MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

“Today, the nation mourns the loss and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Alexis M. Herman. My thoughts and prayers are with her three children and extended family during this difficult time. 

“Alexis, who lived a life of service, became the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor under the Clinton Administration. I had the privilege of working alongside her with Rev. Jesse Jackson and later in Congress, and witnessed firsthand her tenacity and compassion. She was also a devoted leader within the National Council of Negro Women. Throughout her work, she broke barriers not only for Black women but for all women who followed her into public service roles. 

“Alexis championed initiatives that promoted minority women’s employment within businesses, establishing diversity as a crucial hiring objective long before it became a widespread practice. Her leadership in this area has transformed countless workplaces across our nation. Her steadfast dedication to workplace equity, fair labor practices, and economic opportunity for all Americans set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire those in public service today. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved her.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released a statement in response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a restructuring of the State Department, which includes the elimination of 132 bureaus and offices and which follows the dismantling of USAID. Her statement follows:

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent announcement about significantly cutting back the U.S. State Department’s presence around the world is a shortsighted abandonment of our nation’s global leadership, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. By eliminating the Bureau of African Affairs after dismantling USAID programs, we jeopardize our diplomatic ties and public presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions and also create serious vulnerabilities in our national security.

“The United States has invested in African peace-building efforts, humanitarian assistance, and global health initiatives for decades with bipartisan support, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it serves our national interest. What Secretary Rubio is suggesting would undo decades of progress and send a clear message to the world that the U.S. is no longer a dependable partner in global development and diplomacy.

“Recent cuts to programs like PEPFAR, which saved millions of lives, tell our strategic partners and allies we are retreating from the world stage. This sudden abandonment of global leadership creates a void that is likely to be filled by bad actors, including China and Russia. 

“This Administration is dismantling our soft power, sidelining diplomatic expertise, and attempting to silence the voices of global health, development, and human rights advocates in the United States and around the world. This is not reform, it’s retreat! Congress cannot be complicit and stand idly by. We need congressional oversight and public opposition to uphold America’s long-defined values on the world stage. 

“I will continue to fight – along with my colleagues in Congress, the diplomatic community, human rights advocates, and the American public – to stop these reckless cuts and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to principled, proactive global leadership.” 

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

Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues mass firings of federal employees, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, today introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to strengthen Congress’ authority to protect workers and override federal staffing cuts implemented without consultation.

The Reduction in Force (RIF) Review Act empowers Congress to overrule any president’s workforce cuts at all federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services. The bill makes RIF plans subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and bolsters Congressional oversight of the executive branch’s actions.

“Donald Trump and co-President Elon Musk are engaged in a lawless and reckless restructuring of the federal workforce. By firing thousands of federal workers, they are dismantling the infrastructure supporting Social Security, veterans’ healthcare, and our entire government. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are sitting by and refusing to perform their duty under the Constitution to provide a check on this President. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Merkley to introduce the Reduction in Force Review Act, which will restore Congress’ role in overseeing major changes to the federal workforce. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which I’ve been fighting to protect as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, protect ordinary Americans from financial scams and predatory lenders. If Republicans want to declare open season on working families, they should at least have to vote on it,” said Waters.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, led the Senate introduction of the RIF Review Act.

“Trump and his unelected billionaire sidekick Elon Musk’s reckless decision to fire tens of thousands of federal employees threatens the critical services that families, veterans, seniors, and children rely on,” said Merkley. “This isn’t about fiscal responsibility—it’s about cruelly shifting resources away from those who need them most to the very richest among us. Gutting resources and staff from vital programs is not resulting in better services or increased efficiency, but is instead causing pain for folks in Oregon and across the country. Congress must step in and exercise its oversight of the executive branch.”

The RIF Review Act makes an agency’s reduction in force plan subject to a vote in both houses of Congress under the CRA process and enhances existing RIF reporting requirements to include:

• The specific reasons for the reduction in force;
• The anticipated impact of the reduction in force on the employees and operations of the federal agency;
• Any alternatives to the reduction in force that the federal agency considered, including the reasons that the federal agency rejected those alternatives;
• A summary of the consultations that the federal agency has held with employees of the federal agency who will be affected by the reduction in force (or representatives of those employees); and
• A summary of how the reduction in force will impact employees of the Federal agency who are veterans.

In addition to Waters and Merkley, the RIF Review Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). 

The RIF Review Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, SEIU, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

“The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security. This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to support the RIF Review Act to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.

“DOGE’s illegal firings are an attack on federal workers and on the communities across the country who rely on them. Veterans will be left waiting even longer for care, and the workers who ensure our food is safe and water is clean have been fired. If these cuts are not overturned, we’ll see seniors waiting for delayed Social Security checks, and kids and teachers going without vital school programs. The RIF Review Act is critical to stopping these reckless cuts and restoring the jobs that make these programs work. We urge Congress to act now: stand with working people and support this bill or let the Trump administration and an unelected billionaire dismantle the essential services that millions of Americans count on,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

“This administration’s war on the services that Americans rely on is despicable,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the NTEU. “These illegal mass firings not only harm thousands of dedicated civil servants across the country, but also millions of taxpayers who need these services and local communities who will suffer from increased unemployment. I applaud Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Waters for their leadership in ensuring that Congress can step in and stop these efforts before it’s too late.”

Full text of the RIF Review Act can be found by clicking here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09) and Dan Meuser (PA-09) this week introduced a resolution to designate May 8th as National Scam Survivor Day.  

“Last year, 2.6 million Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to scams,” said Steil. “I commend each American who has spoken out to raise awareness after falling victim to scams.  We must continue to share our experiences to prevent common scams and block new ones as they arise. I will continue working to prevent others from falling victim to scams.” 

The National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories to combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.  

“Criminals are getting better and better at scamming our families, especially our seniors, out of their hard-earned money. It’s completely unacceptable and has to be stopped,” said Harder. “By creating a National Scam Survivor Day, we can remove the stigma around falling victim to scams and help hold these criminals accountable.”

Meuser said, “Scammers stole over $12 billion from hardworking Americans in 2024 alone—including $400 million from Pennsylvanians—targeting seniors, veterans, and young adults. Financial institutions work tirelessly to educate and protect their customers, but as scams become more sophisticated, so must our response. National Scam Survivor Day is about standing with victims, raising awareness, and demanding stronger action from Congress and law enforcement to stop these criminals and protect families across the country.”

CLICK HERE to read the resolution.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon’s Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) Passes House

Offers Real Solutions to Terrorism and Mass Shootings

Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) secured House passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA), H.R.2243, with a 229-193 vote. The bipartisan legislation includes seventeen Republican members as cosponsors and was co-led by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28).

The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act will improve public safety by allowing qualified law enforcement officers who have committed themselves to our communities the opportunity to continue doing so by extending their concealed carry privileges. The legislation removes existing prohibitions and will allow trained professionals to respond quickly to emergencies, should they happen to be in public places such as shopping malls, school zones, mass transit, etc. During the 118th Congress, the LEOSA Reform Act was passed by the House of Representatives in a 221-185 vote. 

“I’m pleased today the House passed my bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act, which offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit,” said Rep. Bacon. “These measured changes will make existing law stronger and more workable for those who seek its benefits while maintaining the rigorous standards that currently apply. I want to thank Rep. Henry Cuellar for his support of this important legislation. I also want to thank our extensive list of local and national law enforcement organizations supporting the LEOSA Reform Act.” 

Locally, the sheriffs of the three counties for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and other law enforcement agencies support the legislation: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, Omaha Police Association President Patrick Dempsey, and Nebraska State FOP President Anthony Connor.  

The bill also was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), The Air Marshal Association, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI,International Association of Chiefs of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA).

###

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

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to the House floor to hold House Republicans accountable for refusing to follow the law and honor the heroes who protected the United States Capitol on January 6.

JEFFRIES: Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H.Con.Res.33, a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to install at a permanent location on the Western Front of the United States Capitol building, an honorific plaque listing the names of all of the officers of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and protective entities who responded to the violence that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 and ask for its immediate consideration of the House. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry?

This is Police Week, pursuant to Public Law 87-726, enacted on October 1 of 1962. Police Week here in the United States Congress, where Congress honors the courage, the bravery, the service, the sacrifice and the heroism of members of law enforcement. Is that correct?

Do the House rules require compliance with the 2022 Public Law 117-103, signed by the President at the time, that requires a plaque listing the name of all police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 to be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building? Do the House rules require compliance with that public law?

We appear to be in violation of the House rules, given that the law that was passed in 2022 required that a plaque honoring those heroic police officers be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building no later than March 15, 2023. But 791 days have passed, and this Republican Congress has refused to comply with the law. It’s time to honor those heroic officers. It’s unconscionable, it’s unpatriotic, it’s unfathomable, it’s unacceptable and it’s un-American. And you need to honor those officers and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Full exchange can be watched here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) reintroduced the Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act, legislation that directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate how federal agencies use Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and their efficacy in advancing our nation’s clean energy goals. While RECs, certifications that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable source and delivered to the grid, have become a common tool for meeting renewable energy targets, there is still limited information on whether they are delivering real and measurable climate benefits. Brownley’s bill aims to provide Congress with the data needed to ensure that RECs are being used effectively, transparently, and in a way that maximizes environmental impact.

“Renewable Energy Certificates were created to help expand and stimulate the growth of the green energy market. Currently, RECs offer federal agencies and other entities a flexible tool to meet statutory and administrative energy procurement requirements, helping reduce emissions without the complexities of procuring renewable energy directly,” said Congresswoman Brownley.

“As the single largest energy user in the United States, the federal government has a responsibility to use RECs as intended. My bill calls for federal agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of RECs and assess the extent of their use across the federal government, which will provide Congress with critical data to improve federal energy policy.

“My bill will ensure the wise and effective use of taxpayer funds, while also improving RECs market-wide and helping to build a stronger, more sustainable clean energy future.”

Under requirements in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, federal agencies have worked to increase the percentage of energy they procured from climate-friendly sources. To accomplish these goals, many federal agencies turned to RECs. However, research and reporting have raised concerns that RECs may not be meaningfully reducing emissions as intended. The Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act addresses these concerns by directing the GAO to analyze the effectiveness of RECs in advancing federal clean energy objectives.

The text of the Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act can be found here.

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Climate Crisis, Energy and Environment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act, legislation to ensure that disaster survivors can access temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) without delays caused by the determination of their insurance status.

“From the recent wildfires in California to hurricanes and floods across the country, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “When families are forced to evacuate or lose their homes, they’re already facing immense stress and uncertainty. They deserve immediate support, not bureaucratic delays while FEMA determines their insurance status.

“Survivors should not be penalized for having insurance. They should be able to access help without unnecessary obstacles. My bill ensures that temporary housing assistance reaches people when they need it most, so they can begin to rebuild their lives as possible and get the support they need without unnecessary delays.”

Under current law, FEMA cannot provide temporary housing assistance to individuals with insurance unless it is confirmed that their policy does not cover the same expenses. Survivors often face weeks or months of delay waiting for insurance determinations, leaving them without critical housing support.

Brownley’s legislation addresses this problem by clarifying that pending or potential insurance coverage should not delay FEMA’s ability to provide temporary housing. The bill would ensure that assistance is provided quickly and equitably to all eligible disaster survivors, regardless of insurance status.

Background

FEMA’s Temporary Housing Assistance program, offered through the Individuals and Households Program, provides rental assistance and other forms of shelter to individuals impacted by Presidentially-declared disasters. However, under FEMA’s current interpretation of the Stafford Act, individuals with insurance must wait for a determination before accessing these resources.

The FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act would streamline FEMA’s process, accelerate the delivery of aid, and eliminate unnecessary administrative barriers.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief

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

“As we celebrate the 20th year of Jewish American Heritage Month, I am proud to open the doors of understanding to everyone about all the remarkable contributions that generations of Jewish Americans made to shape our nation’s history, culture and society,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This celebration is also one of the most effective ways to combat rising antisemitism, as Jews and non-Jews alike come to learn about all the amazing Jewish Americans who served in pivotal government and military posts, won Nobel prizes, led universities and corporations, developed lifechanging inventions, authored great American novels, and worked to advance America’s noble experiment in democracy. I am so proud to join my bipartisan House colleagues in this effort.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of Abraham Accords Caucus, led 27 fellow House Democrats on a letter to President Trump urging him to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately restore the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

The letter notes Israel is fighting an existential war. “Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages,” the members wrote. “At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace”

“There will not be peace as long as Hamas reigns terror over Gaza and seeks to destroy Israel,” added Rep. Schneider. “As Israel works to defeat and dismantle Hamas, it must also facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Just as it is crucial for food, water, and medicines to get to civilians, it is imperative that Hamas, and gangs affiliated with Hamas, are not allowed to hijack future aid entering the Strip.” 

Members who signed the letter include Reps. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-07), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Rick Larsen (WA-02), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brittany Petterson (CO-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

The full letter text is below.

Dear President Trump: 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal and unprovoked war on Israel, murdering civilians and kidnapping hundreds of hostages. More than 40 Americans were killed, 13 were taken hostage, and five still remain unaccounted for. Presently, 59 hostages are still held in Gaza, of which 24 are presumed living and languishing in Hamas’s tunnels, enduring unspeakable abuse and terror. 

Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages. At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace.  

You recently highlighted the ongoing humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. We appreciate your recognition of the urgent need for food, water, and medicine to reach civilians — and we agree. The World Food Program recently announced that its warehouses are now empty, and many civilians are suffering from lack of access to food and clean water. It is vital for humanitarian assistance to again get to those in need, even amid the ongoing conflict. We also urge you to keep your recent commitment “to help the people of Gaza get some food.” 

We recognize that restoring humanitarian aid must coexist with the campaign to return the hostages and defeat Hamas. Failing to ensure aid reaches civilians risks greater humanitarian catastrophe, strengthens Hamas’s false narratives, risks Israel’s international standing, and undermines the moral clarity of the need to dismantle Hamas and bring hopes for peace and prosperity to the region. The United States must both stand with our allies and uphold our values, including protecting civilian life. Ensuring the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid, while continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its fight against terrorism, is essential to returning the hostages while preserving our shared commitment to security, justice, and human dignity.  

We respectfully urge you to continue speaking out about the importance of restoring humanitarian assistance and to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu to enable the delivery of life-saving food, water, and medicine to civilians in Gaza without delay. Your leadership at this critical moment can help save lives, reinforce America’s steadfast support for both our values and our allies, and support Israel’s vital mission to dismantle Hamas and bring every hostage home. 

###