Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. –Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today issued a statement expressing his concern over the impending lapse of food assistance benefits due to the government funding impasse in Washington.

“Food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will lapse on November 1 simply because Washington can’t keep the government open. This failure is completely avoidable. Working families should never be used as leverage in partisan battles. If Democrats wish to open discussions about Affordable Care Act subsidies, I say let’s do that — but let’s keep the government running while we talk. Let’s not shut down vital services and leave millions of Americans wondering how they’ll put food on the table.”

Aderholt emphasized that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that essential services — such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — continue without interruption, regardless of ongoing policy disagreements.

He noted that shutting down the government over unrelated disputes not only harms federal workers and contractors, but also millions of families who rely on critical programs and paychecks for their federal service.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

“The Schumer Shutdown is harming the American family,” said House Values Action Team (VAT) Chairman Robert Aderholt. “VAT exists to protect American families, including the millions now straining to make ends meet during this reckless shutdown.”

“Democratic leaders are holding American families hostage to prolong this shutdown, all in service of subsidizing a broken system and prioritizing healthcare for illegal immigrants. Take them at their word: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer openly said, ‘Every day gets better for us,’ and Minority Whip Katherine Clark admitted, ‘Of course there will be families that are going to suffer, but it is one of the few leverage items we have.’  

While Democrat leadership believes every day gets better for them, the fact remains that every day gets worse for the American family,” said Aderholt. “Millions of Americans are not getting paid and are struggling to feed their families, while elitist, out-of-touch Democrats are insisting on taxpayer-funded Medicaid for illegal immigrants and demanding an extension of COVID-era ACA subsidies.”  

“Across the country, Americans are feeling the consequences as food assistance funding is running out, and military families, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers don’t know when their next paychecks will arrive. 

 “Democrats wrote the [un]Affordable Care Act, expanded subsidies during COVID, and manufactured this fake deadline. This is a problem of their own making. Now they’re demanding another $1.5 trillion and an extension of subsidies that force taxpayers to fund abortions by continuing to oppose Hyde protections for the ACA.  American families shouldn’t have to pay the price for Democrats’ political games.” 

Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01) said: “American families are already struggling with the repercussions of Democrats’ political games – and it’s getting worse every day the shutdown continues. While Democrats say ‘every day gets better for us,’ hardworking Americans are missing paychecks and losing access to critical programs they rely on. And for what? So Democrats can use them as leverage for their $1.5 trillion wish-list of radical demands like giving taxpayer-funded health care to illegals while gutting $50 billion out of rural health care. It’s disgraceful. Americans can’t afford to continue paying the price for the Schumer Shutdown. It’s time for Democrats to stop holding families and workers hostage and do the right thing: pass our clean, short-term continuing resolution.”

House Republican Conference Vice Chair, Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01) said: “Democrats have shut the government down over a policy goal completely unrelated to government funding, hurting thousands of Utah families whose livelihoods are dependent on paychecks tied to their federal service. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join us in voting to resume government funding so these families can pay their bills.”

House VAT Co-Chair, Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02) said: “For the first time ever, the Democrats shut down the government over a clean CR so that they could fund trans surgeries and provide healthcare for illegal aliens through Obamacare. This is a completely unacceptable use of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. Liberals in Congress must stop trying to throw money at the Unaffordable Care Act. We must prioritize American families, rather than the partisan desires of left-wing extremists. I urge my Democrat colleagues to reopen the government. Our troops, federal employees, and American families should not be pawns in the Democrats’ political games.” 

VAT Executive Committee Member, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) said: “The Democrats’ wildly unserious demands for an additional $1.5 trillion—including health care for illegals and welfare for able-bodied adults who refuse to work—will result in veterans and vulnerable citizens suffering lack of services, military contracts being cancelled, and taxpayers and the economy losing billions of dollars. The Democrat Party used to be against shutdowns until they were overrun by the socialist Left – and you just can’t reason with radicals.”

VAT Executive Committee Member, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) said: “Chuck Schumer is holding the entire country hostage to demand $1.5 trillion in new spending. It’s political extortion to extract more deficit spending. It is irresponsible to use a shutdown as leverage to drive our country deeper into debt, and unfortunately, Americans will continue to be affected due to this reckless demand.”

VAT Executive Committee Member, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) said: “Every day this Democrat-led shutdown continues, it’s hardworking families across the country who pay the price. While Democrats play political games trying to restore taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, moms and dads back home are wondering how to put food on the table. That’s unacceptable. It’s time for Democrats to stop this madness and vote to re-open the government so we can fund necessary programs and pay the troops, air traffic controllers, and other critical employees.” 

VAT Executive Committee Member, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) said: “The Schumer Shutdown is not about heath care. The Democrats are using the shutdown to raise money and maintain the support of the socialists and Marxists millionaires and billionaires that they depend on to stay in power. Federal government workers and military families are living in fear of missing their paychecks because of the Schumer Shutdown. It’s time to do what is best for the American people and open the government instead of putting up a fake, performative fight.”

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) said: “As we near a month of the Democrats’ reckless government shutdown, it is clear their political agenda comes before the well-being of American families, workers, and small business owners. This isn’t just a political standoff – it is a profoundly irresponsible decision that’s hurting families across the country, but Democrats already know this. Just last week, they openly admitted to using American families as leverage during this shutdown – a position I firmly oppose and condemn. I came to Washington to fight for families, not to see them used as bargaining chips. It’s time for my Democrat colleagues to do the same.”

Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) said: “The Schumer Shutdown isn’t just hurting the American people—it’s tearing at the very fabric that holds our nation together: our families. Democrats claim they’re fighting for Americans, but their actions say otherwise. Even Democrat Leader Katherine Clark admitted families will suffer because this is ‘one of the few leverage times we have.’ The day the American people become leverage is the day we’ve failed. This shutdown is about advancing a radical left agenda—funding progressive pet projects, locking in wasteful COVID-era subsidies, and sending billions overseas while our own families pay the price. Democrats say they’re fighting for the people, but the most vulnerable are taking the hardest hit.”

Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) said: “While Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats say they have concern for the American people, they do the exact opposite by voting to keep the government closed. Even the largest public employee unions are asking for the Dems to support the clean CR. We have thousands of federal workers who weren’t paid and more who will not receive their paychecks this month, including air traffic controllers, TSA, agency constituent liaisons, and others. This is putting a strain on food banks and other organizations who are stepping up to help.  It’s time to open the government so we can negotiate on healthcare and other appropriations.”

Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) said: “Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are holding the American people hostage to fund their broken and radical un-Affordable Care Act. Democrats would rather prop up failed policies than put American families first. The Schumer Shutdown is a direct result of the Left’s misplaced priorities and political games.”

Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) said: “The Schumer Shutdown is placing the most vulnerable Montanans in harm’s way. As it stands, approximately 81,000 SNAP enrollees across the Treasure State will experience a disruption in their benefits if the government doesn’t reopen by November 1. On top of that, 14,000 federal workers in Montana are either furloughed or working without pay, threatening their financial security and that of their families. Democrats would even eviscerate $50 billion rural health care funding if given the chance. Enough is enough. It’s time to stop playing partisan politics and put the health and wellbeing of American people first.”

Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) said: “We’re now almost a month into a completely avoidable government shutdown — and the cost to the American people is growing by the day. Every day Washington stalls; California’s military families, workers, vulnerable communities, and small businesses pay the price. We must reopen the government immediately and that requires Senate Democrats to be adults in the room and prioritize governing for all Americans, not just the progressive wing of their party.”                

Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03) said: “Democrats shut the government down over the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire in December. These subsidies are a leftover provision from a COVID-era policy meant for the most vulnerable. In reality, Americans far beyond the poverty line are having their health plans subsidized by the federal government, costing taxpayers billions. Now, in order to reopen the government, progressives are demanding an extension of these subsidies at a cost of $500 billion. This is an unserious request and should not be attached to the question of reopening the federal government.”

Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) said: “While American families go without paychecks and small businesses fight to survive, Democrats are holding the government hostage to advance their partisan agenda including trillions in new spending to expand taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, eliminate common-sense work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid, and funnel billions of dollars to health insurance companies. House Republicans are standing up for American workers, families, and pro-life values while Democrats are standing up for illegal aliens.”

Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) said: “Schumer’s plan is to get $1.5 trillion while in the minority, which he couldn’t pass when he had the House, Senate, and Biden as president. The worst part is that what he wants adds massive debt to our children while stuffing the pockets of big insurance companies. Meanwhile, the average family pays roughly $30,000 in insurance premiums each year with little to show for it. This is simply shameful.”

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08) said: “By shutting down the federal government, Democrats are taking advantage of struggling Americans and playing dangerous political games with the U.S. economy. It is unfair that they are holding taxpayers hostage in an attempt to advance their radical agenda. As federal food assistance programs run out of money, pregnant mothers, newborns, farmers, and our troops are being punished. It is time for Democrats to let the government reopen and stop terrorizing our country with these cruel and unnecessary tactics.”

Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) said:“The Schumer Shutdown is hurting hardworking American families while Democrats play politics with people’s paychecks. Every day this shutdown drags on, more families feel the pain, not because of House Republicans, but because Democrats are fighting to extend a taxpayer-funded healthcare scheme that forces Americans to foot the bill for illegal immigrants – all while our troops, farmers, and federal workers are left without pay.”

Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) said: “Every day this shutdown drags on, East Texas families pay the price. The Schumer Shutdown is not a win for the American people; it’s a political maneuver motivated by hatred of President Trump. In the end, taxpayers foot a higher bill. And, in the meantime, government services and programs important to taxpayers like are disrupted, earned pay is at risk or stops altogether for many still working like those in the military, air traffic control, TSA and border patrol. A government shutdown doesn’t save taxpayer money; it costs more. It disrupts vital services, delays assistance, and puts unnecessary strain on those who keep our nation secure. House Republicans have acted responsibly to keep the government open, but Senate Democrats continue to block those efforts. Political gamesmanship has gone on for far too long, and it’s time for Democrats to put American families first. It is time to re-open the government and get back to work for the American people.” 

Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03) said: “Fifteen years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, and as a doctor, I am uniquely qualified to say it has moved our health care system in the wrong direction. Premiums have gone up by 150 percent, and hardworking Missouri families have lost control over their healthcare. That’s completely unacceptable. The American people deserve real, affordable, high-quality care that puts patients, not Washington bureaucrats, first.”

Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) said:“Congressional Democrats are using the suffering of American families as political leverage. Government shutdowns should never be used as a political negotiating tactic. Democrats must come to their senses and immediately pass the clean continuing resolution to reopen the government.”

Congressman Dale Strong (AL- 05) said: “Democrats have manufactured this shutdown to use as political leverage, holding American families hostage to push their partisan priorities. They’ve created a sideshow to distract from their own failures and are now putting politics over the basic responsibility of keeping the government open. This is a Democrat-made crisis, and hardworking Americans are the ones paying the price.”

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) said: “As this Schumer Shutdown drags on, thousands on top of thousands of hardworking families are wondering how they’ll put food on the table for their kids while Democrats are more focused on funding projects overseas and benefits for illegal immigrants. That tells you everything you need to know.”

Congressman Joe Wilson(SC-02) said: “American families serving our Nation through military and government service deserve the dignity of a paycheck and stability, particularly as we enter the holiday season. Shutdowns cost billions daily and threaten national security. There is simply no excuse. Schumer and Democrats must end this shutdown.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Nearly 250 years ago, our great nation was born. The decades that came before it were measured by a people whose spirit yearned for freedom from tyranny and the right to self-determination. We were founded by a people whose grit was equally matched by their hope for a new, free nation. But we all know how the story goes, and our freedom wasn’t easily won. It was fought for, and has since been, maintained by men and women who have taken on the duty of preserving our liberty. This week, we reflect on their service and thank them for their sacrifice.

One of the most profound Veterans Day speeches was given by President Ronald Reagan in his Veterans Day address from Arlington National Cemetery in 1985. He said, “It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives — the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.”

This is the price of freedom: lives, goals, dreams forfeited by men and women who chose to fight for something greater than themselves. The moment we forget the price of freedom is a grave day for our country. And it’s never something we should settle quietly into. We should always remember that each one of us today and tomorrow must choose to preserve liberty, support our service members, and recognize the sacrifices they make.

This week, in the vote to reopen the government from the nearly forty-three-day shutdown, I also cast my vote for funding our Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Each year, Congress passes numerous pieces of legislation dedicated to funding our national defense, but this week, voting to bolster our nation’s defense capabilities and support our veterans by fully funding the health care and benefits they have earned in the line of duty was especially meaningful. Additionally, this legislation protects our veterans’ Second Amendment rights and implements historic heath record tech modernization to improve care, speed, and access.

This weekend, my hope is that you join me in taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable men and women who chose to sacrifice everything so we may live in a free and prosperous nation. I am immensely grateful and proud of every Arkansan who has served in the line of duty and I will continue to fight for them in Congress to ensure they receive the benefits they have earned.

If you or someone you know is having trouble with the VA, the Social Security Administration or any other federal agency, please visit my website at Westerman.house.gov or contact my Hot Springs office at (501) 609-9796. My office is here to help, and we stand ready to be of service to you.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The rural landscape that makes up a large portion of the Fourth District of Arkansas is a hallmark of our great state. From the beautiful hills of the Ozarks to the Arkansas River Valley to the forests and farmlands in the south you will be hard-pressed to find a corner of the Natural State that is not worth a visit. However, the beauty of these areas comes with a cost, creating distinct challenges for our rural communities when accessing urban areas and vital resources like health care.

This week, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting with the American Ambulance Association to discuss the critical role our EMS system plays as a lifeline for rural communities accessing vital health care. In an emergency, our first responders are on the frontlines to answer the call of duty, ensuring those who may not have easy access to healthcare providers with the confidence and assurance they need to know that they can get help when they need it.

Earlier this year, House Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cut Act, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, that then passed the Senate and was signed into law. Within it were several legislative wins that champion our rural communities, and it is exciting to see these initiatives begin to take shape.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was included in the bill and is a big win for rural America – creating a fund for $50 billion that will go directly toward our nation’s rural health care systems. The funding formula is simple, one half of the fund will be distributed equally among the states, and the other half of the fund will be awarded through competitive grants to fund innovative programs to states who are innovating in rural healthcare.  As is true with many issue areas, good policy is best crafted at the state level. There is no good, one-size-fits-all solution for all 50 states and territories when it comes to health care, as each state has its own distinct needs. Through the RHTP, states can apply for grants that will fund more tailored, specific solutions that effectively address urgent community needs.

As states submitted their final RHTP applications to the Administration last week, I was proud to work alongside my Arkansas delegation colleagues in the House and Senate and the Governor’s office to provide extra support during this process. The money received through this request will go directly to our rural programs that need it most, like providing maternal health care, nutrition assistance, and reducing inefficiencies in our health care system brought on by issues like outdated technology and staffing shortages.

Legacy isn’t always what you leave behind; it’s what you set in motion. And this program is set to create a lasting legacy across The Natural State. Furthermore, it is an investment in Arkansas’ future and a path forward for a custom health care system tailored to benefit and serve our communities. It is common sense to let the local experts manage the challenges they know best, which is why I am excited to have worked to get this provision into the bill and to see how Arkansas will use it to benefit all who use the healthcare system in the Natural State.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The deadline is fast approaching for Congress to reauthorize surface transportation legislation, with the current bill expiring on September 30, 2026. Regular, continued reauthorization of our nation’s surface transportation programs is integral to maintaining the safety and integrity of our local infrastructure. Without essential repairs and improvements, our roadways and bridges will continue to take on more wear and tear, leading to major issues down the road.

Serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, the work we do in both committees goes hand-in-glove for ensuring that our nation can build and move forward with these essential projects. And at the center of it all is the need for permitting reform.

The bipartisan SPEED Act, which I introduced in June, cuts through the red tape of our current federal permitting process, streamlining it to enable America to build again. Through my work on the Natural Resources Committee, I’ve seen how the permitting process places serious restrictions on our ability to produce crucial energy infrastructure, and as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how the permitting process stifles innovation and production as it relates to necessary infrastructure, like the I-49 construction that stretches across the Fourth District. 

Recently, I attended the I-49 Arkansas River Bridge groundbreaking. Tree-clearing and site preparation began in 2022 for this project, but full bridge construction could not proceed for nearly two years while the agency awaited final environmental and Section 404 water-crossing permits, leaving cleared areas idle until those approvals were issued. This is a prime example of permitting delay holding up a project that will eventually bring greater access to jobs, hospitals, and a thriving economy to all of Arkansas and the surrounding states.

Not only is it imperative that we reopen the government and get back to governing through regular order, but we must hit the ground running to tackle permitting reform and work on Surface Transportation Reauthorization that benefits Arkansans and Americans alike. 

As a district that is made up largely of rural communities, connection is key. Without updated road repairs and bridges, our friends and neighbors in these areas will experience greater difficulty accessing health care, shopping for groceries, and reaching other essential services. 

To rectify our bloated bureaucratic budget, T&I Committee Republicans are ready to go back to the basics by placing the focus on our most fundamental infrastructure needs. A commonsense, key element to securing this vision is to continue empowering states to make the best judgment call on their individual needs while limiting bureaucratic overreach and the morass of federal red tape.

For a better future for the Natural State, investing in our roads, bridges, and transportation systems is an investment in our state’s economy and the thousands of Arkansans who rely on this industry for well-paying jobs. Investing in our state’s infrastructure also reduces the headaches of years-long projects and restores reliability for our nation’s transportation industry. 

It’s time for Congress to get back to work and create solutions, not play partisan games that place the burden on American taxpayers. As we get back to business, I look forward to working in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and in Congress to ensure government overreach is streamlined and reigned in, commonsense surface transportation reauthorization legislation is passed, and vital infrastructure projects are completed in a timely manner.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Serving as the only licensed forester in Congress provides many unique opportunities to work on legislation that brings a commonsense and conservative approach to forest management across the nation. Additionally, it is a great privilege to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. In this committee, the stewardship of our public lands remains a top priority for all its members, and this week, great steps were made to push our committee’s Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) closer to the finish line and the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The House Natural Resources Committee is a legislative workhorse in the 119th Congress, having successfully passed more bills out of the House than any other committee in the lower chamber. This achievement speaks acutely to the fantastic staff and my colleagues on the dais who work tirelessly to create legislation from streamlining the permitting process to working with our 574 federally recognized Indian tribes to improve self-determination policies. But at the heart of nearly every hearing, markup, and bill is the importance of protecting and maintaining our public lands.

From coast to coast, our nation is blessed with incredible, beautiful forests, and it is our duty to be good stewards of these resources so we can pass our blessings to future generations. The Fix Our Forests Act can be the catalyst for better forest management, resulting in the prevention and mitigation of uncontrollable wildfires. As the first bill passed out of the House in the 119th Congress, my committee continues to cheer for its progress while it makes its way through the Senate.

As is standard whenever legislation passes over from one chamber to the other, a group of bipartisan Senators introduced their version of FOFA in April, where it has been awaiting markup in the House Ag Committee, led by Senator Boozman, until this week. It was exciting to sit in on the hearing where various amendments and proposals to the legislation were discussed. One such change is from the House version’s legal claims limit of 120 days to the Senate’s establishment of 150 days. Ultimately, the bill was passed and is now on its way to the Senate floor for a final vote.

While few changes were made, it was encouraging to see that the basic framework we started with in the House remains the same. I am grateful for the work my friend and fellow Arkansan, Senator Boozman, has done in the Senate on behalf of this vital piece of legislation, and for providing the opportunity to have been involved in the discussions on the proposed changes. 

It’s time for better forest management practices on the ground – not only in Arkansas, but across the hundreds of millions of federal forests across the United States. With Senate passage, those who constantly face the dangers of wildfires and communities who rely on the forest products industry to provide for their families will be much better protected, see greater restoration of forest health, and receive much-needed help for protecting the communities located in wildland urban interfaces.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Dyslexia may be the most common learning disability, but it unfortunately remains misunderstood in many parts of the country. This learning disability should never be a roadblock for students’ success in the classroom; however, the lack of public awareness further hinders early diagnoses, preventing our students from receiving the tools they need to succeed early in their educational journey. Thankfully, great efforts are being made on the state level in Arkansas to ensure our students with learning disabilities can receive the help they need for a better, more inclusive learning environment.

Early in my years of public service, I had the privilege of serving as school board president. That, combined with my understanding of education as the husband of a teacher, deepened my comprehension of dyslexia, growing my desire to provide accessible resources for educators who could support students with dyslexia. During my service in the Arkansas legislature, we were proudly able to lay the groundwork for changes in the Natural State.

As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I now have the opportunity to work in Congress on behalf of educators, parents, and students with dyslexia to advocate for a more science-based approach to creating a modern understanding around the definition of dyslexia. This week, it was a privilege to introduce a Resolution recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month in addition to signing on as a cosponsor for the 21st Century Dyslexia Act. This legislation underscores the need for a modern-day, scientific understanding of this learning disability in order to prevent the harm that unidentified dyslexia can inflict on our young students. 

Education policy is always best handled at the state and local level, but the federal government can help with research, bringing focus to an issue, and sharing best practices. Efforts to expand and streamline training and schooling for dyslexia therapists are greatly encouraging to see, as schools across the Natural State face a growing need for trained professionals. The University of Arkansas recently announced its partnership with the Academic Language Therapy Association and the Nelms Dyslexia Center to create a new master’s degree pathway for those looking to pursue a career in academic language therapy. This new avenue allows Arkansans who are pursuing a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification to also earn university credit, creating a more affordable and streamlined path for their credentials process.

True change and progress for all learning disabilities will only come from the continued advocacy, awareness, and commitment to resources that lead to a greater understanding of helping individuals succeed in learning, and I extend my deepest thanks to the tireless advocates in Arkansas who lead the charge in this pursuit. While millions of students experience the hurdles of dyslexia, my hope is that we continue to gain a deeper understanding of this learning disability in order to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and modern-day learning environment for all students.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the government funding bill in the House of Representatives:

“The government funding bill passed tonight fails to stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, fails to undo the cruel cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in the Big, Ugly Law, and once again leaves our farmers and ranchers behind by punting on a new Farm Bill that actually meets their needs,” said Thompson.

“I voted NO because I refuse to support a bill that fails the American people. I’ll keep fighting for all Americans, while Congressional Republicans continue to exacerbate the healthcare crisis and enable the President’s ill-advised policies that are increasing costs across the board.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa, CA – Sunday, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) was joined by special guest Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) and local Latino leaders from across the North Bay for a panel discussion and networking event in downtown Napa.

The event, entitled “Connecting Latino Voices: Here to Lead” brought together dozens of Latino leaders, elected officials, changemakers, and community members for a discussion on what it takes to be a successful leader, how Latino leaders are giving back to their community, and the challenges facing the Latino community today. Local leaders from Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Lake, and Yolo counties were in attendance.

“Our region is incredibly diverse, with voices from every walk of life. Sadly, sometimes not every voice gets the spotlight it deserves. That’s why I started Connecting Latino Voices, to ensure that our local Latino voices could be heard and their stories be shared. At a time when our Latino community and our immigrant community are facing the worst attacks by our government in decades, events like these that bring our community leaders together are more critical than ever,” said Thompson. 

Rep. Thompson was joined by Rep. Linda Sánchez, Congresswoman for California’s 38th District; Supervisor Belia Ramos, Napa County District 5; Herman G. Hernandez, Executive Director, Los Cien Sonoma County; Deborah Bautista Zavala, Board President, Woodland Joint Unified School District; Jazmin Garcia, Host, NextGen Talks; Leo Callejas, Northern Region Chair, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, board member, Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Business Owner/Founder, DigitalTrack Digital Marketing; and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, President, Latinos United of Lake County for a panel discussion. Following the panel, audience members were invited to join local leaders for a networking session with members of Rep. Thompson’s Latino Advisory Panel, local elected leaders, business owners, students, and more.

During the panel, special guest Congresswoman Linda Sánchez shared the story of her career. A former labor lawyer, Rep. Sánchez is the daughter of immigrants and grew up in a proud Latino household. She made history as the first Latina to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Judiciary Committee. In 2016, she became the first woman of color elected to a leadership position in Congress when she was elected to vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus. In 2024, she shattered another glass ceiling, becoming the first Latina and woman of color to serve as a ranking member on a Ways and Means subcommittee. She currently serves as the ranking member of the Trade Subcommittee.

BACKGROUND 

Rep. Thompson’s Connecting Latino Voices event is one part of his programming to support and uplift Latino voices in our community. Rep. Thompson is proud to work with his Latino Advisory Panel to advance policies that help the Latino community in Congress and to stay informed on the issues facing our local Latino community. 

As Latinos and the immigrant community face attacks from the President, Rep. Thompson has continued to fight back against policies that harm our Latino and our immigrant communities, including by monitoring the San Francisco ICE detention facility, hosting “Know Your Rights’ workshops for local business owners to understand the rights of their employees, and co-sponsoring legislation to prevent ICE from wearing masks and from wearing the word “Police” on their uniforms. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to the Senate’s funding bill:  

“The Senate’s bill is a bad deal for the American people,” said Thompson. “This bill fails to prevent Americans’ health care premiums from skyrocketing and it fails to reverse the President and Congressional Republicans’ devastating cuts to Medicaid. It also kicks the can down the road for our farmers, failing to deliver a Farm Bill 2.0 that serves our ag community’s needs. I cannot support this bill that fails the American people.

“Once again, I continue to call on Speaker Johnson to bring his party back to Washington to negotiate a bipartisan path forward that lowers costs and protects health care for hardworking Americans.”