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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

3 in 5 California parents live in a child care desert

California ranks in the top 5 states with highest child care costs

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09), a dad of two young daughters, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to cut skyrocketing child care costs. The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act lowers costs by investing in the child care workforce and infrastructure to help ensure that access to care meets high demand. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

In California, child care is both difficult to find and highly unaffordable. 60% of California parents live in a child care desert, and the state ranks among the top five most expensive in the nation for child care costs. This crisis is estimated to cost California’s economy $17 billion every year.

“As a dad to two young daughters, my wife and I know firsthand how expensive child care has gotten. Parents are left in a very tough spot trying to find safe, quality child care centers,” said Rep. Harder. “Parents should be able to pay a reasonable price to drop their little ones off at daycare and know they will be safe. This bill is a must-pass for every working parent – we need to get this done.”

“American families should never have to choose between affordable childcare and the quality their children deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan and bicameral Child Care Workforce Facilities Act directly confronts the untenable challenges facing childcare in our nation by establishing competitive grant programs that strengthen caregiver education, expand childcare facilities, and bolster the dedicated workforce at the heart of our children’s development. This targeted investment will address shortages in our PA-1 community and nationwide, building a stronger foundation for America’s children, families, and future.”

The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act addresses the shortage of affordable child care and qualified child care providers, especially in underserved communities, by:

• Creating $100 million in new grants to support:
  • Education, training, and retention of child care professionals.
  • Construction, renovation, and expansion of child care facilities in areas like the Central Valley where there is a shortage of child care.
• Requiring grant recipients to demonstrate how their projects would:
  • Make quality child care more affordable and accessible in their community, especially for parents who work non-traditional hours.
  • Expand career opportunities and flexibility for child care professionals by helping workers obtain portable, stackable credentials.
• Improving retention and compensation for child care workers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — and Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-Tenn.) announced the establishment of the “Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events,” which will conduct oversight of the federal government’s security preparations for major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the 2025 Ryder Cup, the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, and the 2027 National Football League (NFL) draft. The task force will be chaired by Vice Chairman McCaul, with other bipartisan task force members to be announced in the coming days. 

Members of the task force plan to visit select event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings as part of the committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events. 

“As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it’s imperative that we make robust security preparations to ensure Americans — and millions of international guests — can safely enjoy their experience,” said Vice Chairman McCaul. “While these events provide a unique opportunity to showcase the United States’ global leadership and commitment to excellence, they can also attract increased threats as our adversaries and other malign actors seek to exploit and sabotage them. I’m proud our committee is addressing these challenges head-on, in close coordination with the administration, to empower all levels of our government, law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders to execute events that are spirited, seamless, and — most importantly — safe.”

“Over the next four years, major cities across America will host a historic number of international events, with millions of guests from across the globe visiting our communities. While this is an important opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism, we have seen time and time again that mass-spectator events can present unique challenges for law enforcement and prime opportunities for America’s adversaries. From the Boston Marathon bombing and ISIS threats against the recent Paris Olympics, to the New Year’s Day attack in advance of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, it is of the utmost importance that we learn from the past and ensure the federal government leads robust and coordinated security efforts alongside state and local officials, emergency managers, and all levels of law enforcement to stay ahead of threats in the coming months,” said Chairman Green. 

“With jurisdiction over DHS, including the Secret Service, FEMA, and TSA, this Committee has an important oversight role when it comes to ensuring the success of President Trump’s newly announced DHS FIFA task force. I look forward to undertaking this essential, bipartisan mission alongside my colleagues to ensure the safety of Americans and international visitors alike during their travel to, and participation in, these events,” Chairman Green continued.

Background: 

In March, President Trump created the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Executive Order 14234. The task force, housed within the Department of Homeland Security, “shall coordinate with executive departments and agencies (agencies) to assist in the planning, organization, and execution of the events surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The Congressional task force will work to buttress those efforts through legislative means, including oversight. 

Prior to Congress, Congressman McCaul served as chief of counter terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. And during the 113th-115th Congresses, he served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, leading the investigations into the Boston bombing to correct deficiencies at the FBI and CIA, and revamping how these agencies communicate with one another. He also led the Foreign Fighter Task Force, which enabled rapid legislative responses to the Paris Attacks.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — and Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) announced the introduction of H.R. 3068, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act. The legislation modernizes missile technology export controls by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers — bolstering U.S. national security while ensuring our allies are equipped to address shared security threats in a timely manner. 

“The Chinese Communist Party is working at lightning speed to advance its military apparatus — and it does not play fair,” said Rep. McCaul. “The Mission Technology Control Revision Act empowers the United States and its allies to meet that generational challenge head-on by removing burdensome red tape that slows down the transfer of critical military technologies. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will strengthen crucial partnerships like the AUKUS defense pact and deter the CCP’s malign activity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

“The threats our nation faces have evolved over time; therefore, our approach to keeping America safe must evolve as well,” said Rep. Bill Huizenga. “We cannot allow bureaucratic red tape to hinder our national security. By modernizing the Missile Technology Control Regime to meet the security challenges of today, we can strengthen our defense capabilities and increase our cooperation with our allies, especially Australia and the United Kingdom. The Missile Technology Control Revision Act can act as a force multiplier that allows the United States and our closest allies to address the security challenges we face today and in the future.” 

Background:

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was signed in 1987 and is a non-binding political arrangement designed to curtail exports and proliferation of WMD delivery vehicles and the underlying technologies. Unfortunately, the MTCR has no independent means to verify whether states adhere to its guidelines or a mechanism to penalize member states if they violate them.  

The MTCR was established to prevent the proliferation of missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, but in practice, its strict implementation through the Arms Export Control Act has often limited the United States’ ability to share certain missile-related technologies, such as advanced drones and space launch systems, with close allies. At the same time, countries like China and Russia, which have a history of violating MTCR norms, have continued to export similar technologies with fewer constraints. This disparity has complicated U.S. efforts to deepen defense cooperation and technology sharing through alliances like NATO, Five Eyes, and AUKUS. 

Reps. McCaul and Huizenga’s legislation amends the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to allow for expedited defense trade with countries the president determines to be eligible for a defense trade exemption. Additionally, the bill includes a statement of policy that the US shall no longer apply a “presumption of denial” for MTCR items to NATO, major non-NATO allies, and Five Eyes members.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced Lucy Rees — a junior from Lago Vista High School — as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ 10th Congressional District. Lucy titled her artwork “Cowpoke” — a depiction of her grandfather working as a cowboy during the 1970s.

“Congratulations to this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner, Lucy Rees,” said Rep. McCaul. “Lucy’s illustration of her grandfather beautifully depicts a cowboy with a powerful work ethic and points to family commitment — values at the heart of what it means to be a Texan. I am so inspired by the many young, talented artists in my district — including this year’s runners-up — and I look forward to seeing Lucy’s artwork on display in the Capitol.”

“Cowpoke” by Lucy Rees

Background:

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in high school-aged students throughout the country. The winning selection will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside artwork from students across the nation. Additionally, first-place Congressional Art Competition winners and one guest receive round-trip tickets to attend the National Reception in Washington, D.C. in June.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) introduced a resolution recognizing May 2025 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

“Among all childhood cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death, with a mere 25% survival rate — an unacceptable reality that no child or their family should have to face,” said Rep. McCaul. “For years, I’ve fought to prioritize essential investments into cancer research, because far too many patients are left with limited options and little hope. This resolution is a step forward in raising awareness and advancing life-saving research to beat cancer once and for all.”

“Nearly 4,000 Illinois residents are diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system tumor each year. These cases wreak havoc on their patients’ physical, mental, and financial health,” said Rep. Quigley. “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution each year to honor those who have lost their lives to these tumors and advocate for further research to defeat this disease.”

Background:

Each year, tens of thousands of Americans receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis which carries a five-year survival rate of only 36 percent for malignant tumors. Today, more than one million people in the United States are estimated to be living with a primary brain tumor and approximately 94,000 more will be diagnosed in 2025. Unfortunately, mortality rates associated with brain tumors have changed little in recent decades. They remain the leading cause of death from cancer in children and teens.

In addition to encouraging increased public awareness and expressing support for individuals battling brain tumors, Reps. McCaul and Quigley’s resolution urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research. This will harness advances made both by private, non-profit research foundations and federally supported medical research institutions.

Click here to read the full resolution text.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — released the following statement on the signing of a historic economic partnership agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine.

“The signing of today’s long-awaited minerals deal is a proud moment for Americans, Ukrainians, and all peace-loving people around the world. The result of months of tireless work, this historic deal will strengthen the partnership between our two nations, help Ukraine rebuild and restore its communities, and ensure the American taxpayer benefits from the United States’ investment in freedom. It also telegraphs a strong message to the Kremlin that this administration is not messing around; Putin must stop his incessant attacks on Ukraine, come to the table, and work toward peace – today.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV:

“Joyfully, people around the world have learned of a new Pope elected by one of the largest and most diverse conclaves ever — and the first American pope in history.

“For many of us, the name Leo XIV happily brings to mind Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum which was a blessing for working people. And it is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: ‘God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.’

“In his own words, Pope Leo XIV said, ‘We can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone.’ 

“Let us thank God for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and for this vision of unity. All of us hope and pray for the success of His Holiness and his vision for the Church.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sat down with Politico Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist Jonathan Martin at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to discuss the future of the United States’ relationship with NATO at POLITICO’s Securing Europe: NATO’s Next Steps Event.

“If we as the United States of America do not honor our commitments, I don’t know how we expect people to honor their commitments to us,” Speaker Emerita Pelosi said.

Read coverage of the event below:

Politico: Pelosi warns the US needs NATO too
[Eric Bazail-Eimil, 5/7/25]

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday warned that the United States cannot afford to neglect its commitment to mutual defense to its NATO allies in the face of Russian provocations.

Speaking at a POLITICO event on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, the former House speaker acknowledged that President Donald Trump has spoken “frivolously” about the alliance in the past. Yet the San Francisco Democrat insisted that the U.S. has to support the alliance — and the commitment to mutual defense enshrined in its Article 5 — because the U.S. also needs to know it will have help in future crises.

“If we as the United States of America do not honor our commitments. I don’t know how we expect people to honor their commitments to us,” Pelosi said.

She noted that NATO countries came to the United States’ defense following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying, “They didn’t ask us how much we were giving to NATO or anything else. They just honored Article 5.” Those attacks were the only time that the alliance has invoked Article 5.

In reference to Canada, Pelosi blasted Trump’s comments about mutual defense for countries that haven’t met the alliance’s 2 percent of GDP defense spending target. “I don’t think that the president of the United States should say to a NATO country, if you haven’t paid 2 percent, I say to Russia, have at them,” she said.

Pelosi also said that “I don’t think the door has been shut on” repairing ties between the U.S. and NATO member states.

Yet she also needled the White House in more humorous ways, striking a more sardonic tone for other Trump administration moves toward the alliance. Dismissing the Trump administration’s efforts to potentially annex Greenland, Pelosi quipped that there are “more people [who] think that Elvis Presley is alive in the United States than Greenlanders who think they want to be part of the United States.”

She also voiced some measured praise for more conciliatory comments from Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday regarding the transatlantic alliance and peace in Ukraine. Vance had shocked allies in a February speech to the Munich Security Conference — which also organized Wednesday’s meeting — where he assailed Europe for encroaching on free speech and being lackluster partners to the United States.

When he spoke to the group Wednesday, Vance instead insisted both Europe and the United States are on the “same civilizational team.” He added, “It’s completely ridiculous to think that you’re ever going to be able to drive a firm wedge between the United States and Europe.”

“It was a better approach,” Pelosi said about Vance’s comments. “I would say it was well received.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi signed a discharge petition that would force an up-or-down vote in the House to protect Medicaid and food assistance from devastating budget cuts.

“It is shameful that House Republicans are moving forward with their plan to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors while making hardworking American families foot the bill by ripping away health care from millions and taking food away from children,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Some House Republicans have said that they oppose these devastating cuts. If they are serious, they should join House Democrats in forcing an up-or-down vote on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act: legislation that would protect these vital basic needs initiatives.”

In San Francisco, the Republican budget puts 162,583 people, including 33,336 children and 44,000 seniors at risk of losing Medicaid coverage. It also threatens 5.4 million Californians who rely on food assistance to help them make ends meet.

A discharge petition forces an up-or-down vote on pending legislation that Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to consider. If four House Republicans sign this discharge petition, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act will be considered in the House immediately.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced her bill to require retail establishments to provide individuals who have medical conditions requiring immediate access to restrooms, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis, access to employee-only bathrooms when such establishments do not have public facilities. The individual would need to present documentation of their medical condition and the bill will include provisions to protect the safety of employees.

“Individuals living with chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, IBS and ulcerative colitis often need immediate access to restrooms,” Norton said. “When public restrooms are not available, these individuals should be able to use facilities that are reserved for employees.”

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar legislation.

Norton’s introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Restroom Access Act of 2025

May 8, 2025

Today, I introduce the Restroom Access Act of 2025, which would require a retail establishment to provide an individual who has a medical condition requiring immediate use of a restroom, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, access to an employee-only restroom when such an establishment does not have a public restroom. Individuals would be required to present a Department of Labor-issued identification card certifying that they have an eligible medical condition.

Individuals who have certain medical conditions need immediate access to a restroom. When public restrooms are not available, these individuals may experience uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. As long as there are no safety concerns, which this bill addresses, these individuals should be able to use an employee-only restroom.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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