Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR) joined her fellow Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus – including Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Donald Beyer (D-VA) – at a press conference to officially launch the Caucus for the 119th Congress. The Members, standing side-by-side with representatives from leading mental health advocacy organizations, delivered remarks about the state of mental health and addiction in America and the potential for bipartisan progress on this issue. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) also serves as Caucus Co-Chair along with Reps. Salinas, Bacon, and Beyer.
Click here to watch a recording and here for usable photos from today’s press conference
“Mental health is an issue where bipartisan consensus is still possible. I remain very hopeful. We’ve seen how these problems have affected our own families, neighborhoods, and communities – and we all share a similar goal: Putting an end to the mental health and addiction crisis once and for all,” said Rep. Salinas. “I am optimistic and excited about the road ahead. Because we have partners, parents, providers and yes – even politicians – who want to see change and are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on commonsense solutions.
“We do have a mental health crisis in our country, and I think it’s pretty clear to all of us that we have underfunded mental health care,” said. Rep. Bacon. “I look forward to working with our Co-Chairs and all of you to improve our mental health capabilities in this country. We know the problem. That means we can find the solution.”
“We want this to be the largest Caucus on the Hill. We should have every Democrat and every Republican in it because every family, if you look just hard enough, you’ll find that they’re dealing with some kind of mental health concern… and I think we all agree that the health system is failing,” said Rep. Beyer. “We do a very poor job at dealing with serious mental illness in this country. That’s why I’m so grateful that my colleagues [Reps. Salinas, Bacon, and Gonzales], and the many, many other Democrats and Republicans who have signed up to be part of this [Caucus], have come together with our mental health professionals and our industry leaders to really try to make a difference.”
Several mental health professionals and advocates also spoke at the press conference, including Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., President-Elect of the American Psychiatry Association (APA), Michael Linskey, Director of Congressional Affairs at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Laurel Stine, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and Tim Clement, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America (MHA).
Chaired by Reps. Salinas, Bacon, Beyer, and Gonzales, the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum where Members of Congress and their staff can work together to raise awareness and find solutions to the mental and behavioral health crisis in America. A full list of Caucus Members can be found here.
To receive updates and learn more about the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, you can visit the Caucus’ website or follow the Caucus on Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore, a Roman Catholic, issued the following statement after the election of Pope Leo XIV:
“Habemus papam & Deo gratias — an American has been elected to the chair of St. Peter!
“I pray the Lord blesses the Holy Father with the great wisdom and unyielding courage necessary to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
“Here’s to many years of good health for Pope Leo XIV as he shepherds our universal church as the Vicar of Christ.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Ben Cline (R-VA) today reintroduced the bipartisan Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act to establish a federal grant program to support conservation of birds and habitats in urban areas.
“Birds play an important role in our ecosystems and our everyday lives, and we all have an opportunity and a responsibility to make our communities safer places for birds and people to live together,” Dingell said. “Unfortunately, we have lost nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, and we need to take serious action to address this crisis. The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act will provide federal funding to cities, community organizations, and other groups doing important work to restore bird habitat, and most importantly, educate communities about the small steps we can all take to protect bird populations for generations to come.”
“Birds play an important role in our environment, and responsible conservation efforts can help preserve migratory patterns and reduce the risk of avian illnesses,” Cline said. “These efforts should be led locally by individuals and municipalities who understand the needs of their communities. As we codify existing partnerships through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we must ensure that any federal support remains targeted, transparent, and accountable to the taxpayer.”
In North America, one in four breeding birds has been lost since 1970. The widespread loss and degradation of habitat is the biggest driver of bird population decline. Restoring bird habitat in urban areas can make a significant difference in conserving bird populations.
The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act would make $1,000,000 available annually through a competitive grant program to eligible entities, including Tribal, State, or municipal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, to promote urban bird conservation. Specifically, the grant program aims to:
protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;
reduce urban hazards to birds; and
educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas
The bill is endorsed by the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Bird Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited.
“Every spring, billions of birds migrate across the United States, sometimes as many as 500 million in a single night. For them to safely complete their journeys, our communities must not only offer safe passage but also provide critical places to rest, nest, and feed along the way,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. “With bird populations down 30 percent since 1970, it’s essential that legislation like the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act becomes law and give communities the tools we need to create healthy bird habitat in our neighborhoods. Thank you to Reps. Dingell and Cline for your leadership and commitment to protecting our nation’s birds. We look forward to seeing this important bill move forward in Congress.”
“As wildlife habitats shrink across the country, it is increasingly important to protect and expand existing habitat and ensure safe passage for birds,” said Abby Tinsley, vice president for conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “For migrating birds, rural and urban parks and greenways offer places to feed and rest on their journeys, and many species rely on them year-round. This bill will empower communities to conserve and restore these essential habitats, benefitting the birds and people who share these spaces. We are grateful to Representatives Dingell and Cline for their leadership.”
“Thriving communities include birds,” said Steve Holmer, vice president of policy at American Bird Conservancy. “Thanks to Representatives Debbie Dingell and Ben Cline for introducing the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act, which will improve bird habitat, reduced hazards to birds, and engage communities in bird conservation. As birds face unprecedented declines and bird watching participation grows, conserving birds is more important now than ever before.”
“Waterfowl and other birds are important to ecosystems in both rural and urban areas,” said Kellis Moss, Ducks Unlimited Managing Director of Federal Affairs. “The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act will help cities and local organizations invest in habitats that benefit the long-term conservation of bird populations. We thank Rep. Dingell and Rep. Cline for their leadership on this issue.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) hosted 41 faith leaders and clergy members at the Library of Congress for a listening session.
Joined by Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06) and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Leader Jeffries held a listening session to hear from clergy members about their suggestions as part of House Democrats’ all-hands-on-deck strategy to bring about a better tomorrow for the American people.
“The meeting was an initial convening and listening session of faith leaders and clergy members from across the nation and I look forward to our continued dialogue as we deal with this unprecedented moment in American history. During these very challenging times, I am grateful for the partnership, the friendship and the leadership of the clergy on all the things that need to happen to get our nation to a better place,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “At a moment like this, we are experiencing trouble on every side. Trouble in the White House, trouble with the Congress, trouble with the Cabinet, trouble with Elon Musk, an unelected, unaccountable, unpopular, unhinged, un-American, billionaire puppet master. But we’re not in despair because we know that setbacks are an inevitable part of life. That’s just the reality of our journey and we’ve seen that over and over and again in the United States of America. Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but a setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback. And in our view, what’s in front of us right now, is that we have to engineer the great American comeback.”
“Having been born and raised in a church parsonage, I understand the connection between faith and public service. The convening on Capitol Hill of influential African American clergy from around the country could not be more critical,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06). “We discussed protecting vital programs against proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits and how this impacts their congregants and all Americans. Across traditions and cultures, people of faith are commanded to care for the least of these. The House Republican budget fails to care for the vulnerable, and it is incumbent upon all of us to correct this. We tend to profess pride in being Matthew 25 Christians, and we often express adherence to verse 45 that admonishes, ‘whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
“In this moment of moral crisis in America, it is more important than ever that faith leaders unite to provide the light needed to guide the country back toward the course of righteousness,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05). “I’m thankful to Leader Jeffries for taking the time to sit down with myself, Rep. Clyburn and clergy from across the country to coordinate a faith-led response to the chaos and cruelty emanating from the White House. Whether those seeking affordable healthcare, those in need of food assistance or those seeking a better life in the United States of America, we have an obligation to protect the least of these in our communities; and together, we will.”
The clergy has been at the forefront of every major fight for social justice in America and continues to provide a voice of moral clarity as we endeavor to meet the challenging moment we confront. This conversation is the first in a series of ongoing engagements with community leaders to strengthen the relationship between House Democrats and the American people who we are fighting to protect.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)
Latta Statement on Election of Pope Leo XIV
Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement upon the election of Pope Leo XIV:
“Today, I congratulate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope and fellow native of the Midwest. This is a moment of unity and hope for the Church.
“Marcia and I offer our prayers for a successful and peaceful papacy to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Catholic church.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) introduced the bicameral Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. This bill would give the park the ability to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land from the Nature Conservancy. This newly acquired land would enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District.
“Every year, Mammoth Cave National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and contributes nearly $90 million to our local economy,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This natural wonder has inspired people for thousands of years, playing a foundational role in the culture of our region. I am proud to introduce the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to expand protections for the cave system’s important biodiversity and rich history, ensuring that it can be studied, maintained, and enjoyed by future generations of Americans.”
“Kentucky is lucky to be home to an abundance of natural treasures, among them, Mammoth Cave National Park. This extensive cave network has been inspiring Kentuckians and drawing visitors from all corners of the globe for generations. Beyond its role in driving tourism to our Commonwealth, the park also plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, supporting good jobs for the people of Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Guthrie on this important initiative once again which will expand the critical habitats that the National Park Service protects and preserves in the park.”
You can find the full text of the Mammoth Cave Boundary Adjustment Act here.
A map of the proposed boundary changes can be found here.
Background:
This legislation authorizes the National Park Service to acquire 551.14 acres of land currently owned by the Nature Conservancy (TNC).
This expansion would allow the National Park to manage land in Edmonson and Barren Counties, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage.
The property includes cave passages, including Coach and James Caves, which hold prehistoric and historic artifacts.
In 2023, the park received more than 650,000 visitors, generating $89.6 million for communities surrounding the park. This expansion of the park is expected to drive further economic growth in the local community.
This legislation is supported by local elected officials in the surrounding counties.
Established as a National Park in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, stretching a mapped 426 miles with many miles still undiscovered.
In 1981, the park was named a World Heritage Site, and in 1990, a Biosphere Reserve.
In April 2025, Congressman Guthrie welcomed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Mammoth Cave National Park for a tour of the park and a discussion with NPS staff about its importance. You can learn more about their visit here.
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Congressmen James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking more information on the detention conditions of immigrants held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center (CLIPC) and the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center (SLIPC) after an oversight trip to the facilities last month.
Both facilities have long faced allegations of inhumane treatment and poor detention conditions. During the visit, Members received allegations that detainees at the facilities have had miscarriages – and may not be receiving adequate maternal healthcare or proper cancer screenings.
“During our oversight visit to the facilities, we observed troubling detention conditions and received significant allegations about mistreatment from detainees,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter. “We heard from women who felt lumps in their breasts but were not provided appropriate medical attention; witnessed a pregnant mother with medical risks and detention staff unprepared for the birth of a child; observed men and women suffering respiratory issues in unreasonably cold and humid dormitories; and saw young women shaking and crying in fear of retaliation if they were to speak to Members of Congress.”
Last month, the lawmakers traveled to ICE facilities in Basile and Jena, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for their protected speech. Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and Rep. McGovern recounted their harrowing visit at a press conference in Boston.
“While at SLIPC, we received conflicting information from staff about detainees’ allegations. For example, we received deeply troubling information alleging that multiple women at SLIPC suffered from miscarriages while in custody—allegations staff denied,” the lawmakers continued in their letter. “Additionally, medical staff told us that during detainees’ menstrual periods, the facility provided as many menstrual products as requested, yet detainees consistently reported that facility employees regularly withheld not just menstrual products but also toilet paper.”
Yesterday, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern issued a statement applauding the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for directing the Trump Administration to comply with a lower court order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont.
In a powerful New York Times op-ed, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern discussed their meeting with Ms. Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process. Full text of the op-ed is available here.
Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren and Markey, have pushed for answers and action since Öztürk’s March arrest. In March, they led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about Öztürk’s arrest and detention as well as similar incidents across the country.
In April, the lawmakers sounded the alarm on Öztürk’s medical neglect in DHS custody and renewed urgent calls for her release. Last week, Pressley, Warren and Markey demanded Secretary of State Rubio released any documents related to her arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s arrest and detention was false. Last month, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement condemning reports that ICE arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. Earlier in the week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and House Natural Resources Committee Democrats rejected House Republicans’ plan to sell off our lands, waters, and wildlife to fund tax cuts for billionaires in the Committee’s portion of the Republican reconciliation package. Democrats were united in the bipartisan opposition to a Republican amendment offered in the dead of night to sell off thousands of acres of public lands. While House Republicans remained silent, Democrats presented a unified front to protect communities, the American taxpayers, and our most cherished places.
“Republicans have launched one of the most egregious attacks on our public lands, our waters, and our health that we have ever witnessed. It hands over our national parks, forests, and precious natural resources to oil and gas corporations, putting their profits over the safety and well-being of the American people,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “In exchange for giveaways to the wealthiest polluters, American families will face higher energy costs, dirtier air and water, and more frequent environmental disasters. This is the same ‘polluters over people’ agenda that has defined the Trump Administration, where corporate greed comes first and the American people pay the price. This Republican proposal will add billions to the deficit while selling off our environment, our economy, and our future to the highest bidder. This bill is shameful, and the American people deserve better.”
“Republicans just rammed the most extreme, anti-environment legislation in American history through the Natural Resources Committee. It’s a billionaires-first, Americans-last giveaway to benefit Big Oil and polluters,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02). “It guts clean air and water protections, slashes funding for our national parks, and sells off, auctions off, and even allows for giving away our public lands to special interests. For the first time, Americans who simply want their voices heard on Big Oil projects on federal land will be slapped with fees for daring to protest. House Republicans not only voted in lock-step for this cartoonishly extreme bill, they refused to participate in any public debate or discussion about it. I’m sure they had plenty of discussion with their corporate polluter puppet masters, but in the only public hearing before this bill goes to the House Floor they refused to even discuss it. The American people deserve better policy and process than what they’re getting from this GOP Congress. I’m proud that Democrats showed up and fully engaged in debating and challenging this terrible bill. We fought back. And we’ll keep fighting for Americans’ basic freedoms, which include clean air, safe water, healthy communities, and a livable planet for future generations.”
“The only thing these budget gimmicks will do is drive up Big Oil profits, CEO pay, and shareholder dividends at the expense of our public lands and the American taxpayer,” said Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03). “We should be caring about the everyday Americans who are going to be suffering from the consequences of these decisions for years. Our constituents, who are already facing a climate crisis with heat wave after heat wave, who are getting sick from the pollution released by coal fired power plants and petrochemical facilities next door, all compounded by threats of serious cuts to Medicaid healthcare coverage.”
“House Republicans are once again putting polluters over people. But as a mother, I refuse to let my children’s future be auctioned off to Big Oil. I offered common-sense amendments that range from blocking funds to agencies that refuse to comply with the courts to stopping oil and gas drilling near schools and hospitals,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03). “This bill is a giveaway to Big Oil and billionaires. My amendments demand House Republicans choose: people or polluters?”
“Instead of advancing a budget that helps address the challenges Americans are confronting, House Republicans are combining the most extreme attack on our nation’s natural resources with enormous cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and other critical programs working families depend on every single day,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “We should be focusing on expanding public access to federal lands, not auctioning them off. And we should be investing in our National Parks System and National Wildlife Refuges, not making it harder for Americans to visit these special places. This bill doesn’t put Americans first—it gives massive handouts to pad polluters’ pockets with no regard for the environment.”
“This is a fire sale on our federal land and waters,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). “This bill reduces corporate fees and eliminates environmental and judicial safeguards that our constituents deserve. And, all for what? There is no guarantee that any of those resources will benefit Americans or lower the cost of energy for our taxpayers. We’ll still be exporting this oil just like before. We’ll still be importing oil to our refineries. We’re putting at real risk the natural resources and national security assets that I’ll address with my amendments. Taxpayers will once again be footing the bill for large corporations from all over the world who score a lease to pillage our land with no recourse. I believe that our taxpayers simply deserve better.”
“This bill is a giveaway to big oil and gas companies at the expense of our environment, workers, and communities,” said Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04). “Instead of investing in bipartisan priorities like wildfire prevention or strengthening our coastal communities, it prioritizes polluters and weakens the very protections Americans rely on. I stand firmly against this reckless and misguided approach.”
“This bill is nothing more than a billion-dollar giveaway to corporations,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “House Republicans are selling off our lands, slashing corporate royalty rates, and raising fees on clean energy—all to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. They’re making our families pay the price in higher energy bills, polluted water, and more extreme climate disasters. I offered amendments to protect Tribal sovereignty, keep revenues in oil and gas producing states like New Mexico, and block foreign adversaries from exploiting our resources. These are common sense protections—but Republicans chose to protect polluters over working families.”
“The devastating effects of climate change will cost us trillions of dollars and lead to catastrophic threats to our civilization,” said Congressman Dave Min (CA-47). “We have both a moral and economic imperative to fight back and give our children the opportunity to grow up in a world where they can breathe clean air, drink clean water, and have the freedom to chase the American dream. That’s why I led four amendments to stand up for our environment and fight back against the Trump administration.”
“The GOP is trying to pass a massive tax break to billionaires, and it will cost the American people $7 trillion on the backs of the American people and the expense of the environment,” said Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “I was truly shocked when I read this reconciliation package before the Natural Resources Committee. It has mandatory oil and gas leasing, mining, and logging requirements. It gives away public lands and resources, not to the highest bidder, but to the lowest bidder. And, it takes away the rights of the American people to participate in planning, permitting, and holding bad actors accountable. That means impacts on public lands and waters without accountability. Furthermore, it is based on a completely false premise that will undermine the protection of our economy, our communities, and the environment. That’s why I am prepared to sit here as long as it takes to fight this bill.”
Background
House Republicans are squandering Americans’ money, health, and safety to pad polluters’ pockets. The House Natural Resources Committee’s portion of the Republican reconciliation package, which was pushed through without support from Committee Democrats, does the following:
Instantly boosts big oil and gas company profits by letting them drill and frack at bargain-basement prices while robbing taxpayers blind.
Puts polluters before people by letting the wealthy companies pay for legal immunity for inadequate environmental reviews and slapping Americans with exorbitant fees to protest oil and gas pollution.
Slashes funding for critical and popular public services like NOAA’s coastal restoration and resilience efforts and the National Parks workforce, making it harder for Americans to protect their communities from natural hazards and visit our nation’s most scenic and inspiring places.
Locks up 4 million acres for unprofitable coal mining – more land than the entire state of Connecticut – taking our energy policy back to the 19th century.
Mandates dirty mining and drilling deals that will create toxic disasters in our nation’s most pristine lands and waters, permanently polluting places like the Boundary Waters and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Crushes clean energy development by jacking up fees for wind and solar while slashing fees for oil and coal.
Wipes out protections for endangered species, including dooming the planet’s most endangered whale to extinction by waiving all sensible safeguards for offshore oil and gas operations.
Sells off public lands to pay for handouts to big oil and tax cuts for billionaires – a surprise, late-night amendment paves the way for a fire sale of public lands.
Republicans had the opportunity to support common-sense safeguards and improve the bill. However, they rejected numerous Democratic amendments, including those to do the following:
Bolster essential and lifesaving public services:
Congresswoman Brownley’s amendment (#65) redirecting funding to NOAA climate monitoring, weather forecasts, and disaster preparedness.
Congressman Magaziner’s amendment (#213) striking recissions of IRA funds for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration investments in coastal communities and climate resilience and facilities.
Congresswoman Leger Fernandez (#69) and Representative Hoyle’s (#70) amendments to fund wildland firefighting and fuels reduction.
Congresswoman Randall’s amendment (#18) to fund the Bureau of Indian Education, and Congresswoman Ledger Fernandez’s amendment (#38) to fund the Indian Health Service.
Hold oil, gas, and mining companies accountable and ensure a fair return for taxpayers:
Congresswoman Brownley’s amendment (#61) to require DOI to assess a fee on oil and gas operators to pay for the decommissioning of offshore pipelines in the event of bankruptcy.
Congressman Min’s amendment (#44) to require DOI to increase financial assurances from oil and gas companies before reduced royalties can take effect.
Congresswoman Ansari’s amendment to (#19) to deny new leases for oil and gas companies if they have been found liable for collusion.
Congresswoman Stansbury’s amendment (#9) to prevent bad actor mining companies from operating on federal land if they are owned by foreign adversaries, have a history of using slave labor, or otherwise break the law.
Prevent dangerous pollution:
Congresswoman Elfreth’s amendment (#129) to prohibit offshore drilling where the Defense Department has determined it is incompatible with military readiness, including off the coast of Virginia, other Atlantic Coast states, and the Eastern Gulf.
Ranking Member Huffman’s amendments (#20 and #35) to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Boundary Waters.
Congresswoman Rivas’s amendment (#210) striking the rescission of funding for the Council on Environmental Quality’s environmental justice screening tool.
Stop corruption and illegal actions:
Congresswoman Rivas’s amendment (#183) prohibiting funding for new contracts with Elon Musk’s companies until Inspectors General determine there are no conflicts of interest.
Congresswoman Ansari’s amendment (#301) striking the text of the bill and inserting the STOCK Act 2.0, to prevent government officials from being able to trade individual stocks.
Congresswoman Stansbury’s amendment (#150) directing funds to applicable Inspectors General to report to Congress on the impacts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) actions on staffing, program services, funding, and data security.
Ensure healthy and accessible public lands and waters:
Congressman Neguse’s amendment (#139) striking the language that rescinds funding National Park Service staffing.
Congressman Soto’s amendment (#13) to redirect funding to coral reef conservation.
Congresswoman Randall’s amendment (#144) restoring funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service fish passage restoration program.
Congresswoman Dingell’s amendment (#82) to prohibit any recissions of funds for Great Lakes fisheries, harmful algal blooms, and resilience.
Protect Americans’ rights to provide public input:
Ranking Member Huffman’s amendment (#247) striking the section creating a “pay-to-play” process for NEPA.
Advance clean and affordable energy:
Resident Commissioner Hernández’s amendment (#201) to ensure utility-scale solar financing is implemented on schedule.
Congressman Min’s amendment (#45) preventing lease sales until the Trump Administration’s national energy policy includes wind and solar energy.
Congresswoman Hoyle’s amendment (#186) to ensure the recent firings at the Power Marketing Administrations will not result in a loss of power for ratepayers.
A full list of amendments offered by Committee Democrats and blocked by Republicans can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
SEATTLE – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) are leading legislation to recognize the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) as the National Museum of Pop Culture.
“I am so proud to lead this bipartisan bill to federally recognize MoPOP as the National Museum of Pop Culture,” said Jayapal. “MoPOP has been a cornerstone in celebrating the diverse culture and history of the arts regionally and globally. MoPOP and its incredible team undoubtedly deserve this recognition and title, allowing them to continue educating both local visitors and tourists about the rich history of pop culture in the United States.”
“The Museum of Pop Culture draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from enthusiasts across the country and around the globe. Now in its 25th year of operation, it’s time to give MoPOP the national recognition it deserves. I want to thank MoPOP’s leadership, staff, and volunteers for the time and effort dedicated to making the museum a success year after year,” said Newhouse.
The Museum of Pop Culture is the leading institution in the United States dedicated to the curation and exploration of pop culture and its significant societal impact. MoPOP is home to over 85,000 artifacts, making it one of the largest pop culture collections in the world. Hosting innovative exhibits focused on American art, music, film and fashion, MoPOP welcomes over 750,000 visitors annually. For more than 20 years, MoPOP has celebrated the universal language of pop culture, amplified diverse voices, and inspired generations.
“We’re honored to take the next step toward national designation and grateful to Congresswoman Jayapal for her support. This legislation affirms the vital role pop culture plays in shaping our collective memory and reflects MOPOP’s ongoing commitment to preserving the stories, artifacts, and creativity that define generations,” said Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture.
The bill is also sponsored by Representatives Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)
Nadler Statement On Columbia University Protests
Washington, May 8, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) made the following statement in response to the recent protests at Columbia University:
“Vandalism is unacceptable. Occupying university buildings is unacceptable. Interfering with the rights of other students to study in the library is a violation of their rights. Columbia had to act to remove the protesters who occupied Butler Library. Those who interfere with the rights of other students must be penalized. Those who vandalize buildings must be prosecuted.
Antisemitism on campus is a real concern, and Columbia is rightly taking it seriously. My Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration seek to stifle academic freedom and free speech, defund vital medical and scientific research, and attack institutions of higher learning under the false pretext of fighting antisemitism. Their real goal is control and authoritarianism.
My grandstanding Republican colleagues and Trump Administration officials are not trying to protect students; they are weaponizing antisemitism to undermine academic institutions that stand as a bulwark against Trump’s backsliding into fascism.”