Congressman Krishnamoorthi Slams Republican Rescissions Package as “Reckless Attack on Services Families Depend On”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) issued the following statement after House Republicans passed their latest rescissions package, which slashes funding for essential public services while handing out massive tax breaks to the wealthiest among us:

“Last night, House Republicans chose to gut public health, emergency communications, and national security in order to appease Donald Trump. Slashing funding for public broadcasting in the middle of climate disasters and handing tax breaks to the wealthiest among us while ballooning the deficit and risking a government shutdown is not fiscal discipline—it’s a reckless attack on the services families depend on.”

The rescissions package includes sweeping cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, pandemic preparedness programs, and emergency response funding—all while preserving tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Denounces FDA Authorization of Juul E-Cigarettes as Step Backward in Fight Against Youth Nicotine Addiction

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a national leader in the fight to end youth vaping, condemned the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to authorize the sale of Juul e-cigarettes, including menthol-flavored products. As co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic and the first Member of Congress to launch an investigation into Juul’s role in fueling youth nicotine addiction, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has long pushed for stricter enforcement and regulation of e-cigarette products that target children.

“Juul helped ignite the youth vaping epidemic, and the FDA’s decision to reauthorize its products—including menthol-flavored vapes popular with kids—is a profound mistake,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “This ruling is a clear win for Big Tobacco and undermines years of bipartisan work to get these addictive products off the market. The FDA must reverse course before more young people are hooked for life.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been at the forefront of efforts to protect children from harmful e-cigarette products. In 2019, he launched the first congressional investigation into youth vaping, exposing Juul’s marketing tactics and pushing legislation to ban flavored e-cigarettes and close the synthetic nicotine loophole. He has led bipartisan letters urging the FDA to crack down on illegal flavored vapes still widely sold online and in stores, and in April, he applauded the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the FDA’s rejection of fruit- and dessert-flavored vaping products. In December, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, through his role as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), announced a new investigation into illicit vaping products from China with advertising targeted at children. Most recently, he partnered with Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-UT), his fellow co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus to End Youth Vaping, in calling on the FDA to strengthen enforcement as over 6,000 flavored products remain on the market, many of them designed to appeal directly to children.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Leads 104 Colleagues in Letter to Protect 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), a national leader in bipartisan efforts to protect crisis services for vulnerable youth, led a letter with Reps. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20), urging House Appropriations Committee leaders to preserve funding for the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline. The letter—sent to Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)—was co-signed by 104 Democratic Members of Congress.

The letter comes as the Trump Administration moved to eliminate the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline, a service that has received nearly 1.5 million contacts since its inception. It has served as a critical resource for LGBTQI+ youth nationwide, who are at significantly higher risk of suicide and mental health challenges.

Dear Chair Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro:

As you craft the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and related Agencies appropriations bill, the undersigned Members urge you to maintain funding for the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Budget. 

In 2022, SAMHSA launched the LGBTQ+ youth specialized services as a pilot program in coordination with the broader 988 lifeline. Since its launch, the line has received nearly 1.5 million contacts from LGBTQ+ youth through calls, texts, and online chats[1]. In 2024 alone the LGBTQ+ service served over 600,000 crisis contacts, demonstrating both its necessity and impact[2].

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 14, and LGBTQ+ young people are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. It is estimated that one LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide every 45 seconds[3]

The LGBTQ+ Youth lifeline was designed to address this higher risk of suicide for this population. When an adolescent reaches out to the LGBTQ+ Youth lifeline, they can access specialized services from somebody who cares, who may have shared experience, understands where they are coming from, and is trained to address the unique situation LGBTQ+ youth may face[4].

LGBTQ+ identifying youth can face distinct mental health issues rooted in rejection and social discrimination. In fact, of LGBTQ+ youth who reported they slept away from parents or were kicked out of the house, 40 percent were abandoned due to their identity and 28 percent of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing homelessness or housing instability during their lives[5]

Despite the need, a 2024 study demonstrated that 50 percent of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the previous year were unable to access i[6]t. More than 80 percent say it is important that crisis services include a specific focus on LGBTQ+ youth[7].

In the midst of a youth mental health crisis, we cannot afford to eliminate a critical, life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth, who face both higher risks and greater barriers to care. These young people deserve to speak with professionals who are trained and equipped to meet their unique needs.

Please maintain the lifesaving funding for the 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services so we can continue to serve LGBTQ+ young people across the country who are at an elevated risk of suicide and mental illness. 

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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Introduces BURDEN Act to Force Congress to Complete the Medicaid and SNAP Paperwork They Imposed on Millions

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

The bill requires Members of Congress to comply with the same bureaucratic red tape now mandated for Medicaid and SNAP recipients under the “Large Lousy Law.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Bringing Unfair Reporting Duties to Electeds Now (BURDEN) Act, a bill that would require Members of Congress to personally comply with the same burdensome work requirement paperwork they imposed on low-income Americans under President Trump’s so-called “Large Lousy Law” budget reconciliation package, which became law earlier this month.

Under the BURDEN Act, Members of Congress would be barred from enrolling in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program unless they submit monthly proof of “community engagement,” the same bureaucratic reporting required of Medicaid recipients. Additionally, the bill requires Members to complete and submit the same paperwork now mandated for SNAP recipients to verify employment, income, and eligibility on a recurring basis.

“President Trump’s reckless ‘Large Lousy Law’ forces millions of vulnerable Americans to jump through hoops just to keep food on the table or get the medical care they need,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “If Congressional Republicans think these burdens are appropriate for struggling families, then Members of Congress should shoulder them too. The BURDEN Act simply says, if you want taxpayer-funded health coverage, prove you meet the same standards you’re imposing on the American people.”

The “Large Lousy Law” slashes Medicaid by over $1 trillion, imposes sweeping work requirements, and adds layers of red tape that threaten access to health care and nutrition assistance for millions of Americans—including working parents, caregivers, and individuals with unstable or part-time employment. According to the Congressional Budget Office, more than 17 million Americans are projected to lose their health care under the new law.

Key provisions of the BURDEN Act include:

  • Requiring Members of Congress to submit monthly certifications proving they meet Medicaid work requirement standards for “community engagement” — typically including documented employment, job training, or approved volunteer work.

  • Requiring Members to complete and submit recurring SNAP eligibility documentation, including income reporting, employment verification, and other required paperwork, on the same schedule as SNAP recipients.

  • Prohibiting enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for Members who fail to comply with these requirements.

By exposing the double standard in how burdensome requirements are applied, the BURDEN Act seeks to restore basic fairness and highlight the real-world consequences of Republican policies that target working families.

The full copy of the bill is available here.

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Schakowsky, Huffman, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Empower Franchise Owners

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF) | One-Pager of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced legislation to ensure that small business owners who enter into franchise agreements with big corporations will be afforded the opportunity to address claims against the franchisor, putting them on a level playing field. The Franchisee Freedom Act will explicitly give franchise owners private right of action on FTC Franchise Rule violations. 

“Becoming a franchisee can be a lifeline for those looking to create their own American dream. Unfortunately, due to a weak rule and even weaker enforcement of the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule, that dream can turn into a nightmare, one in which they are under the thumb of a predatory corporation,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why it is imperative for franchisees that we pass this legislation, which provides small business owners harmed by violations of the Franchise Rule with the means to recover from the harm done.”

“Entering franchise agreements is a great way for small business owners to gain the assurance and financial support of a larger corporation, but current law enables franchisers to unfairly take advantage of these negotiations,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “Our bill would help prevent franchisees from falling victim to predatory practices and put them on a level playing field with their franchisers. This legislation is a necessary step toward ensuring fairness in franchising and accommodating for the current gaps in Federal Trade Commission regulations.”

“The vast majority of franchisees are small businesses with less than 20 employees,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Congresswoman Schakowsky and Congressman Huffman to give franchisees access to the courts so that they can address claims against the franchisor, putting them on a level playing field when enforcing their rights.”

Currently there is no private right of action allowed on FTC Franchise Rule violations. Courts have ruled, and it has been footnoted in the FTC Act, that since Congress has not given a private right of action, none can be implied. 

The bill has been endorsed by over 45 organizations. Find a full list of endorsements here.

“I appreciate Reps. Schakowsky, Huffman, and Johnson for reintroducing the Franchisee Freedom Act. Giving franchisees access to the courts to mitigate claims of improper disclosure seems like a fundamental right. This year she has added the franchisees’ right to association without interference or retaliation. It actually blows me away that we even have to fight for what most would consider basic American protections”, said Keith Miller, Principal, Franchisee Advocacy Consulting.

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As Chaotic Trump Tariffs Drive Price Hikes, Schakowsky, Deluzio, Warren, Baldwin Propose New Tools to Fight Price Gouging

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

WASHINGTON  U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17), along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration’s chaotic tariff policies. The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.

The last five years have repeatedly shown us that giant corporations will take advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions to expand their profit margins by raising prices higher than necessary to cover cost increases. President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have created yet another opportunity for corporate price gouging. The tariff-driven uncertainty gives companies the opportunity to raise prices on all goods, regardless of whether they are actually subject to new tariffs, higher and for longer than what is necessary to cover any cost increases. Now, dozens of companies have reported raising the prices of goods and services unaffected by Trump’s tariffs. 

“President Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but we have seen the exact opposite. Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods. While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Our bill will finally put an end to price gouging by empowering the FTC and state attorneys general to hold bad actors accountable when they take advantage of consumers.”

“Prices are still too high, and inflation is still pounding folks. Especially now, we need to rein in monopolists and other huge corporations with the power to price gouge the American people,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “By upping FTC enforcement practices and boosting transparency, this bill will take some of the squeeze off American families and small businesses suffering under the thumb of out-of-control corporate power.”

“Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary. My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“The biggest corporations in our country jack up the cost of everyday household items, take in record profits, and give their executives huge bonuses – all on the backs of hard-working Wisconsin families. Donald Trump claimed he would lower prices – so far, he has done just the opposite and is even opening the door to more price gouging. But, if we pass this bill, we can rein that in and give Wisconsinites some breathing room and allow them to save for the future,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Our bill will finally crack down on corporate greed and help stop those big companies at the top of the food chain from sticking families with exorbitant costs.”

The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would help the federal government and state attorneys general fight corporate price gouging. The bill would: 

  • Prohibit price gouging at the federal level—anytime and anywhere. The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. It would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network;
  • Help enforcers establish when price gouging is occurring during a significant shift in trade policy. The bill lists a set of exceptional market shocks—including an “abrupt or significant shift in trade policy”—and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices;
  • Create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers. This affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show legitimate cost increases;
  • Require public companies to clearly disclose costs and pricing strategies. During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings; and
  • Provide $1 billion in additional funding to the FTC to carry out its work.

Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) joined as co-sponsors. 

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined as co-sponsors. 

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Schakowsky, Fletcher, Matsui, Pressley Introduce Safer Beauty Bill Package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on Wednesday reintroduced the Safer Beauty Bill Package with her colleagues, Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). The bill package includes four separate bills that offer progressive updates to an increasingly outdated set of federal cosmetics laws. This package builds upon the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), which passed under President Joe Biden and expanded FDA oversight to include the regulation of the cosmetics industry, including mandatory recall authority, adverse event reporting, and requiring facility registration, and more.

“Safe, accessible beauty cannot wait. After more than 80 years of inaction, the United States finally updated its cosmetics laws in 2022. President Biden was able to sign into law the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, which now gives authority to the Food and Drug Administration to recall beauty and personal care products that are harming human health. While this was an important first step, our work is not done,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to reintroduce the Safer Beauty Bill Package with my colleagues, Reps. Lizzie Fletcher, Doris Matsui, and Ayanna Pressley, which would protect consumers from toxic chemicals linked to hormone disruption, cancer and other health problems; require full ingredient transparency for consumers and manufacturers; and protect the health of women of color and salon workers, who are among the most highly exposed to toxic chemicals because of the products marketed to them or commonly found in their workplaces. We must pass the Safer Beauty Bill Package now!”

“Many people assume that the personal care and beauty items they use are safe, but with minimal oversight, many of the care, beauty, and salon products sold across the country actually contain toxic chemicals,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Schakowsky to reintroduce the Toxic-Free Beauty Act to protect the health and safety of people across the country by banning chemicals known to cause significant harm in beauty products.”

“Americans deserve the comfort of knowing the products they use every day are safe and properly labeled,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “That’s why I am proud to join Congresswoman Schakowsky in announcing the Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act, which will introduce much needed transparency and accountability to the cosmetics industry. This is a commonsense step toward protecting consumers and our public health. Whether it’s a parent buying shampoo for their child or a professional exposed to dozens of products daily, every person should have clear, honest information about what they’re putting on their bodies.” 

“For decades, the beauty products marketed to Black women and girls and found in our salons have contained toxic, unregulated chemicals – leaving us to disproportionately suffer from increased incidences of cancer, respiratory issues, and adverse reproductive outcomes,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “This isn’t a coincidence – this is exploitation. Black women, girls, and salon workers should be able to show up everyday as our beautiful, authentic selves, without fear for our health and safety. It’s past time that we regulate these hazardous products and affirm our right to safer alternatives, and I am proud to co-lead the Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers Act and partner with my colleagues and dedicated advocates on the Safer Beauty Bill Package to do exactly that.”

The four bills cover almost every aspect of personal care product safety. They are:  

  • H.R. 4433 – The Toxic-Free Beauty Act (Reps. Schakowsky and Fletcher): Bans 18 of the most toxic chemicals and two whole classes of chemicals (phthalates and formaldehyde releasing preservatives) that have been banned by the European Union and a number of states including California, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont.
  • H.R. 4434 – Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act (Rep. Schakowsky): Requires suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, and private label products to provide full ingredient disclosure and safety data to cosmetic companies so they can make safer products.
  • H.R. 4435 – Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act (Reps. Schakowsky and Matsui): Requires product label and website disclosure of secret, unlabeled, and often toxic chemicals in our personal care products. Last Congress, this bill only required transparency for fragrance and flavor ingredients and has been expanded to cover all ingredients that can pose a health risk to consumers.
  • H.R. 4436 – Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers (Reps. Schakowsky and Pressley): Funds research, resource materials, education and outreach, and the development of safer chemicals to protect the health of women of color and salon workers, two vulnerable populations who are among the most highly exposed to toxic chemicals because of the cosmetic products marketed to them or commonly found in their workplaces. This bill also requires the FDA to regulate the safety of synthetic braids, which can contain toxic chemicals.

The average American adult uses about 12 personal care products a day, resulting in exposure to an average of 168 unique chemicals. Children are also exposed to products containing risky chemicals during critical stages of childhood development. As these products range from toothpaste to makeup, it is easy for companies to conceal harmful chemicals that risk American livelihoods. Chemicals in beauty and personal care products have been linked to cancer, infertility, poor infant and maternal health outcomes, asthma, and many other serious health concerns. Women of color are disproportionately exposed to these harmful chemicals due to workplace conditions.

Joining Reps. Schakowsky, Fletcher, Matsui, and Pressley as original cosponsors of the Safer Beauty Bill Package are Reps. Dingell, Khanna, Norton, and Tlaib. 

The bill has been endorsed by a coalition of over 150 organizations and safe cosmetics companies. Find a full list of endorsements here.

“Thank you, Rep. Schakowsky, for your steadfast advocacy on behalf of cosmetic safety and for introducing the 2025 Safer Beauty Bill Package which will protect everyone regardless of where they live, shop or work” said Janet Nudelman, Director of Breast Cancer Prevention Partner’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “This important suite of bills will match the new high bar for ingredient safety set by laws recently enacted in CA, MD, OR, WA, VT, and NY; create long overdue protections for women of color and professional salon workers; and set a new industry standard for ingredient and supply chain transparency.”

For over a decade, Congresswoman Schakowsky has fought tirelessly to pass a robust regulatory framework for cosmetics and personal care products. The efforts focus on closing major loopholes in federal law that allow companies to use nearly any ingredient in these products, even chemicals that are known to harm human health and the environment like coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, lead acetate, parabens, and phthalates.

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Schakowsky, Jayapal, Raskin, Senate Colleagues Fight for Children’s Fundamental Right to a Healthy, Livable Planet

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led over 40 Representatives in the introduction of a new resolution to protect the fundamental rights of the nation’s children to a safe, habitable environment in the face of climate chaos’ increasingly destructive and deadly impacts.

“There is no room for debate: climate change is real, and as this crisis grows, our kids are increasingly paying the price. The movement to protect our planet is more important than ever before because we have a president who continues to ignore the science and cozy up to the fossil fuel industry,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am introducing the Children’s Fundamental Rights to Life and a Stable Climate System Resolution to emphasize that we as leaders have a duty to ensure that all people, especially our young people, are protected from the existential threat of climate change. Our children and grandchildren should not be forced to suffer the consequences of our lack of action. Together we can save our planet.”

“Every single one of us — no matter our age, our background, our race, our income — has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But those rights are in jeopardy, because the future of our planet is in jeopardy. I applaud the young people who are taking their futures into their own hands and standing up to the Trump administration’s efforts to sell out our clean air and water to the highest fossil fuel bidder. Inaction is not an option and we all must stand up for climate justice and a future where we can all thrive,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

“Children have a right to live and therefore a right to a livable planet,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “But the Trump Administration wants to carve out more giveaways to the Carbon Kings rather than protect the climate for children and future generations of Americans. Our Resolution with Representatives Jayapal and Schakowsky and Senator Merkley is about uplifting the voices of those who will be most affected by this climate irresponsibility and corruption—young people and children—and sounding the alarm on America’s accelerating climate disaster. The time to act for public accountability is right now. I salute everyone involved in this important campaign.”

The resolution — led in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) — responds to the Trump Administration’s ‘Polluters over People’ agenda that has enriched Big Oil, fueled climate chaos, and increased energy costs for working families. The resolution calls for leadership to put the United States on a trajectory to avoid the worst impacts of climate chaos.   

“Every child in America deserves a healthy and prosperous future, but the Trump Administration is selling out our health, safety, planet, and future to make billionaire corporate polluters even richer,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “We stand with these courageous young activists in Oregon and across the country who are taking matters into their own hands with immediate and decisive steps to fight for themselves and future generations, address climate chaos, and tackle environmental injustice.”

The resolution highlights the principles underpinning Lighthiser v. Trump, a youth-led lawsuit that was filed by 22 young plaintiffs from five states, challenging the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders that “unleash fossil fuels” and endanger the lives of children and future generations.

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, Jayapal, and Raskin, cosponsors of the resolution include Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Summer L. Lee, Shri Thanedar, Delia C. Ramirez, Yassamin Ansari, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Andre Carson, Nydia M. Velázquez, Nanette Barragán, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dina Titus, Maxwell Frost, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Steve Cohen, Mary Gay Scanlon, Lateefah Simon, Jerrold Nadler, Kathy Castor, Kevin Mullin, Danny Davis, Julia Brownley, Dave Min, Sara Jacobs, Judy Chu, Maxine Dexter, David Scott, Mark Takano, Gabe Amo, Jared Huffman, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Valerie Foushee, Becca Balint, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Ro Khanna, Alma S. Adams, Ritchie Torres, James P. McGovern, Jill Tokuda, Darren Soto, Stephen F. Lynch, LaMonica McIver, Val Hoyle, and Jahana Hayes.

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Moolenaar Votes for Funding for Military Readiness and Service Member Pay Raise

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes for Funding for Military Readiness and Service Member Pay Raise

Last night, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 4016, The Defense Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation contains key provisions to advance American interests, strengthens America’s national security, deters our adversaries, and invests in military readiness through funding exercises like Northern Strike in Michigan. It also delivers significant support for servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, and provides increased support for their families.

“The Defense Appropriations Act passed today restores peace through strength, gives a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, and supports Northern Strike right here in Michigan,” said Moolenaar. “It ensures our military remains the most capable in the world by funding next generation aircraft, missile defense, and space capabilities to deter our adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party. This critical legislation puts our service members and their families first, with funding for equipment upgrades and enhanced quality of services so they can continue to keep America safe.”

Exercise Northern Strike is a semi-annual military training hosted by the Michigan National Guard. The Defense Appropriation Act, 2026 allocates increased funding for personnel and operations, maintaining Northern Strike as a premier joint readiness exercise for American military personnel and our allies.

The legislation passed the House of Representatives in a vote of 221 to 209. More information about the Defense Appropriations Act can be found here.

Congressman Fleischmann Honors the Tenth Anniversary of the Fallen Five

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), released the following statement commemorating the tenth anniversary of the July 16, 2015, terrorist attacks in Chattanooga that took the lives of five brave U.S. servicemen, remembered forever as the Fallen Five.

“Ten years ago today, tragedy struck our Chattanooga community when a radical jihadist terrorist took the lives of five heroic servicemen and wounded two others in one of the darkest days Chattanooga and Tennessee have endured. Out of the horror and violence of that terrible day, our community has stood firmly together in love, support, kindness, and strength to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice and legacy of the Fallen Five and to uplift and support their beloved families,” said Congressman Fleischmann.

“Chattanoogans, Tennesseans, and Americans nationwide will never forget the Fallen Five. We will always pay homage to U.S Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan, U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant David A. Wyatt, U.S. Marine Sergeant Carson A. Holmquist, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Squire K. “Skip” Wells, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith. Their dedication to America, our community, our military, our freedoms, and service to others will always be remembered.”

“Please join Brenda and me in praying for the eternal souls of the Fallen Five who are home now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for their families and loved ones. We remember the eternal, healing words spoken through Psalms, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,’ and ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me’”.

“May God bless the Fallen Five and their families, and may God continue to bless Chattanooga and our great nation.”

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