Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Political Prisoners, will introduce on Friday a House resolution supporting the designation of October 30 – today – as the International Day of Political Prisoners.  

“The resolution reads:

“Whereas there are an estimated 1,000,000 political prisoners across the world, including cases of journalists, academics, political opposition activists, dissidents, antiwar campaigners, and human rights defenders being detained, arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and otherwise punished for political motives without connection to any credible offense;

“Whereas authoritarian and repressive regimes around the world, including the Republic of Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of the Union of Burma, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, have engaged in systematic imprisonment of independent voices;

“Whereas, in 2024 and 2025, the United States Government, through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, secured the release of several dozen political prisoners from the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;

“Whereas, on October 30, 1974, Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Gulag initiated the tradition of marking the annual Day of Political Prisoners in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to draw public attention to the plight of those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs and to express solidarity with them; and

“Whereas, in subsequent years, the Day of Political Prisoners on October 30 was marked by hunger strikes by prisoners inside the Soviet Gulag and by public demonstrations of solidarity in cities across the USSR: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

deplores all forms of political repression and imprisonment and conveys its unwavering solidarity with all those imprisoned around the world for peacefully expressing their political or religious beliefs; 

supports efforts by the United States Government to condemn political imprisonment, hold accountable those regimes responsible for persecuting and imprisoning dissenters, raise international awareness of political prisoners, and secure their release through bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other states, and urges it to continue such efforts in the future; and supports the designation of an ‘International Day of Political Prisoners’ in the United States.” 

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

LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu met with leaders from Meals on Wheels West to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts to anti-hunger programs and to speak with Meals on Wheels volunteers and beneficiaries. Congressman Lieu joined Meals on Wheels West Board Member Anastasia Foster and Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins to talk about how funding cuts implemented by the Big, Ugly Bill and the current freezing of hunger assistance will impact Meals on Wheels West’s efforts to help the homebound, disabled, and elderly community members in the areas it serves. 

“I was deeply moved visiting Meals on Wheels this week to see firsthand what they do to help vulnerable people in our community,” Rep. Lieu said. “It is unconscionable that Republican leaders would allow these vital programs to lose critical funding while okaying things like a $40 billion bailout of Argentina and a $1 billion private jet remodel for Trump.”

“The landscape of food security is shifting fast,” Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins said. “As SNAP benefits remain uncertain, we’re already feeling the impact here at Meals on Wheels West – with more neighbors reaching out for help. Our team is doing everything we can to meet the growing demand, but limited resources are beginning to stretch our capacity. The need is real, and it’s growing.”

 “Most Americans may not consider that a tax cut for the very wealthy may directly translate to food being taken out of the mouths of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Meals on Wheels West Board Member Anastasia Foster. “Those who are aging in place, often on fixed incomes, cannot absorb the chaotic changes in programs they rely on.”

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made cutting anti-hunger programs a key part of their agenda and the consequences are dire.” Rep Lieu added. “Programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals and support to homebound, disabled, and elderly people in our community and around the country. Meals on Wheels relies on the kind of federal funding that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans cut to fund billionaire tax breaks and Trump’s pet projects. To compound the suffering, Trump has refused to use all the money available to fund SNAP this month, stretching programs like Meals on Wheels even thinner as they try to help hungry community members. It’s simply immoral.”

About Meals on Wheels West: Meals on Wheels West (MOWW) is a Meals on Wheels organization serving Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu with community-based services enriching the lives of the homebound, disabled, and elderly since 1974. Meals on Wheels West specializes in providing nutritious meals, friendly calls and visits, and referrals to other services. The organization is one of nearly thousands nationwide within the Meals on Wheels Association of America supporting homebound communities with such efforts.

 

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

Dear neighbor,

On November 1, the Trump Administration is planning to stop SNAP benefits.

SNAP provides food assistance to low-income kids, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. 42 MILLION Americans rely on SNAP to get nutritious food, including about 1 in 4 children in America. 

This is a choice – Republicans can fully fund SNAP in November through legally available funds, but they are choosing to instead weaponize hunger during a Republican government shutdown. As a reminder, Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House. They already cut SNAP by $182 billion in their Big Ugly Bill. Now, they’re withholding food assistance as Americans continue to see their grocery costs get higher and higher.

While my Democratic colleagues and I were in Washington this week, House Republicans were still on vacation. Democrats are showing up for the American people. I support efforts to protect SNAP benefits and urge the Trump Administration to fund SNAP in November. Republicans need to come back from their vacations, and we need to put an end to this harmful Republican shutdown.

SHUTDOWN ASSISTANCE: LA County is supporting residents during the ongoing government shutdown. LA County Parks offer free meals at park sites across the county. Visit here for more info and locations. For those worried the shutdown may impact their housing, you can call 2-1-1 or visit here for access to tenant protection and foreclosure prevention services. 

CONVERSATIONS WITH VETERANS: Join me for a virtual community forum between local veterans and the friends and neighbors for whom they served. Register here to join us on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3-4:30 PM ET via Zoom webinar.

SPRING INTERNSHIPS: Applications for my LA and DC offices’ spring 2026 internships have been extended until November 7. To apply, visit this page.

Despite the Republican shutdown, my offices are still working for you. Responses from federal agencies may take longer than usual, but my team is still taking casework requests on our webpage here or you can call my LA office at (323) 651-1040.

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s recent social media post suggesting he would not comply with the orders of two U.S. District Courts to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. “President Trump’s recent social media post regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding defies court orders and hurts Americans who rely on this lifeline to put food on the table. It’s wrong and unacceptable,”said Congressman Costa. “With nearly thirty percent of households in California’s 21st Congressional District relying on SNAP, including veterans, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities, it is an urgent matter that these funds are provided for those in need. The Trump Administration must legally comply with recent court orders to fund SNAP in November. As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am doing everything possible to ensure that the court order is enforced and in compliance with the judge’s decision. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to negotiate on a bipartisan agreement to reopen government.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a co-founder of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, and Maggie Goodlander (CT-02), a member of the Caucus, along with 15 of their colleagues are calling on U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to revise the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to strike provisions that hinder Congressional oversight on monopolistic activity by Big Tech corporations. 

“Today, just a handful of companies—Amazon, Google, Apple, and Meta—control much of the internet infrastructure. They have achieved monopoly power by crushing and acquiring rivals, creating network effects, and leveraging vast amounts of user data to cement their dominant positions,” wrote the Members. “Their power allows them to gatekeep access to markets and information, harming workers, independent businesses, entrepreneurs, ordinary investors, consumers, journalists, and entire communities.”

During the negotiation of USMCA, Big Tech companies were able to include “digital trade” provisions as a means to avoid federal or Congressional oversight of their anti-competitive activities. USMCA included a requirement that its agreement must be reviewed every six years. In the 2026 review, the Members are specifically calling on three provisions to be revamped or eliminated:

• Anti-Monopoly: Congress has proposed laws that impose structural and behavioral safeguards on Big Tech platforms. The USMCA prohibits government action that treats foreign digital products differently from domestic digital products. This provision is worded so broadly that it effectively prohibits the types of laws that Congress has proposed because those laws necessarily affect dominant firms concentrated in certain countries. 
• Right-to-Repair and Artificial Intelligence: Congress and multiple states have proposed laws that give consumers, farmers, and small business owners the right to repair their own devices and equipment. They have also proposed laws that enable the auditing of artificial intelligence systems for accuracy, bias, and fairness. The USMCA prohibits access to source code and algorithms that are necessary to conduct these repairs and audits. 
• Data Privacy: Congress, agencies, and multiple states have proposed many policies that protect Americans’ privacy. The USMCA undercuts these policies by banning governments from limiting data movement between countries or regulating where data may be stored. 

This letter is also signed by Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Marc Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

This letter is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, Public Citizen, and Tech Oversight Project. 

The full text of the letter can be read HERE. 

Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy, Science, Technology, & Antitrust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he outlined the failure of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to take any decisive actions to lower costs for hardworking American taxpayers, while Democrats continue to stand up on behalf of the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Here in America, the cost of living is way too high. Donald Trump and Republicans promised that they were going to lower costs on day one. But costs aren’t going down. Costs are going up. The Trump tariffs are making life more expensive for everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. Inflation, on the way up. Grocery costs, way up. Housing costs, way up. Childcare costs, way up. Electricity prices, through the roof. And the American people know it. And Donald Trump and Republicans have failed to make their life more affordable. And now, in the midst of this 35-day Trump-Republican shutdown, Republicans refuse to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which is going to result in tens of millions of Americans experiencing dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles. In some cases, everyday Americans, working-class Americans and middle-class Americans are going to see their health insurance premiums increase by $1000 or $2000 per year because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Donald Trump and Republicans in the House and the Senate have failed the American people and the American people know it. Democrats will continue to fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and to clean up corruption in the Congress, in the courts and certainly as it relates to Donald Trump and his administration, the most corrupt administration in American history. We want to reopen the government. We want to find a bipartisan path forward toward enacting a spending agreement that actually makes life better for the American people, that lowers costs for the American people, as opposed to the Trump economy, where things are getting more expensive by the day. And, of course, we have to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis that is crushing the American people all across the land.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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

WASHINGTON — As the Democrat Shutdown ends its fifth week, frustration is growing across the country — not just from travelers and federal workers, but from the very unions Democrats claim to represent.

More than a month ago, House Republicans passed a clean, responsible continuing resolution to keep the government open and protect paychecks for federal workers. But Democrats continue to keep it closed — inflicting pain on the working families they say they stand for.

Now, even longtime Democratic allies are speaking out to urge Democrats to pass the clean CR and end the Democrat Shutdown.

UNION LEADERS SOUND THE ALARM

Union leaders across the country are speaking out — calling on Democrats to end the shutdown and put workers first.

Everett Kelley, AFGE National President: “I represent over 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers who serve with pride and professionalism… It’s long past time for our leaders to put aside partisan politics and embrace responsible government… Reopen the government immediately under a clean continuing resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues.” 

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien: “Congress is playing the same blame and delay game that corporations play with American workers seeking a first contract. A shutdown will hurt working people.  Period.  American workers are not bargaining chips. Senators should stop screwing around and pass the House-passed clean, short term funding bill.”

NATCA President Nick Daniels: “Congress must pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) to immediately end the government shutdown, ensure that all individuals who have not been paid during this prolonged closure receive their compensation, and then engage in bipartisan negotiations on other pressing issues facing our nation.”

In addition, Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA), NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), and Allied Pilots Association (APA)  have issued statements calling on Congress to pass the clean CR and reopen the government.

Together, these unions represent millions of workers demanding immediate action to restore paychecks and end the shutdown.

AMID MOUNTING AIRPORT DISRUPTIONS AND THE UPCOMING THANKSGIVING TRAVEL RUSH, MAJOR AIRLINES URGE DEMOCRATS TO END THE SHUTDOWN

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: “It’s putting stress on people. It’s not fair to those people. It’s also putting stress on the economy.”

American Airlines: “The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution (CR). A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”

Delta Airlines: “Delta Air Lines implores Congress to immediately pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government so that our air traffic controllers, TSA and CBP officers charged with the safety and efficiency of our national airspace can collect the paychecks they deserve.”

Southwest Airlines: “The public expects and deserves to travel in a system in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion. We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”

DEMOCRATS KNOW IT’S WRONG — AND THE CRACKS ARE SHOWING

And now, cracks are appearing inside the Democratic Party itself — with even their own members publicly rejecting the shutdown strategy.

Sen. John Fetterman (D–PA): “And, again, I feel like the Democrats really need to own the shutdown. I mean, we’re shutting it down… I voted for all their C.R.s, our C.R.s, every single time. And I refuse to put 42 million Americans in the kinds of food insecurity. Now, this is all solved by just reopen our government and the people are now paid. Now, if we are – we are the party that are fighting for working people.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D–NJ): “I think what’s a very fair deal is open the government and let’s just vote on extending these premiums for a year or more. I don’t understand what’s so hard about that.”

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME): “This government shutdown is the result of hardball politics driven by the demands far-left groups are making for Democratic Party leaders to put on a show of their opposition to President Trump. The shutdown is hurting Americans and our economy, and the irony is it has only handed more power to the president.”

Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama: “I’m going to break from the party line here on this. I’m a Democrat. I’m with John Fetterman and Angus King… The most basic function of Congress is to fund the government, turn the lights on, keep the government working so that the 3 million people who are public servants are able to do what they do to serve all the rest of us… I believe that Congress should vote to re-open the government.”

THE FACTS ARE SIMPLE

• The House did its job on September 19, passing the clean funding bill to keep the government open.
• Republicans in the Senate stand ready to do the same. It takes 60 votes — meaning Democrats must join.
• Democrats have voted 15 times to keep the government closed.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other federal workers are going without pay — and the economic damage is spreading nationwide.

THE BOTTOM LINE

While Republicans are working to end the shutdown and protect American families, Democrats have admitted their true motive: to use the pain of working people as “leverage” for political gain.

“Every day gets better for us.”

Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)

“Of course, there will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

House Democrat Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, led a letter with 35 of his colleagues to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, expressing deep concern regarding the proposal to sunset the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) by the end of 2026, undermining any chance at achieving the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030. 

“This decision – announced without prior public notice or clear transition planning – threatens to undermine decades of global progress against HIV and AIDS at precisely the moment when sustained leadership, coordination, and accountability are most needed,” the Members began. “For over 25 years, UNAIDS has served as the world’s coordinating body for HIV and AIDS response: aligning the efforts of eleven UN agencies, national governments, donors, and global clinics to prevent new infections and expand access to care.” 

“UNAIDS’ mandate has been indispensable in ensuring that HIV responses are grounded in human rights, guided by data, and inclusive of the communities most affected by the epidemic,” the Members continued. “As countries increasingly assume greater ownership of their HIV programs, UNAIDS remains a vital partner in maintaining a global unified strategy and upholding countries’ commitments to transparency, accountability, and equity.”

“UNAIDS also continues to serve as an essential advocate for key populations, such as LGBTQ+ people, adolescent girls and young women, pregnant women, people who use drugs, sex workers, and other marginalized groups, whose rights and safety are too often under threat,” the Members wrote. “Sudden dismantling of UNAIDS functions would risk creating dangerous gaps in surveillance, coordination, and advocacy – gaps that could lead to increased transmission and death across the globe.”

“We urge you to reconsider the proposed closure of UNAIDS and to follow the transition timeline approved by consensus by the UNAIDS board, which includes the United States. The board-established process ensures that the future transition of programmatic functions and sunsetting of UNAIDS proceeds strategically, with great care, and over a longer course of time, as to not abruptly disrupt current response efforts to the epidemic in countries,” the Members concluded.

A full copy of the letter can be found here. 

The list of signers includes: Mark Pocan (WI-02), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jesus Garcia (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)

Endorsing Organizations: AVAC, Council for Global Equality, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Fast-Track Cities Institute, Global Health Council, Health Global Access Project (Health GAP), HIV i-Base, HIV Medicine Association, Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, NASTAD, National Working Positive Coalition, NMAC, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Positive Women’s Network-USA, PrEP4All, Presbyterian Church USA, Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association, Presbyterian HIV Network, Ribbon-A Center of Excellence, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, The AIDS Institute, The Reunion Project, The Well Project, Treatment Action Group, Vivent Health, AIDS Action Baltimore, AIDS Alabama, AIDS Foundation Chicago, APLA Health, Equality California, Equitas Health, HIV+Aging Project – Palm Springs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Trump’s Refusal to Fully Fund SNAP Could Cause 100,000 Households in MA-07 to Go Hungry and Many of the Retailers Families Rely on to Go Under

Roundtable | Press Conference | Photos

BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) held an emergency convening and press conference with SNAP-dependent food retailers to make plain how the Trump-Republican shutdown and ongoing uncertainty over November SNAP benefits is harming Massachusetts families and our local economy. The convening, which took place at the Dorchester Food Co-op, comes as Republicans’ government shutdown and Trump’s refusal to fully fund the SNAP program threatens food assistance for over 1 million people in Massachusetts—including 100,000 households in the Massachusetts 7^th—and could cause many of the food stores they rely on to go under.

“Trump and Republicans’ government shutdown and refusal to fully fund SNAP is not only leaving our families hungry, but it is also pushing local, small businesses and farmers out of business, destroying local economies, and leaving communities without an essential resource,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “Thank you to the Dorchester Food Co-op for having us and to the many corner store owners, nonprofit leaders, urban farmers, and grocers for the role you play in keeping our families fed. Together, we’ll keep pushing to end Republicans’ shameful government shutdown and get SNAP funds out the door, and we’ll keep choosing community over chaos.”

Congresswoman Pressley was joined at the convening by dedicated food providers and partners, including La Oaxaqueña Store Everett, Davey’s Super Market Roxbury, Tropical Foods (El Platanero), Mattapan Square Farmers Market, The Urban Farming Institute, Dorchester Food Co-op, Eastie Farm, Fresh Truck, as well as state and city officials, including Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, Boston Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia, Boston Councilor At-Large Henry Santana, Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, the Boston Mayor’s Office of Food Justice, and the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative.

“The 140,000 Boston residents who rely on SNAP to purchase food for their families have begun to feel the impacts of this federal SNAP freeze as early as this past Saturday,” said Aliza Wasserman, Director of the City of Boston Office of Food Justice. “For over six decades, our communities have counted on this program to meet basic needs, and this unprecedented freeze by the Trump administration will have ripple impacts on Boston’s economy until it is fully restored.”

“These cuts to SNAP funding are cruel, unnecessary, and out of touch with the reality working families face every day,” said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “When we talk about building a better America, that starts with ensuring every family has food on the table. Instead, these actions move us backward. Boston will continue to stand with our most vulnerable residents and push for policies that reflect compassion and common sense.”

“Those who have the least right now stand to lose the most from these violent and disgraceful policy choices from Washington,” said Julia Mejia, Boston Councilor At-Large. “That said, having governed during the height of COVID and Trump 1.0, I know what these times call for: mutual aid, collective action, and the political will to protect one another by standing in the gap created by a hostile federal government.”

“As an At-large City Councilor representing the entire city, I am committed to ensuring that our families—especially our children—have access to the resources they need to avoid hunger,” said Henry Santana, Boston Councilor At-Large. “The ongoing government shutdown threatens that access, and having reliable food resources is essential for our families to thrive and stay healthy. In moments like these, we must stand united to protect SNAP benefits, support our local food providers, and keep our neighborhoods nourished and thriving.”

“At DFC, we’re grateful to exist at such a time like this to be a support, a hub, a food resource in a diverse community with complex needs,” Roudnie Célestin, Board Member, Dorchester Food Co-op. “The more prepared we are, the better equipped we’ll be to face any ripple effects families and people in our community could face due to this SNAP lapse.”

“This is a Lose-Lose-Lose situation for everyone. SNAP recipients, businesses, and the country,” said Ronn Garry, Tropical Foods. “SNAP benefits shouldn’t be a leverage point in a political battle. We need this situation to get resolved so that we can feed our communities.”

“When SNAP benefits shut down, the impact hits fast and hits home,” said Jacqueline Teixeira, Davey’s Super Market. “Families who depend on that support suddenly can’t afford the groceries they need, and food insecurity rises overnight. Those SNAP dollars don’t disappear — they stop flowing to local stores, markets, and small businesses that count on them. SNAP isn’t just a safety net; it’s the heartbeat of local economies, keeping shelves stocked, workers employed, and families fed. If we want strong communities, we need consistent SNAP funding that protects both people and small businesses.”

“During the early months of the pandemic, we were shocked to realize how many kids in our neighborhood were going hungry. One hungry child is too many,” said Kannan Thiruvengadam, Eastie Farm. “We are heartbroken that we are at the doorsteps of such a horrendous time once again—only this time it is 100% due to our own federal government. As a farm growing produce and connected to other small farms in the state, Eastie Farm is working harder to bring more produce to the community. Even so, lack of access to SNAP funding means we have to front the full cost of the produce boxes ourselves, which significantly limits the number of families we can support. We know that our partners, funders, sister community orgs, and local and state governments are all stretched. We are grateful to our congressional representative, Congresswoman Pressley, and Senators Warren and Markey, who are fighting to restore the critical assistance families need for sustenance. Thank you!”

“Eighty-five percent of our shoppers rely on SNAP and nutrition assistance programs. Right now, they’re scared, confused, and calling us to figure out how to feed their families. We want them to know they can still use their HIP benefits or other payment methods with us, and our markets will stay open,” said Fresh Truck. “But a family of four cannot feed themselves for the month with $60 worth of produce. HIP helps, but it’s not enough. Fresh Truck will keep showing up, but this crisis makes clear that local solutions cannot bear the full weight of federal failure. The programs we all pay into, with billions in reserves for moments like this, must be activated. And we need sustained investment in organizations like ours that make those benefits work on the ground.”

“The unprecedented delay in SNAP benefits has harmed Massachusetts households, retailers and farmers,” said MA Food System Collaborative. “Withholding of SNAP benefits cuts off a vital source of revenue for Massachusetts farmers and local food system businesses; every dollar of SNAP generates around $1.50 of economic activity and SNAP is a steady source of revenue for small retailers. The Collaborative is proud that Massachusetts continues to support SNAP retailers by funding the healthy incentives program (HIP). We call on the federal government to follow the courts and release contingency funds to fund SNAP.”

La suspensión temporal del programa EBT ha dejado a muchas familias en nuestra comunidad en una situación de profunda incertidumbre,” Felipa Celaya, fundadora de La Oaxaqueña. “Para miles de padres y madres, este apoyo representa la posibilidad de poner comida en la mesa; cuando se interrumpe, no solo se vacían sus hogares, también se resiente la economía de pequeños negocios como el nuestro, que dependemos del bienestar de quienes servimos. En La Oaxaqueña no hablamos de política, hablamos de personas reales: de familias que trabajan, que sueñan y que sostienen con esfuerzo a esta nación. Creemos que las decisiones públicas deben guiarse con empatía y sentido humano, recordando que detrás de cada programa hay historias, rostros y esperanzas que merecen ser escuchadas. Seguiremos trabajando con fe y compromiso, apoyando a nuestra comunidad como siempre lo hemos hecho, porque cuando una familia se levanta, toda la comunidad avanza.

Footage from the roundtable discussion is available here and footage from the press conference is available here. For photos, click here.

Amid the Republican-manufactured government shutdown, Rep. Pressley has continued to fight to defend healthcare, reopen the government, and protect federal workers and the essential services they provide.

• Rep. Pressley joined Senator Ed Markey and leaders from Massachusetts food banks to sound the alarm on the growing crisis of food insecurity under the Republican government shutdown and its impact on Massachusetts families.
• Rep. Pressley urged National Grid and Eversource to issue an immediate moratorium on utility shutoffs for households impacted by the government shutdown, including federal workers, federal contractors, and the people who depend on them.
  • Following the Congresswoman’s letter, National Grid of Massachusetts announced specific support and a payment plan opportunity for federal employees, contractors, and active military personnel in Massachusetts who are impacted by the government shutdown and concerned about paying their energy bill.
• Rep. Pressley participated in a House Steering and Policy Committee hearing in which she slammed Republicans for raising healthcare costs for families across the country and shutting down the government instead of addressing the healthcare crisis they created.
• Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues on the Democratic Women’s Caucus to call attention to the impacts of the Republican-manufactured health care crisis and government shutdown on women, families, and workers in the Massachusetts 7^th and across the country.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning Republicans after they chose to shut down the government rather than work with Democrats to protect families and save healthcare for millions.
• Just days into the government shutdown, Rep. Pressley held an emergency convening in Boston to highlight the harm of the shutdown to MA-07 constituents – federal workers, patients, advocates, and more.
• Amid government shutdown, Rep. Pressley and Senator Tina Smith reintroduced bill to provide back pay for federal contract workers, including low-wage food service and janitorial staff.
• Just hours before the Republicans shut down the government, Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates, colleagues, and impacted folks to demand Republicans protect healthcare and keep the government open
• Congresswoman Pressley stood in solidarity with workers and families who would be impacted by the government shutdown.
• Rep. Pressley also joined an all-day event with House Democrats to hold the line against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to rip away healthcare from millions of Americans.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has also been a champion for food security and justice and ensuring families have the essential food assistance they deserve. She has been an outspoken critic of the Big, Ugly Bill since its inception and Republicans’ harmful cuts to SNAP and other government service programs.

• Rep. Pressley joins Rep. McGovern convened a listening session in East Boston with Project Bread to highlight the devastating impacts that Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill will have on Massachusetts families who rely on federal food assistance.
• Rep. Pressley joined colleagues at a press conference imploring the House to reject the cruel and harmful legislation.
• Rep. Pressley joined the Congressional Black Caucus and over 100 colleagues in stalling a vote on the Big, Ugly Bill.  
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Senate’s passage of the Big, Ugly Bill and vowing to continue fighting it using every tool available.
• Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates from Caring Across Generations, Care Can’t Wait, and partner organizations to protest Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that proposes disastrous cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs and would leave communities sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable.
• Ahead of the House’s vote on the bill, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor in which she made a direct appeal to her Republican colleagues to oppose this cruel and harmful bill.
• Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts, which would decimate reproductive healthcare in America and worsen maternal health outcomes.
• Rep. Pressley co-hosted a press conference with Color of Change to oppose the Republicans’ cruel and harmful budget reconciliation package, which would gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
• In the House Oversight Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Rep. Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.
• In an impassioned speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley slammed Republicans’ cruel and callous budget resolution that would slash Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical government services to pay for trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for Donald Trump’s billionaire donors.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Bill Text

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee, and Representative Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), introduced the Innovation Fund Act to establish a program to reward communities that are taking innovative steps to increase housing supply.

The bill creates a competitive pot of highly flexible funding for communities that are building more housing, which can be used to improve community infrastructure, build housing, and supplement water and sewer grants. The bill is included in the landmark bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act.

“As the daughter of a tenants’ rights organizer, I learned firsthand how essential it is that all people have a safe and healthy place to call home,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “Our bill rewards innovative approaches that improve  housing supply, leading to increased housing  affordability and quality. I’m proud to partner with Senators Warren and Warnock and Congressman Cleaver to invest in safe and stable housing for all.”

The Innovation Fund Act:

• Will award competitive grants to cities, counties, other units of local government or Indian tribes that have demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply.
• Requires applicants to describe how they are currently facilitating the expansion of their housing supply.
• Will prioritize eligible entities that demonstrate the use of innovative policies, interventions, or programs to increase housing supply.
• Allows eligible entities to use the funds to carry out CDBG eligible activities, as matching funds for water and sewer grants, and for initiatives that facilitate the expansion of the supply of attainable housing and supplement initiatives the eligible entity has carried out.

Bill text is available here.

As a Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for policies that affirm housing as a human right and center the dignity and humanity of all people.

• In May 2025, Rep, Pressley, along with Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Greg Casar (TX-35), reintroduced the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to protect the power of tenants, including those with federal vouchers, to organize.
• In June 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), re-introduced the Tenant Empowerment Act, bold legislation to strengthen HUD tenant protections and provide renters with the tools necessary to improve the quality of their homes.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Mayor Wu, visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Senators Warren and Markey, applauded the final passage of $850,000 in federal community project funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in Hyde Park.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to boost home affordability and construction of affordable housing.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley, during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley celebrated the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood in Somerville.
• In December 2023, Rep. Pressley requested the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide data on housing needs for Medicaid beneficiaries and feedback on challenges the agency is having in covering housing support for people requiring home and community-based services (HCBS).
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), reintroduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, critical legislation to provide much-needed assistance to those facing eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
• In September 2021, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Bush and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 to enact an urgently needed nationwide eviction moratorium. 
• On July 2021, ahead of the expiration of the previous CDC eviction moratorium, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Gomez and their progressive colleagues sent a letter renewing their calls for President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend the federal eviction moratorium and prevent the historic and deadly wave of evictions that would occur if the government failed to do so. 
• On July 30, 2021, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) in introducing the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021, legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through the end of the year. 
• In June 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Gomez and Bush, led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium for the duration of the public health crisis. 
• In June 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), re-introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
• On May 18, 2021, Reps. Bush and Pressley sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions, ensuring families can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency.
• On July 28, 2020, Rep. Pressley, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Harris introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to provide much-needed, layered assistance to those facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On July 24, 2020, in a Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed the unprecedented financial cliff facing millions of renters and homeowners, the economic consequences of millions losing their homes, including the ability to return to work, and why funding for legal representation is so critical.
• On May 11, 2020, Reps. Tlaib, and Joe Neguse (D-CO) urge House and Senate leadership to include $11.5 billion in funding for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) in the next relief package to aid the nation’s homeless population who are experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On April 10, 2020, Rep. Pressley urged Congressional leadership to prioritize recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis. This funding would allow people to cover all their bills, including rent.
• On April 17, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and colleagues introduce the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

• On March 23, 2020, Reps. Pressley and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020, legislation to provide critical funding to states and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation was included and passed through the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020.
• On March 19, 2020, Rep. Pressley, along with progressive lawmakers and organizations, introduced the Housing is a Human Right Act to authorize more than $200 billion in federal spending over 10 years for crucial housing infrastructure and reduce homelessness.
• On March 18, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Katie Porter (D-CA) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to HUD calling for a moratorium on evicting renters during the coronavirus pandemic.
• In July 2019, Rep. Pressley announced legislation that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology. 
• In November 2019, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Tlaib wrote to HUD blasting the agency for ignoring low-income tenants seeking to save their homes.

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