Bacon Hosts Tele-Townhall on November 4, 2025

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

Bacon Hosts Tele-Townhall on November 4, 2025

Omaha, November 5, 2025

Bacon Hosts Tele-Townhall on November 4, 2025

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) hosted a tele-townhall on November 5, 2025, for the people of Nebraska’s Second Congressional District to discuss the latest issues in Congress and around the world. 

During the tele-townhall, Rep. Bacon addressed several topics including the government shutdown, his bipartisan framework to temporarily extend and reform the ACA tax credits, the Administration’s strikes against drug cartels, updates on the Ukraine war, his priorities for the remainder of his term, and much more. The tele-townhall had around 7,300 participants. You can listen to the entire tele-townhall here.

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Congresswoman Norma Torres Demands Accountability After ICE Shoots U.S. Citizen in Ontario

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

November 05, 2025

Ontario, CA — Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) sent a letter to Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel demanding full transparency and accountability following reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot U.S. citizen Carlos Jimenez on October 30, 2025, in Ontario.

Jimenez, a local food bank worker and father of three, was reportedly shot from behind while warning ICE agents that children were gathering at a nearby school bus stop, according to his lawyers and coverage in the Los Angeles Times. Federal officials, however, claim he “attempted to run officers over” and describe the shooting as “defensive.” This is the second ICE shooting in Southern California in just over a week, raising serious questions about federal enforcement in residential communities.

“Transparency is not optional. The public deserves the truth, and federal agencies must be held accountable,” said Torres. “My letter to Acting Director Lyons and Director Patel puts them on notice: Americans in our communities will not be endangered by secretive, reckless federal enforcement. We need transparency into what happened in Ontario, and what is going on around this nation.”

In her letter, Torres demands answers to critical questions:

  • Were ICE officers wearing body cameras, and will footage be released publicly?

  • Were witness statements and security footage collected, and when will they be shared?

  • Were local law enforcement agencies notified about the operation, and if not, why?

  • If ICE agents violated federal or state law or agency policy, what consequences will they face?

Congresswoman Torres is closely monitoring the situation and urges anyone with information about the incident or the victim to contact her district office at (909) 481-6474.

Full letter 

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Carter volunteers in Gainvesville to assist residents struggling with Democrat-led government shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter volunteers in Gainvesville to assist residents struggling with Democrat-led government shutdown

Carter volunteers in Gainvesville to assist residents struggling with Democrat-led government shutdown

Washington, November 5, 2025

GAINESVILLE, GA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week volunteered at Good News at Noon in Gainesville, Georgia, itemizing and distributing clothes, toothbrushes, shoes, and other essentials as the Democrat-led government shutdown continues to harm Georgians.

Rep. Carter sorts clothes at Good News at Noon

Good News at Noon offers a diverse range of essential resources rooted in community involvement to help its neighbors in need.

“The Schumer-Ossoff government shutdown is harming individuals from all corners of Georgia. Families are missing out on paychecks, nutrition benefits, childcare opportunities, and more,” said Rep. Carter. “While our senators continue to use Georgians as political leverage, it’s important that folks get out in the community and serve their neighbors during this difficult time that Chuck Schumer, Jon Ossoff, and the Senate Democrats have inflicted on hardworking families.”

Rep. Carter with Cheshire Adams

Beyer Statement On Historic Virginia Elections

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the results of yesterday’s general elections in Virginia:

“It is hard to overstate the magnitude of Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory yesterday. She won by the largest margin of any Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Virginia since the parties realigned during integration, with broad support that overcame differences of age, race, gender, and political affiliation. She flipped rural counties that haven’t supported Democratic candidates in years, and her success helped deliver the biggest Democratic wins in the House of Delegates in nearly four decades. She also shattered Virginia’s glass ceiling at long last, and I cannot wait to address my friend as ‘Madam Governor.’

“Virginia voters sent a clear message that they are not happy about rising prices, rising unemployment, and the state of the economy. President Trump ran on the promise to fix these problems quickly, but with his Republican allies he has instead made them worse: raising the costs of groceries and goods with crazy tariffs, and raising electricity prices and health care costs with their Big Bill. The concerns about high costs are not isolated to Virginia, this is a huge, nationwide problem that demands solutions which Republicans are failing to offer.

“I am proud and not surprised that some of the most enthusiastic voters were Northern Virginians, who have been treated so awfully by this Administration and its Republican allies. I have warned all year that DOGE, the illegal funding freezes and cancellations, the illegal destruction of agencies and attacks on the civil servants who work on them were deeply unpopular – and that is clearly reflected in these results. This is a broader economic and governance issue that activated and energized many people who are not employed by the federal government, and continues to reverberate in places far from Washington.

“Rather than address these issues, Republicans have chosen to run cover for a deeply unpopular president as he makes life worse for average Americans and engages in some of the most blatant corruption ever seen in this country. We have made clear that they will not do so unopposed, and the opposition will only gain strength and momentum from these powerful results. The American people do not want a king, they want leaders who care about them and solve their problems, which is the kind of governor Virginians see in Abigail Spanberger.

“I congratulate and thank our candidates, their staffs and volunteers, and all whose tireless efforts led to this incredible result.”

REP LIEU APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF CALIFORNIA’S TEMPORARY REDISTRICTING MEASURE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after California voters passed Proposition 50, which requires temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030.  The passage means California will use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026. 

“Trump and his Republican acolytes have made it their mission to attack hardworking Californians and our Democratic principles. Last night, Californians told Trump that we will not yield. The resounding support for Prop 50 shows that there are political consequences to politicizing fire aid, sending troops to our neighborhoods, and terrorizing immigrant communities. California is the fifth-largest economy in the world and makes our country great. People here and across the country are sick of inflation and they’re sick of the Republican cruelty. Californians joined the chorus of Americans who made their voices heard yesterday to simply say: Republicans, stop attacking our communities and driving up the cost of everything.

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Speaker Johnson on Day 36 of the Democrat Shutdown: House Democrats Embrace Zohran Mamdani at Their Own Peril

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — On Day 36 of the Democrat Shutdown, Speaker Johnson hosted a press conference alongside members of the sophomore class and House GOP Leadership to discuss how Democrats have handed the keys of their party to avowed socialists and leaders who fantasize about the death of their political opponents. Speaker Johnson also reminded Democrat Rep. Chrissy Houlahan – who embarrassingly tried to interrupt the press conference – that she voted against funding for SNAP and pay for US troops.

“We talk about Mamdani for two reasons. It’s a bellwether because House Democrats, many of whom represent districts much less blue than New York City, have embraced him with open arms. And because his brand of Marxism is truly a bellwether for the Democrats nationwide,” Speaker Johnson said. “We’ve pointed out that other major metropolitan areas in the country are facing the same threat with candidates similar to Mamdani. And we are going to continue to call out their effort to mainstream and normalize socialism and Marxism in America.”

Today officially marks the longest shutdown in American history.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On Democrats embracing radical, Left-Wing candidates:

The new power center of the Left isn’t the moderates; it’s the AOC’s and the Bernie Sanders and the Mamdani’s of the party. It’s the activists who believe capitalism is evil, who disdain the founding principles of their own country, that claim that the salvation of our nation will be brought about by bigger government and more bureaucracy. Look what happened in New York City last night. For the first time in American history, an avowed, openly proclaimed socialist has been elected as the mayor of America’s largest city. Zohran Mamdani is without a doubt the biggest win for socialism in the history of the country. And it is the biggest loss for the American people.

He is truly a committed Marxist, and the results of that race tell you everything you need to know about where the Democrats and their party are headed. From the back bench to their leadership, Democrats have fallen in line behind the socialist candidates. Hakeem Jeffries, as you know, is the highest-ranking Democrat in the House. He gave his full blessing to Mamdani and his socialist agenda. Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish leader in America, flirted with endorsing Mamdani all the way to the bitter end. Never mind the fact that Zohran has embraced antisemitic rhetoric and promised to arrest the Prime Minister of Israel if he visits New York City again.

And then there’s President Obama who called Mamdani over the weekend to extend his praise and act as a sounding board for the young socialist. You can’t make this stuff up. The man who made health care unaffordable with his own socialist scheme is advising the man whose false promises will surely make life unlivable for millions of New Yorkers who cannot afford to flee the city.

On House Democrats owning the consequences of their embrace of socialism:

We talk about Mamdani for two reasons. It’s a bellwether because House Democrats, many of whom represent districts much less blue than New York City, have embraced him with open arms. And because his brand of Marxism is truly a bellwether for the Democrats nationwide. We pointed out that other major metropolitan areas in the country are facing the same threat with candidates similar to Mamdani. And we are going to continue to call out their effort to mainstream and normalize socialism and Marxism in America. Working families watching this play out have a right to know that socialism and communism are not just confined in New York City.

They’re quickly coming to a town near you, unless you stand up and let your voice of common sense be heard. While Democrats hitch their wagon to the socialist agenda, Republicans are going to continue to act in good faith on behalf of hardworking Americans, and we will remind a new generation of Americans about the painful and inescapable realities of history.

On Rep. Houlahan’s embarrassing press conference charade:

We went to the White House; we went and sat in front of the resolute desk. We brought Leader Jeffries and Leader Schumer in, and we had a discussion. The President said, please don’t shut the government down. It would cause all this pain to the American people. This has never happened before. It’s a clean, nonpartisan CR that every Democrat, including you, voted no on September 19. You voted to shut down the government. You voted to stop SNAP benefits. You voted to not pay the troops, not pay TSA, Border Patrol. You may regret it now, but that’s your vote. And it’s on the record. So, the President had them in and they didn’t want to have a dialogue or debate. They thumbed their nose at him.

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Pingree, King Lead 70+ Members in Bicameral Push to Reinstate Automatic Work Authorization Extensions

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) led more than 70 Members of Congress in condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for individuals who have filed timely renewal applications. In a letter led by Pingree in the House, and by King in the Senate, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, the Members said this decision will have devastating consequences for workers, families, and employers across the country.

“USCIS’s own data makes clear that the agency continues to face severe delays in adjudicating EAD renewals. As a result, individuals who have already been deemed legally authorized to work will lose their jobs for no other reason than the government choosing not to process their paperwork in time,” the lawmakers said. “Ending automatic extensions under these conditions is effectively penalizing people for USCIS’s administrative shortcomings.

The lawmakers said the policy shift is both unfair and economically reckless, noting that immigrants with work authorization play critical roles in health care, education, agriculture, and other essential sectors. “Removing the ability from employers to employ those who are work authorized, tax-paying, and essential to our communities drastically undermines our economy and puts unnecessary burden on business owners who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

The lawmakers underscored that the new rule creates a bureaucratic trap for workers who are doing everything right. Current regulations encourage applicants to file renewal requests only up to 180 days—six months—before their work permits expire. Yet USCIS’s own data show that average processing times for many EAD categories now exceed six and a half months. 

“This gap ensures that, even when applicants submit renewals at the earliest possible date, their authorization will lapse before a new document can be issued,” the Members wrote. “In practice, this rule guarantees that lawfully employed individuals will be forced out of the workforce through no fault of their own.”

The lawmakers urged USCIS to immediately withdraw the rule or, at minimum, delay implementation until the agency can demonstrate that renewal applications will be processed within a timeframe that prevents lapses in work authorization.

The House letter is available here and is copied below. The Senate letter can be found here.

Last year, Pingree and King led a push to codify a temporary rule granting a 540-day automatic extension to expiring work authorizations for immigrants and asylum seekers.  

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Dear Director Edlow,

We write to express deep concern regarding USCIS’s recently announced interim final rule ending the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for individuals who have filed timely renewal applications. This change, to be implemented while significant processing backlogs persist, will have devastating consequences for workers, families, and employers across the country.

USCIS’s own data makes clear that the agency continues to face severe delays in adjudicating EAD renewals. As a result, individuals who have already been deemed legally authorized to work will lose their jobs for no other reason than the government choosing not to process their paperwork in time. Ending automatic extensions under these conditions is effectively penalizing people for USCIS’s administrative shortcomings.

Compounding this problem, current regulations only allow applicants to file for a renewal up to 180 days – six months – before their work permit expires. Yet, at the time of the rule’s publication, the agency’s average processing time for many the EAD categories covered by the extension exceeds six and a half months. This gap ensures that, even when applicants submit their renewals at the earliest possible date, their authorization will lapse before a new document can be issued. In practice, this rule guarantees that lawfully employed individuals will be forced out of the workforce through no fault of their own.

 This policy shift is not only unfair, but economically reckless. Employers in practically every sector–from health care and education to agriculture and food services–are all seeking to fill open positions. Removing the ability from employers to employ those who are work authorized, tax-paying, and essential to our communities drastically undermines our economy and puts unnecessary burden on business owners who are already struggling to make ends meet.

 We strongly urge USCIS to withdraw this rule and instead focus on addressing the underlying backlogs that have caused these delays. If the agency proceeds, it must at-minimum delay implementation until it can demonstrate that renewal applications will be processed within a timeframe that prevents lapses in employment authorization. Anything less will cause significant harm to workers, businesses, and the U.S. economy.

 Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response outlining the steps USCIS intends to take to ensure that employment-authorized individuals are not stripped of their ability to work due to agency inaction.

Sincerely,

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Rep. Carter Backs President Trump: End the Filibuster NOW

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Rep. Carter Backs President Trump: End the Filibuster NOW

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement supporting President Donald J. Trump’s call to eliminate the Senate filibuster:


“President Trump is exactly right. The filibuster is killing our country. Democrats have turned it into a weapon to block America First policies, shut down our government, and stop progress for the American people. Enough is enough. It’s time to end the obstruction, end the excuses, and end the filibuster.”


Carter said Republicans must stop playing by the old rules while Democrats use every trick to advance their radical agenda:


“The American people don’t care about career politicians’ outdated swamp traditions. They want results. When President Trump fights, he wins. When Republicans fight with him, America wins. The Senate should act now: eliminate the filibuster, let us deliver on the President’s agenda, and put our people first again.”


Carter also backed President Trump’s call to end the outdated “blue slip” tradition that lets liberal senators block his nominees:


“Blue slips are just another swamp trick and a courtesy Democrats never return. President Trump deserves his team in place to clean up this mess, prosecute corruption, and restore law and order. It’s time to end blue slips and let him get the job done.”


Carter called on Republicans to find their backbone and stand with the President:

“Once again, President Trump is right. He’s leading, showing real courage, and fighting for the PEOPLE while politicians make excuses. It’s time for Republicans to do what they were elected to do, to stand with him, and to finish the job.” 

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Graves Blasts Schumer for Using Air Traffic Controllers as Political Pawns in Government Shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today at a press conference to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown on our aviation system and the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay.

Chairman Graves took the opportunity to praise air traffic controllers for continuing to do their job despite the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck: “They’re showing up for work, they’re doing the job, and they’re making sure that our skies stay safe.” Speaking about the shutdown and Senator Chuck Schumer, Graves said, “It’s unfortunate that he’s weaponizing the air traffic controllers,” and stressed that neither controllers nor their families should be used as political bargaining chips. 

Chairman Graves’ full remarks from today’s press conference are available here.

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed reports that air traffic controllers are taking on second jobs to make ends meet during the government shutdown: “Air traffic controllers, some people call the policemen of our skies, they have been showing up at work without pay. And, news reports have suggested that these men and women are seeking outside employment just to keep their families afloat.”

Secretary Duffy assured the public that it is still safe to fly and that the Administration’s efforts to modernize the air traffic control system, for which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee provided a down payment of $12.5 billion in H.R. 1, is still progressing during the shutdown. However, he noted that the shutdown has the potential to negatively impact the recruitment of new air traffic controllers, as recruits are witnessing controllers go without pay. Hiring new air traffic controllers has been a priority for the Trump Administration as they work to address the current controller shortage. Secretary Duffy spoke about effects of the shutdown on new recruits saying, “They’re thinking about leaving the [FAA] Academy, smart young men and women, because they don’t want to work for a system that won’t pay them.”

Chairman Graves joined Secretary Duffy and House Republican Leadership in urging liberals in the Senate to pass a clear continuing resolution – which the House did weeks ago – and vote to reopen the government. 

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Velázquez and Adams Introduces the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

The program would provide Plant-Based Entrées in schools nationwide.

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Alma Adams (D-NC) introduced the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act. This bill would create a voluntary grant program for school districts to help schools provide healthier, climate friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entrée options to students.

According to the CDC, approximately 39% of New York City public school children in kindergarten through eighth grade are overweight or obese, and 1 in 5 children and adolescents nationwide are affected by obesity. Expanding access to nutritious, plant-based meals in schools can play a critical role in improving children’s health and addressing these alarming trends.

“Our children deserve meals that nourish their bodies and protect their future,” said Velázquez. “I’m proud to introduce the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act which will give our students the option of a plant-based entrée. As rates of childhood obesity continue to rise, expanding access to nutritious, plant-based meals is a simple, commonsense step toward building a healthier generation and a more sustainable planet.”

“As a former educator of 40 years, I know how important it is that schools can nourish the minds, bodies, and souls of their students,” said Adams. “I am proud to introduce the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act to provide healthier school meal options to our children and ensure we are meeting each student’s dietary needs so they can be successful in the classroom and throughout their day.”

The bill will not only promote healthier outcomes for children but also advance efforts to combat climate change. Research consistently shows that animal-based foods are significantly more carbon-intensive than plant-based alternatives. By fostering the development and accessibility of climate-friendly meal options in schools, this legislation supports both public health and our nation’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

The funds that would be made available through the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act would provide for:

  • Culinary training and technical assistance for school foodservice operators and staff
  • Procurement costs of plant-based sources of protein and milk from socially disadvantaged producers, local producers, and women, veteran, and beginning farmers
  • Marketing and student engagement, such as conducting taste tests and providing nutrition education
  • Additional labor costs incurred in preparing and serving plant-based options
  • Partnering with small to medium sized plant-based food businesses and producers for professional development and training
  • School districts who serve a high population of food insecure students will be prioritized under the new pilot program.

The bill would also require school districts to offer a non-dairy milk substitute to any student upon a written request from a parent or guardian, even if the child does not have a disability. Additionally, the bill authorizes school districts to provide non-dairy milk alternatives, consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, to any student as part of a reimbursable meal, without the need for a doctor’s note.

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE
 
This bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Hank Johnson (D-GA) Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA).

Find the quotes of support HERE.

Find the list of endorsements HERE.

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