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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

Bipartisan bill will level playing field for American-grown and manufactured hardwood products

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution celebrating the 60th anniversary of SkillsUSA.

Since 1965, SkillsUSA has been a leader in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy, serving more than 15 million students and professional members. SkillsUSA has been instrumental in encouraging career and technical education (CTE), closing workforce gaps, and helping students pursue fulfilling careers.

“I’ve long championed career and technical education and its role in strengthening our communities and economy,” said Rep. Thompson, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional CTE Caucus. “SkillsUSA is leading the charge when it comes to closing skills gaps and preparing the next generation of workers with technical acumen, professionalism, and the confidence they need to succeed.”

“This bipartisan resolution recognizes the importance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and SkillsUSA’s contributions to growing CTE,” Rep. Stevens said. “In Michigan and across the country, SkillsUSA has provided pathways to prosperity for students and supported the workforce businesses need to innovate through CTE. As our state and our country looks to compete in the 21st century economy and create quality middle class jobs, we will need to stay laser focused on the critical CTE work done of SkillsUSA.”

“As we celebrate SkillsUSA’s 60th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of our organization as a national workforce development leader—empowering millions of students across the country to find purpose, direction, and opportunity through CTE,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “This resolution is a powerful recognition of the lasting impact our students, educators, and industry partners have made in closing the skills gap and driving innovation across the American economy. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Thompson and Stevens for their leadership in bringing this resolution forward.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today introduced the Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 to update the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.

The CSBG program is the only federal program with the singular mission of fighting poverty. The program supports more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in nearly every county across the United States.
 
For more than 60 years, CAAs have provided a range of holistic services to low-income individuals and communities across the country, including education, skills development, financial literacy, and other services promoting economic independence. CAAs serve an estimated 10 million low-income individuals annually, representing nearly 5 million families across the U.S., providing a critical “first stop” for those in need to navigate the resources available to them. 

“The Community Services Block Grant fulfills a core American value: neighbors helping neighbors in need,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation reaffirms our commitment to reducing poverty to strengthening communities across the country, provides much needed reforms to ensure community action agencies across the country can continue to serve vulnerable populations, and ultimately will help put those in poverty on the path to independence.” 

“Congress created the Community Services Block Grant program to assist low-income individuals and families during challenging times while addressing the causes and conditions of poverty,” Rep. Bonamici said. “The program funds Community Action Agencies and benefits millions of people across the country. I am pleased to join my colleague Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson in leading this bipartisan update to CSBG to provide Oregonians and Americans with opportunities that will help them achieve stability so they can thrive rather than struggle.”
 
“Representatives Thompson and Bonamici have a proven record of putting Americans first, and we thank them for their leadership on this bipartisan bill. It supports strong, successful community programs nationwide and brings local solutions, innovation, opportunity and hope to every corner of the country. The bill also reinforces Community Action’s commitment to performance, accountability and using every federal dollar wisely. Thanks to the steadfast, bipartisan leadership of Representatives Thompson and Bonamici, this bill will be a breath of fresh air for every American community when it passes.”- David Bradley, National Community Action Foundation CEO

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“I am deeply thankful for Congressman GT Thompson, who has consistently been a true champion for Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc. and the Community Services Block Grant. His unwavering support ensures that we can continue to provide vital programs and services like the Weatherization Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, sixteen (16) food pantries, Medical Assistance Transportation Program, and four (4) HUD subsidized housing projects to individuals and families across Clearfield and Centre Counties (10,312 individuals in 2024). Without his advocacy, our ability to meet the growing needs of the community would be severely limited. We are fortunate to have a representative who truly understands and values the impact of community action.” – Michelle Stiner, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Community Action
 
“Congressman Glenn Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Armstrong County Community Action Partnership (ACCAP), consistently recognizing the vital role local organizations play in improving lives and creating stronger, more resilient communities. His support ensures that Armstrong County families have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, including access to nutritious food, which is fundamental to health and stability. ACCAP operates the Armstrong County Foodbank; we have 16 food pantries spread throughout the county. In 2023, our foodbank distributed nearly 12,000 boxes of food, and in 2024, that number rose to nearly 19,000 boxes. That is a 63% increase in one year. Congressman Thompson understands these types of challenges communities face, especially in rural counties like Armstrong. We’re grateful for his continued commitment to the work our agency does every day – lifting people up, fostering self-sufficiency, and building a brighter future for everyone.” – Marlene Petro, Executive Director, Armstrong Country Community Action Partnership
 
“For the last sixty years, the Community Services Block Grant has been a catalytic tool employed across the United States to improve conditions for people with low incomes, empowering them to gain the skills needed to live stable, economically secure lives and be active and engaged members of their local communities. Organizations who steward the block grant in their local service territories have helped set the foundations for individuals and communities to flourish and thrive. Our agency has chosen to adopt food security and agricultural services as a foundational pillar of community health and vitality. Food security work is not simply concerned with the availability of food, but it is also concerned with the nutritional health of that food and how it contributes to the ability of a human being to grow and flourish. We believe that food, farms, and farmers are not only foundational to an individual’s ability to grow and flourish, but also to community health and prosperity. Representative G.T. Thompson’s interest in both agriculture and the Community Services Block Grant speaks to his leadership in these areas and his commitment to ensuring that communities across the nation maintain access to all the resources available that contribute to community and individual prosperity.” – Sandra Curry, Executive Director, Community Partnership, Inc.
 
“Congressman Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Community Action, Inc. and the vital work we do to assist low-income individuals striving for self-sufficiency. His leadership as Vice Chair of the Congressional Community Action Caucus and his dedication to reauthorizing and improving the Community Services Block Grant Program demonstrate his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty. Congressman Thompson’s community-oriented approach, including his active participation in local events and openness to discussing collaborative projects, highlights his role as a true friend of the community. His efforts to expand resources and eligibility for CSBG ensure that the essential services we provide like emergency shelter, weatherization, food assistance and veteran housing assistance remain accessible to those who work hard but need a helping hand. His bipartisan advocacy continues to strengthen the foundation of Community Action, Inc. and uplift countless lives.” – Misty Fleming, CEO, Community Action, Inc.

ABOUT THE BILL
The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 will reauthorize this critical program for ten years and make long-overdue updates to improve federal efforts to reduce poverty. Updates to the CSBG program include:

• Reauthorizing the CSBG Act for 7 years and increases the resources available to CAAs to fulfill the program’s mission
• Permanently raising income eligibility for participation in the CSBG program to 200 percent of the poverty line, which is the current, temporary threshold for the program
• Increasing transparency and accountability for federal CSBG dollars, ensuring states and CAAs are maximizing federal investments
• Authorizing a Broadband Navigator Program to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities
• Requiring federal and state training and technical assistance to be responsive to local economic conditions, including natural disasters, that may create economic insecurity

To read the full bill text, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner: Emma Zacherl, a sophomore at Clarion-Limestone High School.

Ms. Zacherl, of Clarion, won for her water mixable oils painting, titled “Waiting.” An independent panel of judges selected Ms. Zacherl’s work from 72 entries. Ms. Zacherl also took home the top prize in the 2024 art competition. The winners were announced Saturday during an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pa.

“Congratulations to Emma Zacherl on another first-place win in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Thompson said. “Emma is an exceptional artist, and I continue to be impressed by her skills. I look forward to welcoming her again to Washington, D.C. to celebrate this achievement.”

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

Ms. Zacherl’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for one year with winners from each congressional district in the nation. She is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners, which will take place in June.

2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

First Place 
NAME: Emma Zacherl
SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
SUBMISSION: Waiting
HOMETOWN: Clarion, Pa.
TEACHER: Karl Jacobson

Second Place
NAME:  Nefeli Dionysiou Karali
SCHOOL:  DuBois Area Senior High School
SUBMISSION: Feline Feminism
HOMETOWN: DuBois, Pa.
TEACHER: Cheyenne Kanouff

Third Place 
NAME:  Madison Ray
SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
SUBMISSION: Modern Sax
HOMETOWN:  Strattanville, Pa.
TEACHER:  Kendra Zerbe

Fourth Place 
NAME:  Kaleb Gooden
SCHOOL:  Keystone High School
SUBMISSION: Maturity
HOMETOWN: Shippenville, Pa.
TEACHER:  Janet Hockman

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

“Today, the nation mourns the loss and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Alexis M. Herman. My thoughts and prayers are with her three children and extended family during this difficult time. 

“Alexis, who lived a life of service, became the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor under the Clinton Administration. I had the privilege of working alongside her with Rev. Jesse Jackson and later in Congress, and witnessed firsthand her tenacity and compassion. She was also a devoted leader within the National Council of Negro Women. Throughout her work, she broke barriers not only for Black women but for all women who followed her into public service roles. 

“Alexis championed initiatives that promoted minority women’s employment within businesses, establishing diversity as a crucial hiring objective long before it became a widespread practice. Her leadership in this area has transformed countless workplaces across our nation. Her steadfast dedication to workplace equity, fair labor practices, and economic opportunity for all Americans set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire those in public service today. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved her.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released a statement in response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a restructuring of the State Department, which includes the elimination of 132 bureaus and offices and which follows the dismantling of USAID. Her statement follows:

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent announcement about significantly cutting back the U.S. State Department’s presence around the world is a shortsighted abandonment of our nation’s global leadership, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. By eliminating the Bureau of African Affairs after dismantling USAID programs, we jeopardize our diplomatic ties and public presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions and also create serious vulnerabilities in our national security.

“The United States has invested in African peace-building efforts, humanitarian assistance, and global health initiatives for decades with bipartisan support, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it serves our national interest. What Secretary Rubio is suggesting would undo decades of progress and send a clear message to the world that the U.S. is no longer a dependable partner in global development and diplomacy.

“Recent cuts to programs like PEPFAR, which saved millions of lives, tell our strategic partners and allies we are retreating from the world stage. This sudden abandonment of global leadership creates a void that is likely to be filled by bad actors, including China and Russia. 

“This Administration is dismantling our soft power, sidelining diplomatic expertise, and attempting to silence the voices of global health, development, and human rights advocates in the United States and around the world. This is not reform, it’s retreat! Congress cannot be complicit and stand idly by. We need congressional oversight and public opposition to uphold America’s long-defined values on the world stage. 

“I will continue to fight – along with my colleagues in Congress, the diplomatic community, human rights advocates, and the American public – to stop these reckless cuts and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to principled, proactive global leadership.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues mass firings of federal employees, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, today introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to strengthen Congress’ authority to protect workers and override federal staffing cuts implemented without consultation.

The Reduction in Force (RIF) Review Act empowers Congress to overrule any president’s workforce cuts at all federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services. The bill makes RIF plans subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and bolsters Congressional oversight of the executive branch’s actions.

“Donald Trump and co-President Elon Musk are engaged in a lawless and reckless restructuring of the federal workforce. By firing thousands of federal workers, they are dismantling the infrastructure supporting Social Security, veterans’ healthcare, and our entire government. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are sitting by and refusing to perform their duty under the Constitution to provide a check on this President. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Merkley to introduce the Reduction in Force Review Act, which will restore Congress’ role in overseeing major changes to the federal workforce. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which I’ve been fighting to protect as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, protect ordinary Americans from financial scams and predatory lenders. If Republicans want to declare open season on working families, they should at least have to vote on it,” said Waters.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, led the Senate introduction of the RIF Review Act.

“Trump and his unelected billionaire sidekick Elon Musk’s reckless decision to fire tens of thousands of federal employees threatens the critical services that families, veterans, seniors, and children rely on,” said Merkley. “This isn’t about fiscal responsibility—it’s about cruelly shifting resources away from those who need them most to the very richest among us. Gutting resources and staff from vital programs is not resulting in better services or increased efficiency, but is instead causing pain for folks in Oregon and across the country. Congress must step in and exercise its oversight of the executive branch.”

The RIF Review Act makes an agency’s reduction in force plan subject to a vote in both houses of Congress under the CRA process and enhances existing RIF reporting requirements to include:

• The specific reasons for the reduction in force;
• The anticipated impact of the reduction in force on the employees and operations of the federal agency;
• Any alternatives to the reduction in force that the federal agency considered, including the reasons that the federal agency rejected those alternatives;
• A summary of the consultations that the federal agency has held with employees of the federal agency who will be affected by the reduction in force (or representatives of those employees); and
• A summary of how the reduction in force will impact employees of the Federal agency who are veterans.

In addition to Waters and Merkley, the RIF Review Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). 

The RIF Review Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, SEIU, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

“The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security. This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to support the RIF Review Act to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.

“DOGE’s illegal firings are an attack on federal workers and on the communities across the country who rely on them. Veterans will be left waiting even longer for care, and the workers who ensure our food is safe and water is clean have been fired. If these cuts are not overturned, we’ll see seniors waiting for delayed Social Security checks, and kids and teachers going without vital school programs. The RIF Review Act is critical to stopping these reckless cuts and restoring the jobs that make these programs work. We urge Congress to act now: stand with working people and support this bill or let the Trump administration and an unelected billionaire dismantle the essential services that millions of Americans count on,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

“This administration’s war on the services that Americans rely on is despicable,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the NTEU. “These illegal mass firings not only harm thousands of dedicated civil servants across the country, but also millions of taxpayers who need these services and local communities who will suffer from increased unemployment. I applaud Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Waters for their leadership in ensuring that Congress can step in and stop these efforts before it’s too late.”

Full text of the RIF Review Act can be found by clicking here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09) and Dan Meuser (PA-09) this week introduced a resolution to designate May 8th as National Scam Survivor Day.  

“Last year, 2.6 million Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to scams,” said Steil. “I commend each American who has spoken out to raise awareness after falling victim to scams.  We must continue to share our experiences to prevent common scams and block new ones as they arise. I will continue working to prevent others from falling victim to scams.” 

The National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories to combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.  

“Criminals are getting better and better at scamming our families, especially our seniors, out of their hard-earned money. It’s completely unacceptable and has to be stopped,” said Harder. “By creating a National Scam Survivor Day, we can remove the stigma around falling victim to scams and help hold these criminals accountable.”

Meuser said, “Scammers stole over $12 billion from hardworking Americans in 2024 alone—including $400 million from Pennsylvanians—targeting seniors, veterans, and young adults. Financial institutions work tirelessly to educate and protect their customers, but as scams become more sophisticated, so must our response. National Scam Survivor Day is about standing with victims, raising awareness, and demanding stronger action from Congress and law enforcement to stop these criminals and protect families across the country.”

CLICK HERE to read the resolution.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon’s Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) Passes House

Offers Real Solutions to Terrorism and Mass Shootings

Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) secured House passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA), H.R.2243, with a 229-193 vote. The bipartisan legislation includes seventeen Republican members as cosponsors and was co-led by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28).

The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act will improve public safety by allowing qualified law enforcement officers who have committed themselves to our communities the opportunity to continue doing so by extending their concealed carry privileges. The legislation removes existing prohibitions and will allow trained professionals to respond quickly to emergencies, should they happen to be in public places such as shopping malls, school zones, mass transit, etc. During the 118th Congress, the LEOSA Reform Act was passed by the House of Representatives in a 221-185 vote. 

“I’m pleased today the House passed my bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act, which offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit,” said Rep. Bacon. “These measured changes will make existing law stronger and more workable for those who seek its benefits while maintaining the rigorous standards that currently apply. I want to thank Rep. Henry Cuellar for his support of this important legislation. I also want to thank our extensive list of local and national law enforcement organizations supporting the LEOSA Reform Act.” 

Locally, the sheriffs of the three counties for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and other law enforcement agencies support the legislation: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, Omaha Police Association President Patrick Dempsey, and Nebraska State FOP President Anthony Connor.  

The bill also was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), The Air Marshal Association, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI,International Association of Chiefs of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to the House floor to hold House Republicans accountable for refusing to follow the law and honor the heroes who protected the United States Capitol on January 6.

JEFFRIES: Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H.Con.Res.33, a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to install at a permanent location on the Western Front of the United States Capitol building, an honorific plaque listing the names of all of the officers of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and protective entities who responded to the violence that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 and ask for its immediate consideration of the House. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry?

This is Police Week, pursuant to Public Law 87-726, enacted on October 1 of 1962. Police Week here in the United States Congress, where Congress honors the courage, the bravery, the service, the sacrifice and the heroism of members of law enforcement. Is that correct?

Do the House rules require compliance with the 2022 Public Law 117-103, signed by the President at the time, that requires a plaque listing the name of all police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 to be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building? Do the House rules require compliance with that public law?

We appear to be in violation of the House rules, given that the law that was passed in 2022 required that a plaque honoring those heroic police officers be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building no later than March 15, 2023. But 791 days have passed, and this Republican Congress has refused to comply with the law. It’s time to honor those heroic officers. It’s unconscionable, it’s unpatriotic, it’s unfathomable, it’s unacceptable and it’s un-American. And you need to honor those officers and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Full exchange can be watched here.

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