De La Cruz, South Texas Leaders Meet with Speaker Johnson on Immigration

This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and South Texas community leaders met with Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss her proposals for key reforms to immigration policies, specifically legislation to streamline visa programs and ease workforce shortages, particularly in the agriculture and construction industries.

Following their meeting, De La Cruz hosted a meeting with White House officials to continue discussions on her immigration proposals as a part of her South Texas (STX) Days district fly-in.

"Speaker Johnson and White House officials are engaged and have heard our concerns for common-sense policies to bridge gaps in our immigration system and protect the American dream. On behalf of South Texas, I am fighting to deliver solutions to ensure our South Texas communities remain prosperous." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

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DELAURO, LARSON, COURTNEY APPLAUD $230 MILLION CONTRACT FOR F135 ENGINE PRODUCTION

Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the U.S. Navy’s announcement of a $230.6 million contract to support the production of F135 engines. Work will be performed at Pratt & Whitney and a myriad of suppliers in East Hartford, Cromwell, Manchester, Middletown, Cheshire, and other locations across the country.

“This new contract will help maintain Connecticut’s leadership in aerospace manufacturing on the world stage, supporting an additional 138 F135 engines built right here at Pratt & Whitney,” the members said. “Investing in the F135 engine ensures our allies and military services have the most state-of-the-art technology and equipment, supporting our military readiness and global security. We will continue to work together as a delegation to support the dedicated machinists and engineers across our state, whose hard work will keep the eagle flying for years to come.”


DeLauro, Sanders, 167 Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Guarantee Paid Sick Leave to Every American Worker

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced legislation that would ensure the United States finally joins virtually every other major country on Earth in guaranteeing paid sick leave to its workers.

Sanders and DeLauro were joined on the legislation by 29 Senators and by 138 House members.

“Federal law does not guarantee working Americans a single paid sick day,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “No one should face the impossible choice of either caring for their health or keeping their paycheck, especially during the current cost of living crisis. But nearly 27 million hard-working people must make this decision every time they get sick. Not only is it the right thing to do, but a lack of paid sick days hurts the American economy by reducing productivity, increasing the spread of illness which leads to higher healthcare costs, and causes financial strain on workers. That is why I am proud to sponsor this effort with Senator Sanders to ensure that workers are able to follow the directive of public health officials and stay home when they are sick without the fear of losing their paycheck.”

“It is an international embarrassment that the United States of America remains the only major country on earth not to guarantee paid sick days to workers. Working together, we must end that embarrassment,” Sanders said. “It is not radical to ensure that every worker in America receive the paid sick days that they need. What is radical is that we have corporations in America making billions in profits and denying paid leave to working moms and dads when their kids get sick. That’s radical.”

The U.S. today remains the only major country in the world that does not provide paid time off for short-term illnesses. Currently, nearly 27 million workers lack any paid sick time entirely, including 20% of the private sector workforce and 7% of the public sector workforce. Things are worse for low-income workers and households, with just 58% of low-income, private-sector workers able to access paid sick days. Without guaranteed paid sick leave, workers are forced to make untenable choices between getting a paycheck and keeping their jobs on the one hand and caring for their own and their family’s health on the other.

Workers without paid sick leave are three times more likely to delay or forgo necessary health care for themselves and nearly twice as likely to forgo medical care for their families compared to working adults with paid sick days. However, workers with access to paid sick leave are 28% less likely to suffer nonfatal occupational injuries, and employers who provide paid sick leave see 25% less turnover in their workforce. According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a universal paid sick days policy would reduce preventable visits to the emergency room and result in cost savings of $1.1 billion per year, including $500 million in savings for public health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The Healthy Families Act would:

Guarantee every worker in America up to seven paid sick days each year, to be used to recover from their own illnesses, access preventive care, provide care to a sick family member or attend school meetings related to a child’s health condition or disability.

Simplify how employers calculate paid sick leave. Workers would earn at least one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours per year.

Allow employers to use their existing policies if they exceed minimum standards.

Allow victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault to use their paid sick days to recover or seek assistance

More than 120 organizations endorsed the Healthy Families Act, including 88 organizations, including AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Auto Workers (UAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), International Association of Machinists (IAM), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), National Partnership for Women & Families, A Better Balance.

Read the bill text here.

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DelBene Leads Call to Protect Women, Children by Removing Anti-vax OB/GYNs from Vaccine Panel

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Kelly Morrison, MD (MN-03) led 44 of their colleagues calling for the removal of two recently appointed anti-vax OB/GYNs to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In January, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed OB/GYNs Dr. Adam Urato and Dr. Kimberly Biss to ACIP, both of whom are well-documented anti-vaxers.

“What was once a trusted panel of vaccine experts has become a hand-selected group of unqualified vaccine skeptics who have undermined years of scientific integrity and vetted public health practices,” the lawmakers wrote to Kennedy.

Urato has said that vaccine science is not “long-settled.” In 2023, he posted a link to a study that looked at vaccines and breastfeeding, saying, “we don’t know the risks this poses.” Studies show that breastfeeding after COVID-19 vaccines is safe.

Dr. Biss said that after COVID-19 she was now “anti-vaccine.” At a congressional hearing in November 2023, Dr. Biss repeated the false claim that taking the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy increased the risk of miscarriage.

“We are deeply concerned that the addition of Dr. Urato and Dr. Biss to ACIP do not make pregnant women and their children healthier. Instead, their false, harmful ideologies put women and their children’s lives at risk. The opinions of Dr. Urato and Dr. Biss are not founded in evidence-based science, but in anti-vaccine rhetoric that harms public health as a whole,” the letter continues.

The medical community broadly rejects the connection between COVID-19 and miscarriages. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant and breastfeeding women receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or booster. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) also strongly recommends that pregnant women receive the vaccine.

In June 2025, Sec. Kennedy fired all 17 sitting ACIP members, which has put all Americans at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles, COVID-19, and even polio.

“We urge you to remove vaccine skeptics from ACIP and reinstate the 17 experts who were previously fired,” the lawmakers conclude.

The letter is joined by Representatives Becca Balint (VT‑AL), Nanette Díaz Barragán (CA‑44), Sean Casten (IL‑06), Emanuel Cleaver (MO‑05), Steve Cohen (TN‑09), Herbert Conaway (NJ‑03), Angie Craig (MN‑02), April McClain Delaney (MD‑06), Maxine Dexter (OR‑03), Debbie Dingell (MI‑06), Lizzie Fletcher (TX‑07), John Garamendi (CA‑08), Robert Garcia (CA‑42), Jimmy Gomez (CA‑34), Pramila Jayapal (WA‑07), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Rick Larsen (WA‑02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA‑04), Seth Moulton (MA‑06), Donald Norcross (NJ‑01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC‑AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA‑19), Brittany Pettersen (CO‑07), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA‑29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL‑09), Terri Sewell (AL‑07), Brad Sherman (CA‑32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Greg Stanton (AZ‑04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).


Deluzio Statement on Detention of Springdale Resident Randy Cordova Flores

"My office is in touch with the family and lawyer of Springdale resident Randy Cordova Flores, a Peruvian-born father who was arrested and detained by ICE following a traffic stop this week. According to the family and to all reporting I am aware of, Mr. Cordova Flores has a pending asylum determination, a valid work authorization, and no criminal record. Once again, we need answers to basic questions about the reason for his arrest and why our government is seeking to remove him from the country. I'll keep fighting for answers and accountability."


Rep. Donalds Hosts Dedication Ceremony of the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery

WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), in collaboration with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), hosted a dedication ceremony for the formal designation of the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery in the U.S. Capitol Building.

Congressman Byron Donalds, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) gave remarks celebrating the passage of House Resolution 137 and the formal dedication of the House Press Gallery after Frederick Douglass.

"It is an honor to be here as we dedicate this gallery to a man who truly understood the weight of words. Today, in the U.S. Capitol, we pay a debt of gratitude to a quintessential American hero. When we talk about Frederick Douglass, we are talking about a man who possessed a profound and unshakeable faith in America's founding," said Congressman Byron Donalds. "By putting his name here, we are setting a standard for every journalist which occupies those seats... Let today be a reminder to all of us that we are stewards of a republic that was bought with the courage of men and women like Frederick Douglass. Let us all make sure that we strive to live up to that example. God bless you all. Thank you for being here today. God bless America."

Watch the full dedication ceremony HERE.

Watch Congressman Donalds' full remarks HERE.

Background:

The resolution was introduced on February 14, 2025 to honor the 207th birthday of Frederick Douglass and designated the House Press Gallery (United States Capitol Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319) as the “Frederick Douglass Press Gallery."

H.Res.137 – "The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution" was co-sponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Burgess Owens (R-UT), John James (R-MI) and was advanced to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 2, 2025.

On June 9, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Donalds-resolution H.Res.137 – "The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution" by unanimous, bipartisan, voice vote to officially name the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery after the legendary abolitionist, writer, and statesman.

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Whip Emmer statement on Border Czar Tom Homan’s Operation Metro Surge announcement

WASHINGTON – House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) released the following statement in response to Border Czar Tom Homan announcing the conclusion of the immigration enforcement surge in the Twin Cities.

Whip Emmer: “Job well done, Tom Homan. Local law enforcement is now cooperating with federal law enforcement in Tim Walz's Minnesota, thanks to President Trump's leadership. We are hopeful that this partnership will continue—without local or state interference—to ensure the worst of the worst are being removed from our communities.”


Escobar, Vasquez, Heinrich, Luján Demand Classified Briefing on Air Space Closure

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) sent a letter to the Secretaries of the Departments of Transportation, Defense, and Homeland Security demanding a classified briefing on the closure of air space in and around El Paso, Texas and Southern New Mexico earlier this week.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here:

"Dear Secretary Duffy, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Noem,

"We write to you today with urgency concerning the significant impact of the closure of air space in and around El Paso, Texas and Southern New Mexico. In conjunction with on-going operations and activities along the southern border, these unprecedented Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) of airspace for 10 calendar days above the El Paso International Airport and in Southern New Mexico by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created widespread fear, uncertainty and chaos in the region while disrupting commercial, medical, private, and military aviation activities. This has also resulted in the rapid spreading of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

"Hours after the execution of the TFRs, the FAA withdrew the restrictions around El Paso and failed to provideany context or description as to the justification for any of their actions. And the TFR in Southern New Mexico remains in place, also without explanation.

"We are urgently requesting a classified briefing on what occurred, with representatives from your agencies made available to speak to the roles they played, acknowledge where the failed communication occurred, and share the steps you are taking to ensure a future crisis of this nature will not reoccur. Events like this are inexcusable and cause lasting degradation of trust among communities with their local and national leaders. We look forward to the briefing."


Rep. Estes Introduces Legislation to Delay Efficiency Adjustment; Benefiting Kansas Doctors

Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) introduced legislation, H.R. 7520, that addresses the efficiency adjustment in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule by delaying the adjustment to ensure it is more targeted and thoughtful. Currently, the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule introduced a new “efficiency adjustment” policy, and this mandate assumes perpetual efficiency gains in physician services, leading to recurring reimbursement reductions.

The policy reduces work Relative Value Units (RVUs) and intra-service time for all non-time-based codes by 2.5% in 2026, with additional cuts every three years. CMS assumes services are becoming faster, yet studies show 90% of procedures had the same or longer operative times in 2023 compared to 2019.

Additionally, the 2.5% cut is a flat rate based on general economy-wide labor productivity rather than actual clinical work or direct patient complexity. Because many physician employment contracts use work RVUs to calculate pay, these cuts will decrease compensation and threaten patient access.

Lastly, this cut occurs as practice operational costs have increased 59% since 2001, resulting in a 33% decline in inflation-adjusted physician pay.

Rep. Estes legislation addresses concerns voiced by Kansas Doctors and National Doctors groups regarding this efficiency adjustment which calls for a delay while we work through how to ensure the adjustment is targeted and thoughtful to physicians nationwide.

“Paying physicians properly is one of the only ways to ensure continued access and quality care for patients nationwide. As your representative in Congress, it is my duty to respond to concerns and fight for our Kansas Doctors such as the concerns raised with this efficiency adjustment,” Rep. Estes said. “Our physicians in Kansas and across our country are committed to the health and wellbeing of all Americans, and I will continue to fight in their best interest in Washington.”

“Doctors are overwhelmed as it is. They’re suffering from record rates of burnout while spending more time filling out paperwork than with their patients. Asking them to work even faster without properly understanding what actually affects procedure times doesn’t make sense,” Rep. Tom Suozzi said. “This bipartisan bill delays an unvetted and potentially harmful policy from taking effect too haphazardly. Let’s take care of the people who take care of us and make sure they have the time, tools, and support to provide quality care for their patients."

“The 2.5% reduction to work Relative Value Units (RVUs) that went into effect on January 1 is detrimental to surgeons’ ability to provide quality care. Recent research shows that operative times have increased on average by 3% since 2019 as patient complexity has risen. This critical legislation will put a stop to the flawed across-the-board reduction until CMS is able to provide data on why it is necessary to do such an adjustment.

At a time when too many patients are seeing access to essential medical care delayed, we cannot allow another reduction in the structure of physician payments to drive even more physicians out of medical practice. We must stabilize payments to enable surgeons and physicians to keep their practices open so that they can continue to serve their patients.

Congress must step in immediately and stop the implementation of this flawed plan that will negatively impact surgeons and will limit access to care for millions of vulnerable patients. We thank Congressman Estes and Congressman Suozzi for their leadership on this critical issue,” Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA FACS, Executive Director and CEO of the American College of Surgeons said.

"As healthcare professionals, we all strive to provide timely, well-organized care to patients," Michael L. Parks, MD, FAAOS, Second Vice President of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons said. "The assumption from CMS that all services become more efficient over time, however, goes against established research and surgeons' firsthand experience. By ensuring that all codes are valued accurately, The Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act safeguards access to care by reducing financial strain for patients and physicians."

“The Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act builds on Congress’ recognition that cuts fuel consolidation to the detriment of physicians and their patients,” Alexander A. Khalessi, MD, MBA, Chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee for Neurological Surgery said. “It helps ensure any future changes to work RVUs are grounded in empirical evidence and stakeholder input. We applaud Representatives Estes and Suozzi for their leadership and urge Congress to advance this legislation.”

You may click HERE to read the full legislation.

You may click HERE to read a letter from over 30 organizations supporting this legislation.

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Ezell Receives Main Street Policy Impact Award for Leadership Supporting Small Businesses

This week, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) was honored with the inaugural Main Street Policy Impact Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing policies that strengthen Main Street economic development across South Mississippi and nationwide.

The award recognizes extraordinary efforts at the federal level to support revitalization of downtown districts and commercial corridors through the Main Street movement. Across the country, more than 1,200 communities in 45 states participate in Main Street programs focused on preservation-based, asset-driven economic growth.

“I’m honored to receive the Main Street Policy Impact Award,” Ezell said. “Main Street businesses are the backbone of communities across South Mississippi. From Pascagoula to Hattiesburg to Gulfport, our local businesses drive job creation, preserve our unique character, and fuel economic opportunity. I will continue working to advance policies that help our small businesses grow and thrive.”

Background:

Ezell has been a strong advocate for Main Street programs throughout Mississippi’s Fourth District. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has supported efforts to dedicate federal resources toward economic development initiatives that benefit local business districts.

In May 2025, Ezell joined Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02) in introducing the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program, legislation designed to streamline support for local business district organizations and strengthen small business development efforts.

The award was presented during the Main Street on Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., where leaders from across the nation gathered to celebrate the impact of Main Street revitalization efforts on small business growth, community preservation, and civic infrastructure.

Ezell remains committed to championing policies that empower local communities, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen Mississippi’s economy from the ground up.


Feenstra Helps Lead Legislation Honoring Fallen Iowa National Guardsmen with Renaming Veterans Affairs Clinics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), alongside the full Iowa delegation, helped lead legislation, The Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act, to honor the lives and service of Sergeant Nate Howard of Marshalltown and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar of Des Moines, who were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria. The legislation would rename two U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in their memory.

The VA clinic in Des Moines, will be renamed as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic’’ and the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department in Marshalltown will be named the ‘‘Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”

“Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Sergeant Nate Howard and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar— real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow service members from an attack in Syria,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m grateful to help introduce this legislation with the Iowa Delegation to rename two VA facilities in their honor to ensure their legacy of service endures, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. My thoughts remain with the Gold Star Families of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state.”

“Iowa lost two of its own when Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard gave their lives in defense of our country. They wore the uniform with honor, stood for something bigger than themselves, and represented the very best of the Iowa National Guard. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor will ensure their legacy endures as a permanent tribute to two Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice.” said Rep. Nunn.

"Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedoms, and it’s an honor to help ensure these VA facilities carry the names of Nate and Edgar, who gave everything for our country,” said Rep. Hinson. “This is a tribute to not just their service, but their families who stood beside them, and every veteran who receives care here will do so in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come."

“As a 24-year Army veteran, I’m honored to join the Iowa Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sgt Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Howard and Staff Sgt Edgar Torres-Tovar,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “These brave Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor ensures their legacy lives on, a lasting reminder of their courage, commitment, and the deep gratitude of a nation they served with distinction.”

“We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay,” said Sen. Ernst. “These brave Iowans paid the ultimate price while defending our nation’s freedoms, and now, it is our duty to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. I’m honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of their service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans. The legacy of Iowa’s heroes will continue to live on.”

“We are forever indebted to Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar for their dedication and service, both to the people of Iowa and to the United States. They represent the best of us, and that’s why the entire Iowa congressional delegation supports this important measure. Placing their names on these two facilities will ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, especially by their hometowns,” said Sen. Grassley.

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Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against Legislation To Increase Voter Suppression and Disenfranchise Voters

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against the SAVE America Act, H.R. 7296, a bill that adds burdensome documentation requirements for every American seeking to register or re-register to vote, including those who have moved, changed parties, or changed their names. Under this bill, when registering or re-registering to vote, Americans would have to provide documents proving their citizenship like a passport or birth certificate. This would create significant barriers for the 50 percent of Americans that do not have a passport, as well as for the nearly 70 million married women that have changed their names and therefore can no longer use their birth certificate alone to prove their citizenship.

“We all agree that only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, and that only American citizens should vote in those elections. And that is why that is already the law,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “This bill is a solution in search of a problem. Worse, it is a solution that creates problems. It creates problems for women who have gotten married and whose birth certificate needed to prove citizenship no longer matches their legal name. It creates problems and adds expense for Americans who do not have passports to prove citizenship. And now, it includes new provisions requiring states to give voter rolls to the Trump administration after the President’s claim that he wants to take over elections.

“I support efforts to ensure our elections are safe and secure and that all American voters can cast their votes safely, securely, and without obstruction, but this bill does not do that. For these reasons, I voted no on this bill today.”

If enacted, H.R. 7296 would:

Functionally eliminate online voter registration, voter registration drives, and mail-in voter registration—three popular methods of registration—because H.R. 7296 specifies that applicants who register by mail must present their documentation in person;

Impose red tape on nearly 70 million women voting. Most women who changed their name upon marriage have a different surname on their birth certificate than on their current photo ID. If those married women do not have a passport to use instead of their birth certificate, they will be forced to produce a signed affidavit proving their identity if the name on their ID is different from their proof of citizenship document;

Force states to hand over their voter rolls to the Trump administration as part of its effort to “take over” American elections; and

Require voters to show a photo ID to vote.

Congresswoman Fletcher voted against a previous version of H.R. 7296 in April.

Congresswoman Fletcher is an original co-sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, H.R. 14, which restores the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and restores federal oversight for states with a recent history of voter discrimination.


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To End President Trump’s Reckless, Costly Tariffs on Canada

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for H.J.Res.72, legislation to terminate the national emergency declared by President Trump to justify imposing tariffs on all imports from Canada.

“President Trump promised he would deliver lower costs for Americans—but his actions have had the opposite effect,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “President Trump’s reckless tariffs constitute the largest tax increases in our history, burdening our economy and businesses and targeting our partners and allies. President Trump never had the legal authority to levy these tariffs in the first place, and by voting to end President Trump’s manufactured grounds for imposing these tariffs, Democrats and a few Republicans in Congress have taken an important step toward reasserting Congressional authority and making life more affordable for people in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across our country.”

In June, Congresswoman Fletcher signed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.J.Res.72 after Speaker Johnson refused to allow the House to bring this legislation up for a vote. A discharge petition is a legislative tool in the House of Representatives that allows a majority of members to force a bill to the floor for a vote by the full chamber, even if the Speaker of the House opposes it.

The bill passed by a vote of 219-211 and now heads to the Senate. If the bill becomes law, the emergency will be terminated, and the tariffs on Canada resulting from it will no longer be in place.

Congresswoman Fletcher is Co-Chair of the American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, a bipartisan coalition dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen the economic and security relationship between the United States and Canada.

Since President Trump started his trade wars in April, Congresswoman Fletcher has co-sponsored several other bills to terminate these tariffs and to prevent the President from unilaterally imposing tariffs, including the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, H.R. 2888; the Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025, H.R. 1903; the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, H.R. 2459; and the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, H.R. 2464.


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Push the Courts To Reverse Trump Administration’s Termination of $250 Million in Solar Funding for Harris County

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) led 81 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief in support of Harris County’s lawsuit against the Trump administration for terminating the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Solar for All program.

“Solar for All is one of the most important affordable energy programs in our country’s history,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “The Trump administration’s decision to terminate Solar for All was not just reckless — it was unlawful. Congress established the Solar for All program. Congress appropriated the funds for it. No president or political appointee can unilaterally eliminate a program Congress has created. We created this program to serve every American, in red states and blue states alike. We wanted to make sure that families from El Paso to Elkhart, Amarillo to Austin, and Houston to Harlingen could all share in the prosperity of America’s energy future. That is why Harris County is suing — not for politics, but for principle — and why I am glad to join Congressman Cleaver and Senator Whitehouse in this effort to support Harris County.

“I am grateful to all of my colleagues who joined us, especially our newest, Congressman Christian Menefee, who filed this lawsuit as Harris County Attorney,” concluded Congresswoman Fletcher.

“The Solar For All program was created by Congress, funded by Congress, and signed into law to lower energy costs for working families while accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. “This administration does not have the authority to unilaterally dismantle a program established by statute. That’s not how our Constitution works. This amicus brief defends both the rule of law and the communities – like those across Missouri - that were counting on these investments to reduce utility bills, create jobs, and confront the climate crisis. I am grateful to Congresswoman Fletcher and Senator Whitehouse for the collaboration on this effort and to all of my colleagues who joined us.”

The Solar for All program is a $7 billion investment to help working families lower their electricity bills, strengthen local economies, and build a more resilient future. Harris County won one of the program’s largest awards: $250 million to deliver solar and battery storage to more than 28,000 low-income and working-class households throughout the community. Families were set to save an average of $468 per year in energy costs before the program’s termination.

In October, Congresswoman Fletcher and Congressman Cleaver led their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the Trump administration to reinstate the Solar for All program.

74 House Democrats joined Congresswoman Fletcher and Congressman Cleaver in signing the amicus brief.

Senator Whitehouse led this effort in the Senate, where eight Democratic Senators joined the amicus brief.

To read the full text of the amicus brief, click here.


Goldman, Jacobs Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to Student Loan Borrowers

The Average New York State Borrower Owes $38,000 In Student Loans

Trump Administration Has Rolled Back Biden-Era Repayment Programs, Making It More Difficult For Borrowers To Pay Down Their Debt

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Generating Relief for Academic Debt Using Assisted Tax Efficiency (GRADUATE) Act, legislation that would allow student loan borrowers to deduct their student loan payments, including accrued interest, from their taxable income. The student loan interest tax deduction has not been raised since 2001, while borrowing costs have risen unsustainably for students nationwide. The GRADUATE Act addresses the student loan crisis by enacting a long overdue increase of the current $2,500 tax deduction benefit for student loan interest payments and expanding coverage for payments towards the loan principal. Reps. Robert Garcia (CA-42), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Shomari Figures (AL-02), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) cosponsor this legislation.

“Student loan debt is crippling young people,” said Rep. Goldman. “As the Trump Administration makes it harder for borrowers to tackle their debt, and consequently leaves them less likely to become homeowners, start a family, or save for retirement, we need to take immediate action. This legislation makes a long overdue update to the student loan interest tax deduction and helps ensure that graduates seeking the American Dream can pay off their loans and build a successful life.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs said, “Millions of people – especially Millennials – can’t afford to have kids, buy a home, or start a business because of their crushing student debt from decades earlier. And unfortunately, President Trump has taken away the few levers that people had for relief, worsening this crisis even more. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the GRADUATE Act, which would allow borrowers to deduct their student loan payments from their taxable income, so they can pay off their debt and achieve their goals faster.”

The student loan debt crisis gripping Americans has exploded over the last three decades, with nearly 43 million borrowers owing a total of $1.8 trillion in debt. Student loans are the second largest source of consumer debt in the country— driven by rising tuition costs, cuts to education spending, and financial aid that has not kept pace. Rising out-of-pocket costs for student borrowers increases the barriers to higher education and burdens them long after graduation, making it more difficult to purchase a home, start a family, save money for retirement, start a small business, and may even lead to default. Ensuring higher education remains affordable and accessible to all in the United States is an economic imperative. College education is a key driver of economic mobility and keeping it unaffordable for historically underrepresented and underserved students only exacerbates existing economic inequality.

The Trump Administration has made it more difficult for student loan borrowers to tackle their debt. Under Trump, the Department of Education (ED) eliminated the Biden-era income-driven repayment plan, known as the SAVE Plan, which was the most affordable loan repayment plan ever. The ED has also moved to begin forcing the collection of debt from people who defaulted on their student loans, including via wage garnishment while also moving to limit student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The student loan interest tax deduction has not been raised since 2001, while borrowing costs have risen unsustainably for students nationwide. The GRADUATE Act addresses the student loan crisis by enacting a long overdue increase of the current $2,500 tax deduction benefit for student loan interest payments and expanding coverage for payments towards the loan principal.

The GRADUATE ACT would allow student loan borrowers to deduct their student loan payments (including accrued interest) from their taxable income. The amount they can deduct will depend on their gross taxable income level:

Those who earn up to $125,000 per year would be able to deduct their student loan payments (both payments to principal and accrued interest) up to $10,000.

The amount that borrowers can deduct will phase out between incomes of $125,001 per year and $150,000 per year

For every child or dependent, borrowers can deduct an additional $500.

Payments for both public and private loans would be eligible.

The GRADUATE Act is endorsed by the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and Protect Borrowers.

AFT President Randi Weingarten said: “The Trump administration and congressional Republicans have spent the past year making college less affordable and less accessible. We have sued countless times, and despite our settlement forcing them to act, they have refused to process student loan relief, as well as gutting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and enacting the big, ugly bill that cuts $300 billion from higher education and more. Policymakers should be looking at ways to help, not hurt, borrowers who pursue college to achieve their dreams but who, instead, are thrust into a recurring nightmare. That is what the GRADUATE Act does, quadrupling the student loan interest deduction and providing some sorely needed relief to the tens of millions of Americans shackled with $1.7 trillion in student debt. The bill has our full support.”

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Grothman, Gooden Reintroduce Migrant Child Safety Act

The legislation responds to documented failures within the Biden-era Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that allowed thousands of children to be released without adequate sponsor screening or follow-up, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation, forced labor, and trafficking. The bill establishes clear statutory requirements for sponsor vetting, post-placement follow-up, and coordination with state and local child welfare agencies to ensure child safety remains the priority and builds on President Trump’s improvements to our immigration system.

“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to protect children in its custody, and that responsibility does not end once a child is released to a sponsor,” said Rep. Grothman. “Under the Biden administration, oversight failures within the Office of Refugee Resettlement allowed children to be placed with individuals who were not properly vetted, with little accountability after placement. That is unacceptable. This legislation puts commonsense safeguards into law to ensure we know who children are being placed with, where they are going, and whether they are actually safe, so no child is lost in the system or placed in harm’s way.”

Federal law requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement to place unaccompanied migrant children with sponsors capable of ensuring their safety and well-being. Investigations and reporting have found that inadequate vetting and follow-up procedures resulted in thousands of children being released without sufficient oversight. The Migrant Child Safety Act codifies safeguards to ensure child protection remains central to the placement process.


Moore, Yakym Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Increase Access to Homeownership

Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) and Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help working families afford their first mortgages. The Affordable Housing Bond Enhancement Act (H.R. 7414) makes improvements to the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs that make first-time homeownership possible for thousands of families every year. Since the programs’ inception, nearly 4 million families who earn below the area median income have become homeowners for the first time. Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has used MRBs to help more than 130,000 Wisconsinites purchase a home and has issued MCCs to just over 2,100 households.”

“We need to fully leverage every resource to bring the dream of homeownership to more families, including in Milwaukee, where racial disparities in homeownership remain stark,” Rep. Moore said. “Since their inception, the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) have helped 4 million low- and moderate-income families become homeowners. Our bicameral, bipartisan legislation makes important enhancements to these long-standing programs, so they can better serve Americans and their families.”

“For too many first-time buyers, the American Dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach,” Rep. Yakym said. “Updating these bonds and tax credits will help reduce interest costs and make it easier for hardworking Hoosiers to achieve that dream.”

“The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) thanks Representatives Rudy Yakym and Gwen Moore for taking the lead on this commonsense legislation to increase bond resources for affordable housing and make homeownership more affordable for working families,” Stockton Williams, Executive Director of NCSHA said. “Mortgage Revenue Bonds and Mortgage Credit Certificates historically have been the state housing finance agencies primary tool for financing affordable homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income households, having helped more than four million home buyers combined. This legislation will enact simple yet effective reforms that will allow MRBs and MCCs to serve even more homebuyers at a time when homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many Americans.”

Congress provides each state with an amount of private activity bonds (PABs), which include MRB and MCC programs issued by housing finance agencies to support homeownership for families earning below 115% of area median income. MRBs are tax-exempt bonds that help fund below-market interest-rate mortgages for qualifying homebuyers. MCCs are issued directly to qualifying homebuyers, who are then entitled to a non-refundable federal tax credit annually. MCCs and MRBs lower costs for low- and moderate-income homeowners, which can make sustainable homeownership possible.

This is the House of Representatives Companion bill that was previously introduced by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV.) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA.).


Moore, Dingell, Fitzpatrick, and Kim Introduce Resolution Designating February 2026 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month”

Today, Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, introduced a resolution designating February 2026 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.”

“Our bipartisan resolution recognizes teen dating violence as a public health crisis and highlights the importance of providing education and culturally specific outreach to teens on healthy relationships. These efforts can support their well-being, help prevent intimate partner violence, and equip teens with skills that serve them through adulthood,” said Rep. Gwen Moore.

"Approximately 1 in 12 high school students -1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys- experience some sort of abuse from a dating partner. Yet, many parents and educators don't talk to teenagers about dating violence,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. "This resolution shines a light on the tragic short- and long-term impacts of teen dating violence. It is critical for teens to understand what healthy relationships look like, and to know where they can turn for help if they feel unsafe.”

“There is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our children,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Teen dating violence is a serious and preventable threat affecting young people in every community across our nation. We cannot accept it, and we cannot ignore it. We must confront it directly by speaking openly, acting early, and ensuring every family and every school has the tools needed to stop abuse before it takes root. Our message is unmistakable: prevention is possible, accountability matters, and the safety of our children will always come first.”

“Teen dating violence is a preventable crisis affecting young people in every community,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Recognizing February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month shines a light on this issue and sends a clear message: every teen deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected. I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Gwen Moore to advance this bipartisan, commonsense legislation.”

“Each February, the National Network to End Domestic Violence is honored to recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Preventing violence requires action long before a crisis occurs, including equipping young people with the tools to identify warning signs, set boundaries, and seek support. We thank Representatives Moore, Dingell, and Fitzpatrick for introducing this resolution and for their continued leadership in ensuring that local domestic violence programs have the resources they need to raise awareness and prevent violence before it begins,” said Tonia Moultry-Pace, National Network to End Domestic Violence.

"Every day, we hear from young people at The Hotline and our youth helpline, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, who are navigating the complexities of dating violence. Teen dating violence is a preventable, pervasive issue that demands our urgent attention. This resolution reaffirms that we all have a part to play in educating young people on healthy relationships and recognizing the signs of abusive relationships." said Katie Ray-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

“Teen relationships are where young people first learn what love looks like — and how they should be treated,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “If control, coercion, or constant monitoring show up there, those behaviors can start to feel normal. That’s what makes teen dating violence so serious — early experiences shape what someone accepts, what they question, and whether they recognize abuse later in life. We’re grateful to Representatives Gwen Moore and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this resolution and keeping attention on relationship patterns that can have lifelong consequences,” said Rachel Graber, Jewish Women International.

“It is more important than ever that we draw attention to the seriousness of teen dating violence and implement strategies to prevent it,” said Esta Soler, President and Founder of Futures Without Violence. “Thank you Representatives Moore, Dingell and Fitzpatrick for your ongoing leadership in fighting this scourge. Now we must invest in what works and fully fund the programs at the CDC, Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services and Office on Violence Against Women that address this critical issue.”

Background

Teen dating violence—which includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and/or stalking—affects almost half of teens, and these survivors become twice as likely to consider suicide.

1 in 9 female high school students report experiencing sexual dating violence compared to 1 in 36 males, and this gender disparity persists into adulthood.[1] Risk factors like poverty, high alcohol outlet density, and weak community sanctions only amplify this threat.[2]

This resolution aims to support healthy relationship development and efforts to prevent intimate partner violence.


Comisionado Residente Copatrocina Proyecto para Incentivar Crédito a Pequeñas Empresas en Puerto Rico y los Territorios

WASHINGTON, DC - El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, se unió como copatrocinador del proyecto H.R. 7229 - Territorial SBA Loan Guaranty Adjustment Act, una medida que busca fortalecer el acceso al financiamiento para pequeñas empresas en los territorios de Estados Unidos.

“Las pequeñas empresas son el motor económico de Puerto Rico, pero con frecuencia enfrentan barreras para obtener capital en condiciones justas”, expresó el Comisionado. “Este proyecto reconoce esas desigualdades y crea un vínculo directo entre la política federal y el desarrollo económico en los territorios”.

Puerto Rico y otros territorios han afrontado retos históricos de infraestructura y financiamiento, agravados por desastres naturales y choques económicos. Al elevar la garantía federal, la medida busca incentivar nuevos préstamos, apoyar la expansión de negocios locales y generar empleos.

Este proyecto enmienda la Ley de Pequeños Negocios para aumentar al 90 % la tasa de garantía de ciertos préstamos otorgados por la Administración de Pequeños Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA) a negocios en territorios cubiertos, reduciendo el riesgo para los prestamistas y promoviendo mayor inversión privada. El proyecto excluye categorías específicas de préstamos y programas piloto, y actualiza el estatuto para reflejar estos cambios.


Hinson Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Expand Child Care for Parents Working Nontraditional Hours

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) reintroduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act alongside Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07) and Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), as well as Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would expand access to safe, reliable child care for working families whose jobs don’t fit a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.

“I hear consistently from parents about the difficulties they face while trying to find quality, accessible child care that makes sense for their families. This is even harder for parents who don’t work traditional 9-5 hours, like emergency service operators, nurses, first responders, and those in the service industry. These roles are critical to the safety and prosperity of our communities, and we have to make it easier for hardworking Iowans to stay in the workforce while raising a family. As a mom of two, I understand the importance of reliable child care options and remain committed to delivering bipartisan solutions that work for all families.” — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“It’s clear that working families in Oregon and across the country are struggling to find and afford child care. For parents who work non-traditional hours, including first responders, store clerks, nurses, and manufacturers, it’s a real struggle to find child care options for their families. This bipartisan bill will expand access to affordable and convenient child care by expanding existing programs and establishing new facilities to meet the after-hours needs of working families." — Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici

“Hoosier parents rely on affordable child care in order to work, advance their careers, and provide for their families. Currently, child care options are extremely limited for families, especially in rural Indiana communities. Our legislation will help address the needs of working parents, enabling them to more easily pursue employment opportunities that best fit the need of their families.” — Senator Todd Young

“Addressing the nation’s child care challenges is essential to supporting working families and maintaining a strong workforce. Because the needs of families are not one-size-fits-all, we must advance innovative and flexible solutions, especially for those working nontraditional hours, including first responders, health care professionals, manufacturers, and service industry employees. This legislation is an important step toward expanding access to safe, affordable, high-quality child care and helping parents remain attached to the workforce." — Bipartisan Policy Center Action President Michele Stockwell

“Almost half of U.S. parents work outside the traditional 9-to-5, which makes affordable child care even harder to access. Many of these families keep our communities running – working nights and weekends in hospitals, manufacturing plants, restaurants, and public safety – but struggle to find quality care for their own children because providers often lack the staff and resources to stay open during nontraditional hours. We’re grateful to Congresswomen Hinson and Bonamici and Senators Young and Hassan for their bipartisan leadership to help expand access to affordable, quality child care that better meets the needs of hardworking families.” — First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling

Background:

Many working parents do not work traditional hours, yet access to child care during evenings and weekends remains limited. The lack of after-hours child care contributes to workforce shortages and places additional strain on families and businesses.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is an existing bipartisan program that helps low-income working families afford quality child care. Building on the CCDBG, the After Hours Child Care Act:

Establishes a pilot program to award grants to eligible child care providers to expand eligibility for child care programs serving nontraditional work hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and short-notice schedules.

Supports the expansion of new child care facilities and workplace-based child care options.

Requires a 25 percent match to federal funds for participating providers.

Mandates a report every two years evaluating the bill’s effectiveness in improving access to child care.

Read here for exclusive reporting from The Gazette. The full bill text can be found here.

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Hoyer Statement on the End of Immigration Enforcement Surge in Minnesota

"Finally, Trump's federal troops are leaving Minneapolis. They never should have been there in the first place. Anyone with basic common sense could predict that sending heavily armed troops equipped for combat into an American city with the promise of immunity for using force would result in people getting hurt. Trump did so anyway.

"We must ensure that the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good see justice served and that the American people receive the answers they deserve about why this violence is happening in our streets."


Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Modernize America’s Defense Technologies and Strengthen U.S.-Israel Alliance

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026. This bill would strengthen the U.S.–Israel alliance and establish a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defense technologies, ensuring that investments in collaborative technologies deliver an operational edge to America's servicemembers. Representative Don Davis (NC-01) is co-leading this legislation in the House, and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

“This legislation secures America’s competitive edge in defense technology and reinforces our alliance with Israel, our greatest partner in the Middle East, to deter evolving global threats,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring the technological supremacy of our military and delivering the unmatched capabilities our warfighters need to dominate the battlefield and protect the American people.”

“The U.S. has a long history of working with our ally Israel on defense programs to counter unmanned aerial systems from our adversaries, strengthen missile defense, and detect and neutralize underground tunnels threatening the security of our two respective countries,” said Senator Ted Budd. “The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act offers an opportunity to strengthen existing bilateral programs by advancing joint investments such as emerging technologies, defense industrial base cooperation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology initiatives. I am proud to be working with Senator Gillibrand to advance regional security in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and Israeli defense.”

“By establishing the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, we are fortifying a vital partnership, accelerating joint development, and transforming groundbreaking research into operational capabilities,” said Rep. Don Davis. “As emerging threats like unmanned systems and electronic warfare evolve, technical cooperation stands as a critical pillar in preparing our servicemembers for the challenges of tomorrow.”

“This bipartisan initiative will enable long-term collaboration on shared security goals between the United States and our vital democratic ally Israel,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “We must strengthen our military and technological capabilities to counter continued and future threats in the region.”

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Action, Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations: “The United States and Israel benefit enormously from each other's defense technologies and manufacturing efficiencies. Israel innovates and fields defense systems with rapid deployments out of necessity, given the layered and immediate threats it faces. The United States–Israel FUTURES Act builds on decades of successful collaboration by improving cooperation across the public, private, and academic sectors to swiftly develop, test, and field defense technologies that will help safeguard U.S. service members and provide Israel with the means to combat a diverse set of threats from foreign adversarial states and terror groups. FDD Action strongly supports the bipartisan United States-Israel FUTURES Act.”

Bill text can be found here.


Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Protect Farmworkers from Exploitation

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is introducing the U.S. Farmworker Protection Act, legislation to protect US farmworkers and migrant workers on the H-2A program, a temporary, agricultural guest worker program.

“By allowing an unlimited number of workers to access the H-2A program without guardrails or meaningful oversight to protect workers, the administration has put these workers at risk of dangerous and exploitative practices from employers,” said Jayapal. “We have seen wage theft, human trafficking, and labor abuses, some of which have even led to death, run rampant in this program. Capping this program, with the exception of workers who have labor protections through unions, is a major step to protect workers and employers who are acting in good faith.”

The H-2A program is an opportunity for mutual benefit for U.S.-based companies and temporary workers. However, there have been reported cases of workers dying of heatstroke, being kidnapped and assaulted, and not receiving the wages, housing, or safety equipment they were promised.

The fact that this program is uncapped allows bad-faith employers to abuse the system without repercussion, with a seemingly endless supply of workers. The U.S. Farmworker Protection Act would cap the program at 400,000 workers annually, with an exception for those who get labor protections through union membership.

“The trafficking, abuse, and exploitation exposed within the H-2A guest worker program should anger every American,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “Yet this uncapped guest worker program continues to grow — undercutting local wages and jobs. This common sense legislation will impose a numerical cap on the H-2A guest worker program for the first time, stabilizing the runaway growth of the H-2A program in line with its original statutory intent. This bill is necessary to create an agricultural labor market more conducive to the needs of the farm workers who are already here and have been feeding America for decades.”

The legislation is also sponsored by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37).

It is also endorsed by United Farm Workers; UFW Foundation; AFL-CIO; Farm Labor Organizing Committee; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); CASA; PCUN; Farmworker Association of Florida.


LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REPEAL OF THE ENDANGERMENT FINDING

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.


LEADER JEFFRIES: “WE NEED TO GET ICE UNDER CONTROL AND DELIVER A COUNTRY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH OUR VALUES”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living, to making healthcare more accessible and to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to make life more affordable, not to brutalize and kill the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: The Trump administration has failed the American people. Republicans have failed the American people. Extreme MAGA Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have failed on the economy, they have failed on healthcare and they have failed on immigration enforcement. ICE is completely and totally out of control. We know they need to be reined in now without further delay. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill them, which is what took place in Minneapolis, and it’s what is taking place all across America whenever these masked and untrained ICE agents show up on the scene.

House Democrats continue to be committed to making life more affordable for Americans, to driving down the high cost of living. We’re committed to fixing our broken healthcare system. And of course, we need to get ICE under control and deliver a country that is consistent with our values, with who we are. That’s not what we’re seeing right now under Donald Trump and Republicans who’ve gone way too far, and the American people know it, which is why Republicans continue to lose elections all across America.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Congressman Joyce Votes to Secure American Elections

WASHINGTON D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) voted in favor of the SAVE America Act to protect election integrity. This legislation will require voters to present a valid physical photo ID to vote in person and require states to take proactive steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in federal elections. This legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“Requiring voter ID in federal elections isn’t controversial; it’s common sense. Americans support it, and Congress is answering that call. Ohio has proven that secure, transparent elections are achievable, and there’s no excuse for other states to settle for less,” said Congressman Joyce. “The legislation I supported tonight takes critical steps to prevent voter fraud and ensure our voter rolls only contain U.S. citizens, while also taking steps to ensure individuals with name discrepancies, like married women, can seamlessly participate in our elections. This legislation is a major step in ensuring secure elections, and I was proud to see it pass the House.”

Background:

This bill amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (DPOC) to register to vote and place a ballot in federal elections. It establishes a uniform federal standard for acceptable proof, including U.S. passports, REAL ID-compliant identification showing citizenship, certain military records, and other government-issued photo IDs accompanied by birth certificates, naturalization records, or similar documents. States would be prohibited from registering individuals for federal elections unless this proof is provided, regardless of whether registration occurs at a motor-voter agency, by mail, or through another method.

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Joyce, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Honor Army Nurse Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a bicameral resolution to honor and celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the United States Army Nurse Corps, alongside Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the Army Nurse Corps on February 2, 1901, marking the entry of the first nurses—and the first women—into the U.S. military. Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) are original cosponsors of this legislation.

“For 125 years, the Army Nurse Corps has provided invaluable care to our men and women in uniform. Whether it was the beaches of Normandy or the jungles of Vietnam, Army Nurses answered the call to serve and have since saved countless lives in the process,” said Representative Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “This resolution recognizes the vital role that these heroes play in our military operations and national security, as well as the sacrifices they have made throughout history to care for our troops. I want to thank Chairman Wicker for his support for this resolution in the Senate, and I am proud to pay tribute to our brave Army Nurses in Congress.”

“The Army Nurse Corps have been essential to our defense personnel and the U.S. health care system. As a nation, we are grateful for their commitment to the well-being of our soldiers and for their dedication to the United States,” said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. I commend the commitment, skill, and sacrifice of Army nurses throughout history and their continuous vital contributions to our service members.”

“On February 2nd, we celebrated 125 years of the Army Nurse Corps providing care to military members, veterans, and their families,” said Representative Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “I have profound appreciation for the current and former nurses who have served their country bravely and continue to provide life-saving care. I will continue to work in Congress to provide pathways to and support for nursing professionals.”

“From battlefields to hospitals and clinics, army nurses provide critical care to patients during their moments of greatest need,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “With our bipartisan resolution, we honor these heroes for their dedication to making the world a better place and commit to ensuring they can continue this essential work for future generations of brave servicemembers.”

“As a retired Army colonel and a certified nurse-midwife, I have seen firsthand how the Army Nurse Corps embodies service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those we serve,” said ACNM CEO Michelle Munroe, DNP, APRN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “For 125 years, Army nurses have been the backbone of military medicine, caring for soldiers and families in moments of profound vulnerability, often under extremely challenging conditions. This anniversary is not just a milestone in our history; it is a testament to the courage, skill, compassion, and pride that Army nurses bring to every mission.”

“Congratulations to the Army Nurse Corps on 125 years of extraordinary service. This milestone invites us to honor a remarkable branch of nursing that helped shape our nation and build the foundation of modern healthcare,” said ANA President Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “Military nursing stands among the earliest formalized specialties, forged by those who cared for the wounded on the frontlines of America’s major conflicts. The American Nurses Association salutes the Army Nurse Corps—its leadership, its mission, and our shared commitment to advancing nursing research, professional standards, and humanitarian and disaster response. Here’s to your legacy of service, your impact on the nursing profession.”

“The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) would like to thank Representatives Dave Joyce, Bonamici, Calvert, Fleischmann and Kiggans and Senators Merkley and Wicker for introducing this important resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Army Nurse Corp”, said AANP President Valerie J. Fuller, PhD, DNP. “The Army Nurse Corp has not only ensured that our men and women on the front lines have access to lifesaving care as they fight for our country, but it has also shaped generations of nurse and nurse practitioner leaders”.

Background:

Established in 1901, the Army Nurse Corps marked the first formal inclusion of women into the U.S. military. They built on a long tradition of American women providing medical care to wounded soldiers dating back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Since its creation, the Corps has served with distinction in every major conflict, from World Wars I and II to Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror, often delivering lifesaving care in forward and combat medical settings. Today, Army nurses remain essential to military readiness, providing critical medical expertise that preserves the health, resilience, and fighting strength of U.S. service members worldwide.

Endorsing Organizations: American College of Nurse-Midwives, American Nurse Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Kamlager-Dove Pursues Investigation into Corrupt Trump, UAE AI Chip Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia with jurisdiction over export controls, wrote to the Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Commerce demanding an investigation into blatant financial conflicts of interest surrounding President Trump’s decision to approve the export of 500,000 advanced AI chips to the United Arab Emirates in May 2025.

This letter is a precursor to an investigation that Rep. Kamlager-Dove plans to launch as Chair of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee once Democrats are back in the majority.

The top democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Armed Services Committee, Oversight Committee, Select Intelligence Committee, CIA Subcommittee, State Department Appropriations Subcommittee, and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee joined the letter as co-leads.

“Sheikh Tahnoon bought a 49 percent stake in President Trump’s crypto company, World Liberty Financial, just months before securing U.S. approval for the sale of 500,000 AI chips. 100,000 of those AI chips were greenlit for direct sale to Sheikh Tahnoon’s company, G42…These facts raise serious questions about whether the President’s personal financial interests, and those of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, compromised U.S. export controls and national security decision-making,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The U.S. intelligence community has raised concerns about G42’s interest in accessing advanced U.S. AI chips, citing the risk that such technologies could be diverted for PRC military or intelligence use. Despite these security concerns, the Trump Administration decided to sell chips directly to G42 only after Sheikh Tahnoon entered into very high-value business deals with President Trump,” the lawmakers continued.

“These overlapping financial, corporate, and national security relationships underscore the need to determine whether U.S. export control decisions were improperly influenced by personal enrichment. We request you conduct an immediate review on whether the Bureau of Information Security and Commerce Department officials followed appropriate safeguards and whether outside financial interests influenced the granting of these export licenses,” thelawmakers concluded.

The full letter can be viewed here. In addition to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, the letter was signed by Reps. Gregory Meeks, Jim Himes, Robert Garcia, Adam Smith, Grace Meng, Lois Frankel, Jimmy Gomez, Brad Sherman, George Latimer, Johnny Olszewski, Bill Keating, Ami Bera, Gabe Amo, and Julie Johnson.

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Kamlager-Dove Statement on Pam Bondi's Attack on Culver City

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement after Attorney General Pam Bondi attacked Culver City in yesterday's House Judiciary Committee Department of Justice oversight hearing:

"I’m proud to represent Culver City—a safe, vibrant community in my district. That’s why it was so disappointing to see Pam Bondi take a baseless swipe at our city instead of answering serious questions about why the DOJ removed critical data that helps keep Americans safe.

"Throughout yesterday’s hearing, Pam Bondi came across as unstable. She refused to provide substantive answers to Republicans, was combative with Democrats, and ultimately disrespected our constituents by dodging the very questions we are elected to ask on their behalf. The American people deserve better."

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Whip Clark Demands Accountability From ICE: "This Needs To Happen Today"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for a hearing on Donald Trump's weaponization of ICE and Democrats' unified fight to hold the the Department of Homeland Security accountable for its brutality in Minnesota and across the country. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"This week, we saw once again where the Republicans’ priorities really lie. They had the opportunity to save lives. They had the opportunity to defend the dignity of our people and the safety of our neighborhoods. They had the opportunity to join with us to enact some commonsense measures and get control of a paramilitary force that has murdered two American citizens in cold blood. A masked, secret police force that has terrorized children, trampled on our Constitution, and wielded state violence as a political weapon. They had an opportunity to do what the vast majority of Americans want us to do: End the chaos. End the terror. And restore rule of law.

"But how did Republicans spend this week? Making it harder for people to vote, especially women. Making it easier for domestic abusers to buy a taser. Handing out massive giveaways to fossil fuel companies. All while priming a shutdown of FEMA and airport security and the Coast Guard.

"It is fair to say that Republicans have lost the plot.

"So Democrats are going to keep beating the drum of common sense. Kristi Noem needs to go. Stephen Miller needs to go. Federal agents need to get back to their core mission and abide by the same rules, the same laws, the same Constitution as any other law enforcement officer. And this needs to happen today.

"No more delays. No more CRs. No more state-sanctioned terror."

To watch the full hearing, click HERE. For photos of the hearing, click HERE.

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Whip Clark on GOP Refusal to Hold ICE Accountable: “History Is Watching Us”

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined MS NOW's The Weeknight to discuss Republicans' continued refusal to rein in ICE and plot to suppress the votes of millions of Americans. Below are excerpts from the conversation:

On Trump and the GOP's Refusal to Hold ICE Accountable:

"At this moment, when history is watching us and how we are going to react to what we are seeing — this buildup of a secret paramilitary force that has killed two American citizens in cold blood.

"That has terrorized law-abiding immigrant and American citizen communities. That is shutting down small businesses. That is tear gassing people who are protesting, including a six-month old baby — and we've all seen little Liam in his bunny hat being used as bait, being sent to a detention center in Texas and now being put on expedited deportation.

"What are my colleagues saying? They're saying we're going to leave town and close down DHS, FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA workers — rather than have a conversation about putting into place the exact same things we expect of law enforcement throughout this country."

On Democrats' Demands for Reining in ICE:

"We've had Speaker Johnson already say to us, 'I will not ever require them not to wear masks.'

"If they're worried about identifying, it can just be a number just so people have a way of putting together the excessive force they are experiencing with an actual person. And knowing what part of the federal government they represent.

"We had Stephen Miller this week say that it was a 'nonstarter' to have a warrant backed up by probable cause, as our Constitution requires, to search someone's home — a nonstarter.

"This is now Constitution by fiat of Donald Trump and Kristi Noem? That is not the way our country works.

"And the American people are demanding an answer from them. They are not okay with watching people get tear gassed, watching people be terrorized, and watching two Americans be shot to death

...

"They are firm in what they want us to do: End the chaos. Give them security in their neighborhoods. And do exactly what Donald Trump promised: go after 'the worst of the worst.' That's not Alex Pretti. That is not little Liam Ramos."

On Republicans' Voter Suppression Bill:

“Every single registered voter would have to go through all this red tape and hurdles and barriers in order to prove they’re a citizen.

...

"The American people are barely hanging on. They're working multiple jobs. They are trying to be home, help their kids with homework, maybe get to a game. But they're struggling to put food on the table, pay the electric bill and the heat bill, and make the rent payment. Never mind find affordable child care.

“They changed this bill this week to say this would go into effect immediately. So it could impact — if they were able to pass this through the Senate — primaries that we're having in a few weeks around the country for the midterms. And all of this is for what? For a nonexistent problem that they have drummed up.

“But the real kicker of this version of the SAVE Act was that every single state's voter files will go straight to DHS. No guardrails. Nothing saying it will be limited for this use of checking to make sure that every one registered is a citizen. This is handing over personal voter data, party registration information, home addresses to DHS. And Kristi Noem has certainly shown she can not be trusted with that information.

"It was part of what Pam Bondi demanded in order to have their ICE troops leave Minnesota. They weren't given it, and now they're coming around another way.

"I think this is all about voter suppression, and it is all about getting the private data of American citizens into the DHS surveillance machine."

To view the complete conversation, click HERE.

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House Committee Passes Kean's Bill to Accelerate Broadband Deployment to Rural and Tribal Communities

(February 12, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 5419, the Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act. Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) in September 2025, this legislation will make meaningful progress towards connecting rural and Tribal communities to high-speed internet access by identifying and addressing key regulatory barriers. The bill now moves to the House floor for further consideration.

“I am pleased to see my bill advance to the full House of Representatives. Bridging the digital divide requires cutting through bureaucratic red tape, inefficiencies, and delays, and this legislation does just that,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “By addressing key regulatory barriers, prioritizing staffing to process permits, and improving interagency coordination, we can take real steps forward in ensuring affordable, reliable connectivity for our communities.”

Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Committee on Natural Resources said, “H.R. 5419 will identify and address barriers that prevent a timely review of permit applications for broadband access for rural and Tribal communities. I commend Rep. Kean for his efforts to ensure that our government runs efficiently so more rural Americans can access high-speed internet.”

Specifically, H.R.5419 directs federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of administrative barriers that delay the review of communications use authorizations. Within one year, the agencies must report to Congress with their findings and submit a plan to provide adequate staffing to ensure timely permit reviews. The bill addresses a critical bottleneck in broadband deployment: the permitting process for placing communications infrastructure on the millions of acres of federal land, particularly in rural areas where expanding coverage is most needed.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Kelly joins President Trump at White House to tout clean American coal

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Congressional Coal Caucus, joined President Donald Trump, industry leaders, and other members of Congress at the White House as the President signed an executive order directing the Department of War to prioritize long-term Power Purchase Agreements with America’s beautiful, clean coal fleet to ensure military installations and critical defense facilities have uninterrupted, on-demand baseload power.

Pennsylvania produces the 6.7% of all U.S. coal, the third-most of any state in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The executive order aims to strengthen national defense, ensure a resilient electric grid, and make America more energy dominant.

"This executive order is a big win for Pennsylvania's coal industry and our hardworking coal miners," said Rep. Kelly. "From day one, President Trump has committed to common sense energy policy and to expanding American energy production. This executive order delivers on that promise."


Congressman Krishnamoorthi Introduces Kids Need Lunch Act to Ensure Illinois Children Don’t Go Hungry at School

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced the Kids Need Lunch Act, legislation to guarantee that every child in Illinois and across the country has access to a free school lunch so no student is forced to go hungry while they are trying to learn. With food insecurity continuing to affect families across Illinois, many children rely on school meals as their most dependable source of food during the day.

“No American child should go hungry when they should be focused on learning in school,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Yet in communities across Illinois, too many students attend school hungry. This bill ensures every child can count on a meal at school, without stigma or barriers, so they can focus on learning and growing. Feeding children is not just an act of compassion — it is a commitment to their education and our future.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, roughly one in nine Illinois children experiences food insecurity, highlighting the critical role school meals play in helping students learn without hunger. The Kids Need Lunch Act amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand access to free lunches for all students and provide lasting stability for schools and families. By making school lunch a universal guarantee, the Kids Need Lunch Act helps ensure Illinois children have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed — regardless of their family’s income.

The Kids Need Lunch Act would:

Guarantee free school lunches for all students, eliminating income-based eligibility requirements and ensuring universal access.

Ensure schools are fully reimbursed for meals served, with federal payment rates adjusted annually to keep pace with rising food costs.

Reimburse schools for existing unpaid meal balances, relieving districts of accumulated school meal debt.

Prohibit schools from collecting unpaid lunch charges from students or families, ending harmful and stigmatizing practices.


Larsen Fights to Fund FEMA, U.S. Coast Guard, TSA; Hold ICE Accountable

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after cosponsoring legislation to fully fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and every other agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) except Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of Secretary Kristi Noem:

“Congress must ensure that FEMA, the Coast Guard and critical aviation security functions remain fully funded and operational while my Democratic colleagues and I fight for reforms to ICE and accountability for Secretary Noem.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, ICE’s reckless enforcement agenda has brutalized communities in Northwest Washington and killed U.S. citizens. I will not vote to fund ICE unless DHS agents follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency.”

The legislation provides full-year funding for:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA);

U.S. Coast Guard;

Transportation Security Administration (TSA);

U.S. Secret Service;

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC);

Science & Technology Directorate (S&T);

Office of Inspector General (OIG);

Federal Protective Service and a variety of other programs within the DHS funding bill that are not related to ICE or CBP.


Larson, Courtney, DeLauro Applaud $230 Million Contract for F135 Engine Production

Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the U.S. Navy’s announcement of a $230.6 million contract to support the production of F135 engines. Work will be performed at Pratt & Whitney and a myriad of suppliers in East Hartford, Cromwell, Manchester, Middletown, Cheshire, and other locations across the country.

“This new contract will help maintain Connecticut’s leadership in aerospace manufacturing on the world stage, supporting an additional 138 F135 engines built right here at Pratt & Whitney,” the members said. “Investing in the F135 engine ensures our allies and military services have the most state-of-the-art technology and equipment, supporting our military readiness and global security. We will continue to work together as a delegation to support the dedicated machinists and engineers across our state, whose hard work will keep the eagle flying for years to come.”


Larson Votes Against Bill That Could Allow Domestic Abusers to Access Deadly Weapons

In December, after Ways and Means Committee Republicans blocked Rep. Larson’s amendment to close this dangerous loophole, he voted against advancing the bill out of Committee. He introduced another amendment when the bill came to the floor, where it was once again blocked by House Republicans.

“The aim of this bill seems simple enough – expanding access to tasers for local law enforcement. While I support local law enforcement and any and all attempts to deescalate conflict and improve trust in our communities, this bill contains a dangerous loophole that could give domestic abusers a pathway to get their hands on functioning firearms,” said Larson. “Gun violence is the number one cause for death for children, and just this week, mere miles from the Capitol, there was a school shooting in Maryland. I cannot in good conscience support advancing this bill – especially after Republicans blocked my effort to close these loopholes that could endanger Americans. If we want to make our communities safer, Republicans should work with Democrats to fix this bill and pass universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, and other common sense gun violence prevention measures – not block them from even being considered.”


Lawler and Clarke Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter to Secretary Noem Urging Exemption From $100,000 Fee for H-1B Health Care Sector

Washington, D.C. – 2/12/2025… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) led 98 of their colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem, urging DHS to grant a health care sector exemption from the new $100,000 fee on employers petitioning for new H-1B visas.

“Worsening workforce shortages across all health care professions are significantly diminishing access to care in rural and urban communities across the nation. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nearly 87 million Americans live in areas federally designated as lacking enough medical professionals to address the community’s health care needs,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Imposing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions will exacerbate hospitals’ existing staffing challenges and could push chronically underfunded hospitals to their financial brink. If these hospitals cannot petition for new H-1B visas to address their staffing needs without also having to pay this fee, it will further damage their financial viability. Critically needed open positions will simply go unfilled, leaving rural and high-poverty urban areas without adequate access to Care. We strongly urge you to exempt the health care sector from this burdensome fee,” concluded the lawmakers.

“New York hospitals have long used the H-1B visa program to ensure they can deliver world-class health care, train the next generation of physicians, and conduct cutting-edge research. The filing fee for H-1B visa petitions poses a grave threat to this critical mission. It will further strain hospitals, exacerbate ongoing workforce shortages, and diminish access to care. I thank Representatives Clarke and Lawler for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue,” said Ken Raske, President of the Greater New York Hospital Association.

“We know the positive impact that H-1 visa holders have in health care – they help fill in the gap in our country’s health care delivery system, providing care where it is needed most and in the face of acute workforce shortages. The AAMC knows that restricting access to H1-B visas will worsen the nation’s existing physician shortage, put strains on the health care workforce and ultimately jeopardize patient access to care, and we simply can’t let any of those things happen,” said Danielle Turnipseed, Chief Public Policy Officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

“The H-1B visa program is a critical lifeline to healthcare organizations statewide, helping to ease existing workforce shortages in underserved communities,” said Bea Grause, RN, JD, President of the Healthcare Association of New York State. “Additional barriers, such as the new $100,000 fee for each visa applicant, jeopardize access to care and increase costs in areas already struggling to meet demand. HANYS applauds Representatives Clarke and Lawler for leading on this important issue and calling on DHS to exempt the healthcare industry from additional undue burden.”

“As a physician and as president of the California Medical Association, I see firsthand how deeply our health care system depends on international medical professionals, especially in rural communities. A $100,000 fee on H-1B visas is not just excessive, it is a direct threat to patient access to care. Exempting the health care sector is squarely in the national interest and essential to protecting the stability of our workforce and the health of millions of patients,” said René Bravo, MD, President of the California Medical Association.

The letter was signed by 100 Members of Congress: Yvette D. Clarke, Michael Lawler, Kirsten Gillibrand, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Wesley Bell, Ami Bera, Donald Beyer, Brendan Boyle, Shontel Brown, André Carson, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Gilbert Cisneros, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, Herbert Conaway, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Donald Davis, Madeleine Dean, Suzan DelBene, Christopher Deluzio, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Shomari Figures, Brian Fitzpatrick, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Laura Friedman, Sylvia Garcia, Laura Gillen, Daniel Goldman, Vicente Gonzalez, Maggie Goodlander, Josh Gottheimer, Chrissy Houlahan, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Thomas Kean, Robin Kelly, Timothy Kennedy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, George Latimer, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Ted Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, John Mannion, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gregory Meeks, Robert Menendez, Grace Meng, Kweisi Mfume, Joseph Morelle, Kelly Morrison, Seth Moulton, James Moylan, Frank Mrvan, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jimmy Panetta, Chris Pappas, Nellie Pou, Josh Riley, Patrick Ryan, Linda Sánchez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Janice Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Hillary Scholten, Terri Sewell, Melanie Stansbury, Suhas Subramanyam, Thomas Suozzi, Eric Swalwell, Emilia Sykes, Shri Thanedar, Bennie Thompson, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Lori Trahan, Jefferson Van Drew, Marc Veasey, Nydia Velázquez, James Walkinshaw, Nikema Williams.

The members’ letter has the support of the following organizations: American Hospital Association (AHA), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), Hospital Association of New York State (HANYS), American Psychiatric Association (APA), NYC Health + Hospitals, America’s Essential Hospitals (AEH), California Medical Association (CMA), Advocates for Community Health (ACH), Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU), American Academy of Neurology, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), Miles for Migraine, American Gastroenterological Association, Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR), Hope for HIE, American College of Radiology (ACR), American Geriatrics Society, MLD Foundation, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM), Association of Department of Family Medicine, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons (ACS), National Society for Histotechnology, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Society for Cytopathology, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), American Society of Hematology (ASH), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), NAPCRG, American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Board of Certification, Infectious Diseases Society of America, HIV Medicine Association, Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), Philippine Association of Medical Technologist-USA, Inc. (PAMET-USA, Inc.), Association of Academic Leaders of Neurology, American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA)

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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