MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott, Connolly Demand Answers on Trump’s Attacks on Civil Rights Protections for Workers

“Cuts of this magnitude, combined with the halting of OFCCP’s EO 11246 enforcement activity, will leave workers increasingly vulnerable to discrimination and unfair hiring practices when they pursue work with federal contractors.”

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: On Workers’ Memorial Day, Reps. Scott, Courtney Lead Bill to Improve Workplace Safety

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Today, on Workers’ Memorial Day, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce reintroduced the Protecting America’s Workers Actas the Trump Administration dismantles workplace protections.   

This bill would meaningfully strengthen and modernize the Occupation Safety and Health Act (OSH-Act) for the first time in over 50 years by ensuring employers promptly correct hazardous working conditions, protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and hold unscrupulous employers accountable for violations that cause illness, serious injury, or death to workers. 

Since January 20, the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE have proposed closing 11 Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) field offices, slashed funding and staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and dismantled systems that enable workers to advocate for safer workplaces.  

“Today, on Workers Memorial Day, we are called upon to honor the workers who have been killed or injured on the job and to prevent future tragedies by making workplaces safer,” said Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. “The Protecting America’s Workers Act makes long overdue improvements to the enforcement provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, expands coverage to millions of workers who are currently excluded from the law’s protections, and strengthens whistleblower protections. These reforms are critical to deterring the most serious violations that endanger workers’ safety on the job. Passing this bill would be a major step toward ensuring our nation’s workers can do their jobs and come home safely to their families at the end of the day.”

“While the Occupation Safety and Health Act has helped protect Americans for generations, too many workers are still facing injury, illness, or death. Now, instead of improving workplace safety which we know is still under threat, the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE are going in the complete opposite direction by slashing the programs and agencies dedicated to protecting workers on the job. Congress must pass the Protecting America’s Workers Act to ensure workers can return home to their families safely,” said Courtney. 

The legislation is particularly important to the eastern Connecticut community after six workers died at an explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant in Middletown, Connecticut in 2010. 

“I’ve seen the devastation that unsafe workplaces can bring upon a family. Fifteen years ago, an explosion at an energy plant in Connecticut left six workers dead and dozens injured. Some of the workers who died were my friends, and I watched as their families fought for justice and accountability for years afterwards. Their story, and the horrifying reality that hundreds of workers die each day as a result of hazards faced at work, is why I am a champion for the Protecting America’s Workers Act,” Courtney added.

Specifically, the Protecting America’s Workers Act will:  

• Protect millions of workers by expanding OSHA coverage to 8.1 million state and local government employees in 24 states who currently have no right to a safe workplace; 

• Ensure worker safety is protected by mandating that employers correct hazardous conditions in a timely manner; 

• Reinstate an employer’s ongoing obligation to maintain accurate records of work-related illness and injuries, and reverses President Trump’s first-term Congressional Review Act resolution that undermined OSHA’s ability to hold employers accountable who violate requirements to record workplace injuries and illnesses;

• Improve whistleblower protection for workers who face retaliation for calling attention to unsafe working conditions;

• Update obsolete consensus standards that were adopted when OSHA was first enacted in 1970;

• Deter “high gravity” violations by providing authority for increased civil monetary penalties for serious or willful violations that cause death or serious bodily injury;

• Expand injury and illness records that employers are required to maintain and report in order to enable OSHA to more effectively target unsafe workplaces; 

• Authorize felony penalties against employers who knowingly commit OSHA violations that result in death or serious bodily injury and extend such penalties to corporate officers and directors; 

• Require OSHA to investigate all cases of death and serious injuries that occur within a place of employment; 

• Establish rights for families of workers who were killed on the job by giving them the right to meet with OSHA investigators, receive copies of citations, and to have an opportunity to make a statement before any settlement negotiations; and

• Improve protections for workers in state OSHA plans by allowing the Secretary of Labor to assert concurrent enforcement authority in those states where the state OSHA program fails to meet minimum requirements needed to protect workers’ safety and health.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Omar, Bonamici, and Norcross. 

To read a fact sheet on the bill, click here. 

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on President Trump’s FY 2026 Proposed Budget

“Once again, Trump is weakening our economy and taking money out of working families’ pockets under the guise of ‘efficiency.’ But we know the truth.”

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on April Jobs Report

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after theBureau of Labor Statisticsannounced that the economy added 177,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate remained the same at 4.2 percent. During President Biden’s first 100 days in office, the economy created 1.7 million jobs.  In President Trump’s first 100 days in office, he created less than half a million jobs, and the economy shrank at a rate of 0.3 percent. Under President Biden, the economy added 16.1 million jobs in total and did not have a single month of seasonally adjusted job loss during his entire term. 

“Within the first 100 days of President Trump’s return to the White House, he has managed to destabilize a thriving economy that he inherited to an extent not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The country’s strong economic recovery out of the pandemic was not guaranteed; it was a result of smart policy decisions made by Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration that invested in workers and their families. 

“Trump has demonstrated a disregard for the privacy and welfare of workers across the country, ushering in Elon Musk to fire tens of thousands of federal workers and harvest Americans’ private data.  Trump’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’ imposed arbitrary and extreme tariffs on nearly every country in the world, including uninhabited islands.  Americans watched as their investments and retirement savings drained out of their bank and retirement accounts while the stock market fluctuated wildly.  The price of eggs continues to skyrocket, and many Americans are now relying on‘buy now, pay later’ loans at their weekly grocery trip to keep food on the table.

“The first 100 days of this administration serve as a warning sign of the real consequences of Trump’s disastrous economic policies and Congressional Republicans’ failure to act.  This week, Committee Republicans advanced a budget that would put the cost of attending college even further out of reach for millions of working families.  Meanwhile, House Republicans in other committees are working to cut nutrition and health care programs for millions of Americans, further jeopardizing the well-being of families.  The economic uncertainty we are seeing has been brought about solely by Trump’s economic decisions.” 

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott, McBath Urge Trump DOJ to Preserve “America’s Peacemaker”

Reps. Scott and McBath lead letter urging Attorney General Bondi to reverse course on plans to eliminate civil rights agency created in the 1960s

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the agency’s intent to expand unannounced inspections at foreign manufacturing facilities that produce foods, medicines and other medical products intended for American consumers and patients. In response to this announcement, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released the following statement:

“Through my oversight work in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I outlined serious inadequacies with the FDA’s foreign drug inspection program. American patients and consumers deserve access to products that are safe and reliable. They should always be protected from products that are dangerous and harmful. As President Trump works to secure domestic manufacturing of products like pharmaceutical drugs, I welcome Commissioner Makary’s pledge to further evaluate the foreign drug inspection program and improve the quality and safety of products for American consumers.”

BACKGROUND

On May 6, the FDA issued a press release describing its intent to expand the use of these unannounced inspections.

Rep. Griffith introduced a bill that was signed into law in 2022, H.R. 7006 – the INSPECTIONS Act, that requires the FDA to consider the compliance history of establishments in the country or region in which the establishment is located as a factor in their risk-based inspections schedule.

In the 118^th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

Rep. Griffith chaired hearings on various issues, including but not limited to FDA’s foreign drug inspections program. 

Additionally, Rep. Griffith helped lead multiple letters to the FDA.

Rep. Griffith’s e-newsletter on this topic can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Modeled after WWII victory bonds, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would spur investment in clean-energy projects, create jobs, & help U.S. fight the climate crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Doris Matsui (CA-07) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act, bicameral legislation to give individuals the opportunity to buy Clean Energy Victory Bonds and help build America’s clean-energy future. Modeled after the highly successful victory bonds sold during World Wars I and II, which raised billions of dollars to finance the costs of war, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would help the country create jobs and save taxpayers money while investing in clean-energy infrastructure and fighting the climate crisis, protecting future generations.

The bill would direct the U.S. Secretaries of Treasury, Energy, and Defense to develop and issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds that support energy efficiency, solar, wind, geothermal, and electric vehicle efforts. For as little as $50, all Americans would be able to voluntarily purchase these Treasury bonds to invest in clean energy.

The sale of the $50 billion worth of bonds annually could be leveraged to inject $150 billion into clean-energy innovation and create more than one million jobs.

“As climate-related emergencies become more and more common, I often hear from people who want to do their part in the fight against climate change, but don’t know how. The Clean Energy Victory Bond Act provides Americans with an opportunity to invest, within their means, in innovative technologies that will yield profits both for themselves and the world,” said Congresswoman Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “This is my seventh time reintroducing this bill. I feel strongly that, as momentum continues to build in California and around the country to be good stewards of our environment, we must employ proven economic growth-based tactics to tackle climate change. We all benefit when we invest in the future.”

“Now, more than ever, we need collective action to fight climate change and support smart climate solutions,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This legislation gives everyday Americans the opportunity to invest in the clean energy transition and help grow the American economy. This investment will flow back into our communities, creating good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and helping to make communities across the country more resilient to climate change, while also providing a strong return on investment and helping American families to safely and reliably grow their savings with government-backed bonds.”

“Clean energy is America’s future, no matter how hard President Trump and his handpicked Fossil Fuel Cabinet try to sabotage its deployment,” said Senator Merkley. “As the Trump Administration slashes federal funds for renewable energy projects nationwide – including right here in Oregon – I’m fighting to advance solutions that will help end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels and instead invest in public health and our environment. This bill expands access to affordable clean energy for families across America, delivering bold action to tackle climate chaos and creating jobs in the 21st-century economy.”

Background

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would raise extra funds for investment in clean-energy and energy-efficiency deployment, including by:

• Providing additional support to existing federal financing programs available to states for energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy deployment;
• Providing funding for clean energy investments by all federal agencies;
• Providing funding for electric grid enhancements and connections that enable clean energy deployment;
• Providing funding to renovate existing inefficient buildings or building new energy efficient buildings;
• Providing tax incentives and tax credits for clean energy technologies;
• Providing funding for new innovation research, including ARPA-E, public competitions similar to those designed by the X Prize Foundation, grants provided through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, or other mechanisms to fund revolutionary clean energy technology;
• Providing additional funding for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing;
• Providing additional funding to existing federal, State, and local grant programs that finance clean energy projects; and
• Providing prioritized funding for clean energy projects that are located in and reduce energy rates in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.  

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would:

• be available to the public in denominations as low as $50;
• accrue interest based on savings achieved through reduced-energy spending by the federal government and interest collected on loans provided from proceeds of the bonds; and
• be capped at $50 billion each year.

Click here for full text of the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act.

In Connecticut, “Green Liberty Bonds” have been issued, and batches have sold out because the demand is so great. 

Support from Sustainability & Business Groups

The bill is supported by numerous organizations, includingGreen America, Communitas Financial Planning PBC, Transformative Wealth Management, Natural Investments, American Sustainable Business Council, Impact Investors, School Sisters of Notre Dame Collective Investment Fund, Figure 8 Investment Strategies, Greenvest/Vanderbilt Financial Group, Change the Chamber, Harkins Wealth Management, SharePower Responsible Investing, Your Best Path, LLC, and Chicory Wealth.

“Americans from around the country support clean energy that will create jobs while addressing the climate crisis. In World War II, Victory Bonds offered Americans a way to support the war effort. Now, Clean Energy Victory Bonds will offer all Americans a safe investment, open to anyone, to support the rapid adoption of the solar, wind, and battery storage technologies that will benefit communities, workers, and the planet,” said Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director For Consumer and Corporate Engagement, Green America.

“Clean Energy Victory Bonds will provide a much-needed economic boost to our businesses and economy. This bill provides a reliable and highly-accessible financing mechanism that allows all Americans to provide the needed dollars for building a vibrant economy.” In an environment of reduced Federal Government spending this enables everyone to invest and work hand in hand with the private sector,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President, American Sustainable Business Council.

“Taking a step forward to adjust our energy industry to meet the needs of the changing country, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act uses historical precedence to advance the U.S. toward a cleaner, brighter future for youth like us. While the transition to a clean energy economy may seem ambitious at times, this Act will allow everyday Americans to create an economy that works for all of us. It provides Americans the opportunity to help incentivize cleaner infrastructure and energy, paving the way for future steps to better our nation’s energy and climate,” said Evey Mengelkoch, Erika Pietrzak, and Sarah Hill, Climate Fellows of Change the Chamber

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) joined together with Rep. Laural Lee (R-FL-15), Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4), and other House members to cosponsor the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, H.R. 3070, a bipartisan bill to extend the duration Canadian citizens who own or lease a residence in the United States may stay—from 182 days to 240 days annually. Rep. Calvert is an original cosponsor of the bill. 

“The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act will provide an important boost to the economic engine of the Coachella Valley, which is fueled by visitors from Canada and all over the world,” said Rep. Calvert. “I’ve joined together with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce this bill to give those who own or lease homes a longer window to enjoy their time in our country. This new policy will ultimately create jobs and expand economic growth in the Coachella Valley.”

“I’m proud to cosponsor the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act because it’s a win for America’s economy. Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies—especially here in Florida. By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we’re supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbors, and helping local communities thrive,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee.

According to an economic impact study conducted by Visit Greater Palm Springs, more than 300,000 visitors from Canada spent $236 million in 2017. In a study conducted by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, seven percent of Coachella Valley properties are owned by Canadians – making them the largest source of non-U.S. owners in the region. 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

During a House Veterans’ Affairs markup, Pappas advocated for veterans left out in the cold by the Trump administration’s cancellation of the VASP program.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) received the National Health Leadership Award from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) for his advocacy on behalf of nurses, as well as his support for increasing access to health care, expanded tuition assistance for aspiring nurses, and the bipartisan Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act.

The bipartisan I CAN Act would increase health care access, improve quality of care, and lower costs by removing the remaining barriers imposed by the federal government in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from practicing the full scope of their education and clinical training to the level that is approved in the state where they practice.

“Nurses in New Hampshire and across the country continue to answer the call and serve our communities and provide patients with the highest level of care,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m committed to continuing to support their work in Congress by strengthening nursing workforce development, increasing tuition assistance for aspiring nurses, and more. Passing the I CAN Act would allow nurses to provide care in settings consistent with their training and ensure those services are covered by Medicaid, increasing health care access, reducing wait times, and lowering costs. I’m honored to receive this award and will continue to advocate for our CRNAs and all health care workers.”

“Through his leadership, Representative Pappas continues to be a champion for patients’ access, including veterans, to healthcare,” said AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC. “He understands the important role CRNAs play in delivering quality, safe anesthesia care and has taken a leadership role on critical healthcare issues. Patients and veterans are unable to access timely anesthesia care. Representative Pappas knows care can’t wait and it is time to cut the red tape.”

BACKGROUND:

APRNs are nurses prepared at the master’s or doctoral level to provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, in all settings. Their qualifications enable them to treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and direct non-pharmacologic treatments for their patients. Over 40 years of vigorous, peer-reviewed research has verified the safety, quality, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of APRN care. This has led the National Academy of Sciences to call for the removal of laws, regulations, and policies that prevent APRNs from providing the full scope of health care services they are educated and trained to provide. 

Currently, several federal statutes and regulations, as well as certain state practice acts and institutional rules, require physician oversight and limit APRN practice. These barriers reduce access to care, create disruptions in care, increase the cost of care, and undermine efforts to improve the quality of care. Specifically, the I CAN Act would remove remaining barriers in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training. Importantly, this bill does not expand scope of practice or impede upon state law. Rather, the bill would simply ensure that the federal government honors state laws, including New Hampshire state law, ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid patients living in states where nurses have already been granted full practice authority are permitted to choose to seek care from a nurse practitioner.