Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

HOUSTON, T.X. – Today, Reps. Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03) announced the reestablishment of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. The caucus will act as a dedicated forum for Members of Congress to work toward the common goal of ending homelessness in this country. 

“No one should have to worry about having a safe place to call home, but too many veterans, families, and individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. That’s why I’m working hard in Congress, pushing for real solutions, securing critical funding, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to keep people housed,” said Rep. Garcia. “As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and a Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, I’m committed to fighting for our most vulnerable and making housing more accessible for all.”

“Housing is a basic human right, yet too many people in our communities are forced to live on the streets, in shelters, or in unstable conditions. We need bold, compassionate solutions that address both the immediate needs of the unhoused and the systemic issues that fuel this crisis,” said Rep. Barragán. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reestablishing the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness to fight for real, lasting solutions that will help get people into homes and keep them there.”

“Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to thriving families and communities. It’s unacceptable that affordable housing is out of reach for too many Oregonians and Americans, and too many people are one bad day away from becoming homeless,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues Reps. Barragán, Garcia, and Ramirez to reestablish the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and work on real, evidence-based, solutions to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage.”

“Safe, quality, affordable housing is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. No one in the richest nation in the world should have to live without a place to call home. Yet, too many of our neighbors are unhoused,” said Rep. Ramirez. “As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, Representatives Barragán, Bonamici, Garcia, and I are committed to fighting like heaven and hell to address the root causes of homelessness in our country.”

The Congressional Caucus on Homelessness aims to analyze the complex factors contributing to homelessness and educate Members on the various federal programs vital to serving our unhoused community members. Just as importantly, the Caucus will continue its work advocating for funding for these programs and explore the varying policies necessary to secure housing and life-changing services for the nearly 800,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States.

Current members of the Caucus include Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), and Mark Takano (D-CA-39).

Contact: Joseph Guzman | Joseph.Guzman@mail.house.gov 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-7):

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, after his battle with cancer. Raúl was a force for good, a champion for Native communities, for our environment, for the God given right to clean water and clean air, and for the future of this country. He always reminded us that the fight was for the next generation, for the babies who would inherit this world. Raúl never lost sight of who he was fighting for.

“Whether he was fighting for Dreamers, workers, or tribal communities, he always led with his heart, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to doing what was right. I was proud to serve alongside him in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. My thoughts are with his family, his staff, and the Arizonans he dedicated his life to serving. His legacy will endure.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) led more than 110 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning House Republican Conference leadership for allowing the spread of false and xenophobic rhetoric targeting Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, following his Spanish-language response last week to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. Joining Congresswoman Garcia in leading this resolution are Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (D-CA-31), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24).

On March 5, 2025, the official X page for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) falsely referred to Congressman Espaillat as an “illegal immigrant,” questioning Espaillat’s immigration status and patriotism—despite his lawful citizenship, election to Congress, and years of dedicated service to the American people. 

“This outright xenophobic and reprehensible attack is not just an insult to Congressman Espaillat, but to every immigrant who has followed the law, earned their citizenship, and dedicated themselves to serving this country,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “This demeaning anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in the halls of Congress, and those in Republican leadership who have stood back and allowed this disgraceful statement to stand need to be held accountable.” 

“It is disgraceful that House Republican leadership allows false and xenophobic attacks against Congressman Espaillat to go unchecked,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “He is a U.S. citizen who has dedicated years of service to the American people, and questioning the legitimacy of a duly elected member of Congress based on lies is dangerous and unacceptable. With this resolution, we make clear: xenophobia has no place in our democracy.”

“The Trump Administration and Republicans have gone to great lengths to vilify, harass, and lie about hard-working immigrants since they took power,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I’m proud to stand alongside my friend and colleague Congressman Espaillat as he leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and will continue to partner with him to uplift the voices of immigrants, whose stories are rooted in dignity and respect for our friends and neighbors.”

“Attacking Congressman Adriano Espaillat with false and xenophobic rhetoric is unacceptable. Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving this country and the American people. We will not stand by and allow hatred and division to flourish in our political discourse,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This behavior has no place in Congress or our society. We must stand united against these attacks and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity.”

“Republicans have sunk to the lowest level, using blatant racism meant to dehumanize all immigrants, no matter their status. My colleague, CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat is a proud U.S. citizen and strong advocate for the immigrant and Latino community,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “It’s disgusting to see Republicans fueled by such hate, particularly toward Latino and Black immigrants.”

“Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life serving the people of New York,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Republicans know you must be a citizen to be elected to Congress. Calling one of their own colleagues an ‘illegal immigrant’ shows they don’t care about ‘decorum’ and that even if you work hard, follow the law, and devote your life to public service, they’ll still try to dehumanize you with hateful rhetoric. Deleting the post isn’t enough – Republican leadership must apologize.” 

“Congressman Espaillat is a good friend and a proud American citizen who serves his community in New York, and Hispanic and Latino Americans nationwide, tirelessly,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “He is a true example of a public servant. The NRCC’s inability to take fault and apologize isn’t surprising. Unfortunately, their vile racism is their usual behavior.”

“This is an insult to the millions of immigrants who have followed the law and earned their citizenship,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving the American people. This hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in our country let alone the halls of Congress.” 

Following mounting criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, the NRCC quietly deleted the tweet roughly 48 hours after the post went up without any public apology, making clear that the House Republican Conference leadership does not denounce the post itself and are only trying to contain the public fallout.  

The resolution formally condemns House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, House Republican Chair Lisa McClain, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, House Republican Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore, Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson for allowing the House Republican Conference’s political arm to make a false statement and call into question the citizenship of Congressman Espaillat. 

This attack came just days after Republican leaders claimed they wanted to ensure decorum and elevate the discourse in Congress. Instead, they have chosen to sow division and question the very legitimacy of a sitting Member of Congress. It’s hypocrisy at its worst. 

In addition to Congresswoman Garcia and her co-leads, the resolution has been cosponsored by Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Al Green (D-TX-09), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), André Carson (D-IN-07), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Pablo José Hernández (D-PR-At-Large), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), John Larson (D-CT-01), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04).

CLICK HERE for the resolution text.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner (D-TX-18): 

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.  

“He was a native son of Houston, born and raised in Acres Home, in the same year as the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, to a soft-spoken father and a mother who picked cotton. He never forgot where he came from, which fueled his commitment to change the world. I saw this first hand from the moment I met him in the 1980s and supported him throughout his political career.

“For 27 years, my friend was a fixture in the Texas House of Representatives, a man of strong moral character who always led by example. While serving together in the Texas Legislature, I witnessed how he worked relentlessly to deliver for his constituents. As Mayor of Houston, he channeled a fearlessness and grit that allowed him to guide our city through an unprecedented seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He leaves a lasting legacy of uplifting neighborhoods that were often overlooked. We are all better for his work to create a fairer, more equitable Houston.  

“When he decided to bring his service to Washington, he brought with him the hopes and needs of the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas. He was my partner in good trouble, always ready to fight fiercely for those who needed him the most. My heart is with his family and all who knew and loved him. Houston has lost a giant, but his impact will never fade. If there is one thing he loved more than the City of Houston, it was his daughter Ashley and his grandchildren. God has gained a good man in his kingdom, from Acres Home to the Promised Land. Rest in peace, my dear friend.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) issued the following statement regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unauthorized disclosure of classified military plans, including the planned timing of a strike on a Houthi militant in Yemen:

“Fire Pete Hegseth! Posting classified war plans on a commercially available app is one of the worst national security breaches in history! It put American lives at risk!”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. –Today, Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). 

This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, over 50,000 medically retired Veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this unfair offset, allowing these disabled Veterans to receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation. The bill is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star—a father, husband, and decorated war veteran who, as a result of his combat-related injuries, was medically retired. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021. Today, when the bill was re-introduced, it already had the support of over 185 original cosponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate. 

“After serving and sacrificing for our nation, too many veterans face unnecessary roadblocks in receiving the benefits they need, have earned, and deserve,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz(CA-25). “The Major Richard Star Act would repeal the unjust law that stands in the way of veterans receiving the military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation that they have rightfully earned.”

“The brave men and women who return from serving our country should be able to receive the benefits promised to them. Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “I am committed to rectifying this injustice for all Veterans, and passage of the Major Richard Star Act will get us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.”

“As a member of the American Legion and a concerned veteran, I am deeply troubled by the policy that deducts retirement pay from veterans with a disability rating of less than 50%. Disability compensation and retirement pay are distinct, and veterans should not be penalized for their injuries. This unjust practice needs to end, and our disabled veterans deserve better.” –  Timothy Hanratty

The Major Richard Star Act is endorsed by all leading Veteran Service Organizations throughout the country.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington D.C. –Today, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) released the following statement about the passing of his friend Congressman Raúl Grijalva.

“My heart is broken for the passing of my friend Congressman Raúl Grijalva. I found wisdom in his counsel and comfort in his friendship. He was a fighter, an artist, and a man with a sharp sense of humor. His loss will be deeply felt.

“Beyond his warmth and wit, he was a tireless champion for the environment, civil rights, and tribal nations. His leadership in Congress helped protect public lands, advance environmental justice, and uphold Indigenous rights. His dedication to justice and equity leaves a lasting impact. He will be greatly missed. Rest in power, my friend.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) announced that Mayor Pro-Tempore for the City of Imperial and Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez, will be his guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez is a lifelong resident of the Imperial County and is a dedicated Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner at the Imperial Cardiac Center. Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez began her journey at Imperial High School, where she earned her high school diploma. She then pursued her passion for nursing, earning an Associate’s in Nursing from Imperial Valley College, a Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and ultimately a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Arizona. Committed to giving back, Dr. Obeso-Martinez returned to Imperial Valley dedicated to serving our communities.

She dedicated her life’s work to health promotion and community education. On any given day, Dr. Obeso-Martinez cares for more than 35 patients, most of whom rely on Medicaid. She has seen firsthand, the need for these essential programs in underserved communities like Imperial County. 

President Donald Trump and House Republicans have recently threatened to move forward with Medicaid cuts while handing big tax breaks to billionaires. This is a betrayal of hardworking American taxpayers, like the patients Dr. Obeso-Martinez cares for every day in the Imperial Valley. Medicaid provides health coverage to 10.4 million Californians, including 420,206 people or 42.1% of the constituents in California’s 25^th Congressional District. This includes 177,096 children under the age of 19 and 41,000 seniors over 65 in our communities.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz for the opportunity to attend the Joint Session of Congress,” said Imperial Mayor Pro-Tempore Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez. “His leadership and unwavering dedication have brought critical federal resources to support health care, infrastructure, and economic development in our communities. As a lifelong advocate for expanding health care access in the Imperial Valley, I am here to stand against Medicaid cuts that would limit the care our health facilities can provide to patients. I appreciate Congressman Ruiz’s continued advocacy and the privilege of experiencing this historic moment alongside him.”

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Obeso-Martinez’s attendance at the Joint Session, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez, Mayor Pro-Tempore and Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner, to the Joint Address to Congress. As a lifelong Imperial Valley resident, she understands firsthand the vital role Medicaid plays in caring for her patients. Yet, President Trump and extreme House Republicans are pushing a budget that includes billions in Medicaid cuts, harming patients and constituents across the Imperial Valley, all while giving billionaires massive tax breaks. We must stand up and protect the care our communities and patients rely on.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement tonight after President Trump signed an anti-D.C. home rule executive order (EO) establishing a task force to combat crime by surging law enforcement officers in public areas, increasing immigration enforcement, changing D.C. pre-trial detention policies, expediting concealed carry licenses, and working on fare enforcement on the Metro system. The EO also created a program to allegedly “beautify” D.C. by restoring federal buildings, monuments and roadways, removing graffiti, and ensuring cleanliness of public spaces and parks. Additionally, the EO directed the National Park Service to clear homeless encampments and graffiti on federal lands.

“President Trump’s thoroughly anti-home rule EO is insulting to the 700,000 D.C. residents who live in close proximity to a federal government, which continues to deny them the same rights afforded to other Americans. The task force created by the EO would not include a single D.C. official to represent the interests of the people who reside within the District,” Norton said. “The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation. President Trump’s rhetoric runs counter to this history. D.C.’s population is larger than that of two states. D.C. pays more federal taxes per capita than any state and pays more federal taxes than 21 states. D.C.’s gross domestic product is larger than that of 15 states. D.C. residents have fought and died in all this nation’s wars. We deserve statehood.

“The ‘Fact Sheet’ about the EO currently on the White House’s website states that crime in D.C. is ‘near historic highs.’ This simply isn’t true. It is contradicted by the Department of Justice, which noted on January 3 that violent crime was down 35% in 2024 and overall violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low.

“Like states, cities, and counties across the country, D.C. has passed laws to support and protect the safety of all its residents, regardless of immigration status. In passing these laws, D.C. followed its values and was convinced of the benefits for the entire city. Anyone watching can see plainly that the immigration provisions in the EO were motivated by President Trump’s longstanding antipathy for immigrants, not concern about law and order in the nation’s capital.

“Finally, the recently enacted CR omitted a longstanding provision to allow D.C. to continue spending under its local fiscal year 2025 budget, and instead forces the District to revert to spending at fiscal year 2024 levels for the remainder of the year. The CR will result in projected cuts of approximately $1 billion in its own locally raised funds through the end of September, which will force dramatic reductions in essential services the city provides, including those related to public safety. House Republicans did this intentionally and had time to correct the issue. If Republicans are concerned about public safety in the nation’s capital, they should not have passed a CR that cut D.C.’s funding, including for public safety purposes, halfway through the fiscal year.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The CBO analysis showed the bill would have no impact on the federal budget because D.C.’s budget consists of locally-raised funds.