Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This morning at 1:45 AM, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) delivered the following remarks on the House floor before voting against Republicans’ reconciliation bill: 

“I rise tonight because health care is on the line, and so is the well-being and the dignity of the people I serve in New Hampshire. 

The phones in my office won’t stop ringing because people I represent are beyond angry about the proposal to slash Medicaid. 

Last week, I sat down with a constituent, Donka Facciolo of Laconia. She lives with a disability, and thanks to Medicaid, she receives skilled nursing, transportation, and employment support. Because of that help, she can live on her own. And another constituent that I met, Kevin Brett, told me the same. Without Medicaid, he’s not sure where he’d go. Parents of individuals with disabilities have told me that they could lose in-home care for their kids, and in doing so they’d be forced to quit their jobs. What kind of choice is that for these parents?

Slashing Medicaid is cruel. It would take away Granite Staters’ ability to receive care, their chance to work, it would rob them of their independence. And we know that it’s all being ripped away in order to give big tax breaks to billionaires and the biggest corporations.

So I’m a no on this reckless scheme. I urge my colleagues to vote no as well.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of HVAC, held a press conference with National Fair Housing Alliance Vice President Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending, Maureen Yap and Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, Alys Cohen to call attention to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ending of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – the only VA program that guaranteed foreclosure avoidance for veterans experiencing severe financial hardship, helping them stay in their homes. 

“It’s important to understand that 80,000 veterans at risk have been put at risk by the abrupt ending of the VASP program… I’ve heard from veterans directly that are concerned about their future,” said Congressman Pappas. “This isn’t about statistics, it’s not about hypothetical situations, it’s about real people. It’s about real veterans that swore an oath to give everything up to and including their lives for the United States of America who deserve our unwavering commitment to be able to provide them a roof over their head and to make sure they won’t get foreclosed on. So this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This is a moral issue, and something that we will continue to call VA on to address and to make sure that they are providing the kind of support that our veterans need, whether that’s in the form of a foreclosure moratorium or reimplementing VASP while we work on this partial claims program. We need a solution today so that veterans like Daniel in my district get the help and support that they deserve.”

Watch Congressman Pappas’s remarks here or the full press conference here. 

The VASP program was created as a “last-resort” option for veterans and their family members facing foreclosure on VA-backed loans following the expiration of pandemic programs, which when coupled with rising interest rates, increased the risk of default for thousands of veterans. Before its termination, VASP was the only program of last resort that existed for veterans facing immediate foreclosure, and helped over 17,000 veterans since the program launched in 2024. By abruptly ending this program on May 1 with no alternative in place, 80,000 veterans and their families now face the prospect of losing their homes with no relief mechanism in place.

Background: 

In April, Pappas spoke out forcefully against the administration abruptly ending the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP) during a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity markup. He joined a bicameral letter pressing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reverse his decision to abruptly end VASP. Earlier this month, in a HVAC markup, Pappas spoke out against the decision to end VASP, and in a HVAC hearing with VA Secretary Collins, Pappas rebuked the Secretary for ending the program. 

In January, Pappas joined a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter demanding answers about how VA is implementing President Trump’s Inaugural Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch and how it is hurting veterans’ access to the health care and benefits they earned. In March, Pappas condemned reports that the Trump administration is planning to cut 80,000 staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which could have catastrophic consequences for America’s veterans and cause significant delays and disruptions for those seeking medical treatment, as well as support for housing, addiction, mental health, and other lifesaving services. These firings would also result in job losses for thousands of veterans, who make up 25% of VA’s workforce.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month roundtable with San Francisco’s Asian Pacific Islander Council, bringing together community leaders to address the devastating impacts of the Trump Administration’s budget cuts on AAPI communities.

The roundtable featured key speakers, including Cally Wong, Executive Director of the API Council; Lance Toma, CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center; Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital; Jon Osaki, Executive Director of JCYC; Judy Young, Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Development Center; Luisa Antonio, Executive Director of the Bayanihan Equity Center; and Tammy Hung, Deputy Director of Programs at the Chinatown Community Development Center.

The event highlighted how Republican attacks on health care, housing and educational resources have compounded the challenges facing AAPI communities—particularly in San Francisco. Participants shared firsthand accounts of the real-world consequences of these policy decisions and emphasized the urgency of standing united to defend the health, dignity and opportunity of AAPI families.

Watch the full roundtable here. View photos from today’s event here.

Read excerpts of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s remarks as delivered below:

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Good afternoon. It is my privilege to join this distinguished group of AAPI leaders for this important roundtable discussion.

Thank you for your leadership in so many ways. And to each of you—thank you. We’ve had our interactions at your places of leadership and service. Thank you for what you all do.

To the AAPI leaders who are gathered here for this roundtable discussion: I salute Cally Wong for her tireless leadership at the API Council, an unyielding voice for equity and justice in the Bay Area and well beyond that.

It’s a thrill to be here at the Japanese Community Youth Council. Thank you, Jon, for your leadership as a model of culture and diversity in the Bay Area.
…
How special it is that we gather during AAPI Heritage Month.
…
Asian Pacific Americans’ entrepreneurial spirit, courage and patriotism has strengthened the foundation of our nation and made America more American.
…
We take great pride in our vibrant, diverse—very diverse—community, as we can see here. And the Bay Area has been so enriched by the community. And you know that. We’ll hear more about that.

Now then, I want to just say that—you know, we’re in a situation right now where the Republicans have said, ‘Whatever you want to do for your communities, it cannot have anything to do with health, education, the arts, museums, libraries, diversity…’ I mean, they’re just undermining the culture that is America. Because diversity, of course, is our strength.

But I was able to get the Southeast Asian Development Center to help purchase a new building with $1 million, and $850,000 for AsianWeek Foundation. But what they’re doing is such an insult.

It’s because the cuts that are in the budget already—and I say already because I’ll get to another point—help older Asian American adults learn to use digital technology. They’re cutting that. Combat anti-Asian hate? They’re cutting that. Advise low-income tenants facing eviction? They’re cutting that.

Here at the JCYC, President Trump’s budget cuts $2.6 million in funding, which provides college advising and preparation services for thousands of low-income youth in San Francisco. They’re cutting that.

Republicans are hurting our most vulnerable communities to provide tax cuts for the richest people in the country.

At the same time, they’re pushing a bill through Congress that slashes $300 billion from SNAP. Food out of the mouths of babies to give billionaires a tax cut. $700 billion from Medicaid. That means $1 trillion in cuts just from those two things.

Now, the Congressional Budget Office—the CBO, which we’re supposed to obey (but they have said they’re not necessarily going to do that)—has said with those cuts, it generates $500 billion in cuts to Medicare. Medicaid: $700 billion. Medicare: $500 billion. SNAP: $300 billion.

In meeting the needs of people—and you know what they call it? ‘Waste, fraud, and abuse.’ We say back to them: Our seniors, our children—they are not waste, fraud, and abuse! You’ve got a claim? Show us what it is. But we haven’t seen that yet.

In any event—it’s Robin Hood in reverse. Take from the needy and give to the rich. That’s the Republican Robin Hood in reverse.
…
And when they say ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’—show us. What is it? We don’t want any waste, fraud and abuse. But we don’t consider feeding our children waste, fraud and abuse. Or helping our people with disabilities. Or our seniors who need long-term health care and the rest of that. We don’t consider that waste, fraud and abuse.

If you do—because you want to give tax cuts to billionaires—that’s your waste, fraud, and abuse. Because that’s not what our—A budget should be a statement of values.

What is important to us as a nation should be reflected in our budget. For our children, their health, their education, the economic security of their families, safe, clean neighborhoods in which they can thrive—including from gun violence—and a world at peace in which they can thrive.

That’s not what this budget is about. It’s about tax cuts for the wealthiest people.

Now, you may recall that when—what’s his name—was in office before, and the Republicans had the majority for two years until we, with your help, defeated them—they had one bill that Republicans only passed.

It was their tax bill. And it gave 83% of the benefits to the top 1%. Eighty-three percent of the benefits to the top 1%. And added $2 trillion to the national debt.

Oh, big talk: ‘Oh, we’re fiscally responsible.’ $2 trillion in national debt. Not creating jobs or anything—just a tax cut.

This time, they’re going beyond that. They’ll probably add closer to $4 trillion to the national debt to give a bigger tax cut to the high end—while they cut SNAP. Food—taking food from the mouths of babies—to give a tax cut to the richest people.

So this is about their lack of values.

And you know, I’ve been in Congress a long time—thanks to all of you—and we’ve had our disagreements [with Republicans] about policy and the rest, and that’s legitimate, to have disagreement.

But this is criminal.

It’s not only criminal. It’s illegal in terms of what the law requires them to do.

So again—we don’t agonize. We organize. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today.
…
And we can only do so much inside maneuvering. The outside mobilization—know your power in all of this.

And that’s why I want to hear freshly what you have to say. Every day it makes a difference.
…
But again, Jon, thank you for your hospitality. It’s great to be here. It looks good. Place looks good. And the JCYC—just so remarkable.

But so are all of you here.

Now, Cally Wong has been the Executive Director of the API Council. Some of us have been together when we’ve had these meetings before. And she has led the way—as she will today.

Cally, thank you. Cally, thank you for your leadership.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Trade Task Force, issued the following statement on a ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade vacating and permanently enjoining Donald Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on nearly every country in the world, including his “Liberation Day” tariffs and separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China:

“This ruling is a major victory for the American people, who have spent months under threat of a stupid, self-imposed economic disaster thanks to Donald Trump’s trade war. Trump’s tariffs have already raised costs on Americans, strained our alliances, hurt our credibility, and threatened the global economy. They’ve driven uncertainty to a peak, hurt our small businesses, and greatly raised the danger of a recession.

“The U.S. Court of International Trade agreed with what I and others have said for months: Trump was clearly abusing emergency authorities in ways not authorized by Congress to impose damaging tariffs on other countries, with obviously pretextual excuses. Abuse of power has been the most consistent theme of Trump’s presidency, including power grabs on immigration, elections, and the structure of the government itself, which are clearly illegal and unconstitutional. Such is the case here.

“It is important to note that while Trump’s broadest tariffs, which he imposed using authorities under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, were just blocked by the Court, but his sector-based tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts are not affected by this ruling and remain in place. Trump has threatened additional tariffs under this authority, known as Section 232, on semiconductor chips, copper, and pharmaceuticals, and he clearly is intent on abusing this power as well. My bill, the Congressional Trade Authority Act, would prevent Trump from abusing this provision, return trade authority to Congress, where it belongs, and stop Trump’s trade war from doing further harm to the United States and the world. Congress should pass it.”

Beyer is the sponsor of the Congressional Trade Authority Act, which would rein in presidential abuses of authorities under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, and the co-lead, with Rep. Suzan DelBene, of legislation to end abuses of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff authorities.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene Statement on Federal Court Striking Down Trump Tariffs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted a roundtable with the Korean business community in LA to hear firsthand how Trump’s tariffs is disrupting trade, delaying shipments, and raising the cost of essential goods. He also shared his push to end Trump’s tariffs, prevent him from punishing allies, and put Congress back in charge of trade.

“Today I met with Korean American business owners in Koreatown who are being hit hard by Trump’s reckless tariffs — prices are up, shipments are delayed, and it’s getting harder to plan for tomorrow,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet, they’re family-run shops, local jobs, and people trying to build a future. I’m fighting to end Trump’s damaging tariffs and stop him from punishing our allies because our community needs trade policies that help them thrive, not ones that drive up costs for customers or threaten their businesses.”

During the discussion, Korean American businesses discussed how these tariffs and tax policies have driven up container fees and import duties, while causing uncertainty that makes it hard to grow or plan. Many also stressed the need for better workforce development support and a business environment that works for small businesses in LA.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez — a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade — has been holding the administration accountable in committee and led the Congressional Dads Caucus in calling out the harm to working families, and fighting to pass legislation to shut down Trump’s global tariffs. He recently visited the Port of LA to hear directly from port staff and highlight the real-world consequences of President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods — including a projected 35% drop in cargo volume next week. 

###

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

Ahead of Anniversary, Pressley Introduced Suite of Bills to Transform Criminal Legal System, Improve Police Accountability

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released the following statement marking the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Last week, ahead of the anniversary, Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the People’s Justice Guarantee (PJG), the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, and the Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act – a suite of bills that collectively would help build a fair, equitable, and just legal system in America, and improve police accountability.

“George Floyd should be alive today. Like every Black man, he deserved to grow old, to laugh with his children, to love and be loved. But five years ago today, George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight by police—a harrowing reminder of the brutal, state-sanctioned violence that Black folks in America have endured for generations and that we continue to endure to this day.

“In the days and weeks that followed, America underwent a so-called ‘reckoning’ on racial injustice. People from every corner of this country mobilized, demanding justice, accountability, and transformative change. But five years later, meaningful policy change remains stalled in Congress, corporations are backing away from their commitments to racial equity, and a white supremacist once again occupies the White House—continuing his unprecedented assault on Black America, rolling back policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancing harmful executive actions to ‘unleash law enforcement’ and threaten Black lives. Without meaningful policy and budget change, the unjust status quo will persist, and we will continue to be robbed of innocent lives.

“This anniversary must be more than hashtags, performative statements, and remembrance—it must be a recommitment to dismantling the systems of oppression that enabled George Floyd’s murder and the killing of many, many others. That means continuing to advance policies like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and my People’s Justice Guarantee, Ending Qualified Immunity Act, and Andrew Kearse Act, which I was proud to re-introduce this past week. It means legislating to affirm housing, healthcare, food security, and education as the human rights that they are. It means centering compassion, accountability, and healing in our policymaking—not cruelty, criminalization, and incarceration.

“We’ll never have true justice for George Floyd. True justice would be George Floyd alive today, at home with his fiancée, children, and siblings. As we mark this somber anniversary, we owe it to George, his family, and everyone killed at the hands of law enforcement to continue governing like lives depend on it and building a more just America where everyone can thrive and live free from fear.”

In April 2021, Congresswoman Pressley authored an op-ed in USA Today in which she responded to reports that the guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin trial have reduced the appetite amongst lawmakers—in both parties—for action on police reform. In the op-ed, Rep. Pressley called for meaningful policy and budget change to dismantle every system that finances and perpetuates brutality, murder and state-sanctioned violence at home and abroad.

Congresswoman Pressley has introduced over a dozen pieces of precise legislation informed by the People’s Justice Guarantee to fundamentally redefine what justice looks like in America, including the Ending Qualified Immunity Act and Andrew Kearse Accountability for the Denial of Medical Care Act.

Congresswoman Pressley also led calls in Congress for President Biden to use his clemency authority to address mass incarceration and has applauded the President for granting clemency to thousands of people and commended him for commuting the death sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row.

• In June 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)unveiled 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 May 2023, Rep. Pressley reintroduced her Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act to improve maternal health care and support for pregnant individuals who are incarcerated. It was originally introduced in March 2020 and reintroduced in February 2021 as part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Package—a suite of 12 bills aimed at addressing the Black maternal health crisis.
• In May 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, requested the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to research post-traumatic prison disorder and share findings related to prevention and treatment for people returning from behind the wall.
• In April 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) re-introduced their Ending Qualified Immunity Act, legislation that would eliminate the unjust and court-invented doctrine of qualified immunity and restore the ability for people to obtain relief when state and local officials, including police officers, violate their legal and constitutionally secured rights. Rep. Pressley originally introduced the bill in June 2020 with Rep. Justin Amash (L-MI) and reintroduced it with Sen. Markey in March 2021.
• On April 6, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Hank Johnson led 25 of their colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to address racial disparities in traffic enforcement.
• In April 2023, Rep. Pressley, in partnership with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), re-introduced the Ending PUSHOUT Act, their legislation to end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools. It was originally introduced in December 2019 and reintroduced in March 2021.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and 27 Members of Congress, alongside more than 300 advocacy organizations and community leaders, reintroduced the New Way Forward Act, a landmark piece of legislation that addresses some of the most harmful provisions of immigration law that drive racist enforcement practices, expanded incarceration in immigration detention centers, and unjust deportations. It was originally introduced in December 2019 Reps. Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Karen Bass (CA-37) and was reintroduced in January 2021.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues re-introduced the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act to stop federal entities’ use of facial recognition tools and prohibit federal support for state and local law enforcement entities that use biometric technology. They reintroduced the bill in June 2021.
• In December 2022, the House passed Congresswoman Pressley’s amendment to strengthen maternal health care for people who are incarcerated.
• In December 2021, Rep. Pressley unveiled the Fair and Independent Experts in Clemency (FIX Clemency) Act, historic legislation to transform our nation’s clemency system and address the mass incarceration crisis.
• In March 2021, Rep. Pressley sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to consider H. Res. 266, the People’s Justice Guarantee, as a framework for embedding justice in our criminal legal system and building integrity in the Department of Justice (DOJ). 
• In February 2021, October 2020, Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the Mental Health Justice Act with Reps. Katie Porter (CA-45), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), to support the creation of mental health first responder units that would be deployed in lieu of law enforcement when 911 is called due to a mental health crisis. The lawmakers originally introduced the legislation in October 2020.
• In January 2021, she reintroduced the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act of 2021 with Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to prohibit the use of the death penalty at the federal level, and require re-sentencing of those currently on death row. The lawmakers originally introduced the bill in July 2019.
• In August 2020, she introduced the COVID-19 in Corrections Data Transparency Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and others, requires federal, state, and local prisons and jails to collect and publicly report COVID-19 data. The legislation was reintroduced last month.
• In July 2020, she introduced the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act with Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to prohibit federal funds to support the increased presence of police in K-12 schools and supports school districts that invests in counselors.
• In June 2020, she introduced the Dismantle Mass Incarceration for Public Health Act with Reps. Tlaib (MI-13) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) to require decarceration to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in prisons and jails.
• In June 2020, she introduced the Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ed Markey (D-MA), to hold police officers criminally liable for denying care to those in medical distress.
• In May 2020, she introduced a resolution with Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Karen Bass (CA-37) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) to condemn any and all acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and militarization and over-policing of Black and brown communities.  
• In July 2019, she introduced the No Biometric Barriers Housing Act with Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) 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 June 2019, in conjunction with Gun Violence Awareness Month and the 5th Annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day, she introduced a resolution to honor survivors of homicide victims by establishing National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) and every Democratic member of the California Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging them to safeguard federal funding for the Head Start program. The letter comes in response to alarming reports that the Trump Administration considered eliminating Head Start funding during recent federal budget discussions.

“From Los Angeles County to the Central Valley to rural tribal lands, Head Start provides comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and housing instability,” wrote the members. “These essential services support our state’s economy by allowing parents to work and go to school, while giving our future workforce the strong start that they need to be successful later in life.”

California is home to one of the largest populations of Head Start children in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, Head Start and Early Head Start programs served more than 94,000 children across the state. These programs offer critical support to children by integrating early education with health, nutrition, and family services – providing targeted support to those experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and systemic inequities.

“The elimination or reduction of Head Start funding would be catastrophic. In California, it would shut the doors of 1,835 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers and eliminate access to early education for tens of thousands of children – disproportionately children of color, English learners, children with disabilities, and those living in low-income and rural communities.”

Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has served over 40 million children and families nationwide. Decades of research confirm that the program improves school readiness, boosts long-term academic and employment outcomes, and helps break the cycle of poverty.

“Head Start is not optional – it is a national commitment that must be honored,” the members added. “We urge you to reject any future attempts to weaken or eliminate this program and to ensure its continued success for the children and families who rely on it every day.”

The letter was co-signed by each of the 45 Democratic members of the California Congressional Delegation: Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Pete Aguilar, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Garcia, Linda Sánchez, John Garamendi, Kevin Mullin, Mark Takano, Ted Lieu, Maxine Waters, Laura Friedman, J. Luis Correa, Ro Khanna, Mike Thompson, Norma Torres, Mark DeSaulnier, Juan Vargas, Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr., Judy Chu, Derek Tran, Raul Ruiz, Jared Huffman, Doris Matsui, Salud Carbajal, Brad Sherman, Ami Bera, Jimmy Panetta, Zoe Lofgren, Eric Swalwell, Lateefah Simon, Dave Min, Jimmy Gomez, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Jim Costa, George Whitesides, Luz Rivas, Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, Josh Harder, Adam Gray, Mike Levin, and Sam Liccardo.

The full letter can be found here and below:

President Trump and Secretary Kennedy:

We write today to express serious concern over reports that your Administration considered proposals to eliminate federal funding for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program in recent budget discussions. While we are relieved that the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Fiscal Year 2026 proposal did not include this cut, that such an action was even contemplated underscores the vulnerability of this vital program under your Administration. As members of the California Congressional Delegation, we urge you to safeguard this critical program, which plays an irreplaceable role in supporting California’s children and families, especially those facing economic hardship and systemic barriers.

California is home to one of the largest populations of Head Start children in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, more than 94,000 children and pregnant women in California were served by Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These services are not just beneficial – they are essential. From Los Angeles County to the Central Valley to rural tribal lands, Head Start provides comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and housing instability. These essential services support our state’s economy by allowing parents to work and go to school, while giving our future workforce the strong start that they need to be successful later in life.

Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has supported more than 40 million children and their families nationwide – and millions in California alone. Research continues to confirm what educators and parents have long known: Head Start works. It boosts school readiness, improves long-term academic outcomes, increases high school graduation and employment rates, and helps break cycles of generational poverty.

The elimination or reduction of Head Start funding would be catastrophic. In California, it would shut the doors of 1,835 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers and eliminate access to early education for tens of thousands of children – disproportionately children of color, English learners, children with disabilities, and those living in low-income and rural communities. Thousands of parents would also lose their ability to go to work or school, and otherwise participate in the economy.

Head Start is not optional – it is a national commitment that must be honored. For these reasons, we urge you to reject any future attempts to weaken or eliminate this program and to ensure its continued success for the children and families who rely on it every day.

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Education

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Galveston, TX – U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) sat down with local business leaders, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Galveston-Texas City Pilots for a U.S. Camber of Commerce roundtable discussion focused on protecting hardworking Texans from looming tax hikes. With key provisions of President Trump’s historic 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of the year, Rep. Weber and local stakeholders made the case for extending these pro-growth tax policies that have fueled job creation and economic opportunity across Southeast Texas.

“As a former small business owner, I know firsthand what it takes to make payroll, grow a company, and support workers,” said Rep. Weber. “Local job creators shouldn’t be punished with higher taxes. The 2017 tax cuts were a game-changer for our economy, and now we’re working to make them permanent. Texans want less government, lower taxes, and more freedom to build their businesses. We’re putting small businesses first, right where they belong.”

“The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to host the U.S. Chamber’s Roundtable with Congressman Randy Weber. We are grateful for the Galveston-Texas City Pilots and the local business leaders who participated in a substantial discussion around the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tariffs and issues crucial to the region,” said Gina Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber.  “Lending their voices and vision proved how important this community is to Texas. As a former small business owner, the Congressman knows businesses in every sector collectively shape our economy and we are grateful for his incredible leadership and unwavering commitment.” 

“The U.S. Chamber thanks Congressman Weber for working tirelessly to ensure Americans everywhere continue to benefit from the pro-growth policies enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs act of 2017. I am grateful to the Galveston Regional Chamber for partnering in today’s discussion which highlighted these tax provisions included in the recent House passage of the budget bill. The impact on businesses of all sizes in this district help to fuel, feed and transport resources across the nation,” said Monique Thierry, Vice President, Southwest/South Central region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Congressman Weber is once again demonstrating his commitment to the workers, families, and businesses of Texas 14th District.”

On May 22, the House passed H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, legislation that would lock in the 2017 Trump tax cuts for families, small businesses, and workers. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) nominated 15 community projects in Washington’s 1st Congressional District for dedicated Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding. The projects, totaling more than $40 million, include road and trail upgrades, water infrastructure projects, and public safety improvements. 

“The requests submitted in this year’s federal FY26 funding package continue to be a critical resource for our community, providing investments for programs that Washington’s 1^st Congressional District needs to continue meeting the needs of our growing region,” said DelBene. “These 15 projects will enhance infrastructure, improve transportation services, guarantee access to safe drinking water, and expand early childhood education programs and access to health care, further strengthening our district.” 

The 15 community projects spanning the 1^st Congressional District include: 

• $14.1 million for projects in King County 

• $26.6 million for projects in Snohomish County 

The projects submitted are listed below:  

Descriptions of the 15 projects submitted by DelBene can be found here.

The House and Senate must reach an agreement on the FY26 package, which will determine which projects are ultimately approved and how much they are funded for. In previous years, DelBene secured a total of $44.4 million in dedicated federal funding for projects. 

Project submissions came directly from non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities. More information about the House FY26 government funding process can be found here.