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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Reckless Policy Change Could Leave Hundreds of Thousands Unhoused

Letter Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-35) and 52 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, calling on him to rescind a recent HUD decision to slash essential Continuum of Care (CoC) program funding. These dangerous cuts will worsen the ongoing homelessness crisis and leave thousands of vulnerable families without stable housing.

“We write in response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) reckless and disturbing policy change and funding announcement that could push over 170,000 formerly homeless individuals back on the streets and exacerbate our nation’s homelessness crisis,” wrote the lawmakers.

HUD’s Notice for Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care Program, issued on November 13, 2025 would slash funding for permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs from 86% of CoC funds to just 30%, impose an extremely compressed application timeline creating a half-year funding gap, and deprioritize CoCs which use evidence-based solutions to end homelessness.

The lawmakers warned: “At a time when our nation has over 771,000 people experiencing homelessness, this NOFO will worsen the situation, impacting people with disabilities, veterans, domestic violence survivors, women with children and more.”

In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the long-standing bipartisan support for Housing First, noting that it remains the most effective tool local providers have to reduce homelessness. They also expressed serious concern that HUD’s delayed release of the FY2025 NOFO – and the shortened time allowed for CoCs to apply – would create a nearly half-year gap in services, putting the most vulnerable people at immediate risk.

“This reckless timing will put critical homeless services at risk, leave rents unpaid, and put the most vulnerable people back on the streets,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by urging HUD to immediately rescind the harmful FY2025 NOFO, renew current grants under the FY2024 NOFO structure, and ensure that CoCs using proven, evidence-based solutions receive the funding necessary to continue supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Read the full letter HERE.

Full list of signers: Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Jim Himes (D-CT), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Henry Johnson (D-GA), William Keating (D-MA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), George Latimer (D-NY), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), John Mannion (D-NY), Sarah McBride (D-DE), James McGovern (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Norton (D-DC), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Luz Rivas (D-CA), David Scott (D-GA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

As a Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for policies that affirm housing as a human right and center the dignity and humanity of all people.

• In December 2025, Rep. Pressley underscored the need to support grandfamily and kinship households, which are vital to preventing homelessness and keeping families and communities whole.
• In November 2025, on National Housing Day, Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color.
• In October 2025, Rep. Pressley introduced the Innovation Fund Act to establish a program to reward communities that are taking innovative steps to increase housing supply.
• In May 2025, Rep, Pressley, along with Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Greg Casar (TX-35), reintroduced the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to protect the power of tenants, including those with federal vouchers, to organize.
• In June 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), re-introduced the Tenant Empowerment Act, bold legislation to strengthen HUD tenant protections and provide renters with the tools necessary to improve the quality of their homes.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Mayor Wu, visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Senators Warren and Markey, applauded the final passage of $850,000 in federal community project funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in Hyde Park.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to boost home affordability and construction of affordable housing.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley, during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley celebrated the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood in Somerville.
• In December 2023, Rep. Pressley requested the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide data on housing needs for Medicaid beneficiaries and feedback on challenges the agency is having in covering housing support for people requiring home and community-based services (HCBS).
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), reintroduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, critical legislation to provide much-needed assistance to those facing eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
• In June 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Reentry and Stable Tenancy (Housing FIRST) Act, bold legislation to help people who are formerly incarcerated and those with criminal histories access safe and stable housing.
• In September 2021, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Bush and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 to enact an urgently needed nationwide eviction moratorium. 
• On July 2021, ahead of the expiration of the previous CDC eviction moratorium, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Gomez and their progressive colleagues sent a letter renewing their calls for President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend the federal eviction moratorium and prevent the historic and deadly wave of evictions that would occur if the government failed to do so. 
• On July 30, 2021, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) in introducing the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021, legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through the end of the year. 
• In June 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Gomez and Bush, led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium for the duration of the public health crisis. 
• In June 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), re-introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
• On May 18, 2021, Reps. Bush and Pressley sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions, ensuring families can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency.
• On July 28, 2020, Rep. Pressley, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Harris introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to provide much-needed, layered assistance to those facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On July 24, 2020, in a Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed the unprecedented financial cliff facing millions of renters and homeowners, the economic consequences of millions losing their homes, including the ability to return to work, and why funding for legal representation is so critical.
• On May 11, 2020, Reps. Tlaib, and Joe Neguse (D-CO) urge House and Senate leadership to include $11.5 billion in funding for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) in the next relief package to aid the nation’s homeless population who are experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On April 10, 2020, Rep. Pressley urged Congressional leadership to prioritize recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis. This funding would allow people to cover all their bills, including rent.
• On April 17, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and colleagues introduce the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

• On March 23, 2020, Reps. Pressley and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020, legislation to provide critical funding to states and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation was included and passed through the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020.
• On March 19, 2020, Rep. Pressley, along with progressive lawmakers and organizations, introduced the Housing is a Human Right Act to authorize more than $200 billion in federal spending over 10 years for crucial housing infrastructure and reduce homelessness.
• On March 18, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Katie Porter (D-CA) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to HUD calling for a moratorium on evicting renters during the coronavirus pandemic.
• In July 2019, Rep. Pressley announced legislation that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology. 
• In November 2019, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Tlaib wrote to HUD blasting the agency for ignoring low-income tenants seeking to save their homes.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on USDA Relief Payments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of financial relief to farmers impacted by market disruptions. 

“Farmers across the United States, including in Central Washington, are reaching a breaking point because of supply chain issues, high input costs, and uncertainty around foreign market access. While this announcement primarily benefits row crop producers, other specialty crop growers will need additional assistance as they struggle to make ends meet due to continued high labor costs,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse added, “I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins for rolling out a bridge to get farmers and ranchers through lean times. I know they understand, as I do, that producers would prefer market certainty over direct payments from the federal government. I look forward to continuing working with this Administration to lower labor costs, reduce regulatory burdens, implement the agriculture provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut, and ensure American farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to make it to the next growing season.” 

According to USDA, $12 billion will be made available for one time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs impacting farmers. 

Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers who produce barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and sunflower.  

The remaining $1 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development by USDA.

USDA said farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
December 8, 2025                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SPEAKS AT RIGHT TO DEMOCRACY EVENT ON TERRITORIAL RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC EQUALITY 

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) delivered remarks at Right to Democracy’s “Recognizing Your Leadership Event” on December 4, 2025, addressing the ongoing fight for full democratic rights and equal treatment for the nearly four million Americans living in U.S. territories. 

The event was organized by Right to Democracy and featured remarks from Congressman Pablo Hernández of Puerto Rico and honored individuals and organizations advancing democracy and self-determination in America’s territories, including Covington & Burling LLP for their pro-bono partnership in securing the Department of Justice’s historic condemnation of the Insular Cases, and Gretchen Sierra Zorita for her groundbreaking service as the first White House Director for Puerto Rico and the Territories. 

“For 125 years, the racist Insular Cases have justified second-class citizenship and systemic discrimination against my constituents and millions of other Americans,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “While the Department of Justice’s condemnation of these cases in 2024 was historic, words must become action. True democracy cannot coexist with colonialism—even when that colonialism wears an American flag.” 

Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized that as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 125th anniversary of the Insular Cases, the tension between these two moments reveals fundamental contradictions in American democracy. The Insular Cases, rooted in racist pseudoscience, declared territorial residents “foreign in a domestic sense” and have been used to justify excluding territories from equal Medicare and Medicaid funding, denying full voting rights in the House of Representatives and membership in the Senate, and withholding access to federal programs that states take for granted. 

At the start of the 119th Congress in January, Congresswoman Plaskett addressed territorial voting rights and reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for equal opportunities for the U.S. Virgin Islands and all U.S. territories. She continues to lead this fight through concrete legislative action. 

“In 2021, I led bipartisan amendments to prevent the Department of Justice from using federal funds to defend discrimination in United States v. Vaello-Madero—a case that sought to deny SSI benefits to citizens based solely on their residence in a territory,” Congresswoman Plaskett stated. “I became the first Member ever from a Territory to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee—the oldest and most exclusive Committee in Congress—giving the Virgin Islands and all territories a voice on tax, trade, and healthcare policy at the highest levels.” 

Congresswoman Plaskett recently secured eight critical Community Project Funding victories totaling $8.5 million for the Virgin Islands, demonstrating her commitment to delivering tangible results for her constituents while fighting for structural change. She has also worked to secure exemptions from punitive port fees and to make the rum cover-over permanent. 

“The work ahead requires all of us—advocates, legal scholars, policymakers, and most importantly, the people of the territories themselves—to push beyond symbolic victories toward structural change,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “We must continue building coalitions and fight for healthcare equity, economic opportunity, and the infrastructure investments our communities deserve.” 

Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized that every American—regardless of zip code—deserves full democratic rights and equal treatment under law, and that the fight for territorial equality is connected to the broader struggle for American democracy. 

“As this nation faces increasing threats to our multi-racial democracy, the territories offer both a warning and a roadmap,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “We are living proof of what happens when ‘consent of the governed’ becomes conditional, when constitutional protections are treated as negotiable, and we are demonstrating the resilience, creativity, and determination required to demand what is rightfully ours.” 

Background: Right to Democracy is a project co-founded by Adi Martínez Román and Neil Weare that seeks to overcome historic obstacles to change through a new approach that unites rather than divides. The organization aims to build a real movement focused on confronting and dismantling the undemocratic colonial framework governing people in U.S. territories. Right to Democracy’s work is centered on core values including building common ground, respecting differences, provoking change, staying focused on mission, and avoiding toxicity through an approach that centers shared goals. The organization is focused on bringing about a reckoning to address 125 years of colonialism and undemocratic governance in U.S. territories, overruling the Insular Cases, building a coalition that unites all five U.S. territories, ensuring U.S. commitments to democratic principles are achieved in U.S. territories by making decolonization a mainstream issue, and centering diversity as a strength in all their work. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined Palm Beach State College (PBSC) President Ava Parker and PBSC students to celebrate the opening of the college’s renovated Respiratory Clinical Lab—expanded through the $700,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Frankel.

“Working people build our community, and Palm Beach State College’s students are training for some of the most essential jobs in our health care system,” said Rep. Frankel. “With this federal investment, this new respiratory clinical lab provides the opportunity for students to access the tools and hands-on experience they need to work hard and earn good wages while delivering life-saving care to our neighbors. When working people do well, our entire economy and community grow stronger.”

PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., added, “Thanks to Congresswoman Frankel’s support, our students now have a state-of-the-art lab that gives them the real-world training that sets them apart in today’s competitive job market.”

PBSC’s 35-year-old Respiratory Care program—accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care—has had a 100 percent job placement rate for 25 years, preparing students for careers as Registered Respiratory Therapists. These workers operate ventilators, assess lung function, and provide critical treatments—skills that became even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when PBSC stepped in to help supply local hospitals with equipment and trained personnel.

The newly expanded lab provides upgraded access to medical gas lines, ventilators, and specialized equipment, allowing the college to train more students in essential skills such as intubation, ventilator management, pulmonary testing, and neonatal and cardiac resuscitation.

To learn more about PBSC’s Respiratory Care program, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), alongside Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), introduced the Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act, a bipartisan bill to help lower prescription drug costs by protecting generic drug makers from abusive lawsuits and preserving patient access to affordable medications.

“Families across Virginia and the nation are facing rising prescription drug prices that strain their budgets and put their health at risk,” said Congressman Cline. “The Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act is a commonsense solution that protects competition in the marketplace and ensures patients can get the medications they need at a price they can afford. By reinforcing a key pathway that brings safe, effective generics to market, we’re putting patients ahead of profit.”

The legislation strengthens protections for the use of “skinny labels,” a critical regulatory tool that allows generic and biosimilar manufacturers to seek FDA approval for uses of a drug that are no longer protected by patents. This pathway accelerates access to more affordable alternatives while respecting valid intellectual property rights.

“For years, generic manufacturers have used skinny labels to lower drug costs without infringing on brand-name patents,” Cline continued. “But now, some pharmaceutical companies are exploiting legal loopholes to sue generic competitors and delay their entry into the market. Our bill stops that abuse and restores fairness to the system.”

The Skinny Labels Big Savings Act ensures that generic manufacturers who obtain FDA approval for skinny label uses are not held liable for method-of-use patent infringement when operating by federal law. It also provides clarity that drugmakers can describe their generics as FDA-approved therapeutic equivalents, provided that description aligns with FDA regulations. Importantly, the bill reinforces that the use of skinny labels does not weaken legitimate patent rights, but rather supports a system that was designed to bring savings to patients, insurers, and taxpayers alike. The bill has earned the backing of key patient and consumer advocacy organizations, including Patients for Affordable Drugs NOW and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.

“We have a prescription drug affordability crisis in this country. Lawsuits have eroded the “skinny label” pathway and delayed the rollout of lower-cost alternatives. With this bill, we are leveling the playing field and allowing generic drug manufacturers to get their lifesaving prescription drugs to the market faster, driving down costs for patients,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

“Since the passage of Hatch-Waxman 40 years ago, skinny labeling has saved patients and the health care system billions of dollars annually,” said John Murphy III, President and CEO for the Association of Accessible Medicines. “Without hesitation, AAM applauds and supports legislation that will provide a safe harbor for skinny labeling, propelling patient access to lower-cost generic medications and protecting the overall health care system. Thank you to Representatives Cline and Lofgren for their hard work on behalf of patients.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) announced several leadership updates within his congressional offices. Benjamin Burnett will assume the role of Chief of Staff effective December 2025, succeeding Yardena Wolf, who will transition to Senior Advisor. Cassie Baloue will expand her responsibilities and serve as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Washington, D.C. office while continuing in her role as Communications Director. Desiree Broome will take on the role of Deputy Chief of Staff in the District Office in addition to her current position as District Director. Carly Sincavitch will also broaden her portfolio, serving as Legislative Director while continuing as Senior Advisor.

“Ben, Cassie, Desiree, and Carly are exceptional public servants whose leadership and creativity strengthen our entire operation,” said Congressman Swalwell. “I’m grateful for the chance to recognize their dedication and talent through these promotions, and I have every confidence this team will continue delivering results for my constituents. And as Yardena transitions to Senior Advisor, I’m grateful she will continue providing our office with her invaluable service.”

Benjamin Burnett joined Congressman Swalwell’s office in 2019 and has since served as Legislative Director and National Security Advisor. Raised in Menlo Park, California, he is a Bay Area native from the district currently represented by Congressman Sam Liccardo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern University, where he was mentored by former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. Benjamin is the longest-serving member of Swalwell’s Washington, D.C. team. 

“I am honored to lead Congressman Swalwell’s team of outstanding public servants focused on working for our constituents,” said Burnett. “I plan to be a Chief of STAFF, and not the other way around. The people of California’s 14^th Congressional District can trust that the Congressman, and his staff, have their backs.”

Cassie Baloue joined Congressman Eric Swalwell’s office in 2022 as Digital and Press Secretary and was promoted in 2024 to Director of Communications. She previously served as Press and Staff Assistant for Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41). Her early dedication to public service was recognized with the Achievement Award from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during her Congressional Black Caucus Foundation internship. Cassie was born in Northern Illinois and was raised in Walnut Creek, CA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Merced.

“I’m blessed to work alongside such a talented and committed team,” said Baloue. “Leadership, to me, means empowering the people around me and making sure our office always puts its strongest voice forward for the Congressman and our constituents. I’m deeply thankful to Congressman Swalwell for his trust and mentorship, and I’m honored to help guide the work and vision of this office.” 

Desiree Broome joined the office in 2021 and has served as Constituent Services Representative, Constituent Services Manager, and District Director. In her role as District Director, she has strengthened constituent services, supported staff development, and ensured every constituent’s voice is heard and respected. Born and raised in California’s 14th Congressional District, Desiree is deeply committed to the community she serves. Desiree holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri and a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of California’s 14th Congressional District in this expanded role,” said Broome. “It is the greatest privilege to work alongside a team so dedicated to constituent service, and I remain committed to leading with humility, purpose, and a deep belief in the community we represent.”

Carly Sincavitch joined Congressman Swalwell’s team in 2023, bringing extensive experience from the private sector. She previously worked in the legislative and public policy practice at Arnold & Porter, where she developed deep expertise across a broad range of policy areas. Her combination of substantive policy knowledge and downtown experience has made her an invaluable member of Team Swalwell. Born in Chicago and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Carly graduated from Clemson University with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy.

“I’m thrilled to lead Congressman Swalwell’s legislative team at a time when policymaking is at a pivotal moment,” Sincavitch said. “It is a privilege to serve the people of California’s 14th District, and I am truly honored that the Congressman has entrusted me with advancing his policy agenda.”
 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Dec. 4, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced the STEEL Act, Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations Act, legislation that will enhance trade enforcement legislation and prevent dumping, an unfair trade practice by foreign nations that sell subsidized goods in the United States and devalue the prices of American steel and other domestic products.

“For years, foreign steel producers have undercut American steel and tube producers by exporting their product at prices below the cost of production. These harmful — and even illegal — trade practices have hurt Pennsylvania steel producers, leading to job losses in communities across Pennsylvania and the United States,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations (STEEL) Act puts American companies first, and it fully rejects the idea that foreign companies can participate in the U.S. market against U.S. companies without playing by the same rules.”

“Western Pennsylvanians know how decades of wimpy trade law enforcement have hurt American workers and industry,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We’ve got to make a change, and that means stopping trade cheats from ripping us off. I’m glad to work with Congressman Mike Kelly on this bill to put some muscle back into our trade enforcement laws and help level the playing field for American jobs and industries.” 

Read the full bill text here.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“For too long, bad actors have sought to evade U.S. trade laws through fraud, transshipment and other schemes. These actions have hurt American businesses and workers, including in the American steel industry. By allowing Customs and Border Protection to initiate investigations on its own initiative when it finds evidence of evasion of antidumping or countervailing duty orders, this bill will give CBP an additional tool to crack down on these illegal schemes,” said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute. “AISI commends Representatives Mike Kelly and Chris Deluzio for their leadership in introducing this important legislation. AISI urges Congress to pass this and other trade enforcement legislation to ensure strict and vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws and to hold trade cheaters accountable.”

“Steel pipe and tube producers across the country have long borne the brunt of unfairly traded imports that erode market share and put U.S. manufacturers and workers at risk. The Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) has been an essential tool for the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI) and its member companies in stopping bad actors from evading antidumping and countervailing duties intended to counter unfair trade practices. Unfortunately, gaps in the current statute have still allowed some importers to exploit loopholes and avoid lawfully imposed duties,” said RogerB. Schagrin, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI).  “CPTI commends Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for their leadership in the introduction of this legislation to strengthen the Enforce and Protect Act. By enabling U.S. Customs and Border Protection to proactively investigate duty evasion and by curbing frivolous appeals, this legislation will strengthen enforcement and deliver meaningful relief to American manufacturers and workers across the country who rely on fair and effective trade laws. We look forward to working with Representatives Kelly and Deluzio to support this critical legislation and the jobs it protects.”

“Thanks to the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), the OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA) has seen more than $400 million in unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties assessed —more than any other industry—through this vital enforcement tool,” said Guillermo Moreno, President of Tenaris US and Chairman of USOMA. “Still, more must be done to stop bad actors from evading duly imposed AD/CVD orders. Our members applaud the leadership of Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for introducing legislation that will strengthen CBP’s ability to pursue duty evaders and curb frivolous litigation that wastes government and industry resources. We look forward to working with congressional leaders to enact these critical reforms and ensure that American manufacturers are fully protected from loopholes and delay tactics.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) celebrated the announcement that the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is receiving an award of $31,787,140 for the acquisition of hybrid Buses and implementation of a new Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system. The funding was awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Tonko sent a letter in support of this project to the FTA to help secure this funding.

“Residents and visitors across our Capital Region depend on CDTA to get them to their homes, jobs, school, healthcare facilities, and so much more,” Congressman Tonko said. “From strengthening our region’s electric bus fleet, to driving investments with our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to supporting CDTA’s expansion of services to Montgomery County, I’ve never slowed in my effort to support and expand CDTA. This latest tremendous award will further enable CDTA to serve our region, with lasting benefits for our businesses and workers, and to the health of our communities and environment. I’m delighted by this latest funding and will keep my foot on the gas to invest in clean, accessible transportation in our region and beyond.”

“We want to thank Congressman Tonko and our Capital Region delegation for helping to advance the needs of CDTA. Thank you to the FTA for awarding us this critical LoNo emission grant that will allow CDTA to purchase partially zero emissions hybrid-electric buses and new technology systems,” said CDTA CEO Frank Annicaro. “This investment supports our long-term commitment to reducing emissions and delivering reliable, sustainable service to the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing our work to bring the best possible service to the Capital Region.”

The CDTA serves a ridership of more than 16 million across a 3,586-square-mile area. This project, titled, Acquisition of Deisel-Electric Hybrid Buses and Implementation of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System for Transit Modernization, would expand accessibility and service to the region.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman David Kustoff’s bill, the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 5345), by unanimous consent. This legislation creates a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals whose Social Security numbers have been stolen.`

“Victims of identity theft shouldn’t have to fight their way through government bureaucracy just to get their identity restored,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act is a commonsense bill that will improve government efficiency and ensure victims get access to timely relief.”

“Instead of adding more red tape, callbacks, and confusion, our government should make it easier to help victims of identity theft. The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act ensures families have a single point of contact at the SSA when their Social Security number is compromised,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Kustoff for sponsoring this important bill, which will deliver much-needed help to victims of identity theft.”

Background:

Identity theft continues to pose a serious challenge across the country. In 2024 alone, there were more than 3,000 reported data breaches, including many leaks which involved Social Security Numbers. When that information is exposed, the fallout for victims can last for years, and dealing with federal agencies often adds to the frustration.

H.R. 5345 gives victims a single, dedicated contact at the SSA to help them resolve issues tied to identity theft. This change gives Americans a more effective way to protect their assets when their information is compromised. It replaces a confusing, bureaucratic reporting process at the SSA with one that is far easier to navigate.

Congressman Kustoff’s bill now moves to the Senate for further action. Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks on the House Floor. Click here for the full text of the bill.

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