Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, Democratic Leaders From Across Nation, Texas Democrats Blast Trump & Abbott for Racist Gerrymandering to Rig Election

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

Headline: Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, Democratic Leaders From Across Nation, Texas Democrats Blast Trump & Abbott for Racist Gerrymandering to Rig Election

Washington, D.C. – The Voting Rights Caucus, led by Co-chairs Rep. Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5), and members Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (TX-15), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), held a press conference on redistricting as Governor Greg Abbott begins a special legislative session on redistricting to rig the election and silence the voices of millions of Texans. 

Republicans have been found in violation of the Voting Rights Act multiple times throughout the decades in Texas and beyond. The special session for redistricting is being held absent of any new census data in a clear ploy by Trump and his lapdog, Abbott, to silence voters after stripping health care from millions with the Big Ugly Bill. 

“This is an attempt to rig an election before the first ballot has been cast” said Congressman Veasey, Co-Chair of the Voting Rights Caucus. “This is an attempt by Trump and Abbott to launch back into Jim Crow by silencing the voices of millions of Texans. They gutted your Medicaid. They took food away from your kids’ mouths. They can’t win fair and square, so they are going to cheat. This isn’t about any one district. This is about the future of our country.” 

The special comes as Trump’s failing policies have made him a historically unpopular President. In a disgusting attempt to disguise this election rigging, Governor Abbott is using the devastating floods as cover for this political power grab. 

Congressmembers Veasey, Crockett, Johnson Demand Accountability and Answers Amid Troubling Reports of DHS Abuse in DFW Ice Processing Center

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

Headline: Congressmembers Veasey, Crockett, Johnson Demand Accountability and Answers Amid Troubling Reports of DHS Abuse in DFW Ice Processing Center

Washington, D.C. – In light of recent troubling reports of inhumane conditions at ICE —including withholding food, water, and medicine, Congressmembers Marc Veasey (TX-33), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Julie Johnson (TX-32) are demanding answers and accountability from Secretary Noem and ICE. 

“Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security have been flippant in their abuses of authority,” said the Congressmembers. “Detaining asylum seekers without cause, and denying them access to medicine, food, water, and legal representation are not only inhumane — they are illegal.”

The full letter is available here: 

Texas Democrats Introduce $15 Billion in Emergency Funding for Texas

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

Headline: Texas Democrats Introduce $15 Billion in Emergency Funding for Texas

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with the Texas Democrat Congressional Delegation, introduced the Texas Flood Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, legislation that would provide $15 billion in targeted emergency funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster response and long-term resilience efforts in communities across Texas affected by this year’s catastrophic flooding.

The bill comes amid growing frustration among local leaders and residents over delays in recovery and resilience funding, even as FEMA currently holds over $100 billion in unobligated funds in its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).

“Texans have been devastated by repeated flooding events, and the road to recovery is long. We cannot let red tape or bureaucratic inertia stand in the way of getting help to the people who need it most,” said Congressman Veasey. “This bill ensures FEMA has dedicated, flexible funding, while also pushing the agency to use its existing resources more effectively and transparently. “It’s unacceptable that FEMA is sitting on over $100 billion while local officials in Texas are still waiting for basic infrastructure and housing support. This bill is about putting that money to work, quickly, responsibly, and in direct coordination with state and local partners.”

“Flooding in the Texas Hill Country has brought devastation and heartbreak to people across Texas,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Texans will continue to grieve the loss of our many friends and neighbors who lost their lives, their homes, their loved ones, and so much more to the rising waters. During this difficult time, our communities have come together in support and partnership, and the federal government is an essential partner in the work to help Texans repair and rebuild lives and communities.  Government at every level has an important role to play in the health, safety, and wellness of our communities, and in times of disaster that role is essential.  The Congress has responded to Texas’ needs in prior disasters with meaningful and essential funding, and I am glad to join Congressman Marc Veasey in introducing legislation to provide $15 billion in FEMA disaster relief funds for Texas to help recover and rebuild.”

The legislation would appropriate $15 billion to FEMA for use on:

  • Immediate disaster response and recovery for counties under major disaster declarations;
  • Individual and Public Assistance programs, including temporary housing and infrastructure repair;
  • Hazard mitigation efforts through FEMA’s BRIC and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs, with priority for flood-prone, low-income Texas communities;
  • Technical assistance to help small and underserved local governments navigate the recovery process.

Rep. Veasey also stressed that the legislation includes strong accountability measures, requiring FEMA to report to Congress every six months on how funds are being used, where they are going, and what unmet needs remain.

Congressman Veasey Testifies at Redistricting Hearing, Slams Racist Mid-Decade Redistricting

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

Headline: Congressman Veasey Testifies at Redistricting Hearing, Slams Racist Mid-Decade Redistricting

Dallas, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) testified at the redistricting field hearing in UT Arlington and spoke out against the mid-decade redistricting power grab scheme proposed by Trump and Abbot. Congressman Veasey was joined by other members of the Texas delegation along with dozens of DFW residents. Congressman Veasey released the following statement post-hearing: 

“I am heartened to see so many DFW area residents come out and speak out to let Abbott and Trump know that we will not silently into the night and have our voices stripped” said Congressman Veasey. “Republicans have the power to stop this racist mid-decade redistricting that spits in the face of the Voting Rights Act. Know this that Trump will not stop in Texas. He will go after minority voters across the nation. But Democrats will use every tool in our arsenal. We will fight to stop this rig-districting and protect the voices of millions.”

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF SECURITY OFFICER ALAND ETIENNE

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Sherman Joins Friedman & Colleagues to Help Restore Planned Parenthood Medicaid Reimbursements

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) joined Representatives Laura Friedman (CA-30), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Chris Pappas (NH-1) in the House, alongside U.S. Senators Tina Smith (MN) and Patty Murray (WA) in the Senate, in helping to introduce the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals the newly enacted federal ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood.

“Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of healthcare in communities all across our nation and it’s under direct attack. This bill will reverse a cruel, politically motivated ban on Medicaid payments that’s jeopardizing access to not just reproductive healthcare, but cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and more,” said Representative Friedman. “We’re fighting to ensure people can continue getting the essential care they count on, no matter who they are or where they live.”

“Republicans are trying to defund Planned Parenthood and rip away health care from millions,” said Congressman Sherman. “I’m proud to join Rep. Friedman and my colleagues to help introduce the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act and reverse their cruel ban against essential care that millions rely on.”

The ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood could leave thousands of patients in every state with no place to seek essential reproductive care and other vital health services. Every year, Planned Parenthood provides healthcare to more than two million people, including STI testing, breast exams, birth control, HPV vaccines, and other critical services. 

The legislation strikes Section 71113 of Republicans’ “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which prohibits federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics that offer reproductive health care alongside other health care. The provision has already put nearly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics at risk of closure, endangering access to healthcare for more than two million patients across the country.

The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom Caucus, All* Above All, Guttmacher Institute, National Abortion Federation, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom for All, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide.

There are 133 original cosponsors of the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act in the House, including Williams*, Pappas*, Amo, Auchincloss, Balint, Barragán, Bell, Beyer, Bonamici, Brownley, Budzinski, Carbajal, Carson, Carter, Case, Casten, Castor, Cherfilus-McCormick, Chu, Cisneros, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Correa, Craig, Crockett, Davids, Davis, DeGette, DelBene, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Doggett, Elfreth, Escobar, Evans, Fletcher, Foushee, Frankel, Frost, Garamendi, Garcia (TX), Goldman, Goodlander, Gottheimer, Horsford, Houlahan, Hoyle, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Jackson, Johnson (GA), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Kennedy, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Larson, Lee (PA), Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Lynch, Mannion, Matsui, McBath, McBride, McClellan, McGovern, McIver, Meeks, Menendez, Meng, Min, Moore, Morelle, Morrison, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Olszewski, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Pingree, Pocan, Pou, Quigley, Ramirez, Randall, Raskin, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schneider, Sewell, Sherman, Sherrill, Simon, Sorensen, Soto, Stansbury, Stanton, Stevens, Strickland, Sykes, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson (CA), Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Torres (NY), Torres (CA), Trahan, Underwood, Veasey, Velázquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Watson Coleman, Wilson.

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Read More (Rep. Steube and Sen. Risch Introduce Freedom from Government Surveys Act)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

July 29, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined with Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho) today in introducing the Freedom from Government Surveys Act. This bill reforms the Census Bureau by making voluntary the American Community Survey (ACS) and abolishing financial penalties for non-respondents.“No American should ever be penalized or harassed for exercising their right to privacy,” said Rep. Steube. “Every year, the Census Bureau forces more than 3 million citizens to either pay a steep fine or answer deeply personal questions about their private lives. I am honored to partner with Senator Risch on this bill to rein in Washington and protect Americans from unreasonable inquiries.”The Freedom from Government Surveys Act is the House companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Senator James E. Risch.“It is unacceptable for the federal government to punish Idahoans for protecting their personal, private details from intrusive surveys,” said Senator Risch. “My Freedom from Government Surveys Act abolishes burdensome and unnecessary fines on Idahoans who exercise their right to privacy.” Background: The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the ACS every year for the purpose of collecting information on localities in the United States. Approximately 3.5 million Americans are surveyed as part of the ACS. Under current law, citizens who refuse to participate in or complete the ACS often face harassment from the Census Bureau and the possibility of financial penalties.Examples of ACS survey questions:

“Does [the respondent] have difficulty dressing or bathing?”
“What time [does the respondent’s] trip to work usually begin, and how many minutes [does] it usually take [the respondent] to get from home to work?”
“In the past 12 months, what were the actual sales of all agricultural products from this property?”
“About how much do you think this house and lot, apartment, or mobile home (and lot, if owned) would sell for if it were for sale?”
Which fuel is used most for heating this house, apartment, or mobile home?”

Read the full bill text here.

Congressman Baird Joins EPA Administrator Zeldin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Governor Mike Braun to Unveil Historic Deregulation Efforts to Reverse EV Mandates

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Joins EPA Administrator Zeldin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Governor Mike Braun to Unveil Historic Deregulation Efforts to Reverse EV Mandates

Indianapolis, IN, July 29, 2025

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana Motor Trucking Association President Gary Langston, and Chairman of the Indiana House Environmental Affairs Committee Beau Baird as the EPA put forward its proposal to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which has been used to justify over one trillion dollars’ worth of costly, burdensome regulations, including the Biden Administration’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Wright, the Environmental Protection Agency has made a commitment to roll back the sweeping Obama-era regulations that paved the way for the Biden Administration’s authoritarian EV mandates and have cost Americans over one trillion dollars,” said Congressman Baird. “Once again, President Trump’s Administration is standing up for common sense and American consumers and automakers. I thank Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Wright for their historic deregulation efforts that will boost the great American auto industry, implement sound energy policies, and lower costs for American families.”

More information on the EPA’s proposal can be found here.
 

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Rep. Peters Calls for Immediate Action to End Starvation of Palestinians

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

San Diego, CA – Today, Rep. Scott Peters released the following statement regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

“It is long past time to end the Gaza conflict, with the return of all hostages and the end of military operations. But an active war zone is no excuse for not doing everything possible to prevent the unnecessary suffering confronting Palestinians who are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas.

This week’s announcement of multiple air drops and aid convoys, humanitarian pauses in fighting, and the designation of secure routes for the wider dissemination of assistance provides renewed hope. But hundreds of truckloads of aid are currently sitting at the Gaza border waiting to be distributed. This is unacceptable.

There must be immediate action to deliver the desperately needed humanitarian aid to the starving. Now is the time for Israel, the United Nations, the Trump Administration, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and all who have the responsibility and ability, together to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And Hamas must not interfere with or weaponize the delivery of this aid.

There is no justification for delay.”

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REPS. HILL, CRAWFORD, WESTERMAN, AND WOMACK THANK USDA FOR SWIFT SCREWWORM RESPONSE, ENCOURAGE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION FACILITY TO PROTECT ARKANSAS FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), along with Rep. Crawford (AR-01), Rep. Westerman (AR-04), and Rep. Womack (AR-03), sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins thanking the administration for its prompt and effective leadership in responding to the northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) and urging full consideration of establishing a domestic NWS production facility within the United States.

Rep. Hill said, “Protecting Arkansas ranchers and farmers from the devastating impacts screwworms would have on their livestock is critical, which is why I raised their concerns with senior officials during my recent trip to Mexico. The Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins have responded swiftly and effectively, and I’m confident they’ll give full consideration to a domestic screwworm production facility. Investing in American infrastructure puts our farmers and ranchers first, puts America first, and strengthens our national security.”

Background:
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that feeds on the flesh of living animals, causing severe wounds and, if untreated, death. NWS was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s but has recently resurfaced north of its containment barrier in Panama, reaching southern Mexico.

In March 2025, the USDA suspended livestock imports from Mexico due to the NWS threat. Later, the USDA announced plans for a dispersal facility in south Texas, which would release sterile NWS to eradicate their reproduction. While a domestic dispersal facility has been announced, a domestic production facility for sterile NWS has not.

In June, Secretary Rollins and her department outlined a broader strategy to prevent the spread of NWS into the United States, including the potential for an NWS production facility. To fully implement this strategy, this letter encourages the USDA to move forward with a domestic production facility to protect our farmers and ranchers and to safeguard livestock herds in Arkansas and across America.

Read the full letter HERE.