MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Trump’s budget represents the interests of the wealthy few instead of the many American workers, families, and small businesses just trying to stay afloat.

“His proposal cuts nearly a quarter of all non-defense discretionary spending. It terminates programs that help struggling families keep the lights on, keep food on the table, and keep a roof over their heads. The budget puts our nation’s children at risk, eliminating preschool development grants and slashing funding for maternal and child health programs. 

“This disastrous budget would undermine America’s health and competitiveness for generations. Trump wants to cut the budget of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in half. These are the agencies that help identify, treat, and even cure life-threatening diseases and protect Americans from pandemics. He also intends to cut a quarter of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget. That will jeopardize early warning systems that help American communities withstand natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. 

“While putting up more obstacles for the American people, Trump’s budget makes it easier for the wealthiest individuals and big corporations to get even further ahead. It cuts the Internal Revenue Service’s budget by a fifth. The IRS has been desperately underfunded and understaffed for decades. Slashing its funding further will make it even harder for the agency to go after wealthy tax cheats who try to get out of paying their fair share. Ultimately, hardworking Americans who dutifully pay their taxes are forced to bear the cost of this loss in revenue.

“How we spend our money reflects our values. Once again, Trump proves he does not care for the American people – only himself.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Following the death of a Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year old Haitian Woman Detainee at the Broward Transitional Center on April 25, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Broward Transitional Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick visited in order to investigate the facility conditions, the cause of death of Marie Ange Blaise, and inquire about the medical procedures of the facility.

“Leaving the Broward Transitional Center, I have no faith in the leadership of the facility or ICE. They don’t even view the immigrants detained in there as humans and didn’t want to answer any questions on Marie. But Marie dying in the Broward Transitional Center is just an example of what is going to continue to happen if we let this administration go unchecked. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is wrong, and as a people, we must and can do better. We are an immigrant-rich society, especially in South Florida,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. “It’s time this government pulls our contracts with GEO, the company who profits off managing countless of these blackhole detention centers. And every member of Congress must visit these ICE detention centers and hold the administration accountable because they want to hide the truth from us. But we want all Americans to see what is happening. This administration has failed to fulfill its responsibility to treat detainees with humanity and to properly maintain its own ICE facilities. That is why I will continue to visit these ICE facilities, and why I plan to introduce a resolution urging members of Congress to exercise their oversight authority by visiting ICE facilities.”

This is the second ICE Detention Facility Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has visited this year. On April 24^th, 2025, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson visited the ICE Krome Detention Facility.

“I left the Broward Transitional Center disappointed with what I saw and what I heard,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “I failed to see any evidence that there were proper procedures in place and that adequate health care was provided. One single doctor to care for hundreds of detainees — with some being forced to sleep on the floor — is inhumane. Marie Blaise’s tragic death will not be a one-off if these cruel conditions persist.”  

On May 1^st, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and all the members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, calling for a transparent investigation into the death of Marie Blaise. For the full text of the letter, click here.

The tour included Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and their respective staffers. No electronics, phones, press, or external stakeholders were allowed in the facility during the tour. The tour started at 9 A.M. and lasted until approximately 10:45 A.M.

The tour included the following areas: medical clinic, courtroom areas, cafeteria, living cells, religious areas, attorney/client interview rooms and recreation areas.

As part of the tour, ICE officials detailed that there is a ratio of one doctor per 500 detainees. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick also spoke to multiple detainees who detailed sleeping on the floor due to recent overcrowding.

Following the tour, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick held a press gaggle alongside community stakeholders from the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network.

“It is disconcerting and outrageous that ICE continues to put people’s lives at risk, with complete disregard for their humanity,” said Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “How many deaths will it take for that Office to stop the bleeding?  What will it take for them to be accountable for their inhumane actions, and to end this barbaric treatment of immigrants in and out of detention? 

“We demand a full investigation into her death and a commitment to reform immigration detention practices,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, Councilwoman at the City of North Miami and National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Chair. “The tragic loss of Marie Ange must serve as a catalyst for change—a change that prioritizes humanity, accountability, and the rights of all individuals.”

For photos of the press gaggle, click here.

For the full video of the press gaggle, click here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death. If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.”

Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Demand Transparency, Protect Federal Workers’ Pensions, Defend Veterans & People with Disabilities

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Republicans for their complicity and willingness to allow hunger and food insecurity to skyrocket by supporting the bill’s proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response to Rep. Lateefah Simon’s (CA-12) amendment to restrict the reduction of SNAP, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.

Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to better reveal who would be harmed by the bill and to defend hard-earned benefits for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

• Ensure that federal workers who are veterans or have disabilities can keep their FERS annuity supplement – a critical, earned benefit that helps bridge the gap between early retirement and the start of Social Security.
• Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to expose how this bill will impact people across the federal workforce – including women, older Americans, workers of color, veterans, and workers with disabilities – who dedicate their lives to delivering essential services in communities across the country.

Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks in response to Rep. Simon’s amendment on SNAP is available below and video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Demands Answers to Republican Proposed SNAP Cuts that Would Increase Hunger, Instead is Met with Silence

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

April 30, 2025

Congresswoman Simon, I’m so glad that you’re here. 

I always say the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power. You have been closest to the pain, and we are so glad that you were here. 

You never forget the plot, and the plot is the people. 

I appreciate the Congresswoman for introducing this amendment. 

SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death.

If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.

More than 42 million Americans – 42 million – participate in SNAP each month. This includes 16.9 million children, 4.5 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. Over 1.1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP.

Let’s talk about economic impact.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.

SNAP dollars help to pay the wages of grocery store clerks, of truckers who deliver food, manufacturers who make food packaging, and the farmer who grows food.

There is nothing efficient about making people hungrier and sicker. 

Is there any single Republican who is willing to speak out to make sure that children, people with disabilities and veterans, do not go hungry? 

Anyone? 

Silence.

This bill is a shame and a sham. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), Chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, released the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers holding Apple accountable for anticompetitive conduct.

“For years, Apple has restricted consumer choice by charging an exorbitant fee on developers who sell apps to customers on Apple’s app store. In 2021, the court found that this fee violated unfair competition laws, and it ordered Apple to allow customers to purchase apps directly on developers’ websites at a cheaper price. 

“Instead of following that directive, Apple doubled down on its illegal behavior. It continued to impose a hefty fee and actively discouraged customers from paying for apps outside the app store. When confronted in court, an Apple executive outright lied about it under oath.

“American consumers deserve better than this corporate power run amok. They deserve a digital economy that benefits them rather than billionaires who control it, and allows freedom of choice, innovation, and real competition. Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction and sends a strong message that Big Tech companies cannot rip off consumers without facing consequences. 

“We also saw House Republicans withdraw their proposal to eliminate the Federal Trade Commission — an agency that has brought monumental lawsuits against Facebook, Amazon, and other large corporations to lower costs and promote competition and should never have been threatened in the first place. We look forward to seeing this work continue to finally crack down on corporate monopolies that harm small businesses, raise prices on consumers, and stifle the innovation that has made our country an economic powerhouse.”

The Monopoly Busters Caucus brings together Members of Congress to fight corporate power and build a fair economy that works for hardworking Americans, workers, and small businesses. 

Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Congressional Dads Caucus — issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive action aimed at cutting funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Public Radio (NPR).

“I’ve got a two-and-a-half-year-old, and we watch a lot of Sesame Street, The Cat in The Hat, and Daniel Tiger at home, so I see every day how public media helps kids learn and grow,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “Families across the country rely on PBS and NPR for trustworthy, nonpartisan news and educational shows. At a time when misinformation is everywhere, Trump is going after PBS and NPR just for doing their jobs. That’s what happens in authoritarian regimes. We must fight to protect a free and independent press.”

Congress — not the president — created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 1967 to provide stable funding for local and independent stations that serve communities in every corner of the country. These stations are lifelines, especially for underserved and rural areas, because they ensure everyone has access to quality public media. NPR does not receive direct federal funding. Instead, it benefits indirectly through grants from the CPB.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the five winners of the 2025 Congressional Women of the Year award from the Central Coast.

The five winners of this year’s award are: Alison Wales from Lompoc, JoAnne Meade Young from Santa Barbara, Lisa Kawamura from Arroyo Grande, Julie Rodewald from Los Osos, and Cherie Eulau from Ventura.

“Each year, I am inspired by the extraordinary women who are shaping the future of the Central Coast,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The 2025 Women of the Year winners represent the very best of our region—leaders, educators, advocates, and public servants who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and driving meaningful change. From San Luis Obispo to Ventura, their stories are powerful reminders of the strength and spirit that define our district. I am proud to recognize their achievements in the Congressional Record and to celebrate their invaluable contributions.”

The Congressional Women of the Year Award honors exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have made a positive impact on their communities. Winners span a variety of backgrounds and professions and represent the thousands of women working tirelessly to improve the quality of life on the Central Coast. 

Carbajal will recognize the winners by permanently entering the accomplishments of each woman into the official Congressional Record, preserving their stories and their impact on the community. An award ceremony will be held at a later date where each honoree will also receive a special congressional pin.

Below are the biographies for this year’s honorees:

Alison Wales, Lompoc

Alison Wales is a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual violence. She was instrumental in establishing a 24/7 crisis hotline at the North County Rape Crisis Center and creating a prevention education program that works with local schools to reduce incidents of sexual violence. She also launched the She Raised Her Hand initiative to address the unique challenges faced by female veterans, many of whom struggle with PTSD, military sexual trauma, and reintegration into civilian life. She is a true champion for the North County community.

JoAnne Meade Young, Santa Barbara

JoAnne Meade Young attended a segregated two-room school through the third grade. Learning did not come easily to her, which motivated her to ensure that low-income children, children of color, and children with learning disabilities and ADHD were recognized and placed on a path to educational success. When she moved to Santa Barbara in 1990 to become principal of Mountain View School in Goleta, she became the school’s first Black principal. Over the next 17 years, she served as principal of Brandon School, El Rancho School, Ellwood School, and as Director of the Goleta State Preschool. Even in retirement, she has continued to serve the community. She ran the Santa Barbara Spelling Bee for five years, and helped found the Santa Barbara Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, and served as a board member of the Family Services Agency and as the District 2 Commissioner for Women. Her lifelong commitment to equity and education has left a lasting impact on generations of students and the broader Santa Barbara community

Lisa Kawamura, Arroyo Grande

Lisa Kawamura is currently President of the Executive Board of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Faculty Association union. She fights to ensure that her colleagues receive the pay and treatment they deserve. As a woman of color, she is particularly supportive of other women-of-color faculty and encourages them to speak up for themselves, no matter who else is in the room. She is also a 27-year lecturer in the Department of Communication at Cal Poly SLO, where she has taught hundreds of students public speaking. Lisa has been a featured speaker at the SLO County Women of Color Network’s annual Women of Color Symposium two years in a row. Through her leadership, advocacy, and teaching, Lisa Kawamura continues to empower both colleagues and students, leaving a meaningful mark on the Cal Poly community and beyond.

Julie Rodewald, Los Osos

Julie Rodewald’s dedication to democracy and public service has shaped lives in San Luis Obispo for decades. She served for 33 years in the Office of the SLO County Clerk-Recorder, ensuring everyone had the right to vote. Even in retirement, she continues to advocate for voting rights. She serves on the Board of Directors for the SLO County League of Women Voters and launched the Empowering the Voters of Tomorrow, Today initiative, which registered or pre-registered over 3,500 local high school students. She worked with the Latino Voter Engagement Project to help Spanish speakers in the community exercise their right to vote, and even helped create a short film, Forever Voters, to inspire civic engagement. Julie’s dedication to ensuring every citizen exercises their right to vote is truly inspiring.

Cherie Eulau, Ventura

Cherie Eulau taught for 27 years in the Ventura Unified School District, shaping generations of young people in the process. Her classes on World History, Government, and Economics inspired many to pursue careers in public service. She went above and beyond, developing interactive lesson plans that helped students truly understand the past and how it shapes the present. She also encouraged her students to get involved in the community, partnering with organizations like the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) on issues such as environmental justice and voting rights. Cherie brings joyful optimism and fiery energy to igniting the minds and hearts of local youth, encouraging them to raise their voices and change the world around them.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the 2025 Congressional App Challenge has officially launched.

“I’m proud to announce that the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is now open,” said Congressman Baird. “As a Ph.D. scientist and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I know the value of STEM education and computer science. I encourage every middle and high school student in our district to participate, and I hope this encourages more students to engage in STEM fields. I wish all of the students participating the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing the impressive apps our students create this year!”

The deadline for students to register for the Congressional App Challenge and submit their app online is 12:00 PM ET on October 30, 2025.

Students may use any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) and create an app for any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the Capitol Building and be put on House.gov. Students who create winning apps will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., where winners from across the nation will showcase their projects.

Eligibility:

• To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.
• Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.
• Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.
• If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.
• All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission.There is no citizen requirement for students.
• If competing as a team, all members must submit their information on the registration form to participate.

Please click here for the 2025 rules and guidelines for students.

Please click here for the 2025 resources for teachers.

To register and for more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us. For questions, please contact StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) announced the introduction of the ICE Visibility Act of 2025 would amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and all other Immigration officers, including those deputized, to wear visible and distinct uniforms at all times of action.

In recent months, the American people have seen several recordings and reports of masked and plainclothes ICE officers and others impersonating federal law enforcement, approaching, threatening, and in some cases abducting people who are simply going about their business.  The regular use of plainclothes officers during these actions often creates a significant risk to the officers, who cannot be identified by a fearful public. In addition, the knowledge that some officers are routinely in plainclothes when on duty creates an opportunity for impersonators to harass law-abiding residents. 

“During the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration, the President has used Immigration and Customs Enforcement to establish an atmosphere of hostility and fear while obliterating due process rights for lawful residents of the United States,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “ICE’s tactic of wearing normal street clothes to misrepresent themselves to the public while executing raids, patrolling, detaining, and arresting individuals is dangerous and should be ended for everyone’s safety”

“Like many Americans, I have been dismayed by the recent cases where unidentified, and often masked, ICE Agents have been documented picking people up off the street or from their homes,” said Rep. Beyer. “The lack of identification can create dangerous situations and contribute to a climate of fear. It undermines the public’s trust in law enforcement and is reminiscent of police states. It should not be allowed.”   

The ICE Visibility Act is cosponsored by Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), James McGovern (MA–02), and Cleo Fields (LA-06). 

The ICE Visibility Act can be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries