Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Rep. French Hill Applauds House Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Rep. French Hill Applauds House Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 22, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, a major legislative victory that delivers real results for central Arkansas and includes two of his own bills focused on helping Arkansans save, invest, and build a stronger future.

“This bill is a critical win for families and small businesses in central Arkansas. It prevents the largest tax hike in American history and puts us back on the path to smart, sustainable economic policy. It reflects tried and true conservative, pro-growth principles — spending discipline, tax relief, and restoring the integrity of programs that many Arkansans rely on like Medicaid and SNAP. It also sends a clear signal that House Republicans are serious about governing and delivering results for our constituents and for the American people.

“I am proud that two of my legislative priorities are included in the reconciliation bill that passed the House today. One helps Arkansas families save for health care, and the other provides tax relief for Americans wrongfully detained abroad.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes two bills authored by Rep. Hill:

  • The Catch-Up Act – Allows married Americans over age 55 to make catch-up contributions to their spouse’s Health Savings Account (HSA), giving families more flexibility and financial security to plan for health care costs.
  • The Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act – Provides tax relief for Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad by postponing deadlines and authorizes the IRS to revoke tax-exempt status from nonprofits that materially support terrorist organizations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also:

  • Secures America’s Southwest border through increased enforcement and infrastructure
  • Strengthens national defense readiness and military investment
  • Reduces burdensome regulations that stifled growth and harm small businesses
  • Unlocks domestic energy production that will result in lower prices for Americans
  • Protects programs that vulnerable Americans rely on, including Medicaid and SNAP, by reducing waste and abuse
  • Makes President Trump’s tax cuts permanent for working families and small businesses
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SCHNEIDER VISITS CAPITAL JEWISH MUSEUM, MOURNS ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFF MURDERED IN DC

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), co-chair of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, visited the Capital Jewish Museum to honor two Israeli Embassy staff, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered the evening of May 21, 2025.  

Jewish Members of Congress speak to reporters outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC

Schneider, joined by fellow Jewish Democratic Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jamie Raskin, Sara Jacobs, Kim Schrier, and Laura Friedman, delivered the below remarks (video available here).

I am Brad Schneider from Illinois’s 10th Congressional District and, as mentioned, one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Jewish Caucus. 

Debbie touched on the idea that there are so many young people in this town driven by idealism — driven by the idea that Washington stands for something, that in our founding as a nation all people are created equal. 

Last night at this site there was a gathering sponsored by the American Jewish Committee of young professionals, diplomatic professionals, who were dedicating their careers to the idea of building bridges — bridges between people and bridges between nations. 

Jewish tradition going back to Rabbi Hillel’s famous quotation, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?” — the idea that we belong together as a nation. Our motto, E Pluribus Unum, from many one. That’s the ideal we all believe in and strive for every day in this city.

But there’s another reality, a reality that’s been true my entire life. As a young child, I remember going to synagogue on high holidays and there would be extra security, there’d be guards. In the 1970s and 80s, those guards started carrying longer guns and in the last number of years those guards have started appearing not just on the high holidays but every single day. 

And in the 19 months since October 7th, 2023, we have seen a rise of antisemitism that has been unprecedented in my lifetime, so much so to the point that people are told don’t wear outwards display of your faith. Wear a baseball cap instead of a yamaka. Take your Star of David and tuck it in your shirt. 

There is a real fear. 

So, as we gather here today, we are overwhelming… overwhelmed by emotions. Emotions of grief at the loss of two beautiful young people who were prepared to make a life together, heading to Israel to become engaged — to make a promise to each other for a future united. 

And [then they had] that future cut short last night. 

Instead, their families, rather than gathering under the huppah will be gathering beside grave saying a Kadesh instead of Seven Blessings. 

We have grief. We have fear. But we’re not surprised at what happened and we are not going to back down. The resolve of all of us standing here, the resolve of every American Jew, the resolve of Jews around the world is that we will hold on to who we are with pride and defiance. We know our place is in this city, in this country. For us, within the governing halls of the United States. 

And we will not let anyone tell us we don’t belong.

We are overwhelmed with the grief for two beautiful souls, but we must be inspired by their spirit and their example. They were here last night participating in a program about reaching out. That is who they are, that is how they will be remembered.

We’re here today to mark their murder, to express our sorrow but we must stand to ensure their memory is always a blessing. We cannot let their death be in vain. We must stand up against hate, against antisemitism, against efforts to divide people and instead make sure we work to unite people.

Thank you very much.

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Underwood Introduces Health Coverage for IVF Act to Make Fertility Treatment More Affordable and Accessible

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON–This week, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families (IVF) Act of 2025, legislation that would strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation would amend the ACA to include fertility treatment and care as an essential health benefit, greatly expanding access to fertility services including IVF and making this essential care more affordable and accessible for families.

“No one should be priced out of the treatment and health care that can help them have a baby. Millions of Americans use treatments like IVF to plan their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of struggling to conceive, and they deserve our support,” Underwood said. “At a time when our fundamental freedoms and health care are under relentless attack, we must strengthen the Affordable Care Act and make sure that families are able to access essential care.”

A single cycle of IVF can range from $15,000 – 20,000 and most patients require 2.5 rounds to become pregnant.  These expenses are generally paid out-of-pocket. Amending the ACA to include coverage of IVF and other fertility services will significantly expand access to IVF and fertility treatment as well as dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for women and families seeking care. 

The Health Coverage for IVF Act would require the vast majority of small and non-group insurance plans to cover fertility services without requiring a diagnosis of infertility. This bill also ensures that plans provide meaningful coverage by requiring that plans do not place any more limitations on fertility treatment and care than on other medical and surgical benefits. 

In addition, it requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to monitor plans’ delivery of this benefit. 

Covered fertility services under this bill would include:

  • Preservation of human oocytes, sperm, or embryos for later reproductive use.
  • Assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization.
  • Artificial insemination
  • Genetic testing of embryos.
  • Medications prescribed for fertility.
  • Gamete donation.
  • Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, medications, laboratory testing, technologies, and services relating to fertility as the HHS Secretary determines appropriate.

 

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Pelosi on the Republican Tax Scam: "One of the Largest Transfers of Wealth in our History."

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi voted NO on the Republican Tax Scam bill: Donald Trump’s extreme legislation that will kick nearly 14 million people off their health care, take food out of the mouths of hungry kids and raise costs for health care and groceries across the board.

For more than 29 hours, Speaker Emerita Pelosi and fellow House Democrats led sustained opposition to the Republican Tax Scam bill. Democrats offered hundreds of amendments to stop Republican cuts to health care and food assistance and to remove new tax breaks that Republicans are giving to their billionaire donors like Elon Musk.

Watch Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks in opposition to the bill here.

Watch Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s interview with Jen Psaki on MSNBC here.

Watch Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s interview with Raj Mathai on NBC Bay Area here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below:

Ranking Member Jim McGovern.  I’d like to yield two minutes to the gentlewoman from California, the Speaker Emerita, Ms. Pelosi.

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his exceptional leadership, and to all the members of the Rules Committee for your stamina and for your values.

Mr. Speaker, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.’ He went on to talk about access to health care as a right.

But the inequality and inhumanity of this bill is exactly what Republicans have in store for the American people.

I sat for five hours at the Rules Committee—some of you were there even longer. It was stiff competition to determine which provision was the worst. But let’s just talk for a moment about work requirements.

They said, with great pride: ‘If you have a seven-year-old child, you have to go to work.’ A seven-year-old child is a little child.

I recalled a conversation I had with some moms. One of them said: ‘If there’s a work requirement tied to Medicaid, this is what it means for me: If my child is sick, I can’t go to work because I can’t afford childcare. If I miss work, I miss pay—and I can’t afford to miss that pay. If I don’t go to work, I can be fired. So I’m forced to put my sick child on the school bus—because I need to go to work to keep my Medicaid.’

And as we mentioned, about the silencers, it’s just beyond comprehension in terms of safety for our children.

Because of the Republicans’ tax bill scam, millions of American families—seniors, veterans, vulnerable children, people with disabilities—will lose their health care. Rural hospitals will be closed. And millions of jobs will be destroyed across America.

And all of this to give another massive tax cut to the richest people in America.

It is a Republican Robin Hood in reverse: one of the largest transfers of wealth from working families to the rich that our country has ever seen.

I urge a ‘no’ vote on the rule and the bill.

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Jayapal Statement on DHS Order Blocking International Students at Harvard

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that they are revoking Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, ending international students’ ability to study at the school.

“This is a remarkably dangerous and unlawful action from the Trump Administration. The decision to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification is solely to settle a score and shut down any dissent, not to protect our national security. This decision will now throw thousands of students’ lives into limbo as they face an uncertain future in a foreign land that had previously welcomed them and their talents. As a foreign student myself when I first came to America, I can only imagine the sacrifices, the planning and the investment that has already gone into the decision to come here — to revoke these visas now is outrageous. 

“And to attempt to deny the ability of Harvard to take any foreign students is both unlawful and deeply detrimental to our country’s own ability to innovate and attract talent from all over the world.  For generations, this country’s universities have been the bedrock of learning, and a thriving place for free speech, learning and growth. Trump is now turning them into places of fear, uncertainty, and chaos.

“This action simply deters talent from coming to the United States, and is nothing more than a wannabe dictator trying to bully people into silence. It will weaken our educational institutions and our ability to innovate and hurt America and Americans.”

As the Trump Administration continues to target immigrant students, Jayapal has been a vocal leader in the effort to protect them. She led a group of 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status at schools across the country earlier this month.  

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PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL

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

PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL

Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland 

May 22, 2025                                                           202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL 

Washington, DC – Early this morning, the House of Representatives passed the Republican reconciliation package (H.R. 1) with a vote of 215-214-1. Every Democrat in the House voted no.  

The 2 Republicans who voted against the bill, Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4) and Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-8), opposed the legislation as they wanted to see further federal funding cuts. They held out hoping for full dismantlement.  

This bill includes the largest cuts to healthcare in American history. This loss of funding – nearly one trillion dollars – will eliminate healthcare coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans and make it harder for people to access vital medical services. In Medicaid alone, funding is cut by more than $730 billion, which will leave 7.6 million people uninsured. The Virgin Islands presently has 21,000 Medicaid enrollees presently, many of whom will be impacted through loss of service or disenrollment.  

Medicare funding was cut by more than $500 billion and vital programs, including the Social Services Block Grant – which provides more than $4.2 million to the Virgin Islands – are eliminated until 2034. With 20,000 Medicare enrollees in the U.S. Virgin Islands, services are sure to be impacted.  Federal funding for the Virgin Islands’ Meals on Wheels Program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has also been eliminated until 2034. 

Republicans’ reconciliation bill will make everyday life more expensive for Americans and removes programs which gave opportunities and support for a better life. It is estimated that more than 4 million students will see a reduction, or elimination, of their Pell Grants. The requirements for ‘full-time’ students are increased from 12 to 15 credits, which will decrease the maximum award for any student taking 12 credits by $1,479. In addition, students that are enrolled less than half-time will no longer receive Pell aid.  

This bill harms efforts to lower energy costs, increase clean energy manufacturing and jobs, and eliminate economic assistance for communities on the frontline of the climate crisis. Unobligated funds will be rescinded from Inflation Reduction Act programs including Environmental Justice Block Grants, State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.  One of these programs already in place in the Virgin Islands is the Solar for All Program, which provided $62.5 million for homes and businesses. 

Republicans voted to cut $35 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which includes children, working families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. This includes a $1 million cut to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT program), which gives food assistance to children when they cannot rely on school lunches. This will impact the more than 15,000 Virgin Islands residents who rely upon SNAP for access to nutritious food for their wellbeing. The $35 billion cut includes a $1 billion decrease in funding for the Nutrition Assistance Program in Puerto Rico despite tremendous efforts and advocacy from their lobbyists, led by Republican Governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon and Congressman Pablo Hernandez. 

The reconciliation bill does not provide the increased rum cover over rate. Rum cover over is the rebate of federal excise taxes on distilled spirits produced in or imported into the rest of the United States from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Despite Congresswoman Plaskett’s success in securing a Republican lead for the rum cover over legislation (H.R. 1378), Congressman Ron Estes (KS-4), and the support of 24 of her colleagues – 16 Republicans and 8 Democrats – the extension for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was not included in the bill.  

It is unfortunate that at the last minute while trying to find additional funds, the Republicans attempted to remove duty drawback – an export-promotion program that American alcohol and tobacco companies rely upon for a refund of duties paid at the time of import when similar goods are exported.  That program saves the alcohol industry alone approximately $30 billion.  Because of that concern, the full push of the rum industry was not present for rum cover over as the industry prioritized its efforts on safeguarding duty drawback which represented direct dollars to their industry. It’s also important to recognize that many discretionary provisions that made it into the bill were included to secure the necessary votes to advance the legislation – which ultimately was not the case with the provision for an increased rum cover over rate.  

During the 18-hour markup in the Ways and Means Committee for the tax provisions of the reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Plaskett offered an amendment to increase the rate of the rum cover offer, to publicly demonstrate the bipartisan support for this provision. Both Democrats and Republicans emphasize the importance of the increased rum cover over rate.  The Ways and Means Chairman, Jason Smith, publicly stated that he would work to advance this, and the Committee is expected to craft a bipartisan tax bill this summer. “I will continue to work with my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to secure the increased rum cover over rate of $13.25, both retroactively and with an extension, for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.” 

While Congresswoman Plaskett cannot support the bill in its entirety, Plaskett’s legislation, the Restore Economic Vitality and Investment in the Virgin Islands (REVIVE VI) Act is included in the Republicans’ bill – one of only four Democrat Ways and Means provisions. REVIVE VI fixes an unintentional consequence of the Global Intangible Low Tax Income (GILTI) regime which, as a practical matter, inadvertently overrode the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economic development program that was previously authorized by Congress. This provision restores the Virgin Islands’ right to have an economic development program which will benefit our economy and workforce.  

The U.S. Senate is anticipated to draft an entirely different bill that proposes fewer cuts to critical programs. Then, the Senate bill and House bill will likely be negotiated on a version that can be passed in both chambers of Congress and then be signed by the President.  

Congresswoman Plaskett shared, “This bill is a wholesale betrayal of the working class and the future of America. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the bottom 10%–working- and middle-class Americans will be 4% poorer in household wealth under this bill, with most of the benefits going to the top 10% of Americans. Not only does the bill make the largest healthcare cut in our nation’s history, it also makes the largest cuts to food assistance, energy projects and Pell grants. All to give additional money to the wealthiest Americans – an average of $278,000 per year, $762 per day, to the top 0.1% of Americans. This bill is cruel, shameful, unfair and unamerican.”  

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Smith, Bipartisan Colleagues Relaunch Biofuels Caucus, Announce New Co-Chairs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC —Today Congressional Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) released the following statements celebrating the launch of the caucus for the 119th Congress and welcoming new Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski.

“American biofuel producers have an untapped ability to power the future of liquid fuels, whether ethanol blends, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel,” said Co-chair Smith. “Advancing sound policy can unlock billions of dollars in savings at the pump and hundreds of thousands of added jobs for the American people. I thank Co-chairs Craig and Pocan and congratulate Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski for joining me to strengthen this bipartisan caucus and continue working to inform our colleagues in the House of the value of biofuels for American energy abundance.”

“Increasing the production and availability of homegrown biofuels is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead,” said Co-chair Craig. “I’m proud to be relaunching the Biofuels Caucus alongside my bipartisan colleagues this Congress so we can continue our work to lower prices at the pump, create opportunities for local producers and strengthen our energy security.”

“Biofuels are key to Iowa’s economy and key to American energy dominance,” said Co-chair Hinson. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to Iowa biofuels and support Iowa’s biofuels producers by fighting to secure permanent year-round E15, increase biofuels blending targets, and replace foreign energy with homegrown biofuels. I’m honored to co-lead the biofuels caucus and will continue working with President Trump and other caucus members to increase domestic energy production and support Iowa agriculture.”

“I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus,” said Co-chair Pocan. “Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. This Caucus will showcase how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.”

“Biofuels are a growing part of America’s energy strategy and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world,” said Co-chair Fedorchak. “It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans.”

“I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Co-chair Budzinski. “That’s why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and I’m looking forward to continuing that commitment as co-chair of this bipartisan caucus.

The Congressional Biofuels Caucus advocates for policies which reflect the capacity of American biofuels producers to meet the demand for reliable and affordable liquid fuels while growing rural economies, high-paying jobs, and value-added markets for agricultural commodities. The caucus recognizes biofuels are key to American energy independence and responsible stewardship of our resources.

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jim Baird (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Alford (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Brian Jack (R-GA), and Mark Messmer (R-IN).

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Rep. Huffman Statement on Capital Jewish Museum Shooting and Antisemitism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

May 22, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement in response to the deadly act of violence at the Capital Jewish Museum: 

“The deadly display of antisemitic violence that transpired outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. last night is appalling. In what the FBI believes may be a targeted attack, two young members of the Jewish community were senselessly murdered. As we await additional details, one thing remains clear: antisemitism has no place in our country, and we need to take action to put an end to this vile hate as violence worsens both at home and around the globe. 

“In the days since the October 7th attack, we’ve seen an undeniable rise in antisemitism and hate crimes. Antisemitism, along with Islamophobia and other forms of ethno-religious hatred, have festered far too long in the United States. We cannot allow violent extremists – or their enablers – to sow hatred and threaten our communities. I condemn these tragic murders and all other antisemitic hate crimes unequivocally and unconditionally. We must also reaffirm our commitment to confronting and eliminating all ethno-religious hatred and political violence once and for all. 

“I send my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the Israeli embassy staff who were murdered last night, and my thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic attack. I will continue fighting back unequivocally against ethno-religious hate and political violence in all its forms and locations.”

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Pocan, Bipartisan Colleagues Relaunch Biofuels Caucus, Announce New Co-Chairs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

Washington, DC —Today, Congressional Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Mark Pocan (D-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) released the following statements celebrating the launch of the caucus for the 119th Congress and welcoming new Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski. 

“I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus,” said Co-chair Pocan. “Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. This Caucus will showcase how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.” 

“American biofuel producers have an untapped ability to power the future of liquid fuels, whether ethanol blends, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel,” said Co-chair Smith. “Advancing sound policy can unlock billions of dollars in savings at the pump and hundreds of thousands of added jobs for the American people. I thank Co-chairs Craig and Pocan and congratulate Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski for joining me to strengthen this bipartisan caucus and continue working to inform our colleagues in the House of the value of biofuels for American energy abundance.” 

“Increasing the production and availability of homegrown biofuels is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead,” said Co-chair Craig. “I’m proud to be relaunching the Biofuels Caucus alongside my bipartisan colleagues this Congress so we can continue our work to lower prices at the pump, create opportunities for local producers and strengthen our energy security.” 

“Biofuels are key to Iowa’s economy and key to American energy dominance,” said Co-chair Hinson. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to Iowa biofuels and support Iowa’s biofuels producers by fighting to secure permanent year-round E15, increase biofuels blending targets, and replace foreign energy with homegrown biofuels. I’m honored to co-lead the biofuels caucus and will continue working with President Trump and other caucus members to increase domestic energy production and support Iowa agriculture.” 

“Biofuels are a growing part of America’s energy strategy and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world,” said Co-chair Fedorchak. “It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans.” 

“I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Co-chair Budzinski. “That’s why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and I’m looking forward to continuing that commitment as co-chair of this bipartisan caucus.

The Congressional Biofuels Caucus advocates for policies which reflect the capacity of American biofuels producers to meet the demand for reliable and affordable liquid fuels while growing rural economies, high-paying jobs, and value-added markets for agricultural commodities. The caucus recognizes biofuels are key to American energy independence and responsible stewardship of our resources. 

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jim Baird (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Alford (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Brian Jack (R-GA), and Mark Messmer (R-IN). 

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Pocan Slams “Big, Beautiful Bill for Billionaires”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ budget bill:

“While most Americans were asleep, House Republicans voted to rip healthcare away from 13.7 million people on Medicaid, cut $500 billion from Medicare, and take food away from hungry people—all to give a tax break to their billionaire buddies, like Donald Trump & Elon Musk. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, this will add trillions to the national debt, shutter hospitals, and leave farmers out to dry.”

“From forcing debate and procedural votes in the dark of night, the entire process has been an attempt to keep this from the public. Even Republican leadership told their members not to hold town halls, they know just how unpopular this bill is with the American public. It must not be allowed to become law and must be stopped by the Senate.”

Additional background information:

  • CBO confirmed the Republican bill would take from the poorest Americans to hand even more tax breaks to the wealthiest.
  • CBO also found the bill could trigger over $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare, under the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) law—cuts that many Republicans would be happy to see happen behind closed doors.
  • District-level information on the consequences of the Republican budget bill is available here.