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Wasserman Schultz, Blumenthal Reintroduce Jaime’s Law to Combat Gun Violence

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“No family should endure the heartbreaking agony of losing a loved one to gun violence. Yet every day, families across America still endure this torment, and the lifetime of anguish it brings. Thankfully, more of those impacted by it are joining courageous parents like Fred Guttenberg and other gun safety advocates, to demand that Congress confront this public health crisis,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce Jaime’s Law, named in honor of Fred’s talented and compassionate daughter. This crucial legislation is part of the multifaceted legal approach we need to finally end the gun violence epidemic. A required background check to buy ammunition is already in place. But closing this loophole, to actually enforce that law, can and will save lives.”

Washington DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced the reintroduction of Jaime’s Law, a commonsense bicameral piece of legislation that would require instant background checks to prevent criminals from illegally purchasing ammunition. 

Watch Wasserman Schultz’s full press conference with Fred Guttenberg, gun violence advocate and father of Parkland shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg, here.

Under current law, dangerous individuals such as violent criminals and domestic abusers are prohibited from purchasing a firearm as well as ammunition. However, unlike firearms, federal law does not require a background check to prevent the illegal purchase of ammunition. Jaime’s Law would close this loophole by requiring buyers to either provide a license for the firearm or undergo an instant background check using the FBI National Instant Background Check System (NICS) before purchasing the ammunition. NICS is the same quick and easy process that applies to the purchase of firearms. 

Jaime’s Law is named in honor of Jaime Guttenberg, one of 17 victims murdered in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. 

“No family should endure the heartbreaking agony of losing a loved one to gun violence. Yet every day, families across America still endure this torment, and the lifetime of anguish it brings. Thankfully, more of those impacted by it are joining courageous parents like Fred Guttenberg and other gun safety advocates, to demand that Congress confront this public health crisis,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce Jaime’s Law, named in honor of Fred’s talented and compassionate daughter. This crucial legislation is part of the multifaceted legal approach we need to finally end the gun violence epidemic. A required background check to buy ammunition is already in place. But closing this loophole, to actually enforce that law, can and will save lives.”

“This legislation closes a dangerous loophole by requiring background checks on purchases of ammunition—a commonsense solution to combat the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Eight years ago, Jaime Guttenberg’s mom and dad received a phone call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Named in her honor, this legislation imposes life-saving background checks on ammunition purchases to prevent more senseless tragedies from devastating American families and plaguing our communities,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“This Saturday will be 8 years since the Parkland shooting and the murder of my daughter.  Because of what happened to my family and our community, I have spent the following years working to reduce gun violence.  Because of the work done during the Biden Presidency, gun violence has come down significantly.  We proved that effective policy and government can work to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of gun violence,” said Fred Guttenberg, founder of Orange Ribbons For Jaime. “In spite of the efforts of this administration to undo so much of that life saving work, recently the President and his cabinet recognized the reality of gun violence and too many guns on our streets.  While I do not expect them to take any action on that, perhaps this administration and Congress could join us with support for Jaime’s Law.  Jaime’s Law seeks to do nothing more than extend background checks to ammunition.  We are a nation awash in weapons.  However, they do not work without ammunition.  Let’s work together to pass Jaime’s Law this year.”

“It’s simply common sense that individuals prohibited by law from purchasing ammunition should be unable to buy it, but the Brady Background Check system does not allow for background checks on ammunition purchases — weakening our nation’s ability to prevent senseless tragedies,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “Jaime’s Law will expand the background check system to allow for background checks to be run ahead of ammunition purchases and ensure that only licensed vendors can sell ammunition to the public. Brady applauds Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for honoring Jaime Guttenberg and all of those lost to preventable gun violence with the reintroduction of this important legislation.”

Many states, like Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, California, and New York, led the way in requiring a background check to obtain a license to purchase or possess ammunition. Yet we know gun safety measures save far more lives when they are enacted nationwide, and purchasers don’t evade background checks by crossing state lines, or shopping for lax state regulations. Various experts point to enforcement of existing ammunition prohibitions as one of the most non-invasive, yet effective strategies for curbing gun violence. 

Find the full bill text here.

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Garamendi, Carbajal Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews.  

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.” 
 
“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.” 

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.” 

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.” 

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession.” 

Read the full text of the legislation here. 

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Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Drawdown of Federal Agents in Minnesota

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Thursday in response to White House Border Czar Tom Homan’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge will soon come to an end: 

“For months, the Trump administration has inflicted a reign of terror and chaos through Operation Metro Surge. The fact that the administration says that it ‘yielded the results they came for’ is a flashing red light warning to our entire nation. What are their results?

“Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead by federal agents. A 5-year-old boy was snatched from his own driveway — despite his family’s pending asylum case and no prior orders for deportation. A Saint Paul Hmong elder who is a U.S. citizen was dragged out of his home into the cold by masked agents in front of a frightened child because federal agents acted on erroneous information. A 23-year-old Saint Paul woman and U.S. citizen was taken from her car as she was warming it up in front of her house and detained for two days — shackled by her wrists and ankles, called a racial slur, and suffering a concussion and a seizure. Just days later, she was rearrested on baseless charges, then released. A Saint Paul man suffered eight skull fractures after being unlawfully arrested by federal agents. Just yesterday, federal agents forced a highspeed chase through Saint Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood that resulted in injuries and extreme danger to residents.  

“For months, Minnesotans’ constitutional rights have been violated. Thousands have been detained unlawfully. Children are afraid to go to school. Businesses are closing — some permanently. Local communities are facing mounting bills as their public safety budgets are stretched to the breaking point. The damage inflicted by this devastating surge in Minnesota is clear proof that President Trump’s immigration policy is nothing but a campaign of terror and retribution against Americans he doesn’t like, and it is being implemented by an inept, out of control, and cruel Department of Homeland Security.

“Minnesotans have suffered the reality of thousands of incompetent, undertrained, and unidentifiable federal agents who have been roaming our neighborhoods and acting with brutality and impunity. In the face of these extraordinary challenges, Minnesotans have responded admirably by caring for our neighbors and looking out for one another. 

“It’s up to Congress and the courts to stop these operations. It’s up to Congress to fix the mess that Trump has created. No community in America should have to face the carnage and lasting damage inflicted on Minnesota communities by the Trump administration for years to come.”

 

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U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Opposes Republican Voter Suppression Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 1383, the SAVE America Act. Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted no on the legislation. After the vote, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement: 

“Under the United States constitution, states are responsible for conducting elections. To date, American elections are safe, secure, and fair. As we celebrate 250 years of American democracy, Congress should be following Minnesota’s lead and working to encourage more Americans to vote rather than putting up roadblocks to the ballot box.

“Republicans’ so-called SAVE America Act would disenfranchise millions of Americans – especially women – through a federal takeover of state election administration that makes it more difficult to vote. Under the guise of election integrity, this bill would require every American to provide burdensome ‘documentary proof of citizenship,’ similar to what Minnesotans already rejected, in order to participate in federal elections. REAL IDs, Tribal IDs, and military IDs alone do not meet this bill’s extreme criteria. This creates an indirect poll tax, because nearly half of Minnesotans don’t have a passport. Almost seventy million American women – one out of four Americans – would face an additional burden to register to vote simply because they changed their last name after marriage. Simply put, this Republican bill is about voter suppression.”

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Pallone Encourages Young Local Writers to Participate in 11th Annual Poetry Showcase

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today launched his 11th Annual Poetry Showcase in honor of National Poetry Month. As a long admirer of poetry, Pallone looks forward to seeing the creativity of students across New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District.

  

K-12 students enrolled in New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District Schools are encouraged to participate. Thematic categories include District Pride (local history, landmarks, culture), Voice of Change (social issues and hope for the community) and Our Common Ground (environment). Students should submit their original poems by email to Pallone.poetry@mail.house.gov by March 13, 2026.

“As we become more accustomed to the digital age, it is more important now than ever to highlight the value of poetry so that the younger generation understands the beauty of it,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am looking forward to celebrating National Poetry Month by reading the creative works of students across New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District.”

 

Winners will be selected in April by panels of local expert judges and honored at the Congressman’s Sixth Congressional District Spring Awards Ceremony. Additionally, selected poems will be featured on the Congressman’s social media.

 

For more information, please contact Pallone.poetry@mail.house.gov or call 

(732) 249-8892.

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Reps. Cleaver, Fletcher & Senators Whitehouse, Sanders, Merkley Lead Amicus Brief Supporting Solar for All Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) alongside Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a coalition of over 80 Members in the House and Senate in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to vacate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) unlawful termination of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Solar for All program.

The $7 billion Solar for All program was designed to help low-and moderate-income communities invest in residential and community solar projects – lowering energy costs for working families while creating jobs in the clean energy economy. The program was expected to deliver solar access to more than 900,000 households nationwide and save participating families an estimated $350 million annually on utility bills. 

“The Solar For All program was created by Congress, funded by Congress, and signed into law to lower energy costs for working families while accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This administration does not have the authority to unilaterally dismantle a program established by statute. That’s not how our Constitution works. This amicus brief defends both the rule of law and the communities – like those across Missouri – that were counting on these investments to reduce utility bills, create jobs, and confront the climate crisis. I am grateful to Congresswoman Fletcher and Senator Whitehouse for the collaboration on this effort and to all of my colleagues who joined us.”

“Solar for All is one of the most important affordable energy programs in our country’s history,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “The Trump administration’s decision to terminate Solar for All was not just reckless — it was unlawful. Congress established the Solar for All program. Congress appropriated the funds for it. No president or political appointee can unilaterally eliminate a program Congress has created. We created this program to serve every American, in red states and blue states alike. We wanted to make sure that families from El Paso to Elkhart, Amarillo to Austin, and Houston to Harlingen could all share in the prosperity of America’s energy future. That is why Harris County is suing — not for politics, but for principle — and why I am glad to join Congressman Cleaver and Senator Whitehouse in this effort to support Harris County.

“I am grateful to all of my colleagues who joined us, especially our newest, Congressman Christian Menefee, who filed this lawsuit as Harris County Attorney,” concluded Congresswoman Fletcher.

During the Biden Administration, EPA awarded Solar for All grants to 60 state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal governments across all 50 states. The program is part of the IRA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Rep. Cleaver is leading the amicus brief alongside colleagues in the House and Senate to defend Congress’s constitution power of the purse and ensure communities receive the clean energy investments promised under the law. 

The amicus brief was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) as well as Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Adam Smith (D-WA), John B. Larson (D-CT), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Joe Courtney (D-CT), André Carson (D-IN), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Ed Case (D-HI), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), Susie Lee (D-NV), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH), Becca Balint (D-VT), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Robert J. Menendez (D-NJ), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Janelle S. Bynum (D-OR), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Sara McBride (D-DE), Dave Min (D-CA), Emily Randall (D-WA), Christian Menefee (D-TX).

See full amicus brief here. 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Congressman García Delivers $13.6 Million for 15 Community Projects in his District 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced $13,591,865.00 in direct federal funding for Community Project Funding for Illinois’ 4th District, benefitting 15 organizations. This funding represents the latest installment in more than $63 million across 54 projects in targeted federal investments delivered to IL-04 since 2022—resources centered on the district’s urgent needs.

“I am pleased to have secured $13,591,865.00 in Community Project Funding to address vital needs in our district,” Congressman García said. “Over the years, we’ve focused on investments that address the district’s urgent concerns. This round includes funding for lead pipe replacement, bus service improvements, updates to classrooms for students with disabilities, and upgraded radios for police departments. I am proud to have delivered these investments to improve the health and safety of my district. 

  • $2,000,000 for the Village of North Riverside to replace eight blocks of deteriorated plain cement concrete public alleys with a new permeable pavement that is designed to naturally drain and redirect rainwater away from the Village’s collection system and into the soil underneath.
  • $2,000,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, to rehabilitate the Village of Forest View’s water system, which includes an elevated tank that holds 250,000 gallons of water. This project will also rehabilitate their underground reservoir, holding approximately 500,000 gallons of water. 
  • $1,092,000 for Leyden Township to replace its water main. This project will also replace lead water pipes that are harmful to human health. 
  • $1,092,000 for the Town of Cicero to construct a new water pumping station that includes a finished water reservoir. This project will improve the water quality and supply for the region.
  • $1,092,000 for the Village of Hinsdale to reduce sewer flow into Flagg Creek. The reconstruction includes a sewer separation project that will replace the water main and sanitary sewer lining. 
  • $1,092,000 for the Village of Melrose Park to replace existing deteriorated water mains. The condition of the current system is causing service interruptions to residents. 
  • $1,024,207 for the Village of Berkeley to begin replacing lead service lines in accordance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s mandate for the provision of safe, lead-free drinking water to the residents of Illinois.
  • $1,000,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, to support sewer infrastructure improvements in the Village of Riverside that will reduce flooding and prevent sewer backups in homes and buildings during heavy rain. This project will improve system capacity and reliability while reducing pressure on regional sewer infrastructure. 
  • $623,000 for the Village of Brookfield, to modernize police communications and safety infrastructure, improving coordination, reliability, and training for officers serving the community.
  • $750,000 for the City of Elmhurst to modernize police communications and safety equipment, including portable radios, officer training tools, and updated response technology. 
  • $452,408 in funding for building updates and rehabilitation to the Summit Public Library District. The needed facility improvements to the roofing and HVAC will ensure that the library remains a functioning space and conserves valuable books, documents, and technology. 
  • $446,250 to modernize classrooms at Richard J. Daley College, expanding accessible career training for adults with intellectual, sensory, developmental, and physical disabilities and strengthening pathways to employment. 
  • $428,000 for the Village of Stickney to modernize police communication equipment.
  • $250,000 for Pace, to implement transit signal priority (TSP) on North Avenue, one of the busiest corridors between Melrose Park and Northlake. The project will update traffic signals to improve bus reliability, improve travel times, and promote access to public transportation. 
  • $250,000 for infrastructure needed to support the Village of Franklin Park’s downtown expansion by funding streetscape and landscaping improvements on Franklin Avenue from 25th Avenue east to Edgington Street. The project will allow safer access to downtown businesses, public transportation, and park facilities for residents and visitors.

The Community Project Funding (CPF) process allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. CPF is separate from federal grants, and funding is apportioned by formula. CPFs are also not regular appropriations requests, which deal with overall funding levels for federal programs.

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced the Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act in the House of Representatives today.

“The children and families of Gaza have been devastated by the war, and the food assistance being provided is far from sufficient,” said Congresswoman Waters. “The children of Gaza deserve three meals a day to begin to recover from the war and to grow up healthy and strong. My bill requires the State Department to ensure this minimum standard for children and families in Gaza.”

According to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, 1.6 million people in Gaza – more than 75 percent of the population – “are projected to face extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks[1].” Furthermore, nearly 101,000 children aged 6 to 59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-October of 2026, and that is expected to include more than 31,000 severe cases[2].

“More than three-quarters of the people of Gaza are facing acute hunger and malnutrition, and this is clearly unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Children and families in Gaza deserve better.”

While food assistance has begun to enter Gaza since the October 10th ceasefire, it is far from sufficient to meet the tremendous needs of the people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that as of January 4th, their partners were able to resume distribution of monthly food rations for the first time since October of 2023, but these rations were only able to reach 100,000 people[3].

“I introduced the Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act to require the State Department to certify that policies, processes, and procedures have been established and are in use to ensure that sufficient food assistance is being provided to ensure that all children in Gaza are able to eat at least three nutritious meals a day, and all other civilians in Gaza are able to eat at least two nutritious meals a day,” said Congresswoman Waters.

The policies, processes, and procedures required by the bill must be developed in coordination with the World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and other appropriate United Nations agencies, other bilateral, multilateral, and independent donors, the Government of Israel, and representatives of the Palestinian people. The bill will also require the State Department to report to Congress on how much food assistance is being distributed in Gaza and promptly inform Congress of instances in which food assistance that is made available for the people of Gaza has been denied entry into Gaza or has been diverted or misused in Gaza along with a description of each incident and the parties involved.

Congresswoman Waters’ bill is endorsed by the Center for International Policy Advocacy, Foreign Policy For America (FP4A), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), J Street, New Israel Fund, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Win Without War.

Congresswoman Waters’ bill is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

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Foster Introduces Resolution to Honor Henry Pratt Shooting Victims

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a House resolution to honor the victims of the mass shooting that took place at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois on February 15, 2019.

Five innocent people were killed, and six police officers were injured when a shooter, who was illegally in possession of a firearm, opened fire at the Henry Pratt Company warehouse in Aurora.

The House resolution honors the memory of the victims – Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton “Clay” Parks, Josh Pinkard, and Trevor Wehner – who were killed. It also recognizes the service of the Aurora Police officers – Adam Miller, Marco Gomez, John Cebulski, James Zegar, Reynaldo Rivera, and Diego Avila – who were injured responding to the shooting.

“On February 15, 2019, five members of the Aurora community were taken far too soon in a senseless act of gun violence. It’s hard to believe it has been nearly seven years since this tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims’ friends and families during this difficult time of remembrance,” said Rep. Foster. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to honor the victims’ memories and the courage of the police officers who rushed into danger to protect innocent people, six of whom were injured in the shooting. We cannot forget the events of that day, and we must remain committed to putting an end to these tragedies once and for all.”

Full text of the House resolution is available here.

The resolution is cosponsored by the entire Illinois Democratic House delegation: Reps. Lauren Underwood, Sean Casten, Danny Davis, Robin Kelly, Brad Schneider, Mike Quigley, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jan Schakowsky, Jesús “Chuy” García, Nikki Budzinski, Jonathan Jackson, Delia Ramirez, and Eric Sorensen.

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Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Protect Waters from Plastic Pollution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

February 13, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Hillary Scholten (MI-3) reintroduced the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, to address plastic pollution in our nation’s waterways and along our coasts.

This bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a rule that prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other types of plastic into our nation’s waters. Currently, EPA does not have an established federal rule to address plastic pellets specifically, and most states do not have meaningful regulations to combat plastic pollution.

“Much of our coastal district relies on the beautiful coastline to support our local economy, bolster tourism, sustain wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities,” said Rep. Levin. “Plastic pellets not only pollute our waterways and our coastline, but they also endanger public health. The damage they cause is preventable. Our Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would end the discharge of plastic pellets into our nation’s waters and protect our treasured natural resources. I thank Rep. Scholten for her partnership on this bill, and I look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”

“In West Michigan, we care deeply about protecting the rivers and lakes our communities rely on every day,” said Rep. Scholten. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, which would require the EPA to set clear rules to prevent microplastics from entering our waterways in the first place. This commonsense step will help keep our environment clean, protect wildlife, and preserve the natural resources that make Michigan such a special place for generations to come.”

Plastic pellets are a form of microplastics. When dumped or spilled into the ocean and our waterways, these pellets absorb toxic chemicals and attract harmful bacteria that threaten marine life. Seabirds, fish, and other wildlife often mistake pellets for food, ingesting these hazardous substances. For these animals, pellets can block their digestive tracts, threaten their lives, and ultimately even contaminate the food humans eat.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would prevent further ecological and public health harm from plastic pollution by requiring the EPA to issue a rule addressing plastic pellets nationwide.

The bill is endorsed by the American Bird Conservancy, Environment America, Environment California, Environment Michigan, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, PIRG, Surfrider, 5 Gyres.

“Plastic pellets in the environment can harm birds that confuse this type of pollution for food,” said Annie Chester, Policy Director at American Bird Conservancy. “The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would prohibit discharges of plastic pellets, safeguarding waterways that birds and people rely upon. American Bird Conservancy thanks Reps. Levin and Scholten for championing this legislation.”

“Plastic pollution is everywhere—from the beaches of California to Pennsylvania’s top trout streams, and from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf Coast of Texas. Sometimes, it’s obvious, for example, ubiquitous plastic grocery bags. But perhaps a bigger problem is something much smaller—the hard-to-notice plastic pellet. When animals ingest this plastic, they can get sick and even die. We should be doing everything we can to stop plastic pollution, but shockingly, some companies still dump and spill large quantities of plastic pellets directly into our waterways. That’s why it’s urgent that Congress pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director, Environment America

“Oceana thanks Representatives Mike Levin and Hillary Scholten for addressing plastic pollution by reintroducing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act,” said Christy Leavitt, Senior Campaign Director at Oceana. “Plastic pellets can easily spill or wash into our oceans, rivers, and lakes, and they are extremely difficult to clean up because of their small size. These tiny pieces of plastic contribute to the growing plastic pollution crisis and flood of plastic into our oceans and fresh waterways. Congress should pass this much needed bill to protect our coasts, communities, and wildlife.”

“The Clean Water Act is meant to protect our nation’s waters from pollution, but right now tiny plastic pellets are literally slipping through the cracks in huge quantities,” said Dr. Anja Brandon, Director of Plastics Policy at Ocean Conservancy. “These microplastics can resemble fish eggs and are often ingested by seabirds, turtles, fish, and other marine life. We applaud Rep. Levin for reintroducing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act to leverage America’s landmark water pollution law to keep deadly plastic pellets out of our ocean. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to pass this commonsense legislation in our fight against the ocean plastics crisis.”

“Hundreds of citizen scientists participating in last year’s International Plastic Pellet Count found nearly 50,000 plastic pellets in waterways around the world in just a matter of minutes, primarily in the United States. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: an estimated 10 trillion plastic pellets end up in our oceans each year. Plastic pellets can escape into the environment at every step of the supply chain, and despite their small size, cause big problems for our environment, especially our waterways, where they can harm wildlife and public health. U.S. PIRG is calling on Congress to pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act to address this often unseen threat,” said Grace Vickers, Beyond Plastic Associate at PIRG.

“Some of the most harmful plastic pollution is also the hardest to see,” said Jenna Schwerzmann, Plastic Pollution Initiative Coordinator with the Surfrider Foundation. “Our oceans are already overwhelmed with plastic at the end of its life; plastic producers should not be adding to that burden by allowing preventable losses of virgin plastic before it even becomes a product. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act is a commonsense step to stop this pollution at its source and hold polluters accountable.”

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