MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined 42 Democratic Women’s Caucus members led by DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Policy Task Force Co Chair Deborah K. Ross (NC-02) in sending a letter to the Republican Members of the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture Committees. The letter urged Republicans to stand with women and families by protecting Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs women and families need to thrive in their budget.

In the letter, sent Monday evening ahead of markups this week, DWC members explained why Medicaid and SNAP are so important for women and families across America, and how devastating these cuts will be to women already struggling to put food on the table or provide for their families:

“62% of SNAP households serving children are headed by a single adult, of which 92% were headed by women. We have a simple question for you: will you stand with single moms trying to feed their kids or with billionaires? Cuts to SNAP could steal food from the mouths of 11 million children ages 5 to 17; 4.4 million children under the age of 5; and 7.8 million seniors ages 60 and older. With rising grocery prices, this devastation will be felt even harder.”

…

“Ripping health care away from pregnant women and closing down rural hospitals under the guise of ‘eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse’ is nothing but a poor excuse for abandoning women, babies, and your duty as a Member of Congress. There are many ways to reduce fraud and keep women safe–we call on you to protect women and babies by voting against any and all cuts to Medicaid and other essential health programs.”

The Members also called on Republicans to “consider the experiences of your constituents who are navigating increasing costs while raising a family and preserve or increase the Child Tax Credit to help women and families.”

The full letter can be accessed here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. —  Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined 147 Democratic Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief late Monday night challenging President Donald Trump’s sweeping and chaotic tariffs unlawfully imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawmakers’ brief stands up for Congress’s Article I exclusive legislative power to impose tariffs and regulate commerce, and argues that IEEPA does not give the President the power to impose reckless, on-again-off-again tariffs, which have wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy.

The amicus brief was led by Task Force Co-Chairs Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; and Ranking Members Gregory Meeks of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Richard E. Neal of the Committee on Ways and Means. It was filed in the matter of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al. which was brought forth by 12 States’ Attorneys General.

“President Trump’s senseless tariffs are harming San Franciscans and hardworking families across the country,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “House Democrats are committed to defending working families from economic chaos and protecting Congress’s constitutional power to regulate trade. That’s why I proudly House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force in filing an amicus brief challenging the President’s reckless, unlawful tariffs—because the American people deserve economic stability, not fear and uncertainty.”

The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the authority to impose tariffs, and the President can only raise tariffs if Congress has clearly delegated its authority to him. Although IEEPA (enacted in 1977) grants the president authority to impose sanctions, block foreign assets, and regulate economic transactions in response to “unusual and extraordinary threats” originating abroad, it is not a tariff statute and has never been used that way. Congress knows how to delegate tariff authority and has clearly done so on a number of occasions. When Congress does delegate such authority, it imposes substantive, procedural, and temporal limits on the president’s power in order to avoid economic chaos and protect the American people. 

The full brief is available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Continues Call for Hegseth to Resign

Washington, DC: Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) continues his call for the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, to resign or be fired in light of revelations Hegseth leaked classified intelligence on Signal more than once:

“The latest revelations about Secretary Hegseth recklessly leaking classified military operations over Signal—to his wife, his brother, and his personal lawyer— is another clear reason why Hegseth is unfit to lead the Department of Defense,” said Congressman Veasey. “His few short months as head of DoD have been marked by chaos, corruption, and crime. His appointment is a clear and present danger to our troops and our national security.

Hegseth has no business overseeing our national defense. I am demanding a full investigation and calling on Secretary Hegseth to resign immediately—before his next text message gets someone killed.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Statement from Congressman Marc Veasey (Member, India Caucus) on the Terrorist Attack in Kashmir

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey, Member of the India Caucus, released the following statement following a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, 2025: 

“I am horrified and heartbroken by the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir today that claimed the lives of more than 20 innocent people. This senseless violence is an act of pure evil, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

Terrorism in any form is unacceptable, and the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners in India as they confront these cowardly attacks. 

This attack also hits close to home. Many families in North Texas—especially in the Valley Ranch area—have loved ones and deep ties to the region. To those in our own communities feeling fear, sorrow, and anger today: you are not alone. My office stands with you and we are ready to provide support.

We will not allow extremists to sow fear, hatred, or division. We will continue to stand firmly for peace, justice, and security—for the people of India, for our Indian American neighbors, and for all who reject terrorism in all its forms.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Rep. Veasey Demands Critical Dallas County Funding be Restored to Contain Measles Outbreak in Texas

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-33) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), demanded that $7.7 million in public health grants for Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) abruptly terminated by the Trump Administration be restored to address the measles outbreak that has reached the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  

“DCHHS relied on this critical funding to safeguard public health in one of the most populous and fastest-growing metroplexes in the nation,” the Members wrote. “Stripping these resources without warning, amid a serious and unprecedented outbreak, significantly undermines Dallas County’s ability to respond to measles and other communicable diseases, placing millions of residents at immediate risk. We demand answers regarding this decision and urge the CDC to take swift corrective action to mitigate the harm caused by the revocation of these life-saving funds.”

In the midst of a surging measles epidemic, the revoked funding included three major pandemic grants totaling $70 million, including a Vaccination Capacity Grant that was being used to coordinate measles vaccination clinics throughout Dallas County. Without this grant, DCHHS has had to cancel these vaccination clinics, just as the first case of measles was reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in a middle-school child on April 23^rd. 

The members are demanding answers from CDC on why this critical funding was revoked in the middle of an unprecedented measles outbreak, and how DCHHS can have the funding restored, immediately. 

 

To read the full letter, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Rep. Veasey Blasts Republicans for Silencing Lung Cancer Survivor at Medicaid Hearing

Washington D.C.-  In a disturbing escalation of Republican efforts to gut Medicaid behind closed doors, Republicans on the Energy & Commerce Committee tonight silenced a constituent and lung cancer survivor who dared to speak out against their disastrous healthcare cuts that would be a death warrant for millions of Americans.

Carla, a Texan and daughter of a WWII Veteran, dialed into the E&C Committee’s hearing to share her powerful story—how she lost her health insurance after the startup she worked for collapsed, and how Medicaid became her only lifeline after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Rather than listen, Republicans cut her off and attempted to reprimand Congressman Veasey for standing up for her right to be heard.

Why the censorship? Because Republicans are pushing a $715 billion tax cut for billionaires—paid for by slashing Medicaid and ripping healthcare away from millions of Americans. And they’re doing it in secret: scheduling the Medicaid portion of the hearing in the dead of night to bury the news and avoid accountability.

“They’re not just cowards—they’re liars,” said Congressman Veasey. “They’re lying about Medicaid. They’re too scared to face their own constituents at town halls, and too ashamed to defend their cuts in daylight. They tried to silence Carla—but I (we) won’t be silenced. If Republicans won’t defend Medicaid or the people who rely on it, then I will. To Trump and Republicans: STOP CAPPIN’.”

From running away from the American people to shutting down voices in committee, Republicans are proving they can’t defend their own actions—because they know the truth would infuriate the voters they’re betraying.

Congressman Veasey and Democrats vow to keep fighting back—loudly, publicly, and relentlessly—because Medicaid should not be a sacrifice for billionaires’ tax breaks.

Rep. Veasey repeatedly called out Republicans for lying to the American people about Medicaid. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

Bipartisan bill will level playing field for American-grown and manufactured hardwood products

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution celebrating the 60th anniversary of SkillsUSA.

Since 1965, SkillsUSA has been a leader in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy, serving more than 15 million students and professional members. SkillsUSA has been instrumental in encouraging career and technical education (CTE), closing workforce gaps, and helping students pursue fulfilling careers.

“I’ve long championed career and technical education and its role in strengthening our communities and economy,” said Rep. Thompson, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional CTE Caucus. “SkillsUSA is leading the charge when it comes to closing skills gaps and preparing the next generation of workers with technical acumen, professionalism, and the confidence they need to succeed.”

“This bipartisan resolution recognizes the importance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and SkillsUSA’s contributions to growing CTE,” Rep. Stevens said. “In Michigan and across the country, SkillsUSA has provided pathways to prosperity for students and supported the workforce businesses need to innovate through CTE. As our state and our country looks to compete in the 21st century economy and create quality middle class jobs, we will need to stay laser focused on the critical CTE work done of SkillsUSA.”

“As we celebrate SkillsUSA’s 60th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of our organization as a national workforce development leader—empowering millions of students across the country to find purpose, direction, and opportunity through CTE,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “This resolution is a powerful recognition of the lasting impact our students, educators, and industry partners have made in closing the skills gap and driving innovation across the American economy. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Thompson and Stevens for their leadership in bringing this resolution forward.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today introduced the Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 to update the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.

The CSBG program is the only federal program with the singular mission of fighting poverty. The program supports more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in nearly every county across the United States.
 
For more than 60 years, CAAs have provided a range of holistic services to low-income individuals and communities across the country, including education, skills development, financial literacy, and other services promoting economic independence. CAAs serve an estimated 10 million low-income individuals annually, representing nearly 5 million families across the U.S., providing a critical “first stop” for those in need to navigate the resources available to them. 

“The Community Services Block Grant fulfills a core American value: neighbors helping neighbors in need,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation reaffirms our commitment to reducing poverty to strengthening communities across the country, provides much needed reforms to ensure community action agencies across the country can continue to serve vulnerable populations, and ultimately will help put those in poverty on the path to independence.” 

“Congress created the Community Services Block Grant program to assist low-income individuals and families during challenging times while addressing the causes and conditions of poverty,” Rep. Bonamici said. “The program funds Community Action Agencies and benefits millions of people across the country. I am pleased to join my colleague Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson in leading this bipartisan update to CSBG to provide Oregonians and Americans with opportunities that will help them achieve stability so they can thrive rather than struggle.”
 
“Representatives Thompson and Bonamici have a proven record of putting Americans first, and we thank them for their leadership on this bipartisan bill. It supports strong, successful community programs nationwide and brings local solutions, innovation, opportunity and hope to every corner of the country. The bill also reinforces Community Action’s commitment to performance, accountability and using every federal dollar wisely. Thanks to the steadfast, bipartisan leadership of Representatives Thompson and Bonamici, this bill will be a breath of fresh air for every American community when it passes.”- David Bradley, National Community Action Foundation CEO

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“I am deeply thankful for Congressman GT Thompson, who has consistently been a true champion for Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc. and the Community Services Block Grant. His unwavering support ensures that we can continue to provide vital programs and services like the Weatherization Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, sixteen (16) food pantries, Medical Assistance Transportation Program, and four (4) HUD subsidized housing projects to individuals and families across Clearfield and Centre Counties (10,312 individuals in 2024). Without his advocacy, our ability to meet the growing needs of the community would be severely limited. We are fortunate to have a representative who truly understands and values the impact of community action.” – Michelle Stiner, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Community Action
 
“Congressman Glenn Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Armstrong County Community Action Partnership (ACCAP), consistently recognizing the vital role local organizations play in improving lives and creating stronger, more resilient communities. His support ensures that Armstrong County families have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, including access to nutritious food, which is fundamental to health and stability. ACCAP operates the Armstrong County Foodbank; we have 16 food pantries spread throughout the county. In 2023, our foodbank distributed nearly 12,000 boxes of food, and in 2024, that number rose to nearly 19,000 boxes. That is a 63% increase in one year. Congressman Thompson understands these types of challenges communities face, especially in rural counties like Armstrong. We’re grateful for his continued commitment to the work our agency does every day – lifting people up, fostering self-sufficiency, and building a brighter future for everyone.” – Marlene Petro, Executive Director, Armstrong Country Community Action Partnership
 
“For the last sixty years, the Community Services Block Grant has been a catalytic tool employed across the United States to improve conditions for people with low incomes, empowering them to gain the skills needed to live stable, economically secure lives and be active and engaged members of their local communities. Organizations who steward the block grant in their local service territories have helped set the foundations for individuals and communities to flourish and thrive. Our agency has chosen to adopt food security and agricultural services as a foundational pillar of community health and vitality. Food security work is not simply concerned with the availability of food, but it is also concerned with the nutritional health of that food and how it contributes to the ability of a human being to grow and flourish. We believe that food, farms, and farmers are not only foundational to an individual’s ability to grow and flourish, but also to community health and prosperity. Representative G.T. Thompson’s interest in both agriculture and the Community Services Block Grant speaks to his leadership in these areas and his commitment to ensuring that communities across the nation maintain access to all the resources available that contribute to community and individual prosperity.” – Sandra Curry, Executive Director, Community Partnership, Inc.
 
“Congressman Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Community Action, Inc. and the vital work we do to assist low-income individuals striving for self-sufficiency. His leadership as Vice Chair of the Congressional Community Action Caucus and his dedication to reauthorizing and improving the Community Services Block Grant Program demonstrate his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty. Congressman Thompson’s community-oriented approach, including his active participation in local events and openness to discussing collaborative projects, highlights his role as a true friend of the community. His efforts to expand resources and eligibility for CSBG ensure that the essential services we provide like emergency shelter, weatherization, food assistance and veteran housing assistance remain accessible to those who work hard but need a helping hand. His bipartisan advocacy continues to strengthen the foundation of Community Action, Inc. and uplift countless lives.” – Misty Fleming, CEO, Community Action, Inc.

ABOUT THE BILL
The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 will reauthorize this critical program for ten years and make long-overdue updates to improve federal efforts to reduce poverty. Updates to the CSBG program include:

• Reauthorizing the CSBG Act for 7 years and increases the resources available to CAAs to fulfill the program’s mission
• Permanently raising income eligibility for participation in the CSBG program to 200 percent of the poverty line, which is the current, temporary threshold for the program
• Increasing transparency and accountability for federal CSBG dollars, ensuring states and CAAs are maximizing federal investments
• Authorizing a Broadband Navigator Program to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities
• Requiring federal and state training and technical assistance to be responsive to local economic conditions, including natural disasters, that may create economic insecurity

To read the full bill text, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner: Emma Zacherl, a sophomore at Clarion-Limestone High School.

Ms. Zacherl, of Clarion, won for her water mixable oils painting, titled “Waiting.” An independent panel of judges selected Ms. Zacherl’s work from 72 entries. Ms. Zacherl also took home the top prize in the 2024 art competition. The winners were announced Saturday during an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pa.

“Congratulations to Emma Zacherl on another first-place win in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Thompson said. “Emma is an exceptional artist, and I continue to be impressed by her skills. I look forward to welcoming her again to Washington, D.C. to celebrate this achievement.”

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

Ms. Zacherl’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for one year with winners from each congressional district in the nation. She is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners, which will take place in June.

2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

First Place 
NAME: Emma Zacherl
SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
SUBMISSION: Waiting
HOMETOWN: Clarion, Pa.
TEACHER: Karl Jacobson

Second Place
NAME:  Nefeli Dionysiou Karali
SCHOOL:  DuBois Area Senior High School
SUBMISSION: Feline Feminism
HOMETOWN: DuBois, Pa.
TEACHER: Cheyenne Kanouff

Third Place 
NAME:  Madison Ray
SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
SUBMISSION: Modern Sax
HOMETOWN:  Strattanville, Pa.
TEACHER:  Kendra Zerbe

Fourth Place 
NAME:  Kaleb Gooden
SCHOOL:  Keystone High School
SUBMISSION: Maturity
HOMETOWN: Shippenville, Pa.
TEACHER:  Janet Hockman