Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 October 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

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.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

14 October 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Leads Bipartisan Resolution to Spotlight Spanish-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.

To view the text of the resolution, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2025

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov     

Rep. Barragán Introduces the Stop the Trump Electricity Price Hikes Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) introduced the Stop the Trump Electricity Price Hikes Act, legislation to reverse the Department of Energy’s action that announced the mass termination of clean energy awards on October 1, 2025. The cancellations, which target Democrat-led states, are a blatantly partisan and illegal attempt by Donald Trump to go after Democrat-led states during the Republicans’ government shutdown. 

The bill would reinstate all financial assistance awards terminated by the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Trump Administration’s political purge of over 300 clean energy projects. These cancellations total more than $7.5 billion in funding that was lawfully approved by Congress and threaten thousands of jobs across the country.

“Trump’s Administration is gutting clean energy projects, eliminating good-paying jobs, and driving up electricity costs for families already struggling with higher bills,” said Rep. Barragán. “Electricity prices have already soared this year from the Administration’s attacks on clean energy. Instead of working to lower costs, this Administration is pulling the plug on projects that would deliver cheaper, cleaner power for households. This is a direct attack on working American families and our clean energy future.”

The bill responds directly to DOE’s October 1st action, which terminated funding for projects across 16 states — including grid reliability and modernization initiatives, solar energy development, advanced battery technologies, major hydrogen hubs, and university-led research and innovation programs.

Among the projects targeted is the ARCHES Hydrogen Hub in California, an initiative for clean hydrogen development that was expected to create thousands of union jobs and reduce pollution from the Port of Los Angeles. 

The Stop the Trump Electricity Price Hikes Act ensures that all awards terminated are fully reinstated and treated as if the cancellations never occurred.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Sarah Elfreth (Md.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.), Yassamin Ansari (Ariz.), Emily Randall (Wash.), Derek Tran (Calif.), Judy Chu (Calif.), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), John Garamendi (Calif.), Lori Trahan (Mass.), Dianna DeGette (Colo.), Andrea Salinas (Ore.), Val Hoyle (Ore.), Troy Carter (La.), Luz Rivas (Calif.), Janelle Bynum (Ore.), Dan Goldman (N.Y.), April McClain Delaney (Md.), Rick Larsen (Wash.), Scott Peters (Calif.), Paul Tonko (N.Y.), Julia Brownley (Calif.), Andre Carson (Ind.), Sarah McBride (Del.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Nydia Velazquez (N.Y.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Cleo Fields (La.), Leger Fernandez (N.M.), Mullin (Calif.), Lofgren (Calif.), DelBene (Wash.), Sherman (Calif.), Ross (N.C.), Kathy Castor (Fla.), and George Whitesides (Calif.). 

The bill text can be found HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

October 1, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán’s Statement on Republican Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Barragán released the following statement after Donald Trump and House Republicans shut down the federal government:

“Donald Trump and Republicans decided to shut the government down tonight,” said Rep. Barragán. “They had no interest in working with Democrats to keep government open and address the health care crisis facing Americans. House Republicans were so unserious about the situation that they didn’t even show up for work this week. My Democratic colleagues and I are in Washington, ready to vote to reopen the government with a bipartisan agreement that protects Americans’ health care. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House — they own this shutdown and this health care crisis.”

If Congress does not extend the health care tax credits immediately, hundreds of thousands of people will lose their health care and millions more will see their costs skyrocket. But the partisan House Republican spending bill ends these health care tax credits.

If Republicans get their way, 22,000 people in California’s 44th District, will see their health care costs rise. For a family of four earning $64,000 a year, annual premiums would increase by $2,143 on average.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 September 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán Holds Community Discussion To Highlight Devastating Consequences of Current Health Care Crisis

Long Beach, CA — This week, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) held a round table discussion in Long Beach to address the combined impacts of the recent cuts to Medicaid and pending expiration of the health care tax credits that will take affordable, accessible health care away from millions of Americans. She was joined by representatives from major health care networks to discuss how best to support and advocate for the health care needs of the CA-44 communities. 

“Congress must step up to extend the health care tax credits,” said Rep. Barragán. “Millions of Americans will already suffer from the devastating cuts to Medicaid, the largest that were made in our country’s history. The health care tax credits relieve the heavy burden of the increasing out-of-pocket costs and ensure that Americans receive the care they need. If we let the tax credits expire, millions will lose their coverage and this will drive up costs for working families across the country, regardless of whether they rely on the tax credits. Everyone deserves to have affordable health care and Congress must work together to get this done for the American people.” 

“I want to thank Congresswoman Barragán for her leadership to engage with hospital, physician, nurse and community clinic leaders on the importance for renewing the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” Barry Arbuckle, PhD, CEO for MemorialCare stated. “ The consequence of Congress not acting now to extend these subsidies, will only put greater strains on the existing healthcare infrastructure throughout our communities. When individuals do not have health coverage, they stop receiving preventive care, making chronic conditions acute and hospital emergency departments the only option for care.”

The event was hosted in collaboration with MemorialCare and had representatives from MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach, MemorialCare Medical Foundation, The Children’s Clinic Family Health, and Harbor Community Health Centers. 

To view photos from the event, click HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

BENICIA, CA – Today, at his 12th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 54 women from California’s 8th Congressional District who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy.

“As a member of Congress, I pride myself on uplifting the outstanding constituents of our district. Every year, I’m honored to celebrate the remarkable women here in California’s 8th District who make up the backbone of our community,” Garamendi said.

“These women come from every part of our district and from diverse backgrounds. They work in many different fields, but each is united by the profound impact they have on our community and the people around them. It is truly an honor to recognize them.”

“Their commitment and passion for service merit this recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved and documented for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.,” Garamendi said.

A video of the event can be found here.  
A legislative update that was shared at the event is available here.

The 2025 Women of the Year Honorees are:

Contra Costa County:

Carolyn Wysinger (El Cerrito)
Cheryl Collier (Richmond)
Eguonor Onofeghara-Omoko (Bay Point)
Lakisha Mitchell-Keith (Richmond)
Lucinda Bazile (Hercules)
Marie Carayanis (El Sobrante)
Miriam Wong (Richmond)
Naomi Williams (Richmond)
Regina Whitney (Richmond)
Rennae Ross (Pittsburg)
Rita Xavier (San Pablo)
Sarah Wally (Richmond)
Sonia Bustamante (El Cerrito)
Tanya Jacobs (El Sobrante)
Tiffany Harris (Richmond)
Trina Jackson-Lincoln (Richmond)
Yvette Williams-Barr (Richmond)

Solano County:

Alize Johnson (Vallejo)
Andrea Sorce (Vallejo)
Annie Frias-Ramos (Vallejo)
Brittney Greer (Fairfield)
Callie Augustson (Fairfield)
Carol Abreu (Benicia)
Charmaine Gandy (Fairfield)
Delphine Metcalf-Foster (Vallejo)
Diane Power Zimmerman (Fairfield)
Dr. Latyna Young (Vallejo)
Dr. Nicola Parr (Fairfield)
Dr. Sheila McCabe (Fairfield)
Fatimah Hanif (Vallejo)
Gloria Malgapo (Vacaville)
Heather Henry (Fairfield)
Jana Modena (Fairfield)
Jennie Mojica (Vallejo)
Joy Bruno (Fairfield)
Judge Terrye Davis (Vallejo)
Kari Birdeye (Benicia)
Katherine Stokes (Fairfield)
Kim Castaneda (Vacaville)
Lisa Nelson Bonnington (Fairfield)
Brenda Strength (Fairfield)
Malaysia Gallon (Vallejo)
Marbeya Ellis (Vacaville)
Maria Stats (Suisun City)
Melissa Nickson (Fairfield)
Michele Myhand (Fairfield)
Rebecca Grasty (Suisun City)
Shelmae Turner (Fairfield)
Salud Asaeli (Fairfield)
Sriya Srinivasan (Fairfield)
Ny Vu (Fairfield)
Vilma Aquino (Vallejo)
Yajaira Rubio Machado (Vallejo)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

 

BOWIE, MD – Today, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) hosted a roundtable with federal workers, local labor leaders, and officials from the Moore-Miller Administration to discuss the harmful effects of Republicans’ ongoing shutdown of the federal government. Representatives from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) participated in the discussion. Federal employees shared stories about the trauma and pain Donald Trump, Russell Vought, and Congressional Republicans have inflicted on the federal workforce not only during the 23 days of the shutdown but throughout the ten months since Trump took office. The Congressmen highlighted their efforts to support federal workers during this challenging time, as well as House Republicans’ continued absence from Washington and refusal to negotiate a deal to reopen the government.

The Congressmen also detailed the consequences Republicans’ inaction will have for Marylanders’ health care costs. According to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, if Republicans allow the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act to expire, 190,000 Marylanders will see their monthly health premiums go up by an average of 68 percent. Another 110,000 Marylanders would see an average increase of 17 percent.

“I have always said that shutdowns are a stupid, arrogant, and costly policy,” Congressman Hoyer said. “No one understands that dire cost better than our federal workers. For ten months, the Trump Administration has been treating them like ‘villains’ who ought to be ‘put in trauma’ – to borrow Russell Vought’s own words. Trump and Vought aren’t trying to reopen the government; they’re actively working to dismantle it entirely. House Republicans have been missing in action for weeks, preferring to flee Washington than work with Democrats on a bipartisan solution to reopen the government and keep Americans’ health care costs from skyrocketing when the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act expire at the end of this year. Until they choose to govern, I will continue working with the rest of Team Maryland to help our federal workers weather this storm.”

“Congressman Hoyer’s leadership in standing up for federal workers is exactly what Maryland needs right now. Across the D.C. region and specifically in Prince George’s County; thousands of dedicated public servants have been fired, RIF’d, or furloughed through no fault of their own. They deserve real support, retraining, and respect. Joining him here today to champion our civil servants is an important step to help inform the impacted workers and contractors.  We will collaborate with our colleagues on Federal Team Maryland to fight against these job-cuts and strive to keep healthcare costs from breaking the backs of our constituents,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) alongside Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and 117 House Democrats in sending a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought strongly condemning and urging the Trump Administration to rescind their decision to lay off federal employees dedicated to the education and support of students with disabilities and their families. 

The Members are demanding the administration immediately reverse course and rescind the termination notices issued to staff in the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including employees in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA), the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). 

The members write, “Decimating these offices threatens accountability for special education and vocational rehabilitation funds, as well as the civil rights Congress has enshrined in federal law, at a time when schools nationwide are already struggling to meet the needs of students and when people with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment. Federal employees at OSERS play a key role in ensuring that federal dollars are spent appropriately and effectively to support students with disabilities. Without them, there will be no oversight to ensure that physically disabled students, blind/deaf children and teenagers, as well as students with dyslexia, autism, and other disabilities are receiving the free and appropriate public education they are guaranteed under the IDEA.”

The letter continues, “…These reckless terminations are just another in a line of actions by your administration that threaten the rights that individuals with disabilities have fought long and hard for. We urge you to immediately rescind your plans to wrongly fire employees at the agencies listed above so that they can continue working to ensure that every family, no matter where they live or their income, has access to an education that will set them up for a successful future regardless of their child’s disability.”

Signers of the letter include United States Representatives Alma Adams, Gabe Amo, Becca Balint, Joyce Beatty, Donald Beyer, Julia Brownley, Shontel Brown, Nikki Budzinski, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Ed Case, Sean Casten, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Joe Courtney, Angie Craig, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Suzan DelBene, Christopher Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Veronica Escobar, Dwight Evans, Shomari Figures, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, John Garamendi, Jesús García, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Maggie Goodlander, Josh Gottheimer, Jahana Hayes, James Himes, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, William Keating, Robin Kelly, Timothy Kennedy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Greg Landsman, Summer Lee, Susie Lee, Ted Lieu, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Sarah McBride, April McClain Delaney, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Robert Menendez, Gwen Moore, Joseph Morelle, Kelly Morrison, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Norton, Ilhan Omar, Jimmy Panetta, Chris Pappas, Scott Peters, Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, Janice Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Kim Schrier, Brad Sherman, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Eric Sorensen, Melanie Stansbury, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Suhas Subramanyam, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Ritchie Torres, Lori Trahan, Derek Tran, Juan Vargas, Gabe Vasquez, Marc Veasey, Nydia Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

The letter is endorsed by National Center for Learning Disabilities, All4Ed, National Association of School Psychologists, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, EdTrust, AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education), Advocacy Without Borders, National Association of School Psychologist, Deaf Equality, OT Leaders and Legacies Society, Division of Evaluation and Assessment for Learning, Network of OT Practitioners with Disabilities & Supporters, Touch the Future Inc, National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils (NASILC), Prevent Blindness, United Spinal Association, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, First Focus on Children, CommunicationFIRST, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy, and Innovation, Made for Math, National Association of the Deaf, Educating All Learners Alliance, National Association for College Admission Counseling, Educators for Excellence, American Association of University Women (AAUW), MomsRising, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Diversability, Dicapta, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), National Parents Union, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), The Center for Learner Equity, Division of Early Childhood, The Ability Challenge, American Psychological Association, Griffin-Hammis Associates, The Center for Enriched Living, GLSEN, National Education Association, UnidosUS, Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, and Yes! Access.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

October 24, 2025

Washington, D.C. (Friday, October 24th) – U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), co-chairs of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, led 46 House Democrats in calling on the Trump Administration for answers after the Financial Stability Oversight Council disbanded two committees charged with monitoring financial risks brought on by climate change.

Both the Climate-Related Financial Risk Committee and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Advisory Committee played a critical role in informing financial regulators about the increasing threat that climate change poses to our economy.

“It is responsible and prudent risk management to better understand how climate change could destabilize the U.S. economy,” wrote the lawmakers. “Scientific data clearly indicates that we are experiencing increasingly severe weather events, which are likely to continue impacting our economy. Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. saw $746.7 billion in weather and climate billion-dollar disasters. In January of 2025, Los Angeles experienced one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, resulting in more than $250 billion in financial losses.”

“The dissolving of these two committees increases the potential that our current economic vulnerabilities to climate-related shocks metastasize into catastrophic events for our financial system,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers sent the letter on International Day of Climate Action, celebrated annually on October 24th, to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change.

Read the full letter HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Bessent,

We write to you in your capacity as Chair of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to express our concerns regarding the disbandment of two committees focused on monitoring climate-related financial risk. Both the Climate-Related Financial Risk Committee (CFRC), and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Advisory Committee (CFRAC) played key roles in informing FSOC on the increasing threat that climate change poses to our economy.

Following the 2008 financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank Act established FSOC to improve collaboration and coordination between the federal financial regulators and to monitor and address risks that threaten the stability of our financial system. These two committees, consistent with FSOC’s statutory mandate, were doing this exact type of work.

In 2020, under the first Trump Administration, a report commissioned by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) stated that “climate change poses a major risk to the stability of the U.S. financial system…[and] is already impacting or is anticipated to impact nearly every facet of the economy.” In fact, the report recommended that FSOC, of which the CFTC is a member, encourage and coordinate the sharing of best practices for monitoring and managing climate-related risks, as well as build the relevant institutional capacity. This led FSOC under the Biden Administration, in its 2021 report, to reaffirm that climate change presents an emerging and increasing threat to U.S. financial stability and commit to establishing both the CFRC and the CFRAC. There was broad consensus in support of taking steps to ensure that our regulators are prepared to address potentially systemic risks—and this should continue to be the case, regardless of the source of the risk. It is responsible and prudent risk management to better understand how climate change could destabilize the U.S. economy.

The Climate-Related Financial Risk Committee (CFRC) consisted of staff-level representation from all 15 FSOC members, assisted in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities to climate-related risks, and updated the Council on this subject at least twice a year. The CFRC served as an active forum for interagency information sharing, coordination, and capacity building on climate-related issues, playing a critical role in enabling our financial regulators to learn from one another on emerging best practices for managing and addressing related risks. Specifically, the CFRC focused on collecting and analyzing climate-related data, which supported the critical work of the Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Research (OFR) and enables FSOC’s member agencies to jointly analyze these risks. The Advisory Committee enhanced and supplemented this work by bringing together external experts from a diverse range of backgrounds, including climate science experts, non-governmental research institutions, academia, the financial services industry, and government agencies with climate expertise. The Advisory Committee played a key role in keeping our financial regulators informed about potential information gaps and data inconsistencies related to monitoring climate-related risks.

Scientific data clearly indicates that we are experiencing increasingly severe weather events, which are likely to continue impacting our economy. Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. saw $746.7 billion in weather and climate billion-dollar disasters. In January of 2025, Los Angeles experienced one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, resulting in more than $250 billion in financial losses.

The dissolving of these two committees increases the potential that our current economic vulnerabilities to climate-related shocks metastasize into catastrophic events for our financial system. To ensure that FSOC maintains its focus on climate-related risks as potentially systemic risks, we request that you answer the following questions no later than November 7, 2025:

1. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, FSOC has a statutory duty to identify risks to and respond to emerging threats to U.S. financial stability. For years, our financial regulators have recognized that climate change threatens the stability of our financial system.
1. Can you commit that FSOC will continue to take steps to better understand and address climate-related financial stability concerns?
2. In its 2022, 2023, and 2024 annual reports, FSOC has included prominent discussion of climate-related financial risk, in addition to other emerging threats to financial stability.
1. Can you commit that FSOC will continue to report on climate-related financial risk in future annual reports and other reports to Congress?
2. Can you commit that FSOC will continue to provide recommendations to our financial regulators on how to address climate-related risks in its annual reports?
3. The Climate-Related Financial Risk Committee (CFRC) helped identify the climate and financial data, including on fires and floods, that was made available to FSOC and its member agencies through the OFR’s Joint Analysis Data Environment (JADE) platform. The first use case for the JADE platform was climate-related financial risk, but it is intended to support research and analysis on a variety of financial stability topics.
1. For Fiscal Years (FY) 2025–2026, the OFR anticipated that many of its strategic objectives would be achieved through data collection capabilities like the JADE platform, which will help U.S. financial regulators, academics, and market participants to advance financial stability. Will research and data on climate-related financial risk continue to be made available to FSOC’s member agencies?
2. Can FSOC commit to furthering its collection of climate-related data and deepening its collaboration with the OFR for the JADE platform?
4. The CFRC’s Scenario Analysis Working Group facilitated information sharing and capacity building for FSOC’s member agencies to conduct climate scenario analysis, or in other words, test ‘what if’ scenarios to examine how climate-related risks may materialize amid possible future events.
1. Please explain how FSOC plans to advance its development of important tools, including scenario analysis, for the purposes of assessing climate-related financial risks and financial stability.

Lastly, we encourage you to consider the consequences of weakening our financial regulators’ oversight of climate-related financial risk and urge the Council to reconsider its decision. It only makes our regulators less equipped to deal with future financial crises.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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