hear silicosis, and we think of the men and women who worked in the mines their whole lives. But this silicosis epidemic is caused by working with a material called artificial stone, and it makes workers sick faster and younger. Doctors are seeing patients in their 20s and 30s—men with families and young children—so sick that they require double lung transplants. So sick that they can no longer work and no longer provide for their families. So sick that they slowly suffocate to death.

Artificial stone produces dangerous toxins when cut, and there is no way to use an artificial stone slab without cutting it. Artificial stone has a higher concentration of silica and the particles it produces are smaller, which can evade safety standards on the books for handling products with silica.

So why are we having this hearing today? Surely, we must be here to talk about how Congress can protect workers from artificial stone silicosis? No.

Maybe we’re here to talk about how the workplace safety standards currently in place aren’t doing enough to keep artificial stone workers healthy? Not that either.

Perhaps we’re here to discuss how we can make it easier for stone fabrication workers to unionize so that they can negotiate better health and safety protections for themselves? Still no.

So, if not to address the problem of workers being poisoned on the job, why did my colleagues across the aisle call this hearing? Apparently, it’s to give a handout to a millionaire friend of Donald Trump.

The bill behind today’s hearing would give blanket immunity to artificial stone manufacturers and suppliers, preventing injured workers from seeking justice in court. It would dismiss the hundreds of cases pending against these manufacturers. And Congress would make a multi-millionaire CEO’s problems go away, while the workers who cut, grind, polish, and install his product struggle to make ends meet.

For those of you who are saying someone else is to blame — that employers are the real villains: Our courts determine liability all the time. People petition the court, have their grievances heard, a judge and jury consider the evidence, and a judgement is rendered. Manufacturers are asking for a different scenario. One where the deep pockets go to Congress, Congress makes a snap judgement, and the big businesses never have to go to court again.

That’s not how our justice system is supposed to work, and I condemn the blatant misuse of this Committee to shield corporations at the expense of the American worker.

I am not here to give artificial stone manufacturers a bailout today. I am here today for Mitchell Boulware [BOWL-ware], a Georgia resident who owned and worked at a stone fabrication shop for over two decades. Mitch and his son Jacob—who started working in the shop as a teenager—have both been diagnosed with silicosis. Because of shortness of breath and constant fatigue, Mitch is no longer able to work. Workers like Mitch and Jacob have every right to go to the courts and ask for justice from those who caused them harm. And it is unconscionable to propose that we take that right away from them.

So, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this hearing. Not because I support this bill. But because this hearing has provided the opportunity to tell the stories of workers like Mitch and Jacob. Workers who deserve our attention and our respect are dying. And they deserve the opportunity, like everyone else working in this country, to bring their case to court.

To watch his opening remarks, click HERE.

To watch the entire hearing, click HERE.


Declaración Oficial del Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández tras el indulto a la exgobernadora Wanda Vázquez

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January 16, 2026

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, emitió la siguiente declaración tras los reportes del indulto otorgado por el presidente Donald Trump a la exgobernadora de Puerto Rico, Wanda Vázquez.

“La impunidad protege y promueve la corrupción. El indulto a la exgobernadora Wanda Vázquez debilita la integridad pública, lacera la confianza en la justicia y ofende a los que creemos en el gobierno honesto.” dijo el Comisionado Residente.

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Puerto Rico’s Federal Representative Issues Statement on Reported Pardon of Former Governor Wanda Vázquez

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, issued the following statement after reports of President Donald Trump granting a pardon to former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez.

“Impunity protects and fosters corruption. The pardon granted to former Governor Wanda Vázquez undermines public integrity, shatters faith in justice, and offends those of us who believe in honest governance,” said the Resident Commissioner.

Former Governor Wanda Vázquez is a Republican affiliated with Puerto Rico’s New Progressive Party (PNP), which is also the party of the Island’s current Governor. The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, is a Democrat affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and serves as Puerto Rico’s sole representative in the United States Congress.

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Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández of Puerto Rico serves as the Island’s only representative in the United States Congress, representing nearly 3.2 million people.


Huffman, Colleagues Unveil PARK Act to Block Trump’s Plan to Force Nation to Celebrate His Birthday

President Donald Trump recently cancelled free admission to national parks on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth, instead instituting free admission on his birthday

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), unveiled the Preventing Authoritarian Resource Kidnapping or PARK Act, which would block President Trump from making admission to national parks free on his birthday, alongside Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01).

"Donald Trump thinks our national parks should celebrate him like royalty while erasing the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth,” said Rep. Huffman. “It's pathetic, it's un-American, and it tells you everything you need to know about this president's priorities. Our national parks represent the best of America: our shared heritage, our natural treasures, our commitment to equality, not a shrine to one man's fragile ego. Our PARK Act will put American values back where they belong—above any president's vanity.”

“Donald Trump never learned ‘leave no trace.’ Now he’s once again trying to dirty our National Parks with self-absorbed antics,” said Rep. Amo. “Cancelling free admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth, while promoting his own birthday is perverse and wrong. I’m proud to introduce the PARK Act and push back against this madness. National Parks belong to all of us, not a President focused on selfishness, not service.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

This bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Dan and Goldman (D-NY).

Background

Trump has long sought to leave his mark on our National Parks. He has said that he would like to be on Mount Rushmore, and Republicans in Congress introduced a bill to mar the memorial with his visage. As of January 1st, 2026, his face appears on many National Park Service admission passes.

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Huffman, Dingell, Beyer Lead Over 80 Congressional Democrats Demanding Trump Withdraw Attack on Endangered Species Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, 87 Congressional Democrats demanded the Trump administration withdraw four proposed rules that would blow massive holes in the Endangered Species Act — the law that has saved 99 percent of listed species from extinction.

In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and ESA Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virg.) warned the changes would gut environmental review, strip protections from hundreds of vulnerable species, and let politics override science in listing decisions—all while the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service face unprecedented staffing and budget shortfalls thanks to the Trump administration.

"These sweeping changes would fundamentally weaken our nation's most important wildlife conservation law at a time when one million species face extinction globally," wrote the lawmakers. "We urge the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw these proposed rulemakings and instead work to implement the ESA as Congress intended: any regulatory changes should further the objectives of the ESA to conserve species and prevent extinction."

The ESA has prevented more than 99 percent of listed species from going extinct and has helped hundreds move toward recovery. Section 7 consultations typically take just two weeks for informal review and two months for formal review—contrary to conventional wisdom, the ESA does not stop projects from moving forward. According to one peer-reviewed study, the ESA did not halt a single project between 2008 and 2015.

The lawmakers highlighted how the proposed rules would:

Gut Section 7 consultation requirements by letting agencies claim project impacts "would occur regardless of whether the proposed action goes forward" — a loophole that could exempt highways, pipelines, and development projects from meaningful scrutiny;

Strip protections from threatened species by rescinding the "blanket 4(d) rule" that extends baseline protections to all threatened species, creating dangerous years-long protection gaps that resource-agencies can’t fill. The blanket 4(d) rule provides automatic protections to species such as the piping plover and the West Indian Manatee, species listed as threatened in the future would not receive those same baseline protections; and

Let politics override science by injecting cherry-picked 'economic considerations into listing decisions. Congress explicitly required that listing decisions be based solely on the best available science, not on arbitrary evaluations of certain impacts or political pressures.

"With reduced staff and resources, the Services should prioritize addressing the backlog of species awaiting protection and advancing recovery efforts for those already listed, rather than redirecting attention to rewriting long-standing and effective regulations," continued the lawmakers. "Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we should be working to uphold and strengthen the ESA, not weaken it."

The letter notes that roughly 90 percent of listed species are threatened by habitat loss, making the proposed restrictions on critical habitat designation particularly damaging to recovery efforts.

Read the full letter here.

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