MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act), bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training they need to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations, including illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.Costa has been leading the charge to prevent future incidents like Reedley by pushing for better oversight and inter-agency coordination. “When dangerous, unregulated labs can operate undetected in small towns like Reedley, it’s not just a local issue—it’s a national public health risk,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone. The STOP Health Threats Act gives law enforcement the training they need to identify these risks and act swiftly. It’s about prevention, safety, and making sure every officer has the tools to protect their community.”“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao, Co-Sponsor of the bill. “The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk. I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”“As a small rural City, we are often under-resourced, and yet we have to deal with some of the same threats and complexities in larger urban cities.  Criminals and those who wish to hide their activities will often choose smaller cities precisely because they believe their deeds will go unnoticed since there are fewer staff and resources to source out and investigate issues.  The STOP Health Threats Act will provide a training lifeline for rural cities, ensuring that Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors have the knowledge and tools to protect Americans from biological and similar threats that might otherwise go undetected,” said Nicole Zieba, City Manager of Reedley.”Code enforcement officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities by ensuring buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “The International Code Council commends Congressman Costa for introducing the STOP Health Threats Act, which would augment training for these public servants to ensure they are best equipped to identify and mitigate public health threats arising from building code violations.”BACKGROUNDIn 2023, Jessalyn Harper, a code enforcement officer, uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA, storing hazardous biological materials in violation of numerous building and health codes. The lab contained infectious agents, such as COVID-19 and HIV, and was operating without oversight, posing a significant threat to public health.Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials, and poor sanitation often go unchecked due to limited specialized training for law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. These unchecked violations can trigger disease outbreaks and long-term health risks.The STOP Health Threats Act empowers local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training code enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations. The bill promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits, supports the development of tailored training programs, and prioritizes funding for communities like Reedley, where serious threats have been identified.
View the text of the bill HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening water quality and storage infrastructure across the Western United States. “Water is the lifeblood of the West, and as climate change intensifies drought and weather extremes, we must invest in reliable, modern water infrastructure,” said Congressman Costa. “Our legislation will provide California and San Joaquin Valley water managers with the tools they need to expand water storage and ensure clean drinking water in our communities.”  “After meeting with several water conservancy districts across Utah over the past few months, one thing is clear: Utah’s rapid population growth is placing significant pressure on our community water resources,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for local governments and utilities to invest in critical water infrastructure projects—helping ensure we can meet the growing needs of our communities.”“Federal irrigation, clean water, and wastewater projects are essential to rural areas like Central Washington, but a lack of resources for maintenance and repairs puts our water infrastructure at risk. This legislation gives our local water managers the tools they need to sustain long-term projects and guarantee clean, safe water that our communities, farmers, and ranchers rely on,” said Congressman Newhouse.”As we face the ongoing challenges of water scarcity in the West, the introduction of the Every Drop Counts Act and the Groundwater Technical Assistance Act represents a useful step toward ensuring a sustainable future for our communities, ecosystems, and farms. These bipartisan efforts will not only enhance our capabilities for groundwater recharge but also empower local agencies to innovate and implement solutions that restore our vital aquifers. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient water supply that supports agriculture, the environment, and the needs of our growing population,” said Rick Borges, President of the Friant Water Authority.“The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act provides much-needed reforms related to technical issues that substantially limit access to WIFIA loan funding for facilities under federal ownership, regardless of the method of loan repayment,” said Cannon Michael, Board Chair of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “We thank Rep. Costa for his leadership on this issue. Given the significant infrastructure improvements needed to improve the reliability of water supplies for the Water Authority’s members, it’s critical that every funding tool be available to improve affordability for the farming families, disadvantaged communities, and wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts who are reliant on the Water Authority’s members for their water supplies.”BACKGROUNDCalifornia’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, depends heavily on complex water delivery systems to sustain its economy and rural communities. However, the region is grappling with drought, groundwater depletion, and strict water quality standards. The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act would update the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), originally enacted in 2014. This legislation accelerates investment in the nation’s aging water systems by offering long-term, low-cost loans for major water projects. This bill would clarify that federally owned water infrastructure, when operated by non-federal entities such as California’s Friant Water Authority and the San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority is eligible for WIFIA financing.Access to WIFIA financing will enable San Joaquin Valley water agencies to invest in infrastructure upgrades, including groundwater recharge, surface storage, and conveyance improvements.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to the lives and service of two Central Valley heroes – Marine Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino and U.S. Army veteran Guadalupe Castillo.
In a heartfelt address, Costa honored Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud son of Fresno sadly passed away while serving his country. At just 28 years old, Gamino served as a combat engineer with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His bravery and dedication are a testament to the values of service and sacrifice that define the San Joaquin Valley.

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud Marine of Fresno, California, who gave his life in service to our nation. He answered the call to serve in May 2022, quickly rising to the rank of Lance Corporal by August 2024. 
At just 28 years old, Marcelino served with distinction as a combat engineer in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His commitment took him across the world, deploying to Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force. 
His service was marked by distinction, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. We mourn his tragic loss, and our hearts are with his family and fellow Marines. His courage and service will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!

Costa also recognized Guadalupe Castillo, who answered the call to serve his country at just 18 years old. A U.S. Army World War II veteran, he fought in some of the most pivotal battles in history, including the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France. At 100 years old, Mr. Castillo left behind a remarkable legacy of courage, service, and devotion to his community and country. Castilllo sadly passed away on Easter Sunday. 

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise to honor the incredible life of Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero of Fresno, California.   
At just 18, he entered the U.S. Army and faced some of history’s fiercest battles: the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France from tyranny. His courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. But his service didn’t end on the battlefield. 
After his service, he devoted 20 years to helping fellow veterans through the VA, inspiring his son Manuel to follow in his footsteps. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Castillo shortly before he passed away on Easter Sunday.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

May 02, 2025

Lawmakers urge DHS to “focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda that are terrorizing California communities and harming the economy. The lawmakers demanded answers on recent egregious DHS enforcement actions — without notice or coordination — including the arrest of at least 10 day laborers outside of a Home Depot, the detainment of a small business owner at gunpoint outside of his barbershop, and an enforcement raid at a Pomona auto body shop conducted with the Riverside County Sherriff’s department.

Padilla, Schiff, and Torres underscored the deep distrust and economic chaos these enforcement raids foster, hurting entire communities and national supply chains and keeping consumers at home out of fear.

“We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona,” continued the lawmakers. “Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work.”

The lawmakers highlighted that California’s economy — now the fourth largest in the world — relies on the contributions of immigrant labor, as immigrants and their children make up the majority (55 percent) of California’s workforce, with immigrants alone comprising 34 percent of the state’s population. Last year, undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income, $66 billion in spending power, $50 billion to Social Security, and $14 billion to Medicare. They emphasized that immigrant workers make up a significant portion of California’s leading agriculture, health care, and construction sectors. Immigrant construction workers comprise over 40 percent of California’s construction workforce, and are already doing essential work to help Los Angeles County rebuild from the devastating wildfires earlier this year.

The lawmakers stressed that rather than indiscriminately targeting long-term residents with no criminal records, DHS should work with Congress to help provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. Senator Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.

“While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades,” added the lawmakers.“These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”

The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding information on the raids, including why local officials were not notified and what steps DHS is taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities.

“We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation,” concluded the lawmakers.

Senator Padilla blasted the Pomona immigration raids last week, emphasizing that indiscriminate immigrant enforcement hurts our communities and economy.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Noem,

We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement.

According to press reports, the City of Pomona in our home state of California has been at the epicenter of recent immigration enforcement activity, much of which has been conducted without giving notice to local officials:

• On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Majin-Leon, a long-time resident and small business owner, was detained at gunpoint in front of his barbershop, terrorizing his family and community. He was released after 30 hours, but the trauma persists. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval expressed frustration, commenting to federal officials that they were “terrorizing our community.” Reports suggest DMV records may have played a role in his targeting, raising concerns about data-sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities.

• Meanwhile, that same day, federal immigration enforcement agents detained as many as 20 day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona, where witnesses saw agents arrive in marked and unmarked vehicles around 8 a.m. The Pomona Police Department had no prior knowledge of the operation, and conflicting reports have persisted regarding whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal law enforcement entities were responsible for the detentions.

• Later that week, on Friday, April 25, another major enforcement action occurred at Moon Auto Collision in Pomona, executed jointly by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Special Response Teams under the auspices of a narcotics warrant. Pomona city officials, including Mayor Tim Sandoval, were given no prior notice. Mayor Sandoval, upon visiting the scene, underscored the devastating impact these operations have had on community trust and the economic health of local businesses.

Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona. Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work. One local business owner told reporters, “Customers are scared. They are not coming to buy anything. They are not coming to get repairs done.”

While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades. These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.

California’s economy – now the fourth largest in the world – demonstrates the strength and contributions of immigrant labor. Immigrants and their children comprise 55 percent of California’s workforce. Immigrants alone account for 34 percent of the state’s population and paid $168 billion in taxes last year, while generating over $400 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income and $66 billion in spending power, alongside $50 billion to Social Security and $14 billion to Medicare.

Additionally, in the wake of the destructive wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County earlier this year, immigrant construction workers—who make up more than 40 percent of the workforce in California—are essential to the community’s ability to rebuild and recover. Put simply, in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care, immigrant workers are indispensable to our community.

Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following:

1. Why weren’t local officials in Pomona notified about recent enforcement actions?

2. Which federal law enforcement entities were involved in or aware of these enforcement actions?

3. Has DHS responded to local law enforcement’s request for answers?

4. What protocols exist to coordinate with local law enforcement and elected officials before conducting large-scale enforcement actions?

5. How does DHS plan to comply with the April 29, 2025 court order from the Eastern District of California barring Border Patrol agents from detaining or arresting individuals without reasonable suspicion of illegal presence, as required by the Fourth Amendment?

6. Was California Department of Motor Vehicles data accessed in the case of Martin Majin-Leon?

7. What safeguards exist to prevent improper use of state data for immigration enforcement purposes?

8. What steps is DHS taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities that have been traumatized by these events?

We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today on Arbor Day, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the TREES Act, a bill that will help homeowners lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and help mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

The TREES Act would create a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The program seeks to prioritize low wealth communities as well as areas with low tree canopy and heat islands.

“Kansas Citians know all too well that extreme heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, costly, and dangerous to communities in the urban core due to the heat island effect exacerbating the historic rise in temperatures we’re seeing around the globe,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By providing states and municipalities the resources necessary to expand tree canopy in cities, we can not only boost the beautification and restoration of places like Kansas City, but we can also lower energy costs and temperatures to the benefit of local residents. That’s precisely what the TREES Act will do, and why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Matsui.”

“Urban forests are critical to addressing climate change and air pollution,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees—and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits at the local level are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods—all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve access to green space and clean air, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change.”

“The TREES Act brings together environmental stewardship and economic relief—lowering energy costs while making our communities cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This is about investing in where we live—expanding green spaces, improving air quality, and creating lasting value for families in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and beyond. It’s a smart, bipartisan solution that delivers where it matters most: at the roots of our neighborhoods.”

“This bill isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about improving lives,” said Joel Pannell, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “The bipartisan TREES Act delivers local benefits that communities will feel for generations—from cleaner air to lower utility bills—proving that smart, shared solutions can still bring people together. We thank Rep. Matsui, Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Cleaver for introducing this critical and timely legislation.”

Full text of the TREES Act is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and over 100 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief in the case Centro de Trabajadores Unidos v. Bessent, urging the D.C. district court to block an unprecedented agreement that would grant immigration enforcement access to millions of taxpayers’ confidential IRS records. 

The brief reinforces Congress’s long-standing, bipartisan intent to maintain a strict firewall between tax administration and immigration enforcement. It defends the integrity of the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program and taxpayer privacy protections under 26 U.S.C. § 6103. Established in 1996, the ITIN program enables individuals ineligible for Social Security Numbers to comply with federal tax law. In 2022 alone, ITIN filers paid $59.4 billion in federal income taxes—plus billions more to Social Security and Medicare, despite being ineligible to receive those benefits.

“The American people have been very clear that they do not support the President allowing unelected bureaucrats or immigration extremists to access private, personal information on millions of American citizens at the Social Security Administration or the IRS; and historically, the courts have agreed to this commonsense principle,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As this administration continues to break the law to further their political goals, I’m proud to join my friends in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the fight to uphold the rule of law and protect the privacy of millions of Americans in Missouri and all across the country.”  

“Taxpayer privacy is a cornerstone of our democracy and a principle Congress has protected for nearly 50 years,” said CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat. “The IRS promised immigrant taxpayers their information would be kept confidential when they stepped up to follow the law. Breaking that promise not only violates the law—it jeopardizes the critical contributions millions of working families make to programs like Social Security and Medicare.”

The full list of signers includes Representatives Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Ami Bera, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Kathy Castor, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Yvette D. Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, J. Luis Correa, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, Jasmine Crockett, Danny K. Davis, Madeleine Dean, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Cleo Fields, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, John Garamendi, Jesús G. “Chuy” Garcia, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Maggie Goodlander, Al Green, Pablo Jose Hernandez, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager Dove, Robin L. Kelly, Ro Khanna, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Mike Levin, Sam Liccardo, Ted W. Lieu, Lucy McBath, Jennifer L. McClellan, Betty McCollum, James P. McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gregory W. Meeks, Robert Menendez, Dave Min, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Nellie Pou, Mike Quigley, Delia C. Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea  Salinas, Linda T. Sanchez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Greg Stanton, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Ritchie Torres, Lori Trahan, Derek Tran, Juan Vargas, Gabe Vazquez, Nydia M. Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Frederica S. Wilson.

The official amicus brief is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, following reports that President Trump is working to eliminate Head Start, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) condemned the plan to cut all funding for the Head Start program, which has served nearly 40 million children since its inception in 1965 by providing childcare to low-income families while promoting school readiness for children from birth to age five through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. In a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director Russell Vought, Congressman Cleaver called on the Administration to maintain funding for the vital services Head Start provides to communities nationwide and provide additional information to justify such draconian cuts.

“I am immensely concerned about a recent AP report of the Trump Administration’s plan to cut all Head Start funding,” Congressman Cleaver wrote. “The abolition of Head Start is antithetical to our country’s decades-long battle in the ‘War on Poverty.’ Often mischaracterized as a ‘handout,’ Head Start is a hand-up for low-income families nationwide.”

“Head Start allows educators who love teaching to teach kids to love learning. In its absence, 790,000 children and their families will enter a failing private childcare market,” Cleaver continued. “Without Head Start, many families unable to afford private childcare would leave their jobs and become full-time caregivers. The remaining families who enter the market will face months-long waitlists and inflated prices”

“Put simply, this is an unforced error. To put families through this manufactured crisis is unconscionable,” Cleaver concluded.

“For decades, Head Start has been a cornerstone of early childhood education, providing resources and support to local children and their families,” said Dr. Toni Sturdivant, director of early learning and Head Start with the Mid-America Regional Council. “The Kansas City region relies on Head Start not only for educational opportunities but also for health, nutrition and family engagement services that create a holistic support system. Without Head Start, many children could face significant setbacks in their developmental milestones and families would have less access to the resources they need to thrive.”

In Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, Head Start serves 2,256 children and employs 500 people. The program enables their employment by providing free/low-cost childcare, prenatal care for expecting mothers, and in-home services. Among Kansas City’s Head Start parents, 1,351 are employed, 169 are in training programs, and 168 are enrolled in school.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and Sean Casten (D-IL) led 14 House Democrats to call on Congress to direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a study of climate-related risks to its loan guarantee programs. In a letter to Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jim Clyburn (D-SC), the lawmakers argued a study was necessary to understand the full impact of climate disasters on the federal housing finance ecosystem and loan performance.

“The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) mortgage financing programs enable billions of dollars of capital to support the purchase, refinance, construction, and rehabilitation of single- and multi-family housing and assisted housing across the United States,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, due to the increasing frequency and severity of weather disasters caused by climate change, homeowners may find it challenging to make mortgage payments, which could lead to defaulting on FHA-insured loans.”

“Given the FHA’s prominent role in the mortgage market, we respectfully request that the Subcommittee include the following report language,” the lawmakers continued. “This effort is crucial to understanding the impact of climate disaster broadly on the housing finance ecosystem and loan performance, specifically delinquency and default.”

In 2024, 27 climate disaster events in the U.S. resulted in nearly $185 billion in total damages. If homeowners cannot bear the costs of climate disasters and are unable to make payments on mortgages or other loans, these resulting defaults could push losses into different parts of the financial system, which could shift the risk to lenders – or, in the case of FHA-insured mortgages, to the federal government and American taxpayers – triggering shocks to the broader financial system. 

Given these risks, the lawmakers are calling for a study and report on the impacts of climate change on the performance of loans insured under the Federal Housing Administration’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) and General Insurance and Special Risk Insurance (GI/SRI) Funds, including the potential for reduced recoveries and higher loss severities on defaulted loans due to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the lawmakers would like HUD to identify regions of the country where FHA-insured mortgages are most exposed to climate-related risks.

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Cleo Fields (D-LA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), André Carson (D-IN), George Whitesides (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Dave Min (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ).

The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Harris, M.D., Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, released the following statement after the Trump Administration halted the construction of a massive offshore wind project off the coast of New York and ordered a review of all existing permits. 

Background: On Wednesday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to order foreign energy developer Equinor to cease all construction activities on its Empire Wind project. In a memorandum released by the Washington Free Beacon, Secretary Burgum confirmed the Biden administration green-lit permits for the project and ultimately approved it without conducting proper analysis.

Statement From Congressman Harris:

“I applaud the Trump Administration for exposing the Biden administration’s faulty permitting process and ordering a halt to the offshore wind construction activities of Empire Wind. Offshore wind poses a significant risk to our environment, national security operations, and marine life and its development should be halted. In the last few months in office, the Biden Administration rushed the approval process for permits in Maryland and I look forward to the swift end of all offshore wind construction projects in my district.” 

For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov