Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Rep. Al Green Shows How Systemic Risk Authority Transparency Act Will Improve Bank Failure Oversight

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Framework for the Future: Reviewing Data Privacy in Today’s Financial System.” 

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witnesses on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Posted on

Cole Secures $1.45 Billion in Disaster Recovery for American

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured about $1.45 billion for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. This disaster recovery funding will be used by American communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 or 2024. After the EDA money was announced, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. In fact, just last year, the towns of Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma’s Fourth District were devastated by tornadoes. Now, with this EDA grant funding, communities will be able to not only rebuild but also plan for long-term recovery and future resiliency,” said Congressman Cole.“I look forward to seeing this funding being put to good use and I thank President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their commitment to helping Americans.”

How to apply for assistance:

If you are a state, local or tribal government, an economic development district, a higher education institution, an economic development organization, a public or private non-profit working with local government, or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure you are an eligible applicant for this disaster supplemental grant program.

Additionally, projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. You can check eligibility here.

Readiness and implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or a Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.

Industry Transformation grant applications are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Applications must be submitted online through the EDA’s portal. You can find the portal here. The required materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

###

Posted on

Representative Adriano Espaillat Leads House Introduction of Legislation to Posthumously Bestow Congressional Gold Medal Honor to Charles B. Rangel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with Democratic leaders, has introduced legislation to posthumously award the esteemed Congressional Gold Medal to former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represented New York’s 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for nearly 50 years, which included a Chairmanship tenure on the influential Ways and Means Committee and countless legislative achievements.  

Among congressional support, the following Members have signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal.

“Congressman Charles B. Rangel served our nation with distinction and honor, fighting for the American people and delivering for the constituencies of Harlem, El Barrio, Upper Manhattan, and the Northwest Bronx, which he represented in Congress for nearly 50 years,” said Congressman Espaillat. “A renowned feat, impactful in his service and commitment to our nation and dedication to all whose lives he touched along the way. It is with gratitude and a tremendous level of respect that I introduce this legislation with the support of my U.S. Senate and House colleagues to recognize the extraordinary life and legacy of Congressman Rangel, the Lion of Lenox Avenue, forever enshrining his indelible mark on American policy and our nation’s history.”  

“Charlie Rangel was a giant — a force of nature who helped shape the soul of New York, the heart of Harlem, and the conscience of the Congress. From the battlefields of Korea, to the halls of Capitol Hill, where he became one of the most influential voices for justice, equality, and opportunity, Charlie never stopped fighting for those too often left out, looked over and left behind. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a longtime leader of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Charlie Rangel made history not for its own sake, but to open the doors of power and opportunity to others. He gave voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless, and his beloved Harlem — and our entire nation — are better for his service. I was proud to serve with Congressman Rangel for my 18 years in the House and to call him a friend for many more; so it is a privilege to introduce legislation to award him the Congressional Gold Medal to honor his legacy and to inspire future generations of leaders,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. 

“Charles Rangel was a true New Yorker and a beloved son of Harlem, who earned his recognition as ‘the Lion of Lenox Ave,’ through a lifetime of tireless service to the community he held so close to his heart,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. This devoted public servant was a mentor to many and a friend to many more, and I’ll always consider it one of the great blessings of my life to have called him both. As a decorated war hero, founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, and leader within Congress for decades, Charlie’s legacy is absolute and undeniable. And it deserves to be celebrated. I can think of no man more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal, and I am proud to join this effort to ensure his name is forever tied to Congress’ highest honorific.” 

“Congressman Charles Rangel embodied the true spirit of uplifting one’s community,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “Known as the ‘Lion of Lenox Avenue,’ he proudly represented the people of Harlem with unparalleled passion. He was a fierce advocate for justice and equity, consistently using his platform to uplift those whose voices too often went unheard. He authored more landmark legislation than anyone in Congress. He continuously broke barriers as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and serving as the first Black Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Through the creation of the historic Rangel Fellows Program at the U.S. Department of State, he helped pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive Foreign Service. Most importantly to me, he was a mentor and dear friend who will be greatly missed. His legacy will certainly inspire generations of leaders to come.” 

“Charlie Rangel was a lion of Harlem, a legend of Congress, and a proud son of New York. He spent nearly five decades in the House lifting up the voices of those too often unheard. His leadership in civil rights and public service left an indelible mark on our city and our country. I’m proud to support the effort to honor his towering legacy with a Congressional Gold Medal, a fitting tribute to a life of extraordinary service,” Congressman Ritchie Torres.

“Charlie Rangel will be remembered as a brilliant legislator and a devoted public servant who spent his life fighting for fairness and justice,” said Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal. “Whether it was his decorated service in Korea or his trailblazing ascent and tenure as a Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he was a steward of change who redefined what was possible for millions of Americans. His impact and legacy on the development of landmark legislation, most notably, the Affordable Care Act, speak louder than any award ever could, but there is no one more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal.”

###

Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Posted on

SWALWELL INTRODUCES BICAMERAL BILL TO REPEAL THE GUN INDUSTRY’S LEGAL LIABILITY SHIELD

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

Legislation would give victims of gun violence their day in court & enable them to hold manufacturers accountable for negligence

Legislation would give victims of gun violence their day in 

court & enable them to hold manufacturers accountable for negligence

Video of a virtual press conference announcing 

the bill is available here

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – During the first week of Gun Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) led a group of 81 Members of Congress in introducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits.  

Blumenthal, Swalwell, Schiff, Murphy, Evans, and Thompson announced the legislation this week during a virtual press conference joined by leading gun violence prevention advocates: Kris Brown, President of Brady; Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action; and Adam Skaggs, Chief Counsel and Vice President of GIFFORDS Law Center. Video of the press conference is available here.

“PLCAA is the ultimate sweetheart deal – legal immunity afforded to basically no other industry for a product that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year,” Blumenthal said. “Despite the strength and perseverance of the Sandy Hook, Uvalde, and Highland Park families – and the tenacity of their legal teams – this is a problem that cannot be solved only through the courts. PLCAA must be repealed by Congress.”

“No industry in American has a liability shield like gun manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers,” said Swalwell. “The NRA and their GOP stooges made sure that the gun industry has a unique immunity from accountability. This bill ends that ridiculous carve out. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act will finally repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) once and for all, allowing victims of gun violence to bring civil suits against gun producers and sellers. The time has long since come for Congress to be clear – if you put the most dangerous weapons in the hands of the most dangerous people, you will be held accountable.”

“More than a 100 Americans are killed by a gun every single day in America. And yet, Congress does nothing to hold the gun industry accountable when the negligence of gun makers and dealers is responsible for the tragic consequences their products have on our kids, our families, and our communities. As long as gun violence continues to take the lives of so many in California and across the nation, I will fight to repeal the liability shield that wrongly protects negligent gun industry actors from liability,” said Schiff.

“There’s absolutely no reason why the gun industry should get special treatment when it comes to negligence. Their immunity from lawsuits effectively gives them a license to kill. It’s past time for Congress to repeal PLCAA and allow gun violence victims their day in court,” said Murphy. 

“Victims and survivors should be able to hold the gun industry accountable in court for negligent behavior. But right now, the gun industry is shielded from any liability when they disregard public safety. That’s wrong,” said Crow. “I’m introducing this bill so we can finally hold the gun industry responsible.”

“As someone who’s advocated for this concept in Pennsylvania’s legislature and now in Congress, I’m proud to be a co-lead on this bill to restore this basic right of victims and survivors – a right that a heavy-handed federal government took away 20 years ago. So many American gun deaths could be avoided if we held companies accountable for things like illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing. State attorneys general were able to hold Big Tobacco accountable in the 1990s, and they should be able to hold gun manufacturing companies accountable in the 21st century since thousands of lives depend on it. This legislation would be an important tool in the toolbox to protect our citizens from gun violence,” said Evans. 

“In the 20 years since PLCAA was passed, it’s become clear that negligent gun manufacturers and dealers have taken advantage of the law. Responsible manufacturers and dealers don’t need this legal protection – and irresponsible ones are hiding behind it. As a hunter, combat veteran and responsible gun owner, I’m proud to work with Senator Blumenthal and Representative Swalwell to introduce this sensible legislation,” said Thompson, Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. 

When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.

In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.

The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, and Equality California.

“PLCAA gives the gun industry a free pass to put profits over people—legally. When defective firearms or irresponsible gun sellers cause harm, victims are left powerless and justice is delayed or denied. No other industry gets this kind of special treatment,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “The gun industry has made it clear: they won’t change on their own, no matter how much devastation they leave behind. So the law must change. Brady is proud to endorse Senator Blumenthal’s bill to end the gun lobby’s stranglehold on accountability and remove the option of hiding behind PLCAA to dodge responsibility. The gun industry shouldn’t get special protection while communities suffer.”

“For too long, gun lobby CEOs have operated above the law, shielded from accountability while families of gun violence victims are denied their day in court. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act will finally repeal the gun lobby’s sweetheart deal and restore Americans’ right to seek justice. When companies can be held responsible for harm, they have a reason to act more safely—it’s time to hold the gun industry accountable and put people over profits. We applaud Senator Blumenthal for championing this critical legislation and for his commitment to reducing gun violence and improving public safety,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS and GIFFORDS Law Center. 

“The gun industry has a long track record of putting profits over public safety – and it’s the American people who are paying the price,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We’re proud to stand with Senator Blumenthal and Representative Swalwell as they work to hold the gun industry to the same rules as every other industry.” 

“Every student in America goes to school wondering if today will be the day they don’t come home. They practice lockdown drills while gun manufacturers hide behind PLCAA, a law that shields them from any accountability,” said Jackie Corin, Executive Director of March For Our Lives. “The families of Parkland victims fight for justice while gun companies profit from illegal gun sales and reckless marketing practices that fuel mass shootings, all while being protected from consequences. When grieving families are denied their day in court because of special protections for gun manufacturers, that is not justice. That is cruelty. Every family shattered by gun violence deserves a system that protects them, not the companies profiting off their pain. That’s why March For Our Lives is proud to support the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act and ensure the gun industry finally has to answer to us.”

“The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act restores the rights of the American people to seek justice from negligent corporations. People, families, and communities have been systematically denied access to valid litigation against the gun industry since President George W. Bush signed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005. This legal shield has privileged the gun industry with sweeping immunity, leading them to lean into more aggressive, more deadly, and ever more avaricious corporate actions that endanger every American,” said Hudson Munoz with Guns Down America. “We commend Senator Blumenthal and Representative Swalwell for their dedication to seeing that shield fall so every person impacted by gun violence has the ability to pursue justice again.”

“As a neighbor of the Sandy Hook shooter and many victims, I carry the heartbreak of that day every single moment,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “I’m grateful to Senator Blumenthal for reintroducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act—because no industry that profits from death should be shielded from accountability. The gun industry’s unique civil legal protection has allowed it to market weapons of war and other deadly firearms and accessories with impunity, fueling an epidemic that steals thousands of lives each year. The families impacted by gun violence from Sandy Hook to Chicago to Monterey Park—and every family member shattered by gun violence—deserve their day in court.”

“The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) provides a pathway for the firearms industry to continue irresponsible practices in ways that no other industry is permitted to conduct. Under this legislation, the rights of victims – some of whom have been irrevocably harmed by these deadly products – are shown to be less important than the special interests of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. This cannot be allowed to continue. We applaud Senator Blumenthal and his team for their leadership in re-introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, and call upon Congress to pass this bill,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Don Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Danny Davis (D-IL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Betty McCollum (D-MN), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Scott (D-GA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

 

Text of the legislation can be found here. 

 

 

Posted on

PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán, Rep. Gomez, Sen. Schiff Lead Bicameral Effort Demanding President Trump Withdraw National Guard and Marines from LA

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

For Immediate Release

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Date: June 11, 2025

Rep. Barragán, Rep. Gomez, Sen. Schiff Lead Bicameral Effort Demanding President Trump Withdraw National Guard and Marines from LA

Lawmakers say Trump’s deployment of troops is plainly unlawful and violates constitutional limits

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and 39 other California Delegation Representatives are demanding President Donald Trump immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, California. In a bicameral letter sent yesterday, the lawmakers condemn the deployments as an unlawful overreach that bypassed state and local authority and urge the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard and Marines.

“We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority,” wrote the lawmakers.

“This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law,” continued the lawmakers.

On June 7 and June 9, Rep. Jimmy Gomez was illegally denied access to the Roybal Federal Building, where ICE is reportedly detaining migrant families—including moms and kids—under inhumane conditions. Rep. Gomez called for a formal DHS investigation and submitted a written inquiry demanding answers and accountability from Secretary Kristi Noem. As protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to the raids and detentions, the Trump administration escalated the situation by authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines—without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local elected and community leaders. They argue the legal authority Trump cited doesn’t apply—making the deployment plainly unlawful.

“As federal officials we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Representative Barragán, Representative Gomez, and Senator Schiff, the bicameral letter was signed by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ami Bera (CA-6), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-8), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-4), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

You can read the full letter HERE.

###

Posted on

Pocan Invites DOD to Witness F-35 Noise Pollution in Madison

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter to Patrick O’Brien, the Director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) at the Department of Defense inviting him to witness the noise pollution caused by the F-35s at Truax Field after the OLDCC rejected an $18 million noise mitigation grant application. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs submitted an application to help residents in east Madison, who are affected by elevated noise levels, access funding assistance to mitigate the noise from the jets. 

“I write to you today to express my disappointment regarding your recent decision to deny the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs’ application for noise mitigation funding through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, and to invite you or other officials from your office to visit Madison to hear directly from residents who could have benefitted from this funding and explain your decision to them personally,” Pocan wrote. 

“In Fiscal Year 2021, my office worked to ensure $50 million was appropriated for the Noise Mitigation Community Partnership Program to ensure that affected residents in east Madison could receive some assistance to make necessary modifications to their homes to dampen the noise and improve their quality of life,” Pocan continued. “Therefore, I was deeply disappointed by the recent announcement that the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs’ application for noise mitigation funding was denied.”

“Given the direct effect this has had on my constituents, I request a detailed explanation to my office regarding the decision to deny this grant application, and additionally request that you send an official to visit Madison to meet with residents who have been affected by elevated noise levels and provide an explanation of your decision directly to them,” Pocan concluded. “A site visit would provide an invaluable opportunity not only to witness firsthand the impact of noise pollution in the area and hear from residents who are living with it daily, but also to help facilitate a collaborative discussion around potential solutions and future funding opportunities.”

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Posted on

Scalise Previews Congressional Baseball Game

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends alongside Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas) to discuss tonight’s Congressional baseball game, set to raise over $2.5 million for charity, as House Republicans work toward their fifth consecutive win. Additionally, Leader Scalise talked about the FBI’s gross misclassification of the 2017 baseball shooting that almost took his life as a suicide by cop instead of what it really was – a gunman who set out to kill Republicans.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
On miracles following the 2017 baseball practice shooting:“Well, Steve, we’ve come a long way from that. Obviously, God performed a lot of miracles that morning. He continues to perform miracles, but I’m lucky to be alive, and when you’re out here on the big league ballpark, you know, it doesn’t get any better than this.”On the Trump Administration exposing politicization from the FBI:“Yeah, and it shows you the difference with the Trump Administration, trying to focus on rooting out a lot of that politicization of those agencies – everybody knew. We told the FBI at the time that the guy didn’t even know that I had cops, and he tried to kill them once he found out they were cops. So you can’t call it suicide by cop, yet they did. So I’m so glad Kash Patel is getting the facts out and actually focusing on what really happened that day.”On tonight’s Congressional game:“Yeah, we do come together. We want to win the game, obviously, as our Skipper [Roger Williams] just talked about, but also, there’s a lot of camaraderie on the team. We’ll bring over 27,000 people in the stands tonight. Is that amazing? We’ll have more people in the stands than more than half the major league teams, and raising over two and a half million dollars for local charities. So it’s a really good cause. We really come together. We get to know the Democrats on the other side. We want to beat them out there on the House Floor when we’re trying to save America. But we’re having a really good time tonight for a really good cause. We are going to try to win the game. And you know, we’re on a heater right now, a [four]-game winning streak.”

Posted on

Congresswoman Schrier Demands Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Immediately Reinstate All Members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in New Letter

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), pediatrician and member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, led 86 of her colleagues, with the support of Democratic members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on a letter demanding that Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. upholds his oath to protect the health of the American people by immediately reinstating the seventeen members of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that were recently fired.

 “Secretary Kennedy’s dangerous decision to fire all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a direct attack on science and a threat to our public health,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “For 61 years, this integral committee of seasoned health care experts has been trusted to evaluate scientific evidence, ask questions, and ultimately make fully transparent recommendations about vaccines. But now, Secretary Kennedy is gutting that expertise and may well use this opportunity to elevate conspiracy theorists and social media influencers to these decision-making positions. As a pediatrician and a member of Congress, I am outraged that the Secretary of Health and Human Services would dismiss science and the medical community and instead welcome those with fringe healthcare ideas into the heart of our public health system. It is just plain dangerous.” 

 Today’s letter comes on the heels of Congresswoman Schrier introducing the Family Vaccine Protection Act that will protect the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) and remove politics from the life-saving immunization schedule.

 A copy of the letter is below.

 Dear Secretary Kennedy,

 For over 60 years, in both Republican and Democratic Administrations, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has played a pivotal role in keeping Americans healthy and safe. As Members of Congress, we are outraged at your decision to unilaterally remove all 17 individuals from ACIP on June 9th. As Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), your duty to this country is to enhance the well-being of all Americans and this decision will cost lives. Your decision to disband the ACIP, a committee of medical and public health experts whose sole focus is to develop vaccine recommendations, completely undermines ACIP’s critical role and endangers this nation’s public health.

On June 9th, in your opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, you blame conflict of interests and a lack of curiosity as a rationale for removing this panel of experts from their roles. Your statement belies the rigorous vetting process for ACIP members, including financial disclosures and a review of their previous work on clinical trials. ACIP members must recuse themselves from votes and discussions on vaccines they are studying, or on any other vaccines manufactured by companies that fund their research. In fact, just this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set up a public, searchable database allowing transparency for any conflicts of interest for voting ACIP members dating back to 2000.

 These actions upend ACIP’s thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making and will weave unfounded or disproven theories into what has traditionally been a science-based process trusted by our health care providers. Conducting immunization reviews takes months of deliberation and review of research, and your unilateral decision to abruptly end ACIP’s existing work is detrimental. It has become abundantly clear that your intent is to sow doubt and fear in the American public that will cost lives. With an ongoing measles outbreak and the decline of routine child immunizations, we will see the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the country. Your politicization of vaccines has made American families less safe and will return the US to an era before mass vaccination prevented millions of infections and early deaths.

 We demand that you reinstate the fired 17 members to ACIP and uphold your oath to the American people.

Posted on

Norton Statement on House Passage of Two Anti-D.C. Bills

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that the two anti-D.C. home rule bills passed by the House today demonstrate the Republican view of D.C. as property they can exert control over to score political points instead of working on behalf of their own constituents. The first bill, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), would prohibit D.C. residents who are not citizens from voting in local D.C. elections. The second, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), would repeal parts of D.C.’s 2022 local police accountability and transparency law.

“Once again, House Republicans have used countless hours of their offices’ time that rightly belongs to their own constituents to try to repeal local D.C. laws and policies, and they’ll waste even more tomorrow,” Norton said. “These bills, introduced by members elected to serve other districts, seek to bully and micromanage the affairs of local D.C. Yesterday, Chair of the House Rules Committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx, inadvertently revealed how Republicans think of D.C. when she referred to D.C. as ‘a special piece of property,’ ignoring the more than 700,000 Americans who reside in the nation’s capital.

“Noncitizen voting has been allowed in the United States since its founding, with nearly 20 cities allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. Republicans introduced 26 bills or amendments to change local D.C. voting laws, including 14 to prohibit noncitizens from voting in D.C. or to repeal, nullify or prohibit the carrying out of the local D.C. law that allows residents who are not citizens to vote in local elections last Congress. Yet Republicans refuse to make the only election law change D.C. has requested: making D.C. a state so that it can hold elections for voting members of the House and Senate.

“Like with voting, Republicans regularly introduce legislation to repeal other types of local D.C. laws. What is different about Rep. Garbarino’s bill is it also overrides the longstanding wishes of the D.C. police department. For at least a quarter century, the D.C. police department had requested increased authority to discipline officers for misconduct. The local D.C. legislature gave the department this authority after the murder of George Floyd, which Rep. Garbarino’s bill would remove. The bill says it is necessary to combat rising violent crime and to improve the retention and recruitment of police officers but this bill has its facts wrong. Last year, violent crime in D.C. reached a more than 30-year low and is down 22 percent this year compared to the same period last year.”

“If Republicans cared about D.C. residents or democracy, they would take up H.R. 51, the D.C. statehood bill. H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a state, giving D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government.

“I will continue to fiercely fight any further advancement of these bills.”

###

Posted on

Norton Opposes Two Anti-D.C. Home Rule Bills on the House Floor

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

Norton released her remarks after speaking on the House floor opposing two anti-D.C. home rule bills.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from the House floor where she spoke twice today in fierce opposition to two anti-home rule bills the House will vote on this week to repeal local D.C. laws. The first bill, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), would prohibit D.C. residents who are not citizens from voting in local D.C. elections. The second, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), would repeal parts of D.C.’s 2022 local police accountability and transparency law.

“Last Congress, Republicans introduced 26 bills or amendments to change local D.C. election laws, including 14 to prohibit noncitizens from voting in D.C. or to repeal, nullify or prohibit the carrying out of the local D.C. law that allows noncitizens to vote in local elections,” Norton said. Yet, Republicans refuse to make the only election law change D.C. has requested, which is to make D.C. a state so that it can hold elections for voting members of the House and Senate.

“D.C. allows noncitizens to vote in local elections because it believes that all adult residents deserve a say in their local government. While local D.C. law allows noncitizens to vote only in local elections, 40 states and the federal government allowed noncitizens to vote in local, state, territorial and federal elections at various points, including at the founding. The federal government first prohibited noncitizens from voting in federal elections only 29 years ago. Today, nearly 20 cities allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.”

The second bill Norton addressed on the House floor would repeal parts of D.C.’s 2022 local police transparency law.

“Republicans regularly introduce legislation to repeal local D.C. laws. What is different about this bill is it also overrides the longstanding wishes of the D.C. police department,” Norton said. “For at least a quarter century, the D.C. police department had requested increased authority to discipline officers for misconduct. The local D.C. legislature gave the department this authority after the murder of George Floyd. This bill would take away this authority.

“This bill says it is necessary to combat rising violent crime in D.C. and to improve the retention and recruitment of D.C. police officers. This bill has its facts wrong. Last year, violent crime in D.C. reached a more than 30-year low.  This year, violent crime in D.C. is down 22% compared to the same period last year. Police departments throughout the country, in both red and blue states, are struggling to retain and recruit officers, and they have been for many years.

“If Republicans cared about D.C. residents or democracy, they would take up H.R. 51, the D.C. statehood bill. H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a state, giving D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government.

Norton’s full remarks follow, as prepared for delivery.

Floor Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

H.R. 884, to prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022

June 10, 2025

I strongly oppose this undemocratic, paternalistic bill, which would repeal a law enacted by the locally elected District of Columbia government and impose a new law in D.C.  I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from every member of D.C.’s locally elected legislature, the Council, opposing this bill. I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from D.C.’s locally elected Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, opposing this bill.

Last Congress, Republicans introduced 26 bills or amendments to change local D.C. election laws, including 14 to prohibit noncitizens from voting in D.C. or to repeal, nullify or prohibit the carrying out of the local D.C. law that allows noncitizens to vote in local elections. Yet, Republicans refuse to make the only election law change D.C. has requested, which is to make D.C. a state so that it can hold elections for voting members of the House and Senate. 

While Congress has the authority to legislate on local D.C. matters, it is not required to do so.  In Federalist #43, James Madison said of D.C. residents: “[A] municipal legislature for local purposes, derived from their own suffrages, will of course be allowed them.”  In 1953, the Supreme Court held that “there is no constitutional barrier to the delegation by Congress to the District of Columbia of full legislative power.”

I want to discuss democracy, or lack thereof in D.C. There are over 700,000 D.C. residents. D.C. residents are required to pay federal taxes, register with Selective Service and serve on federal juries in the same manner as residents of states.  Yet, D.C. residents have no voting representation in Congress, and Congress has the ultimate say on local D.C. matters.

The Council has 13 members.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote, residents can vote them out of office or pass a ballot measure.  That is called democracy.

Congress has 535 voting members.  None are elected by D.C. residents.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office or pass a ballot measure. That is the antithesis of democracy.

The substance of this bill is irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress to legislate on local D.C. matters. However, I will briefly discuss it.

D.C. allows noncitizens to vote in local elections because it believes that all adult residents deserve a say in their local government.  While local D.C. law allows noncitizens to vote only in local elections, 40 states and the federal government allowed noncitizens to vote in local, state, territorial and federal elections at various points, including at the founding. The federal government first prohibited noncitizens from voting in federal elections only 29 years ago. Today, nearly 20 cities allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. 

As the House has considered this bill, Republicans have repeatedly said the franchise is a right of citizenship.  If that is what Republicans believe, I hope they will finally grant the American citizens who live in D.C. the right to vote for voting representation in Congress.  I have introduced H.R. 51 to do so.  Pursuant to the Admissions and District clauses of the Constitution, H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a new state.  Statehood would not only give D.C. voting representation in Congress, it would also give D.C. full local self-government.

I urge members to respect the will of D.C. residents by voting NO on H.R. 884.

Floor Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

H.R. 2096, the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act

June 10, 2025

I strongly oppose this antidemocratic bill, which would repeal provisions of a law enacted by the locally elected District of Columbia government.  The over 700,000 D.C. residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, are capable and worthy of local self-government.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from D.C.’s locally elected chief executive, Mayor Muriel Bowser, opposing this bill.  I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from every member of D.C.’s locally elected legislature, the Council, opposing this bill.  I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from D.C.’s locally elected Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, opposing this bill.

Republicans regularly introduce legislation to repeal local D.C. laws.  What is different about this bill is it also overrides the longstanding wishes of the D.C. police department. 

For at least a quarter century, the D.C. police department had requested increased authority to discipline officers for misconduct.  The Council gave the department this authority after the murder of George Floyd. This bill would take away this authority. 

I will discuss the justification and timing of this bill, though it is always wrong and never the right time for Congress to legislate on local D.C. matters.  This bill says it is necessary to combat rising violent crime in D.C. and to improve the retention and recruitment of D.C. police officers.  This bill has its facts wrong.

Last year, violent crime in D.C. reached a more than 30-year low.  This year, violent crime in D.C. is down 22% compared to the same period last year. Police departments throughout the country, in both red and blue states, are struggling to retain and recruit officers, and they have been for many years.

The timing of the introduction and consideration of this bill is stunning.  It was introduced the same day Congress cut the local D.C. budget by more than $1 billion. This fiscal sabotage did not save the federal government any money, since the local D.C. budget consists entirely of locally raised revenue.  The Senate immediately passed the D.C. Local Funds Act to reverse this cut.  Although President Trump and the National Fraternal Order of Police called for the House to immediately pass the D.C. Local Funds Act, the D.C. Local Funds Act has been sitting in the House for three months. 

I will close by discussing democracy, or lack thereof in D.C.  The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation.  Yet, D.C. residents cannot consent to any action taken by Congress, whether on local D.C. or federal matters, and they pay full federal taxes while being denied voting representation in Congress.

If Republicans cared about D.C. residents or democracy, they would take up H.R. 51, the D.C. statehood bill.  H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a state, giving D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government. 

Congress has the authority to admit this new state. The Admissions Clause of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to admit new states.  All 37 new states were admitted by an act of Congress.  The District Clause of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to reduce the size of the federal district, which it has previously done. 

I urge the House to vote NO on H.R. 2096 and to pass the D.C. statehood bill and the D.C. Local Funds Act.

###