CLARKE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 4, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

“Over the last quarter-millennium and day-by-day, our nation has ceaselessly evolved on its persistent march towards a more perfect union. Indeed, much in America has changed since those courageous revolutionaries, whom we rely upon for guidance and leadership even centuries past their lifetimes, first rejected their tyrant’s commands and embraced the majority’s will. But often for better, and too often for worse, much has remained the same since that distant time.

“The sins of colonialism, the wretchedness of racism, and obstinate inequities not only survive, but persist in excluding too many from the experience of the American Dream that, today, belongs to far too few among us. Painful steps backward have followed difficult, hard-battled steps forward – but our destination has always remained the same: a nation by, for, and of the people, where no child is unfed, no family is unhoused, and no person is unequal. Ours is a land of limitless possibilities and untold opportunities, of which there is no parallel in the world. Truly, we are all blessed to be Americans – because America blesses each and every one of us with the promise to be whoever we want to be.

“Through centuries of protest, an unwavering belief in the rule of law, and unadulterated patriotism for our nation, we the people have prevailed. And so, I pray the next 250 years in this special experiment in self-governance and representative democracy only see the expansion and growth of our capacity to enjoy all that is inherent in the diversity of our people. I pray they allow us to continue to respect and freely exercise the power of our right to vote, and celebrate the inclusive innovation and talent of our people.

“Together, may we push on, and boldly produce a nation that never rests in its transformational struggle towards its foundational destiny – one that continues to build upon our history as a nation of freedom fighters, and continues to make us proud, inspire our best selves, and strive for the promise of its purpose.

“Happy Independence Day! May God bless these United States and all those who call them home in this generation, and future generations to come.”

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Harshbarger Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) today released the following statement celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts, the historic tax relief law President Trump signed on July 4, 2025:

“As America turns 250, the Working Families Tax Cuts are keeping the promise of 1776,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Our Founding Fathers fought a revolution against taxation without representation because they believed Americans deserved a government that respected their freedoms and the fruits of their labor. One year after this landmark law took effect, East Tennesseans are seeing what that promise looks like in action. I was proud to help deliver meaningful tax relief for hardworking families, seniors, and small business owners, allowing them to keep more of what they earn and invest in their futures. As we commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday, there's no better way to honor our founding principles than by protecting the freedom to earn, save, and build a better life.”

The Working Families Tax Cuts made permanent the lower tax rates from President Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preventing what would have been the largest tax increase in American history.

According to a U.S. Department of the Treasury analysis, in its first year, American families and workers claimed $82 billion in individual tax relief under the Working Families Tax Cuts through the April filing deadline. The analysis found that 97% of filers received a tax cut, with 96% of those earning under $200,000 and nearly 70% earning less than $100,000.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Working Families Tax Cuts.


Horsford “Sign the Housing Bill.  Nevadans Have Waited Long Enough.”

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) is urging President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law. The bill passed both the House and Senate and was sent to the President's desk five days ago. Under the Constitution, he now has five days remaining to sign it.

"People have been waiting years for the growing housing crisis to be addressed. Now that the largest housing package in decades has finally reached his desk, the President is holding it hostage. This bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now, he is sitting on it to use for his own political bargaining chip. The American people have waited long enough. It is time to sign this into law."

Key provisions of Congressman Horsford’s Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation Act (HOME) Act were included in 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Click here for a one-pager on how the HOME Act shaped the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.


Hoyer Statement Commemorating America's 250th Independence Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, known as Independence Day:

“As we mark this milestone anniversary of our nation’s independence, let us do so as our Framers intended: ‘out of many, one.’

“Born in defiance, nurtured through revolution, and tempered in our upbringing by challenge after challenge, America at 250 nevertheless remains a young nation, ever focused on the open horizon ahead. Much we have overcome, much we will surely still face. Our democracy, while imperfect, continues to be history’s greatest experiment in striving for a more perfect society.

“I have had the honor of serving in state and federal elected office for nearly a quarter of our history as an independent nation. During that time, I have seen our republic at its best and at its most strained. I have seen moments of bipartisan unity and bitter division. No matter what we faced in our politics, however, so far we have met Benjamin Franklin’s challenge to his fellow Americans. We have kept our republic, which was no small task.

“As we look to America’s next 250 years and beyond, let us renew our resolve to keep fighting for our Constitution and the ideals espoused by our Declaration of Independence. We are better served by standing together than apart, by finding commonality with our neighbors than by highlighting our disagreements. Let us embrace what I call the psychology of consensus - not only in Congress but in our daily interactions as fellow Americans - and seek foremost what we can achieve through unity of purpose.

“May God bless America, this land that we love, and all who defend and sustain it.”


Latta Statement on America's Semiquincentennial

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the United States of America's 250th anniversary of independence:

"As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, we reflect on the extraordinary courage and conviction of the patriots who gathered in Philadelphia to declare that all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to preserve and strengthen the freedoms established by our Founding Fathers. From the brave men and women who have defended our nation in uniform to the countless Americans who have contributed to their communities, each generation has helped carry forward the promise of the American dream.

“The United States of America is the longest lasting, freely elected government in the world. As we commemorate this historic milestone, we honor our nation's rich history, celebrate the enduring principles that unite us, and further liberty and opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it is a tremendous honor to represent the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District and continue working to preserve the freedoms and opportunities that have made out nation the best nation in the world. May God continue to bless the United States of America, and happy Independence Day."


Sánchez: Celebrates 250th Independence Day, calls for renewed commitment to America’s ideals

WHITTIER, Calif. – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence:

“Our country was founded on an enduring promise: that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For 250 years, we have strived to live up to that promise, working to build a more perfect union even in the face of extraordinary challenges.

“Like millions of immigrants before them, my parents came to this country believing in that promise and instilled that faith in my siblings and me. It has guided my career fighting for working families, defending our democracy and expanding opportunity for everyone.

“Today, we celebrate our nation’s founding, honor those who came before us and recommit ourselves to building a future that lives up to our highest ideals.

“Happy Independence Day! May the next 250 years bring us ever closer to fulfilling the promise of America.”

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Magaziner Statement on America’s 250th Independence Day

WARWICK, RI – Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) released the below statement on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence:

“Two hundred and fifty years later, America remains the most exceptional nation in the world. We are fortunate to live in a country where power lies with the people, and freedom is central to who we are.

I wish all Rhode Islanders a safe and joyful Fourth of July as we celebrate this historic milestone together.”


Miller-Meeks Pens Op-Ed Marking 250 Years of American Independence

IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) authored an op-ed in the Quad-City Times commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, reflecting on the sacrifices that secured the nation's freedoms and the enduring spirit she sees in Iowa today.

In the piece, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks reflects on the founding and the cost it carried:

"Two hundred and fifty years ago, in a sweltering hall in Philadelphia, a group of farmers, lawyers, printers, and merchants did something the world had never seen. They signed their names to a document that declared a simple but revolutionary truth: that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They knew what that signature could cost them... But they believed an idea was worth the risk. That idea became America."

She connects that legacy to her own service and to the people of Iowa:

"For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have answered the call to defend those ideals. I am one of them. As a 24-year Army veteran, married to a 30-year Army veteran, I have seen up close that our freedoms have never been guaranteed. They have been earned and preserved by the courage of the men and women who wear our nation's uniform, by the quiet sacrifices of the military families who hold the home front together, and by the everyday citizens who believe America is always worth fighting for."

She reflects on the founding spirit that endures in the Heartland:

"Here in the Heartland, that same founding spirit is alive in the way we live. Our farmers rise before dawn to feed not just their neighbors but the world. Our manufacturers build the things that keep this country strong. Our small business owners pour their savings and their souls into Main Streets that hold our communities together. And our families still teach the values of hard work, faith, and responsibility around the kitchen table... These are the principles that have made Iowa, and America, exceptional."

And she closes with a call to honor the nation's legacy:

"This Independence Day, let us fly the Stars and Stripes proudly. Let us gather with family and friends beneath the fireworks. And let us remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion so that we could stand here, free, 250 years later. May we honor their legacy not only in celebration, but by rededicating ourselves to the values that have guided this nation since 1776."

Read the full op-ed in the Quad-City Times HERE.

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Norton Says 250 Years of Taxation Without Representation for D.C. Residents is Enough

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that, as the nation today celebrates its milestone 250th anniversary of declaring independence from Great Britain in part because of taxation without representation, Congress must take the nation's founding slogan to heart and pass her D.C. statehood bill.

"Forcing the nearly 700,000 Americans who live in the nation's capital to continue to live as second-class citizens doesn't just violate a main pillar of the revolution that sent our Founders to war, it betrays the very spirit of July 4th itself,” Norton said. “On no other holiday is our nation’s inequitable treatment of D.C. residents more deeply felt or more at odds with the nation's democratic values than on July 4th. District residents not only pay federal taxes without voting representation in Congress, they pay more federal taxes per capita than the residents of any state in the nation.

“July 4th doesn't allow us to look away. It summons our moral outrage to continue our fight for statehood, for equality, and for the full benefits of citizenship that these 700,000 Americans have always deserved.

"As my time representing D.C. comes to a close, I carry both frustration and hope. Statehood will not come on my watch; not under this Congress and not under this White House. But I know the fight I've waged for the last three decades has not been in vain. Every injustice I've named and every wrong I've brought to light related to statehood is a stone laid in the foundation for those who come after me. My hope is that the next generation of D.C.'s leaders will finish what we started, finally delivering the full measure of American citizenship to the 700,000 people who live in our nation's capital."

Under Norton’s leadership the House passed the D.C. statehood bill twice, for the first two times in history. D.C. pays more federal taxes than 26 states and more federal taxes per capita than any state.

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Pelosi Statement on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

San Francisco — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence:

“250 years ago, brave patriots gathered to declare independence with the ideals that all are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. Their work was unfinished, but they entrusted future generations with the sacred responsibility of democracy—of constantly striving to build a more perfect Union. Today, it is our turn to accept that responsibility as we continue to conduct the great American experiment.

“As America celebrates our 250th anniversary, let us remember that our founders believed democracy would succeed because of the goodness of the American people. Their faith has sustained our nation across centuries and through moments of both triumph and trial. It reminds us that America is strongest when we are guided by faith and charity—which gives us hope.

“After 250 years, it is my hope that We the People remain committed to ensuring our Flag is still there with liberty and justice for all—because the work of democracy is never finished. It requires courage, participation and an unwavering belief that tomorrow can be better than today. That has always been America's promise, and it must be our resolve for the next 250 years and beyond. Happy Independence Day!”


Rep. Roy Honors the Lives Lost One Year After the Devastating Central Texas Floods

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) released the following statement marking one year since the devastating July 4, 2025 floods that claimed more than 100 lives in Kerr and Kendall Counties and forever changed the Texas Hill Country.

"One year ago, the people of the Texas Hill Country endured unimaginable loss as catastrophic flooding swept through our communities before dawn on Independence Day. We remember the children, parents, neighbors, and friends whose lives were taken far too soon, and we continue to pray for every family carrying that loss today.

"In the face of overwhelming tragedy, we also witnessed the very best of Texas and America. First responders, volunteers, churches, charities, and neighbors answered the call with extraordinary courage and compassion. Their selfless service reminded us that the strength of our communities comes from people helping people.

"While the scars of the flood remain, so does the resilience of the Hill Country. As we honor those we lost, may we continue to pray for every affected family and ask God to bless the Texas Hill Country with strength, healing, and peace,” said Rep. Roy.


Rep. Sewell Marks America's 250th Birthday with Independence Day Video Message

Birmingham, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released a video message celebrating America's 250th birthday and honoring the generations of Americans who have fought to bring our nation closer to its highest ideals.

Watch Rep. Sewell's Independence Day message here.

Rep. Sewell: Happy Fourth of July, Alabama! Today, as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we honor the centuries of Americans who dreamed big, sacrificed greatly, and worked to build a more perfect union.

For 250 years, each generation has been called to move America closer to the ideals set forth in our founding documents. We haven't always lived up to those ideals, but time and time again, ordinary Americans have answered that call, expanding freedom, widening opportunity, and making our union stronger along the way.

That's what makes this anniversary so meaningful. But it also explains why this moment feels different for so many Americans.

As we celebrate our nation's remarkable journey, many of us are also uneasy about the challenges facing our democracy and the attacks on so many of our hard-fought rights and freedoms. This milestone reminds us that the work of building a better America is never finished.

History shows us that the greatest progress has always been driven by ordinary people refusing to accept the status quo. And when we march, and when we pray, and when we vote, and when we stand united against the forces of hate, there is nothing, absolutely nothing we cannot achieve.

That same spirit will carry us forward today.

And while some in positions of power may try to make this moment about themselves, America's 250th birthday is a reminder that this country is bigger than any one person or political party. The promise of America is shared by all of us, regardless of our race, our gender, or the amount of wealth or power we hold.

On this historic celebration, let us recommit ourselves to the values that have guided our nation for two and a half centuries: liberty, equality, justice and opportunity. Let's continue to work on building an America that lives up to those ideals, not just for some, but for everyone.

May we never stop believing in the promise of our country or in our ability to build a brighter future together.

Happy Independence Day! God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

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Sorensen Marks America 250, Reflects on Nation's History and Future

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) today released a video message commemorating America's 250th anniversary and celebrating the people and communities that continue to shape our nation's future.

“America's story has always been written by hardworking people, strong communities, and neighbors looking out for one another,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, we also recognize the responsibility we share to keep building a stronger future for the next generation."


Rep. Summer Lee Statement on 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 4, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

“America's story has always been shaped by a promise of a country built by and for the people. Every step toward freedom and equality was fought for by folks who organized, marched, voted, and died so that this country could live up to its ideals.

“250 years later, however, our democracy is failing. Attacks on voting rights, growing political extremism, and the outsized influence of billionaires and corporations are pushing us further into authoritarianism. Too many families in Western Pennsylvania and across the country are still fighting for affordable housing, healthcare, good-paying jobs, clean air and water, and the basic dignity that every person deserves. Black, brown, indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, disabled, and working-class communities continue to bear the weight of systems that were never built to serve us all. Instead of working towards a more equitable and affordable country, this administration is patting itself on the back with disruptive flyovers and makeovers of the White House.

“If we want our country to see another 250 years, we must push ourselves to protect our freedoms, strengthen our democracy, and build a country where everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected—can thrive. That's the unfinished promise of America, and it's our responsibility to keep fighting for it. I believe we can get there.”


Vindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence

Vindman: “Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States Congress. That is the American Dream, and it is why I love this country and believe it remains the greatest nation in the world.”

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement on the United States of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.

“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, I’ve been reflecting on what this country has meant to me and my family.

“When I was four years old, my family came to the United States as refugees from Soviet Ukraine. My father had the opportunity to start over in many different countries, but he chose America because he believed this nation offered something no other place could: the chance that if you worked hard and played by the rules, your children could build a better life than you had. He was right.

“I spent 25 years serving in the United States Army because I wanted to give something back to the country that welcomed us. Today, I have the privilege of continuing that service in Congress, where I represent more than 72,000 veterans.

“Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States Congress. That is the American Dream, and it is why I love this country and believe it remains the greatest nation in the world.

“But the American Dream is not something we can take for granted. Every generation has a responsibility to strengthen it for the next.

“That’s why my mission in Congress is straightforward: lower costs for working families, expand opportunity, root out corruption, and make sure our children inherit an even brighter future than the one we did. I believe the promise of America is still alive in communities across Virginia and throughout our country, and it’s our responsibility to protect it.

“As we mark 250 years of our nation’s history, we should recommit ourselves to the ideals that have always made America exceptional and continue striving to build a more perfect union. If we do, I have no doubt that America’s best days are still ahead — and that the next 250 years will be even stronger than the first.”

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Webster Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence

Washington, D.C. — As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement commemorating America’s semiquincentennial.

"250 years ago today, a group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and their honor to establish a new nation founded on a revolutionary idea: that our rights do not come from the government, but from God, and that every person is endowed with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

From that bold declaration in 1776 grew the greatest experiment in self-government the world has ever known. For two and a half centuries, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity – a nation that has inspired countless people with the promise that free men and women can govern themselves.

The American story is also one of boundless ingenuity and determination. The United States is a nation of pioneers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers. From securing our God-given rights in the Constitution to connecting our nation through railroads and highways, harnessing the power of flight, putting man on the moon, preserving our national treasures with the National Parks system, and pioneering the birth of the internet and leading the world in technological innovation, Americans have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible. Time and again, Americans have proven that there is no challenge too great and no horizon beyond our reach when freedom and opportunity are allowed to flourish.

Yet none of these blessings and achievements would have endured were it not for the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve. From the patriots who secured our independence to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen, and Guardians who defend our nation today, millions have worn the uniform of the United States to preserve the liberties we too often take for granted. Our freedom is not merely inherited but secured and protected by those willing to sacrifice for it. We owe all our nation’s veterans a debt we can never repay.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals that built this nation: faith, liberty, personal responsibility, and service to one another. Let us honor those who came before us by preserving the blessings of freedom and passing on to our children and grandchildren a country that is stronger, freer, and more faithful to the principles that first stirred in Philadelphia 250 years ago.

The story of the United States of America is still being written. May we continue to be good stewards of this great nation and continue to celebrate, defend, and preserve it for generations of Americans to come.

Happy 250th Birthday America.

May God bless our troops, and may God continue to bless the United States of America."

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Blackburn Celebrates 250 Years of America

“As we mark the 250th celebration of our nation’s independence, it’s important to remember that we’ve gotten here as a country because we believe in faith, family, freedom, hope, and opportunity,” said Senator Blackburn. “These values have carried us through challenges that seemed insurmountable, and they are the only thing that will ensure our nation endures another 250 years. This is a time for Americans across the country to unite behind these shared values and celebrate the blessing of freedom. From the Blackburn family to yours, happy Independence Day.”

Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s Fourth of July video.


On Nation’s 250th Anniversary, Cantwell Celebrates With 252 New Citizens At July 4 Naturalization Ceremony in Seattle

“We are asking you to leave this ceremony and go register to vote […] You took the test. You know what it's about. Let's go put it into action.”

SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) delivered a speech at a naturalization ceremony celebrating 252 new United States citizens immigrating from 55 different nations hosted by the Seattle Center and the U.S. District Court.

Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are HERE; photos of the event are HERE; and a transcript is HERE and below:

“We have 252 new US citizens who are going to cheer on the United States on Monday. I know Belgium will let you have a break.

“It's such an honor to be here today in the naturalization ceremony, and to do it on our nation's 250th anniversary. Each year, we come here to celebrate, to strengthen the United States of America by strengthening our immigration. I want to thank Alma, Maria, Chelsea, the Seattle Center, the Spirit of We the People, and Josephine for another wonderful, wonderful celebration.

“250 is not just an anniversary; it's a milestone. It's an opportunity to reflect on the past and create a sense of purpose for the future. 250 years ago today, our Founding Fathers declared independence and constructed a vision for a new nation based on ideas and reason. Every step of the way, immigrants shared our values, upheld our constitutional rights, and forged new laws protecting those civil rights.

“So today, as part of that celebration, we are here to remember those words of the Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal. And throughout our nation's history, we have often found ourselves struggling with the meaning of those words.

“Less than a century after that Declaration of Independence, we found ourselves in a Civil War. More than 2 million Americans would fight to end slavery and approximately 500,000 immigrants would serve in the Union Army to save our Union. President Lincoln would take notice of those contributions at the height of the war and urged Congress [for], quote, “The expediency of establishing a system of immigration” for the United States of America, because President Lincoln viewed immigration not as a burden but as essential to our nation's future, and he called immigrants, quote, “A source of national wealth and strength.”

“Congress answered this call by passing the first piece of federal legislation to encourage – not to discourage, but to encourage – immigration in the United States, an act to encourage immigration, signed into law by President Lincoln on this symbolic day, July 4, 1864. So, today, 250 years [since the Declaration of Independence], we must continue the role. We must recognize that immigrants have been there at our founding and our preservation. American exceptionalism is that we are a melting pot, and that melting pot makes us stronger. I am confident that each and every one of you who took the oath today will join us in this fight.

“Seattle has long [had] the strength of diversity. We have one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation, 98118 in Rainier Valley, where over 59 languages are spoken. So now, today, we must preserve our Constitution. We are asking you to leave this ceremony and go register to vote. We are asking you to be mindful of what preserves those constitutional rights. Trust me: we not only want you to register, but we want you to vote. And if you have to stick it in a ballot box instead of [counting on] the Postmaster General, do it, because I guarantee you, we are going to uphold the Constitution of America, and you, our newest citizens, are helping us celebrate 250 years.


Senator Collins Walks in Eastport Independence Day Parade

Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

EASTPORT, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Eastport Independence Day Parade, celebrating 250 years of American independence.

“It was wonderful to celebrate Independence Day in Eastport today with so many Mainers, the sailors of the USS Lassen, and proud Americans from near and far,” said Senator Collins. “Eastport’s Fourth of July celebration is one of Maine’s great traditions and today was a powerful reminder of the patriotism and community spirit that make our state and nation the greatest place to live.”

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Senator Collins Walks in Machias Independence Day Parade

Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

MACHIAS, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Machias Independence Day Parade today, celebrating 250 years of American independence.

“Machias has a proud place in America’s Revolutionary story, and it was an honor to join neighbors from across Washington County for this evening’s parade,” said Senator Collins. “From the marchers to the spectators lining the route to a great band, this Independence Day celebration showed the pride Downeast Maine takes in our country and in the traditions that bring us together.”

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Cortez Masto Statement in Celebration of America 250

Reno, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement celebrating 250 years of American independence:

“250 years ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and decided our nation would be governed by and for the people. Our democratic ideals have led the United States to become a global powerhouse – not just because of our wealth and our strength, but also because of our unwavering belief in freedom and opportunity.

“In this country, a baker originally from Chihuahua, Mexico can bring his family to Las Vegas for a better life, and his granddaughter can become the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever to be elected to the United States Senate. That is the American Dream, and that is part of what makes the United States the greatest nation on Earth.

“As Nevadans and Americans across the country come together in celebration, now is the time to remind ourselves that we have much more in common than we think. We share a deep love for this country, we believe in hard work, and we want our families to find success. Those shared values guide me as a representative for all Nevadans, and I hope they continue to guide future generations of Americans through our next 250 years.”

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Cramer Praises God’s Master Plan, Divine Healing Power of Badlands at Presidential Library Grand Opening Today

MEDORA, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) recognized God’s master plan and the healing power of the Badlands at the ceremony officially opening the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. He joined Roosevelt family members, state and federal officials and hundreds of citizens, capping off a week of activities in this historic Western North Dakota town.

Click here to watch Cramer's remarks

“God put it all here first,” said Cramer. “Do you think when he made the Badlands with their healing power, that he knew there would one day be a grieving president who one day might need healing in a place like this? I think he did. And I think he knew a lot of us might.”

The ceremony also included an MQ-9 flyover from the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans. Cramer worked with Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to secure authorization for the flyover. The 119th Wing has proudly carried Roosevelt’s silhouette on the tails of its aircraft for decades, including the F-16s which helped protect the skies over the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

On Wednesday, ahead of the opening, Cramer welcomed another populist president to Medora: the nation’s 45th and 47th President Donald Trump, who reflected upon Roosevelt’s legacy and the beauty of the Badlands. Cramer also spoke with different members of the media about commemorating Roosevelt’s contributions to the region.

“I was honored President Trump took the time to remind us of Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and contributions to our nation during the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,” said Cramer. “Thank you to President Trump for visiting North Dakota again!”

While much of the festivities celebrating Roosevelt were in Medora, Cramer stopped by the Dickinson State University’s dress rehearsal of Teddy & Alice, a Broadway musical highlighting Roosevelt’s relationship with his daughter Alice. The free show runs through July 6.

Photo credit: Dickinson State University

On Thursday, Cramer met with Bank of America President Brian Moynihan, who was in Medora for the opening of the library. The two talked about the strong economy and the goodness of America as reflected in the many good FIFA World Cup stories.

A reception on Thursday evening brought together many people who helped make the library. In an X post, Cramer said he was “grateful for their many contributions.”

As senators representing distinct eras of Roosevelt’s life, Cramer teamed up with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for a conversation on Roosevelt’s legacy in public service, conservation, and stewardship on Friday morning.

“Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to heal during a very dark point in his life and that same healing power has an impact today on everyone who visits this special place,” said Cramer. “As North Dakota Senator and former Tourism Director, I am honored to have played a small role in the creation of this historic library, especially the display of Roosevelt’s original diary and the Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to him and his son.”

Prior to the museum’s opening, Cramer and his family toured the 96,000 square foot library.

“I was honored to help bring this powerful display to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,” Cramer wrote on X. “Roosevelt’s actual diary on the original paper in his handwriting depicts the profound grief he endured on the day his first wife and mother passed away.”

Throughout his weekend in Medora, Cramer joined national and North Dakota media to discuss Roosevelt, his contribution to the nation, and the library’s opening.

Cramer kicked off his time by joining Martha MacCallum live from Medora as they waited for President Trump to take the stage for the library dedication.

“The Medora Musical amphitheater has honored Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy for nearly 60 years—making it the perfect place to celebrate both our nation’s history and the opening of a library dedicated to one of its greatest conservationists and leaders,” said Cramer.

Click here for video

On Wednesday, Cramer joined Bobby Falat from Valley News Live following President Trump’s remarks.

“North Dakota is at the heart of what makes America great. It was an honor to celebrate the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the very landscape that shaped Roosevelt’s legacy and continues to heal generations today.”

Click here for video

Cramer spoke with Jamie Dickerman from the Red River Farm Network after President Trump’s remarks. The two discussed expanding export opportunities for producers and the administration’s focus on prioritizing farmers.


Heinrich Statement on 250th Anniversary of American Independence

WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement to mark America's 250th celebration of Independence Day:

“250 years ago, a group of Americans declared that government exists to serve people—not the other way around. That radical idea became the foundation of this nation, and it’s one worth fighting for in every generation.

“The path to achieving America’s promise has been fraught. From slavery to the forced removal of Native peoples, to our ongoing struggle to make freedoms written on paper real for everyone, the work remains. But we’ve also proven, time and again, that we can do better—that we can expand opportunity, strengthen the protections every American deserves, and move closer to fulfilling our founding promise.

“This Fourth of July, that work feels more urgent than ever. There are those in power who would sell off our public lands to the highest bidder, strip health care from working families, silence the voices of voters, and replace the rule of law with the rule of one man.

“The answer isn’t nostalgia. It’s recommitment. To a democracy that answers to the people, not the powerful. To communities where everyone can get ahead. To the public servants, military families, and veterans who remind us that patriotism is measured by service to our country and one another—not by serving ourselves. To the wild places that belong to every American, not just the wealthy few.

“The story of America has always been one of people who believed our country could better live up to its founding promise—and rolled up their sleeves to make it happen. That's the work ahead of us, and it's work I'll never stop fighting for. Happy Fourth of July.”

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Hoeven: Honoring Teddy Roosevelt’s Life & Legacy as We Celebrate 250 Years of Freedom

MEDORA, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today celebrated America’s 250th birthday with the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Hoeven delivered remarks as part of the ceremony, honoring Roosevelt’s life and legacy while outlining the critical role that his time in North Dakota played in shaping his presidency. Hoeven further acknowledged the hard work that went into establishing the presidential library, thanking his colleagues at the federal, state and local levels for their advocacy and efforts to move this project forward. Through his role in the U.S. Senate, Hoeven has worked to bolster these efforts and advance the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This includes:

Introducing and securing passage of legislation to secure the library’s 93-acre site. Hoeven authored the bill enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase the land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

The senator worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the legislation and find an agreement for the land purchase.

The agreement ensured the availability of acres for grazing and included a written commitment from the USFS to maintain the Medora Grazing Association’s contract for its full 10-year term.

Hoeven also passed legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library.

Most recently, the senator secured Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to provide up to $50 million in federal matching grants for the library and authorization for the library to display artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life, and Hoeven is working to advance its approval in the House.

Hoeven’s bill follows the model used for establishing and funding the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill.

“Today, we not only celebrate 250 years of American history, reflecting on the blessings and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great nation, but we also take time to honor Teddy Roosevelt, one of our most iconic Presidents. As North Dakotans, we should feel immense pride in the important role our state played in shaping his character, helping him overcome great loss and charting his course in life. It is fitting then that our state is now home to both a national park and a presidential library that bear his name,” said Hoeven.

“Accomplishments like this don’t just happen. We’ve been hard at work to make this library a reality, and we appreciate the efforts of everyone involved. Your support was vital as we worked to secure this 93-acre site for the library, which required both reaching agreement with our grazers and other local stakeholders and passing my legislation to make this former Forest Service land available for purchase. We also have secured authorization in appropriations legislation to make artifacts available to the library, and we’re now advancing a bill to supply those materials on a permanent basis while also providing matching funds for the library, like Congress did for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. That bill has passed the Senate, and we continue working to move it through the House as well.”

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Risch on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) shared the following statement on the 250th anniversary of American independence:

“America is the greatest nation in the world. Not by a little bit, but by a whole lot. For 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, perseverance, and innovation. This American spirit is alive and well, especially in my home state of Idaho,” said Risch. “As we celebrate 250 years of Independence, we must remember the sacrifices made to secure it and recommit ourselves to the ideals that have defined our great nation for centuries: freedom, faith, hard work, equality, and the Rule of Law.

“Vicki and I wish Idahoans and all Americans a safe and joyful Independence Day!”

Watch Sen. Risch’s message to Idahoans celebrating America 250 here.


Shaheen, Hassan Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at New Hampshire State House

(Concord, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial?Commission, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today celebrated the founding of the United States of America and marked the nation’s semiquincentennial at the New Hampshire 250th Independence Day Celebration at the state house in Concord. Photos from today’s event can be found HERE.

“The women who were working the farms, the men who marched off to fight, [...] none of them knew how the fight against Britain would end. They simply believed that the future was worth betting on. And today, as we know, the legislature still meets behind us in the oldest continuously operating capitol in the country, but the greatest measure of what they built isn't behind us. It's right here, it’s in front of us. It is all of you, on this lawn, all of the families, all of the citizens of this country who are celebrating today. Free people, still governing ourselves, 250 years later,” Senator Shaheen said in prepared remarks.

“America has endured for 250 years because generation after generation of Americans chose to stand up for freedom and move our country forward. It’s an honor to commemorate this milestone in the heart of the Live Free or Die State,” said Senator Hassan. “All of us must continue to build a stronger, more perfect Union and protect the freedoms that generations of Americans have fought to defend.”

The ceremony marked Shaheen’s final Fourth of July celebration as New Hampshire’s senior senator. Shaheen and Hassan were joined by state officials, including Mayor of Concord Byron Champlin, State Senate President Sharon Carson, State House Speaker Sherman Packard, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald and Secretary of State David Scanlan.

Shaheen was appointed to serve on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. In 2023, she championed legislation to authorize the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule as part of the nation’s planned Semiquincentennial celebration and have it buried on the west lawn of the Capitol, to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, the nation’s 500th Anniversary. Last week, Shaheen delivered remarks at the unveiling of the time capsule.

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Shaheen Statement on the Historic 250th Anniversary of America

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, released the following statement on America’s historic 250th anniversary:

“Today signifies a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history, and I join with Americans everywhere in coming together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

“250 years ago, our forefathers took a bold risk. None of them knew how the fight against Britain would end, but they believed the future was worth betting on. The greatest measure of what they built is evident in all of us: A free people, still governing ourselves, 250 years later.

“This moment?isn’t?about one party, one part of America’s history or even one person,?it’s?about what unites us. It’s about living up to our founding principles, and the purely American spirit of striving to make our union more perfect.

“So today let’s show our national pride by setting aside what divides us and celebrating the shared history and values that bring us together. Happy Fourth of July and here’s to another 250 years of this great nation.”

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Yakym Marks One-Year Anniversary of Working Families Tax Cuts, Largest Tax Cut in American History

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) recognized one year since the Working Families Tax Cuts became law, the largest tax cut in American history for hardworking families.

“As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I had a front-row seat to building this bill. My job, every step of the way, was making sure Hoosiers weren’t an afterthought,” Rep. Yakym said. “When I’m out at the grocery store, walking a factory floor in Nappanee, or shaking hands after church, people stop me and tell me their refund was bigger this year, that they caught up on a bill, that they finally had a little left over. These aren’t data points. These are Hoosiers doing everything they can to provide for their families, and they deserve to feel the relief.”

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Hoosiers by including:

• Prevented the largest tax hike in American history: By making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and locking in the doubled standard deduction, a family of four now pays zero federal income tax on their first $35,900 of earnings.

• No tax on tips: Providing relief for service workers who depend on gratuity. No tax on overtime: More than 25 million workers nationwide have claimed the provision, giving factory workers, linemen, police officers, nurses, and more a new break on their hard-earned extra hours.

• A $2,220 Child Tax Credit: More than 34 million families have claimed the provision.

• A bigger refund: The average tax refund is up 11% this year. 97% of filers got a tax cut, and 96% of those filers earn under $200,000.

This law also gave Indiana manufacturers the certainty they needed to invest, expand, and hire by:

• Allowing immediate expensing for research and development.

• Allowing full expensing for new capital investments.

• Allowing full expensing for the construction of new factories.

• Delivering more tax relief to the manufacturing industry than any other sector, according to the Tax Foundation.


ICYMI: Rep. Al Green on MSNOW “The Weekend” to Discuss White Nationalists, Maj. Jason Watson, and Impeachment.

Rep. Al Green on MSNOW “The Weekend” to Discuss White Nationalists, Maj. Jason Watson, and Impeachment.

You can access the news segment by clicking the link here.


Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace, testified before China CommissionSmith welcomes release of Pastor Ezra Jin

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), issued the following statement welcoming the release of Pastor Ezra Jin after his unjust detention by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP):

“I am profoundly grateful that Pastor Ezra Jin has been released and reunited with his family. I especially thank President Trump for personally raising Pastor Jin’s case with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping and for ensuring that U.S. diplomats remained committed in pressing for his freedom.

“Pastor Jin should never have spent a single day behind bars for peacefully living out his Christian faith. His release is a joyous answer to countless prayers, and an important reminder that sustained and principled American engagement on behalf of religious and political prisoners can make a difference—including for the eight additional leaders of the Zion Church and the many others detained from across China’s diverse religious communities, such as Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners.

“I also want to express gratitude for the work of Secretary Rubio, Ambassador David Perdue, and the dedicated professionals at the White House and State Department, whose steadfast persistence helped bring Pastor Jin home.

“Today, we celebrate Pastor Jin’s freedom, and tomorrow, we renew our commitment to securing the release of every prisoner of conscience still suffering under the cruel hands of the Chinese Communist Party—including and especially Jimmy Lai.”

Ahead of President Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Smith’s legislation—by a margin of 414 to 0–to support the President’s initiative to raise the cases and call for the release of political prisoners in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The resolution (H.Res.1259) specifically highlighted Pastor Jin’s case; before the House voted on the legislation, Smith met with Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, and the family members of other prisoners of conscience in China.

The CECC has made Pastor Jin's case a sustained priority. In recent months, the Commission has urged President Trump to personally raise Pastor Jin's imprisonment with General Secretary Xi Jinping, highlighted his case in bipartisan advocacy letters, and featured powerful testimony from Grace Jin Drexel during a CECC hearing that examined the CCP’s escalating assault on religious freedom.

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Curtis: Religious Liberty Relies on Civility, Mutual Respect

The Senator’s remarks were delivered prior to Fourth of July celebrations and his 250-mile walk to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial.

Video can be found here, and the remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:

Almost two hundred and fifty years ago, fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress affixed their signatures to the most influential document in the history of human rights—the American Declaration of Independence. Over succeeding generations, more than one hundred other nations would model their own declarations of independence with statements that followed the American pattern of 1776.

It proclaimed liberty as an inalienable right, in what Walter Isaacson has called “the greatest sentence ever written.” Among our inalienable rights, the document declared, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Defining “liberty,” giving definition, substance and legal guarantees of that right, has been one of America’s greatest ongoing commitments to the betterment of humanity.

And at the forefront of that pantheon of liberties the Declaration affirms has been the right to believe and practice religion according to the sacred dictates of conscience. Four decades ago, 160 of 170 international constitutions were modeled, in whole or in part, on the American model. Freedom of religion is guaranteed—in principle if not in fact—in 97% of constitutions.

When the first colonists arrived in the New World, religious freedom existed in theory (like that of John Locke) but not in political practice. Roger Williams founded Rhode Island on the principle of “soul conscience” in 1636, and 150 years later, in 1786, Thomas Jefferson authored the pioneering Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. “Almighty God hath created the mind free,” he wrote, “and manifested his supreme will that free it shall remain.” The state legislation he proposed therefore decreed that no person “shall … suffer on account of his religious opinions or beliefs … But … all [persons] shall be free to profess … their opinion in matters of religion.”

It was a long journey from Jamestown and Plymouth Rock to that Virginia Statute, the U. S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. America has made great progress, but the road has been at times harrowing for those people at the margins of our mainstream. Quakers were hanged in Massachusetts in 1659; Baptists were imprisoned in Virginia in the 1770s; Catholic convents and schools were burned in 1834; my own people, the Latter-day Saints, were mobbed and murdered in Missouri and Illinois in the decade to follow; and Jewish people have been the victims of discrimination and violence from the founding to the present.

One of the lessons to be learned from this history is that you can legislate religious protections, but you cannot legislate respect or compassion or bonds of charity. Yet religious freedom hinges on these virtues. Our public discourse, however, has never tipped so precariously into what Arthur Brooks has called “a culture of contempt.” If you think you sense something alarming in the air, the statistics say you are correct. A March 2026 Pew Survey reveals the distressing fact that Americans view their fellow Americans with “more hostility and suspicion than is the case in any democracy surveyed.” The United States is the only place … surveyed where more adults describe the morality and ethics of others living in the country as bad (53%) than as good (47%).

We can do better. We can be better.

Yes, as members of this national community, we have the right to espouse our values—religious, moral, or political—without hindrance or constraint. That also means we must accord to others the right to espouse their values, without hindrance or constraint. Religious freedom is distinctly entwined with pluralism, because the free exercise of religion presupposes a mosaic of differing values and life orientations. The words “kindness,” “civility,” and “charity” nowhere appear in our Constitution or our Declaration of Independence, whose anniversary we will commemorate next week.

That is because those values were presupposed by the Founders. This grand experiment in democracy required for its organization, and requires for its continuation, a willingness to build bridges of understanding as well as defend principles to which we are committed. Dr. Matthew Holland has written of how “civic charity” was deeply embedded in the thought of John Winthrop, leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; of Thomas Jefferson, America’s “apostle of religious liberty;” and of Abraham Lincoln, who so powerfully invoked the “better angels of our nature” at a time of national crisis.

We will never achieve consensus on the particulars of our religious commitments—or our lack of religious commitments. Nor should we.

Our pluralism is a source of our strength and should be a source of pride. However, we can honor our founding principles by returning to a particular kind of faith they did have in common. Faith in the essential goodness of one another. The psychologist Jamil Zaki has written, “Cynicism is the lack of faith in people; skepticism is the lack of faith in our assumptions.” Charity is the only way whereby we flourish in our differences even as we work together for a more perfect union.


Senator Marshall: The Democrats Will Do Anything to Tear Down Donald Trump

Senator Marshall Joins Fox News, Sunday Morning Futures

Great Bend – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Cheryl Castone on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures to discuss passing the SAVE America Act to secure election integrity, the Democrats’ continued refusal to support voter ID, and the possibility of a reconciliation bill passing with year-round E15 and funding for farmers hit hard by fertilizer prices.

Click HERE to download the full video.

On passing the SAVE America Act:

“Well, good morning Cheryl. I don’t think the Republicans are avoiding anything — the challenge in the Senate is it takes 60 votes to do most anything. On the Save America Act there’s nothing more important than election integrity — our elections need to be trustworthy. The question might be is why can’t we get 10 Democrats to agree that voter ID is important as well as proof of citizenship? That’s the real question here. The Democrats would do anything to tear down Donald Trump — they’d rather have depression; they’d rather have a war, anything other than Donald Trump, to make progress here. So I think that’s the challenge — how do we get 10 Democrats to get this across the finish line? We have 50 Republicans that would vote for some form of this Save America Act.”

On passing another reconciliation bill:

“You know, it is through this reconciliation process of 50 votes that we could probably fund states that want to check ID. Maybe we can take some of the federal election money that we give states if they’re not checking for IDs. But again, I go back to this: 80-90% of Americans, including a super majority of Democrat voters, want election integrity, they want voter ID, they want proof of citizenship. The question is, why isn’t the legacy media asking the Democrats? You can bring any Democrat on board your show, and they’re never going to say they’re in favor of voter ID — I think that’s way out of the mainstream. So, I’d be all for a reconciliation bill to pass the President’s supplemental that’s going to include, by the way, year-round E15 and some extra funding for farmers who are bearing the brunt of fertilizer prices right now, so maybe we do need to do that through reconciliation. My suggestion is let’s bring these one piece at a time, let’s get the Democrats on the record. Let’s vote just specifically on voter ID, then let’s vote specifically on proof of citizenship at time of registration. Let’s get these Democrats on the record, and let the American people put pressure on them on each one of these votes individually.”

“Well, without Reconciliation 3.0, I’m not sure what we’re going to get across the finish line, and that’s why I think we need to walk and chew gum — we need to be going down a couple roads. Let’s get a vote on the record on the voter ID, and then the proof of citizenship, and then let’s go on to a reconciliation bill that at least nips at the edges on the funding portion of the SAVE America Act, and get the president’s supplemental legislation to him that would fund the military and take care of our farmers as well.”

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Reps. Adams, McBath, Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) introduced the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act, landmark legislation to protect incarcerated people and prison staff from dangerous temperatures in facilities across the country managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

This bill is a continuation of work that Congresswomen Adams and McBath began last year. In March 2026, they successfully launched a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to further understand how the BOP currently tracks and addresses instances of extreme temperatures in their facilities. They also sent a letter of inquiry to the BOP in August 2025 regarding current conditions in their facilities, which informed this bill. In their response letter, the BOP stated that 18,736 incarcerated individuals reported symptoms of heat-related illness and 42 were diagnosed with heat stroke between January 2022 and September 2025.

Extreme temperatures inside federal prisons can pose life-threatening risks. Incarcerated individuals have limited ability to insulate themselves and staff face occupational hazards that are routinely unregulated. Many BOP facilities lack basic climate control, leaving people in cells where temperatures can reach deadly levels during record heat waves and winter freezes. The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act would establish the first comprehensive, mandatory federal standards to address this crisis.

“The conditions in our federal prisons are unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Across all 122 BOP facilities, there are more than 138,000 incarcerated people and roughly 34,000 BOP employees who live and work in these conditions every day. No one should be forced to endure dangerous, life-threatening temperatures because of aging infrastructure. The federal government has both a moral and constitutional responsibility to maintain safe and humane conditions for those in its custody.”

"Incarcerated persons do not lose their rights to basic standards of living and safety in federal prison,"Congresswoman McBath said. "As states across the country face record breaking temperatures this summer, it is common sense to require standardized installation and maintenance of HVAC systems in all federal prison facilities. This legislation is another important step towards improving our federal prison system.”

The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act will:

Authorize funding for climate control system installation and upgrades in all federal prisons within five years, with temperature monitors in every cell and workspace.

Set clear health and safety standards for extreme heat and cold across work, recreational activities, and housing.

Direct the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to research how extreme temperatures harm incarcerated individuals and staff and develop extra protections for elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals.

Provide free cooling and warming supplies — like cold water, fans, warm clothing, and blankets — when temperatures reach dangerous levels.

Implement accountability measures regarding staff training for recognizing and responding to heat and cold emergencies

Require regular public reports on HVAC progress, temperature-related illness and deaths, and annual safety inspections.

"Incarcerated individuals deserve to live in safe and humane conditions that are conducive to rehabilitation," said Kevin Hagan, Esq., Federal Legislative Affairs Director with FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums). "Unfortunately, too many live in deplorable conditions, facing extreme temperatures that can prove to be life-threatening. FAMM is proud to endorse the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This much needed legislation is a step in the right direction towards accountability and reform within America's prisons."

“As temperatures across the country rise to deadly levels, people in prisons are left without access to air conditioning and with few heat mitigation options," said Sarah Staudt, Director of Policy and Advocacy with Prison Policy Initiative. "Even the most vulnerable are routinely forced to survive the sweltering conditions as best they can. Some will not make it.” Staudt adds, prison Policy Initiative strongly supports the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This urgently needed legislation will ensure that people in prisons have access to air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Among other things, it also compels the Bureau of Prisons to regularly monitor the temperatures incarcerated people are forced to endure, to develop standards around heat and cold stress, and to ensure that people in federal prisons have access to potentially life-saving temperature mitigation options. Ultimately, a heatwave should not be a death sentence.”


Smith Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hour for Banner County

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Banner County on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.

Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location:

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Banner County Courthouse

2204 State Street

Harrisburg, NE 69345

10:00 am - 11:00 am MT


Smith Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hour for Hitchcock County

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Hitchcock County on Monday, July 20, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.

Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location:

Monday, July 20, 2026

Hitchcock County Courthouse

229 East D Street

Trenton, NE 69044

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT


ICYMI: The Business Times article below, titled “Nearly a million investors lost a total of US$3.8 billion on Trump crypto coin."

The Business Times article below, titled “Nearly a million investors lost a total of US$3.8 billion on Trump crypto coin,” speaks for itself.

You can access the article by clicking the link here.


ICYMI: Rep. Al Green on “The Joy Reid Show” to Discuss Major Watson, Trump’s Cryptocurrency Scam, and More.

Rep. Al Green on “The Joy Reid Show” to Discuss Major Watson, Trump’s Cryptocurrency Scam, and More.

You can access the news segment by clicking the link here.


Release: Reps. Auchincloss, Peters, Joyce Unveil Landmark Bill to Improve Discount Drug Pricing Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dr. John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening the Exercise of Controls and Upgrading Requirements for Efficiency (SECURE) in 340B Act, the first-ever comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992. This bill is also co-sponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).

“Employees' health premiums are too high, and the growth of the 340B program is one driver of that inflation,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Instead of pointing fingers, it's time to fix the problems. This bill tackles the hard issues and asks every stakeholder to compromise for the common good.”

"For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the 340B program for the safety-net providers and low-income patients in San Diego who depend on it to afford their prescription drugs. I’ve also pushed to make sure those savings actually reach the people for whom they’re intended. This bill does both,” Congressman Peters said. “The SECURE 340B Act closes the loopholes that have allowed the program to drift from its mission, stops the legal chaos that plagues the program today, and puts in place the kind of transparency and accountability that will keep 340B strong for decades to come."

“Since its establishment, the 340B program has served as a critical lifeline for low-income patients to access lifesaving medications,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The statute has long needed additional clarity to reflect the way the program operates today and ensure that access to treatment remains available to patients most in need and the healthcare facilities that serve them. This bill, a bipartisan solution that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Scott Peters, seeks to close loopholes that have compromised the integrity of the program while ensuring a stable path forward for the many hospitals and patients in my district that rely on it.”

The 340B Program, the nation's second-largest federal prescription drug program, was created to help safety-net providers stretch limited resources through discounted drug prices. It allows these providers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. The discounts have historically been applied upfront at the point of purchase.

However, since federal law never defined who qualifies as a 340B “patient,” the program became ambiguous, and was misused. In the absence of a legal “patient” definition, manufacturers attempted their own rebate verification systems. Courts have tried to block these rebate pilot programs, but only on procedural grounds. To this day, the federal government still has no uniform way to prevent discounted medicines from going to ineligible patients or duplicate discounts, or to validate pricing data across federal programs.

The SECURE 340B Act addresses these gaps. It pauses manufacturer rebate models for four years while a new patient definition is created and standards for contract pharmacies, data sharing, and transparency take effect. It establishes a clear, statutory definition of “patient” based on previous federal guidance. The bill also directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to use an independent, conflict-free clearinghouse to securely manage prescription-level data, verify claims, and protect privacy. It also strengthens HRSA's authority and provides transparency and federal guardrails.

“We support legislation that strengthens, stabilizes, and preserves this critical program for eligible hospitals and federally qualified health centers who care for our most vulnerable communities and patients. At BMC Health System, 340B savings are reinvested directly into services that expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the healthcare safety net for underserved communities. We recognize that advancing and sustaining the 340B program, inclusive of addressing the rebate model, requires balancing the needs of patients, providers, and manufacturers. Establishing long-term regulatory certainty through durable, bipartisan solutions will help providers plan for the future and continue delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most.” — David Twitchell, PharmD, MBA, SVP and Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Medical Center Health System

"The 340B program is vital to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the 52 million people — one in seven Americans, including one in three in rural communities — who rely on CHCs for affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality care. We commend Representatives Joyce, Crenshaw, Peters, and Auchincloss for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this comprehensive legislation. Key provisions addressing contract pharmacies, providing a four-year delay of any potential rebate model, and establishing and evaluating a neutral clearinghouse are especially important. We look forward to working with these leaders and Members on both sides of the aisle to build upon the bill being introduced today and advance legislation that preserves and strengthens access to 340B for CHCs and their patients.” — Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers

“Recent polling shows that while most voters are unfamiliar with the 340B program, once they learn what it is, an overwhelming 91 percent say Congress should increase transparency and accountability. That tells us something important: even without getting everything they want, stakeholders and voters agree on the core reforms needed to protect patients and strengthen the program. Congressman Peters’ SECURE 340B Act reflects those areas of consensus; a clear patient definition, transparency without rigid spending mandates, and guardrails that keep the program focused on patient benefit.” — Scott Suckow, Chair of Patient Advocates United in San Diego and Executive Director of the Liver Coalition.

“The SECURE 340B Act is an important and much-needed step toward bringing real guardrails, transparency, and accountability to a program that has grown well beyond its original design, and employers and other healthcare purchasers strongly support the introduction of this legislation. The bill provides a meaningful framework to help ensure the 340B program better serves patients and the communities it was intended to benefit, while creating a serious foundation for bipartisan policymaking. We look forward to working with policymakers to further strengthen the legislation, ensuring real accountability for 340B covered entities and drug makers alike while protecting flexibility for plan sponsors to ensure they can purchase affordable medications for working families.” — Shawn F. Gremminger, MPP, President and CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

“Advocates for Community Health is deeply grateful for the work of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw to advance commonsense 340B program reform. ACH is a longstanding advocate for legislation that would stabilize and clarify the 340B program, and we are encouraged that SECURE reflects many of our members' core principles for reform, including the piloting of a claims clearinghouse before we rush into a rebate model. We look forward to continuing to advance this legislation, including refinements to the patient definition that reflects current health center operating procedures, as soon as possible.” — Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO, Advocates for Community Health

“The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) appreciates the leadership of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw for recognizing that the 340B program urgently needs bipartisan reform. The SECURE 340B Act includes important steps toward transparency, accountability, clearer patient eligibility, stronger oversight of child sites, and patient affordability protections. Those are reforms that COA has long called for to be urgently addressed. At the same time, Congress must ensure that any final legislation does not lock in the very abuses that have distorted 340B—particularly arrangements that allow PBMs from being contract pharmacies and hospital systems from capturing savings that should benefit vulnerable patients. We look forward to working with the sponsors to strengthen the legislation so that 340B discounts help patients in need, not profit PBMs and hospitals.” — Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance


Scott Condemns Rescission of Affirmative Action Guidance

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded the 1979 rule that establishes affirmative action guidelines for employers.

“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) decision to rescind its long-standing guidelines on affirmative action in the workplace is another step in the Trump Administration’s campaign to dismantle civil rights and equal opportunity for workers. For nearly 50 years, the rule has established clear guidelines for employers on when and how to implement strategies to address race and gender imbalances and protect Americans from workplace discrimination.

“Even without this guidance, employers are still required to follow Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the Supreme Court has limited the use of race in the admissions process to increase diversity in higher education, its earlier decisions, United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979) and Johnson v. Transportation Agency (1987), that guide the use of affirmative action in the private sector have not been overturned and remain the law of the land.As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I am committed to fighting back against the Trump Administration's attacks on workers and to ensuring that all Americans are given an equal chance to get ahead.”

Background: Following Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of two of the three Democratic Commissioners on the five-seat Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the elevation of Andrea Lucas as Chair of the Commission, the EEOC has taken numerous actions that undermine rather than advance equal opportunity for workers.

On September 22, 2025, Ranking Member Scott condemned the EEOC after it was reported that it would end investigations where an employee alleges solely disparate impact workplace discrimination charges.

On January 23, 2026, Ranking Member Scott expressed his concern that the EEOC had taken numerous actions at the direction of Chair Andrea Lucas that undermined the EEOC’s mission to protect workers from discrimination. In his letter to Chair Lucas, Ranking Member Scott noted that the Commission has abandoned cases alleging disparate impact, singled out white men as a group that should reach out to the EEOC with discrimination claims, and rescinded guidance that served as an important resource for both workers and employers regarding prohibitions against discrimination, including harassment.

On June 29, 2026, Ranking Member Scott condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a decision that also undermines the independence of the EEOC.

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Members of the Oregon Delegation Oppose Sudden Loss of Columbia River Hatchery Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and the Oregon Congressional Delegation members Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) decried the decision of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to abruptly end its participation in the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, and provides reliable stocks of hatchery raised fish including Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries in the Lower Columbia River Basin.

“The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries. The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike,” write the lawmakers.

BPA’s decision to end SAFE, that has provided hatchery funding for over 30 years, came with minimal notice and will create a nearly $2.4 million shortfall to be shared by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County. According to ODFW, more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production are at immediate risk. Without this funding, ODFW may be forced to close SAFE funded hatcheries and potentially cull the millions of salmon and eggs the agency will no longer be able to support.

“When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun,” emphasized the Oregon Congressional Delegation.

The lawmakers concluded, “We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.”

Full text of the letter sent by the Oregon Congressional delegation can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear Administrator Kavulla:

We write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.

The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.

When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.

Further, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.

We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.

[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions


Boyle Statement on Arson at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement after police said they are investigating an arson at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center on Tyson Avenue:

“I am deeply disturbed by the apparent arson at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. Houses of worship must be places of peace and safety, not targets for violence or intimidation. I am grateful that no one was injured, but the fear caused by this attack is very real. I urge anyone with information to come forward immediately. Our Muslim community deserves our full support.”


Rep. Calvert Announces $50 Million for Riverside County Transportation Projects

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a total of $50 million to two Riverside County transportation projects from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Rep. Calvert led efforts to advocate for the grant applications submitted by Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the City of Lake Elsinore, including sending letters of support and outreach to DOT officials.

The following projects were awarded funding:

$25 Million - State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project

Recipient: Riverside County Transportation Commission

Project summary: This project will implement an operational lane for approximately three miles in the eastbound direction on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector auxiliary lane. Other improvements include widening bridges, constructing retaining walls, constructing a two-lane exit ramp, replacing overhead signs, lowering Coal Canyon access road, and constructing debris and rockfall mitigation measures.

$25 Million - I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project

Recipient: City of Lake Elsinore

Project summary: The project will make improvements to the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California. Improvements include interchange reconfiguration, widening of a segment of SR-74 (Central Avenue), Dexter Avenue, upgraded on- and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and drainage improvements.

“The $50 million being awarded to Riverside County highway projects will make a significant impact by easing congestion and improving safety for drivers,” said Rep. Calvert. “By working together with Riverside County Transportation Commission and the city of Lake Elsinore, I’m proud to once again help return tax dollars back to our region to make a difference for the constituents I represent. Our region remains one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, which means we must continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to keep people moving and protect their quality of life. I will continue to work with our local communities to support the projects that are necessary to achieve those goals.”

“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange Counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC is grateful to Representative Ken Calvert for his help to secure $25 million in BUILD grant funding for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project, which will help improve traffic operations.”

"On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore and my City Council colleagues, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Ken Calvert and his team for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support in securing this transformative BUILD Grant,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee. “His commitment to improving infrastructure throughout Southwest Riverside County has helped make one of Lake Elsinore's highest-priority transportation projects a reality. This investment will significantly improve the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange through a comprehensive reconfiguration of the interchange and also widen parts of SR-74 (Central Avenue) and Dexter Avenue, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, strengthening regional connectivity, and providing more efficient access for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and the thousands of visitors who travel through our community each day. As one of the fastest-growing communities in California, Lake Elsinore depends on strategic infrastructure investments to support economic development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and, more importantly, improve our residents' quality of life. This project is not simply about improving an interchange—it is about investing in our community's future and ensuring our transportation network can support the opportunities ahead. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Calvert for his partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to bringing federal resources home to Lake Elsinore."

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Casten, Whitesides, Levin Introduce Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Sean Casten, George Whitesides, and Mike Levin introduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to improve the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. The legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate damage and advocate for an international climate insurance program. Senators Peter Welch (VT) and Andy Kim (NJ) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Climate change is a global crisis that demands a global response,” said Rep. Casten. “The United States has a responsibility to help lead the way towards innovative financial solutions. I’m proud to support this legislation that strengthens climate resilience, supports our own national security, and advances a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for communities across the Global South.”

“I’ve seen the extreme financial impact that natural disasters like wildfires have on my community and state, and that problem exists at scale across the globe,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The Global Climate Resilience Act asserts U.S. leadership in combating climate change, while also addressing widespread debt by creating better pathways for countries in the Global South to invest in resilience measures for natural disasters. By making it easier for countries with developing economies to implement climate resilience initiatives, we can help facilitate a global effort to combat climate change with more nations and international organizations.”

"The science is clear: disasters are more intense, sea levels are rising, and climate change is accelerating. Combating these global challenges demands global cooperation," said Rep. Levin. "Our Global Climate Resilience Act helps the world’s most vulnerable communities protect against the worst effects of climate change. By addressing root causes of poverty, disease, and migration around the world, our bill helps keep Americans safer, healthier, and more secure."

“This House bill and its Senate companion directly respond to calls from the Global South to address two of its most pressing challenges: relieving crushing debt burdens and bolstering life-saving resilience efforts,” said Brenden Guy, Senior Director of International Climate at the Natural Resource Defense Council. “The climate crisis has eliminated 20% of the wealth of the most vulnerable countries in the world over the last two decades. And make no mistake, this is not charity: it’s a strategic investment in building global resilience that will also keep Americans safer and supply chains more secure from climate-fueled disasters that drive up prices. The bill advances much-needed solutions to build greater global resilience and prosperity that Congress should get behind.”

“One of the biggest barriers to enacting climate action on a global scale is resourcing communities that have been extracted from for generations that want to transition to the clean energy economy but have been let down by Countries failing to meet their commitments to help in this transition,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “Oil Companies then fill this gap as primary energy suppliers and continue the cycle of extracting and polluting communities. This bill promises to take a step in the right direction to help communities looking to invest in the health and sustainability of their nation, and global health as a whole.”

“If the United States wants to reclaim its leadership role in addressing the myriad global challenges of the climate crisis, we must truly lead from the front,” said Davis Bates, League of Conservation Voters’ Congressional Champions Campaign Director. “We must not simply renew our previous commitments to international agreements. We also need to support and empower countries around the world to adapt to increasingly disastrous extreme weather and build financial and structural climate resiliency for the future -- especially for countries least responsible for the pollution fueling climate change but are most impacted.”

“Countries on the frontlines of climate change, including small island states, shouldn’t have to choose between paying down debt and protecting their communities and ecosystems,” said Dan Whittle, Associate Vice President, Resilient Caribbean, Environmental Defense Fund. “The Global Climate Resilience Act points to a smarter path, linking debt relief with investments that build resilience and stability. This is the kind of climate finance the moment demands.”

Just last year, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea levels which are beginning to submerge small Pacific Islands countries. While some nations have the resources necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, countries with developing economies often lack resources to meet challenges of a warming world. For many countries in the Global South, this creates a vicious cycle where funds from economic growth service debt from a climate event instead of building resilience.

Collective international action to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience are crucial to combatting the growing impacts of climate change. At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs), global leaders recognized the need to provide climate financing to countries in the Global South. The United States must take further action to help at-risk countries reduce their debt.

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