Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)
Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) hosted his annual Agriculture Conference, visiting multiple agriculture operations and facilities across Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District.
Rep. Cline toured multiple locations in Augusta and Rockbridge counties including MC Livestock operation and Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center at McCormick Farm. He also held a roundtable with Valley farmers and agriculture leaders at the Virginia Horse Center to hear their needs and concerns on how decisions in Washington impact their industry.
“Virginia’s Sixth District is home to some of the most knowledgeable and hard-working farmers in the country,” Rep. Cline said. “Whether it’s protecting Valley farmland and expanding opportunities for young farmers, putting American farmers first in trade negotiations, or cutting unnecessary government red tape, I’ll continue working to ensure our agricultural community has the support it needs to grow and succeed.”
Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)
PORTLAND, OR— Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) led aletterwith Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately release Jackie Merlos, a Portland mother who remains detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) despite an immigration judge terminating her removal proceedings.
“Ms. Merlos holds U-Deferred Action status, a valid work permit through 2029, and has not been charged with a crime. To date, the Department of Homeland Security has not provided us with any explanation for why she was detained for so long by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and why she is still being held at NWIPC by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers emphasized that in addition to the court’s decision to terminate her case, more than thirty community members have written in support of Jackie Merlos. The letters of support come from friends, employers, pastors, and nonprofit leaders, describing her as a “generous, deeply respected, hardworking, small business owner, who is devoted to her church congregation, neighbors, and family.”
The lawmakers demanded ICE immediately reunite Jackie with her young children. Read the entire letterhere.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN Newsroom, where he emphasized that Democrats are committed to protecting the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people as Donald Trump and Republicans refuse to negotiate an end to the government shutdown and the healthcare and cost of living crisis that they created.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: Let’s discuss more now with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, great to see you. So Republicans say it’s on Democrats to get the U.S. government back open. So what will it take to get things moving again?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency, and from the very beginning of this year, they have adopted a my-way-or-the-highway approach and continue to try and jam their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people, including when they passed the One Big Ugly Bill, which had in it a $186 billion cut to nutritional assistance, the largest SNAP cut in American history, and they did that so they could reward their billionaire donors. Our view as Democrats is that we want to sit down with anyone, anytime, anyplace, either at the Capitol or back at the White House, to reopen the government, to enact a bipartisan spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people, while at the same time decisively addressing the Republican healthcare crisis that is crushing the American people.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: When’s the last time you or anyone has reached out to Speaker Johnson or other Republicans to say ‘let’s sit down at the table, let’s talk, whether it be on Capitol Hill or at the White House?’
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, earlier in the week, Leader Schumer and I reached out directly to the White House, requesting a meeting with Donald Trump before he went back out of the country as we approached now day 26 of the Trump-Republican shutdown. Of course, Donald Trump indicated he had no interest in sitting down with Democrats. And that, in fact, has been the case for the last 26 days while the government has been shut down, while services are not being provided to our taxpayers and while hardworking federal employees are being furloughed or forced to work without pay. Donald Trump has had zero interest in spending any time to try to get a resolution. They made the decision to shut down the government, and now they are continuing to inflict pain on the American people.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: Is there another way that lawmakers on Capitol Hill, both sides, all sides, can talk without the President’s involvement? After all, citizens do expect that there should be negotiations, discussions, when talking about legislation, bills, remedies, any or all of these things, especially with the U.S. government not in operation at stake.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, part of the problem is that House Republicans have canceled votes now for five consecutive weeks. They literally have been on vacation receiving a paycheck while forcing others to work without pay. A starting point would be Speaker Johnson actually bringing House Republicans back to Congress so we can actually function as a body and work toward enacting a bipartisan resolution and a spending bill that meets the needs of the American people. Now, we’ve also said as House Democrats that we will consider anything in good faith that emerges from the Senate in a bipartisan way, that reopens the government, that spends taxpayer dollars in a way that makes their life better and that, of course, addresses the healthcare crisis, including by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that tens of millions of people all across the country, everyday Americans, don’t experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles as we approach open enrollment on November 1st.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: Ok. And yesterday, I spoke with Natasha Taylor, she’s the Deputy Director of Georgia Watch. It’s a non-profit that advocates for consumers here in Georgia. And Georgia is expected to be hit pretty hard with healthcare, affordable healthcare premiums going up. On average, she says, a family of four might have to pay $3,000 a month for their care. But without these extensions, it could go up at least 30% and they could be facing $6,000 to $7,000 a month for healthcare coverage. What do you say to families who are now in a position of having to choose between healthcare, food on the table, paying their rent or even mortgage while all this is going on?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well this should never be the case in the United States of America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. And as Democrats, we’ve made the case that we are not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people in an environment where the cost of living in this country is already too high. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down. They’re going up. Electricity bills are through the roof. Housing costs are up. Inflation is up. Grocery costs are up. And now tens of millions of people in Georgia and beyond are facing the very real possibility that they will be unable to afford a doctor when they need one. We’re talking about a situation where many people will confront increased healthcare costs of $1,000 to $2,000 per month. That’s $12,000 to $24,000 in additional cost per year, when more than 90% of the people who receive Affordable Care Act tax credits make around $62,000 a year. It’s unaffordable, it’s unsustainable and it’s unconscionable. That’s why we are demanding that our Republican colleagues sit back down at the table so we can get this resolved for the American people.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: All right, now let me ask you about your home city. You’ve now endorsed Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York. What provoked you to endorse him now?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Zohran is the Democratic nominee, and there’s alignment as it relates to the affordability crisis and the need to decisively deal with it. Of course, alignment around Jessica Tisch as the NYPD Police Commissioner and the important need to ensure public safety for all communities across the City of New York. And I was very pleased to see that our nominee, Zohran, made the decision to indicate that he would retain Jessica Tisch as the Police Commissioner. By all accounts, she’s doing a tremendous job. And, of course, there’s alignment around the existential threat that Donald Trump will bring to the City of New York in ways that he’s unleashed this extremism on the American people in such an extraordinary way from the very beginning of his presidency. And he clearly has put a bullseye on the City of New York. That said, I will continue to take positions that are important to the people that I’m privileged to represent in Brooklyn—on racial justice, on social justice, on economic justice and, of course, on foreign policy, particularly as it relates to the Middle East, which has been an issue of great interest to people, particularly over the last two years. I will always support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, an eternal homeland for the Jewish people. Of course, we have a ceasefire in place. That is a good thing. We have to make sure that it can hold permanently. We need to make that we identify all of the remains of the hostages who have been killed and they’re returned home. We have to surge assistance, humanitarian support to Palestinian civilians who have been in harm’s way through no fault of their own in a theater of war for two years. We have to reconstruct Gaza. And, of course, finally, we need a robust path toward a just and lasting peace, which ultimately will involve a two-state solution, a safe and secure Israel living side by side in peace and prosperity with a demilitarized Palestinian state free of Hamas, but a state that allows the Palestinian people to experience the dignity and self-determination that they deserve.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: And quickly, can I also ask you about your other home city of Washington, D.C. and the demolition of the East Wing? As a Member of Congress for many, many years, you’ve obviously spent a lot of time at the White House and at the East Wing as well. What are your impressions? What are you feeling as you see the demolition taking place without the involvement of preservation groups or even Congress?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the American people are understandably horrified about what they’ve seen in terms of the demolition of large parts of the White House so that Donald Trump can erect a ballroom to be celebrating him like a king. That’s unconscionable, unacceptable and, of course, it’s un-American. And instead of focusing on re-opening the government, instead of addressing the health crisis that Republicans have visited on the American people, instead of driving down the high cost of living in an environment where the Trump tariffs have made life more expensive for everyday Americans, he’s decided to destroy the White House in an unlawful way. And it is very unfortunate, but it’s par for the course in terms of what we’ve seen from Donald Trump and Republicans during his presidency.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: All right, Democratic Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, appreciate your time. Thank you so much.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation, where he highlighted how House Democrats have remained consistent in standing up for the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people, while Republicans continue to focus on stunts and distractions that are hurting everyday Americans.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’re back with the top Democrat in the House, Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He joins us from his Brooklyn, New York district. Good morning.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be with you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Leader Jeffries, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the shutdown is starting to affect the economy, and by November 15, the troops will not be paid. Do you expect the shutdown to last that long?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I certainly hope not. This is day 26 of the Trump-Republican shutdown. And as Democrats, we have maintained from the very beginning, and continue to maintain, we will sit down anytime, any place, with anyone, either at the Capitol or back at the White House, to reopen the government to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people and to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis, particularly as it relates to the urgent need to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so we can prevent tens of millions of Americans from experiencing dramatically increased health insurance premiums that will make access to a doctor unaffordable.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to come back to healthcare in a moment, but the Treasury Secretary accused you of playing politics, personally. And I know that your Democratic Whip, Katherine Clark, said on Fox this past week that shutdowns are terrible, but as she put it, it’s one of the few leverage items Democrats have. Do you think Democrats are gaining from this fight?
LEADER JEFFRIES: No, our focus continues to be on driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans. Donald Trump and Republicans promised that they would lower costs on day one. We know costs haven’t gone down. They’re going up. Inflation is moving in the wrong direction. The Trump tariffs have made life more expensive for the American people to the tune of thousands of additional dollars per year. We know that electricity bills are through the roof. Housing costs are too high, childcare costs are too high, groceries too expensive. And now tens of millions of Americans are at risk of having their premiums explode, in some cases by 1000 to 2000 dollars per year. That’s what this fight for us is all about. Republicans have come up with a new conspiracy theory every week for the last six weeks. The Democratic position, Margaret, has been clear. Cancel the cuts, lower the cost, save healthcare.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, that was the quote from the Whip herself when she said leverage. But I hear you on rising healthcare costs. But the immediate term, people aren’t getting paid. 750,000 federal workers are on unpaid leave. Eighty percent of the folks who work on our nuclear program are included in that figure. The Agriculture Secretary said there will be delays in food stamps for many of the 41 million people who rely on SNAP. And then at airports across the country, half of the flight delays, according to the Transportation Secretary, are because of staffing shortages. This pain is real now. So is there a point at which it becomes too great to justify continuing the shutdown?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there is an urgent need to reopen the government, which is why we continue to demand that Republicans sit at the negotiating table so we can enact a spending agreement that’s bipartisan in nature. That’s what we’ve called for from the very beginning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But the Republicans are saying—
LEADER JEFFRIES: Unfortunately, Republicans have refused to sit down.
MARGARET BRENNAN: —they won’t do that until you pass the funding bill, the clean funding bill that already passed the House. Why can’t Democrats in the Senate get on board with that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ve made clear, and I’m thankful for the leadership of Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats, that we were not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people, in an environment where Republicans have already enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country. There is the possibility that Medicare could face a $536 billion cut, the largest cut to Medicare in history, if Congress doesn’t act by the end of this year, because of what Republican policies have done in their One Big Ugly Bill. And now they refuse to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. That impacts working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and everyday Americans throughout the country, including in rural America.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, they haven’t refused. Leader Thune said he’d even put that up for a vote if you open the government first, but next Saturday is the beginning of Open Enrollment. I mean, people are going to see what that bill is going to look like. Practically speaking, aren’t you out of time here? Insurance companies have set these premiums in place. That’s how they’re already in the mail for people to open and see on Saturday. What becomes the strategy after November 1, if this shutdown lasts that long?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, we want to reopen the government, and we need to stand by our hardworking federal employees who are doing all that they can to make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently, even under the most adverse circumstances. Remember, in terms of federal employees, the Trump administration has fired or dismissed more than 200,000 civil servants prior to them shutting the government down on October 1. We want to reopen the government now. In terms of healthcare, part of the reality is that tens of millions of people are already receiving notices in October that their premiums are about to skyrocket—
MARGARET BRENNAN: Exactly.
LEADER JEFFRIES: —because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credit. And by the way, they have had the opportunity, both House Republicans and Senate Republicans, repeatedly throughout the year, to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And they’ve consistently voted against it. That’s why we need action, not simply words, a wing and a prayer promise from people who have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 70 different times since 2010.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But aren’t the premiums already locked in here? Or are you saying Republicans are right when you can make up for it at the end of the year with the tax credit?
LEADER JEFFRIES: The premiums are not locked in in terms of the reality that if we can act legislatively and act now. We can extend the Open Enrollment period. We can push it back. And we can intervene as a Congress in order to actually protect the affordability of health insurance for tens of millions of people.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All right. Leader, stay with us. I have to take a quick commercial break.
[…]
MARGARET BRENNAN: Leader Jeffries, I want to ask you about some other matters as well. In New York City, a city of more than 8 million people, there’s about to be an election of a new mayor. You waited until this Friday, the day before early voting began, to endorse the Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. Why did you wait so long?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, as I indicated, last several weeks, we’ve been immersed in the intensity around the government shutdown and the run-up to that in advance of September 30 and the expiration of the fiscal year. But I support the Democratic nominee, as I indicated, and we’re in alignment in terms of the issue related to affordability and the need to address it decisively for the city of New York. And of course, affordability is an issue for people all across the country. From a public safety standpoint, I supported the notion that he would retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to continue to lead the NYPD forward. That’s incredibly important, from a public safety standpoint for every community, including as a high priority, the safety and security of the Jewish community. And in terms of the moment that we find ourselves in, Donald Trump represents an existential threat to the city of New York and beyond, because of the extreme assault that has taken place throughout this year on the economy, on healthcare, on farmers, on veterans, on law-abiding immigrant communities, on due process, on the rule of Law, and, of course, on the American way of life itself, and we all as Americans are going to have to be aligned and pushing back so we can end this national nightmare that Donald Trump has visited upon the American people.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, you still waited until Friday, and the election is upon us, but you’re leaving room in your answer there for understanding that you don’t agree with the candidate on some other issues, though you agree with him on affordability. Since Democrats are running for re-election in the midterm races—you want to retake the House—would you recommend they mimic some of Mamdani’s messages as a progressive model for the party?
LEADER JEFFRIES: No, what we’ve said from the very beginning is that we have to decisively address the affordability crisis that Donald Trump and Republican policies have made worse in the United States of America. We need to lower the high cost of living. We need to fix our broken healthcare system—
MARGARET BRENNAN: So no?
LEADER JEFFRIES: —and we need to, of course, clean up corruption in the United States of America. No, what we’re going to mimic is our own views as it relates to the need to make life more affordable. Here in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, in this country, you should be able to live a comfortable life, live the good life, good paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and a good retirement but far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck and can barely get by. That’s unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you about something you said. You said, Democrats—there are no election deniers on our side of the aisle. You said that back in January. But recently, you’ve been using the term ‘rigged elections’ in reference to the upcoming midterms. Democrats were appalled when President Trump used language like that. How do you justify using that now? Doesn’t that undermine faith for voters you need to show up?
LEADER JEFFRIES: No, I’ve been using that term in the context of Donald Trump’s unprecedented effort to gerrymander congressional maps in a partisan fashion all across the country in order to rig the midterm elections and deny the ability of the American people to actually decide who should be in the majority as it relates to the House of Representatives.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You know Democrats are also going through—
LEADER JEFFRIES: The framers of the Constitution were very clear—
MARGARET BRENNAN: —through gerrymandering and redistricting.
LEADER JEFFRIES: No, no, no. Well, Democrats are going to push back aggressively to make sure that we have fair maps across the country, not partisan gerrymandering, which Republicans have initiated in state after state after state.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Leader Jeffries, thank you for your time this morning.
Rep. Barragán Sounds the Alarm on Possible Loss of Health Care for Millions of Americans Due to Pending Expiration of Tax Credits
Wilmington — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), in partnership with L.A. Care, held an emergency pressconference to address the devastating combined impacts of cuts to Medicaid and the pending expiration of health care tax credits, which will cause millions of working Americans to face skyrocketing health care costs or lose access to health care altogether.
Failure to extend the vital health care tax credits that keep insurance premiums low for millions of Americans will lead to extreme health care costs for working families — even those who don’t receive the tax credits. With more Americans unable to pay their health care bills due to the expiration of the tax credits, insurers will pass on the cost burden to those who have coverage and drastically raise their premiums.
“Working Americans already struggle to pay for basics like groceries and electricity costs, just to keep the lights on and feed their families,” said Rep. Barragán. “If Congress does not extend the health care tax credits that help keep health care accessible and affordable, millions of Americans will lose the care they need. Our older adults, people with chronic diseases, rural communities, and those in vulnerable areas will be hit the hardest. Republicans would rather shut down the government than find a way to fix this health care crisis and secure access to health care for hard-working Americans — and that’s just wrong.”
“Thousands of families in Los Angeles County rely on these tax credits to afford coverage through Covered California. If they expire, too many of our neighbors will face impossible choices between paying for health care and paying for basic necessities. L.A. Care is committed to making sure working families don’t lose the care they need to stay healthy,” said Martha Santana-Chin, L.A. Care CEO.
“This year, nearly 24,000 Californians in this district alone (CD 44) have received financial help from the enhanced premium tax credits, and without that assistance, those members will pay, on average, $93 more on their monthly premiums next year,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “Without Congressional action to extend these credits, hundreds of thousands of working-class Californians will again be forced to choose whether to pay for health insurance or other necessities for themselves and their families.”
This press conference was held in collaboration with L.A. Care, Covered California, the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
To view photos and videos of the event, click HERE.
Rep. Barragán Hosts Round Table to Call Out Endangerment of Student Safety Near Schools Due to ICE Raids
Lynwood — On September 23, 2025, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) met with parents, Lynwood School Board members, educators, and community leaders to address urgent concerns regarding the presence of ICE enforcement near schools. This event was a part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ “Learning Without Fear” nationwide initiative aimed at protecting students and families from the effects of ICE presence near schools in immigrant communities.
This discussion brought together individuals who have felt the direct impacts of ICE presence near schools to collaborate and find solutions to ensure students can return to school safely and access the resources they need, without fear of being picked up by ICE agents. The conversation also focused on identifying and expanding access to resources that support students’ well-being and mental health, while also providing crucial support for families directly impacted by immigration enforcement.
“Families should feel safe sending their children to school,” said Rep. Barragán. “Students go to school to learn. There is no reason for Donald Trump to station ICE agents near what should be safe spaces in our communities. There is no reason for students to have to experience such fear and intimidation just to gain an education. There is no reason why they should have to risk their safety or the safety of their parents every day getting to their classrooms, just because the current administration wants to terrorize our immigrant communities. School must be a safe haven for our youth — and we must work together as a community to protect our students.”
Rep. BarragánReintroduces Resolution to Honor National Hispanic Nurses Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), along with Congressmen Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Steven Horsford (NV-04), reintroduced a resolution to recognize September 22nd as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and to honor the work of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) for their advocacy and representation of Hispanic nurses.
The establishment of National Hispanic Nurses Day would call attention to the significant contributions of Hispanic nurses in their communities and across the country. In addition, National Hispanic Nurses Day spotlights the importance of culturally informed care within medicine, particularly in underserved communities.
This resolution also bolsters support for NAHN’s mission, which includes the promotion of health care equity and the elimination of health care disparities in the United States. NAHN has been the country’s leading professional society for Hispanic nurses for over 50 years. With nearly three thousand members, NAHN amplifies the voices of Hispanic nurses across the country.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and Hispanic nurses provide clinical skills and cultural knowledge that are highly valued in many underserved communities. As the sister of a nurse, I’ve seen the dedication of Hispanic nurses who serve our communities firsthand,” said Rep. Barragán. “I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution to recognize their contributions and NAHN’s efforts to support future generations of nurses.”
“Hispanic nurses lead with conviction and purpose, grounded in both our expertise and our dedication to the communities we serve,” said Veronica Vital, President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. “NAHN champions health equity, education, and leadership in a diverse, inclusive community where every voice matters.”
This resolution is endorsed by the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
In addition to García and Horsford, the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Norma Torres (CA-35), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).
The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
Congresswoman Barragán’s Statement on Her Vote on House Republicans’ Spending Bill
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement regarding her vote on House Republicans’ spending bill:
“I voted NO on House Republicans’ spending bill just now because the bill does nothing to solve the continuing health care crisis that Republicans created. This is a dirty bill that will continue to prevent millions of Americans from receiving the care they need.
House Democrats are fighting like hell to lower costs and reverse the health care cuts that Republicans made in their Big Ugly Law, and save YOUR health care.”
Congresswoman Barragán Hosts Over 16,000 Californians in Tele-Town Hall on Republicans’ Health Care Crisis
Long Beach, CA — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) hosted a Tele-Town Hall to address Republicans’ health care crisis and their ongoing attacks on affordable care. The Congresswoman was joined by over 16,000 constituents as she spoke about how Republicans’ refusal to extend the health care tax credits may lead to premium rates that are double or triple the current rate for many. Without swift action, millions of Americans could face thousands in higher annual costs, which will force many to choose between coverage or going without care. As the cost of living continues to rise, working Americans simply can’t afford a health care price hike.
Congresswoman Barragán was joined by Kelly Green, Director of External Affairs and Community Engagement at Covered California, who helped to answer constituents’ questions and share resources. The Congresswoman heard from constituents about their increased premiums and how the rising costs would impact their families. She also heard from people who wanted to know how they could find out if their health care premiums would increase, what Democrats are doing to stop health care costs from rising, and how the health care crisis could impact people regardless of their type of insurance.
“Americans deserve answers about why the cost of their health care is about to skyrocket,” said Rep. Barragán. “Republicans created this health care crisis. We’re already in our fourth week of the government shutdown. Republicans just stopped showing up to work while House Democrats have shown up ready and willing to negotiate to lower health care costs for millions of Americans and reopen the government. Tonight, we heard from people throughout our district who were concerned about the rising costs and whether they would be able to even afford health care next year. We will continue to reach out, listen, and make sure the truth gets out on how these Republican health care cost increases will impact Americans across the country.”
“Americans cannot afford a surge in their health care costs,” said Jessica Altman, Executive Director at Covered California.“Congress has an opportunity to step in and extend the vital health care tax credits that help keep costs low. We must safeguard the health coverage that millions of Americans depend on.”
Rep. BarragánLeads Bipartisan ResolutiontoSpotlightSpanish-Language Media During Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Congressman Rob Menendez (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-FL) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of Spanish-language media in the United States. Spanish-language media provides essential information on elections, public health, emergencies, and a way to engage in civics to the over 41 million Americans that speak Spanish at home.
“Spanish-language media is more than just information delivered in Spanish – it is a means of cross-cultural connection, a celebration of Latino culture, and empowerment for Spanish speakers to engage with their communities and government,” said Rep. Barragán. “I am honored to introduce this resolution alongside Rep. Menendez and Rep. Salazar during Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the key role that Spanish-language media plays in community engagement and visibility for Latinos.”
“As someone who spent her entire journalism career in Spanish-language television before coming to Congress, I know the power of these outlets. They are the heartbeat of our community. Millions of Hispanics rely on them every day to stay informed, remain connected to their roots and navigate life in this country,” said Rep. Salazar. “Spanish-language media is not just information, it’s identity, opportunity, and empowerment. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing its vital role in keeping our community engaged and part of the American dream.”
“Sharing news and cultural content in Spanish is crucial to empowering our Hispanic communities in New Jersey and beyond,” said Rep. Menendez. “As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the proud representative of Hispanic-majority district, I understand how important it is to have accessible news for everyone in our community. I am proud to support this resolution that commends Spanish-language journalists, broadcasters, and entertainers for their contributions to American democracy and society.”
Spanish-language media supports education, highlights Latino contributions to the arts, creates jobs in the news and entertainment sectors, and empowers speakers of the most widely spoken language outside of English in the United States to engage with their communities and government. Breaking down the language barrier for Spanish-speakers not only brings visibility to Latino communities, it is a vital part of protecting American democracy and ensuring everyone has access to information about what’s going on in their country.
“Our stories matter,” said Axel Caballero, CEO, Latino Film Institute. “Not just on screen, but in every part of our cultural fabric. The Latino Film Institute proudly supports Representatives Barragán, Menendez, and Salazar’s resolution honoring the impact and presence of Latinos in entertainment and news media, and we remain committed to building pathways that empower our voices and shape the future of the industry.”
“Spanish-language media is not just a communication tool,” said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO, United States Hispanic Business Council. “It’s a cornerstone of American democracy. For millions of families, it is their trusted source of news, culture, and connection. This resolution rightly recognizes the vital role these outlets play in informing, empowering, and uniting our communities. I strongly commend Congresswoman Barragán, Congressman Menendez, and Congresswoman Salazar for their leadership. At a time when millions of bilingual households are losing access to Spanish-language networks like Univision due to corporate greed, this resolution is a timely reminder that access to culturally relevant news and programming is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Spanish-language media isn’t just about equity. It’s about strengthening the democratic and cultural fabric of our nation.”
“A healthy democracy centers the lived experiences of all its people,” said Claudia Ruiz, Senior Policy Advisor for Civil Rights,Unidos U.S. “Spanish-language media makes that promise real. It’s how 41 million people access emergency information, stay informed about their rights, and see their experiences celebrated and authentically represented. With misinformation rampant and our fastest-growing communities in need of trusted sources more than ever, Spanish-language media empowers and protects communities. UnidosUS is proud to support Representative Barragán’s resolution recognizing what our communities have always known: we deserve to be informed, celebrated, and heard.”
“Spanish language media is essential to provide the US Latino community with reliable and trusted news, emergency information, culturally relevant content and a showcase for Latino talent,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “At a time when the Latino community is now over 68 million—fully 20% of the US population—it is vital that content providers ensure their line-up includes quality Spanish language media offerings that reflect the needs and interests of the fastest growing segment of their audience.”
“HTTP (Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnerships) proudly supports this bipartisan resolution recognizing the essential need for Spanish-language media in the United States,” said JudeAnne Heath, Executive Director,HTTP. “Today more than ever Spanish language media, along with diverse voices, are not just desirable—they are vital for a functioning democracy, consumer fairness, and community resilience. Spanish language media serves as a cornerstone for millions of Americans, providing them with reliable news, emergency information, and opportunities for democratic participation. Moreover, it empowers youth through authentic storytelling inspiring them to pursue education, careers, and leadership. It is imperative that we strive for dignified representation for all individuals within the United States.”
“The National Association of Hispanic Publications supports this resolution recognizing the essential role of Spanish-language media in our democracy,” said Alvaro Gurdián, President, National Association of Hispanic Publications. “For decades, our publications have been the trusted bridge connecting millions to the information they need, in the language they understand, in an authentic voice . At a time when the truth is not always clear, our members provide the local, reliable information our audiences need to navigate the issues shaping their lives as well as their families.”
“Media is a bedrock of our democracy, at its best helping people make sense of the world across regions, cultures, and languages. Free Press Action is honored to support this resolution highlighting the fundamental role Spanish-language media plays in ensuring communities have access to trusted news and vital information. This resolution is particularly critical this Hispanic Heritage Month when we should embrace cultural visibility and linguistic representation for Latinos throughout the United States,” said Jessica J. González, Co-CEO of Free Press Action.
In addition to the co-leads, this resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Yasamin Ansari (D-AZ), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA).
Organizations that support this resolution include the Latino Film Institute, United States Hispanic Business Council, Unidos US, Hispanic Federation, HTTP, National Association of Hispanic Publications, and Free Press Action.