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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after news reports of another improper Signal group chat involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth:

“Starting with the moment Pete Hegseth was nominated to lead the Department of Defense, my fellow Democrats and I have warned the American people that Mr. Hegseth was grossly unqualified to serve as Secretary of Defense,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Now in office, it has become clear that not only is Secretary Hegseth completely incompetent, but his actions are jeopardizing the national security of the United States. 

“Secretary Hegseth has demonstrated a clear pattern of repeatedly mishandling classified information. In March, he disclosed detailed information in a Signal chat about impending U.S. military operations in Yemen which was clearly classified. Now it has come to light that Secretary Hegseth initiated his own Signal chat on his personal phone where he shared classified information on U.S. military operations with personnel not authorized to access that information. This included the Secretary’s family. This type of conduct by a Secretary of Defense is completely unprecedented, unbecoming of the office, and dangerous. If anyone else in the military did what Secretary Hegseth did, they would be fired immediately, could be dishonorably discharged, and certainly would lose their security clearance.

“Republicans in Congress are failing to do their job to hold oversight hearings into the Secretary’s conduct and the conduct of President Trump’s national security team. They must do so immediately – our national security is at risk.

“The time has come for Secretary Hegseth to resign.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on Arbor Day, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) 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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“We support the TREES Act and all it does to benefit communities across the country,” said SMUD CEO & General Manager Paul Lau. “Today we celebrate our trees and our continued partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation which has planted more than 630,000 trees in our local neighborhoods. This urban canopy helps to cool our cities and homes, and clean our air through carbon sequestration. The value they add is immeasurable. The TREEs Act will continue to foster our ability to create cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities for everyone. Thank you for this continued effort.”

“Trees help to create livable and loveable communities,” said Jessica Sanders, Executive Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation. “We applaud the TREES Act for recognizing that we need action now to create a collaborative community focused on making our communities healthier and more resilient. The TREES Act will allow our children to grow up in tree lined communities with healthy air and healthy 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 bill is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, led 149 lawmakers in sending a letter to President Donald Trump defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members and calling on him to reverse cuts to the program made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

The letter was also led by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, U.S. Senator  Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Vice Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. 

 The Trump Administration placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave last week as part of DOGE’s broader spending cuts. Programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors deploy more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations across the country. Working in partnership with thousands of non-profit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated volunteers and workers help promote employment opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and support those in need.  

“We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more,” the lawmakers wrote. 

The lawmakers highlighted the program’s benefits to society, to AmeriCorps members, and to the federal government—pointing to a non-partisan study showing that there are an estimated $17 in benefits returned for every taxpayer dollar spent. Additionally, the recently passed Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 maintains AmeriCorps funding at its Fiscal Year 2024 level and serves as a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through the end of Fiscal Year 2025. The lawmakers emphasized that the administration is expected to implement the law in a manner consistent with the funding levels enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. Failure to do so would be a violation of the law.

 “If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country,” the lawmakers continued.

 AmeriCorps programs serve communities nationwide, including in California, where roughly 7,000 AmeriCorps members provide intensive service at AmeriCorps programs in over 1,000 locations, including schools, non-profits, public agencies, and community centers across the state. If the Trump Administration’s actions aren’t reversed, these critical services could come to a halt.

 “We are deeply concerned that this is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities,” the lawmakers concluded. 

  You can read the full text of the letter here and below.

Dear President Trump:

We write to express our strong support for AmeriCorps and urge you to reverse both the recall of all NCCC AmeriCorps members and the recently implemented drastic reductions in force across the AmeriCorps agency. We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more.

For more than thirty years, AmeriCorps has been our nation’s leading provider of grants that support and promote national service and volunteerism. Through programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, more than 200,000 Americans participate in results-driven service projects at more than 35,000 locations across the country each year. Working hand in hand with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated Americans recruit and manage millions of additional volunteers as they work to promote employment opportunities, prepare a better-trained workforce, and provide essential services to veterans, children, and seniors. AmeriCorps’ track record of delivering for Americans has earned broad and longstanding support from business leaders, mayors, and governors of both parties.

AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership that leverages approximately $1 billion in matched resources from the private sector, foundations, and local agencies to support organizations across the country working in creative ways to tackle our most persistent and costly challenges. While it is important the agency continues to make measurable progress toward an improved audit performance, federal investments in AmeriCorps already deliver returns for the American people. A 2020 study found that for every one dollar that Congress appropriates to AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs, they return over $17 in benefits to society, program members, and the government. Further, the AmeriCorps programs are a smart investment in our country’s future. AmeriCorps service allows members to gain marketable job skills in high-demand fields and pursue higher education, preparing more Americans to succeed in the workforce.

We have seen firsthand the critical impact these programs have across the states we represent. We urge the administration to continue implementing the statutory requirements of the national service laws:

• Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, Public Law 93-113.
• National and Community Service Act of 1990, Public Law 101-610.
• National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, Public Law 103-82.
• Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, Public Law 111-13.

Additionally, Congress recently passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which maintained funding for AmeriCorps at its Fiscal Year 2024 level. We expect that the administration will implement this law in a manner consistent with the allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. However, we have grave concerns that significant reductions in force will prevent AmeriCorps from being able to effectively and efficiently award appropriated funding to programs operating in communities across the country.

We are deeply concerned by reports that a majority of AmeriCorps staff have been placed on administrative leave and that more than 750 NCCC members have already been recalled from their field assignments. Many of these volunteers were working in disaster response roles, including building homes for individuals who lost theirs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country. We are deeply concerned that is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities.

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement in response to a new report revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth installed an unsecured internet line in his Pentagon office to bypass security protocols and use the insecure Signal messaging app, through which he has repeatedly exposed sensitive national security details, on a personal computer:

“The report that Secretary Hegseth deliberately installed an unsecured internet line in his office to bypass Pentagon safeguards and use Signal to transmit sensitive information is yet another reckless breach of our national security that demands his immediate firing.

His willful disregard for security protocols has repeatedly exposed classified information to our adversaries, jeopardized military operations, and endangered service members. Secretary Hegseth’s continued presence is a direct threat to the safety of our troops and the security of our nation.”

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi concluded a three-stop “Trump Tariff Tour” across Illinois to highlight the destructive economic impact of President Donald Trump’s blanket tariff policies. From Chicago to Atlanta to Urbana, Congressman Krishnamoorthi heard directly from small business owners, farmers, and workers about how Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, shrinking margins, and threatening jobs across the state.

“Whether it’s a family farm, a neighborhood kombucha brewery, or a local produce distributor, Illinois businesses and working families are footing the bill for Donald Trump’s reckless tariff war,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These tariffs are a hidden tax on hardworking families and small businesses, and they’re already doing real damage to our economy. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay the price for Trump’s self-inflicted economic wounds. It’s time to end these tariffs now.”
 

“Many of the small businesses that drive our economy have been rocked by the uncertainty of shifting tariffs and trade policies,” said Elliot Richardson, president of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC). “These small businesses face the prospect of rising costs, shrinking margins, and disrupted supply chains. Small businesses do not have the resources to suddenly and frequently pivot, making transparency and certainty so important to the small business community. The SBAC continues to urge an intentional approach to trade policies that considers the impact on small businesses so they do not become collateral damage in escalating trade wars.

The tour kicked off in Chicago at Testa Produce, where the congressman met with CEO Peter Testa and small business leaders from the Small Business Advocacy Council. There, he emphasized that tariffs are inflating operating costs for food distributors and retailers across the state. From there, Congressman Krishnamoorthi traveled to Kindred Farms in Atlanta, Illinois, where he stood with local agricultural leaders to call out the impact of retaliatory tariffs on Illinois’ $200 billion agricultural sector. The tour concluded at Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana, where the congressman met with small business owners and local leaders to discuss the ripple effects of higher import costs.

Across the state, the congressman warned that if fully implemented, Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost the average Illinois household at least $4,400 per year, with 44% of small businesses already bracing for revenue losses. As the Trump administration continues to pursue its costly trade policies, Congressman Krishnamoorthi is fighting to protect Illinois families and the small businesses that drive our economy.

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

Schaumburg, IL — Following U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s announcement today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi released the following statement:

“Today is a day to celebrate Senator Dick Durbin for his exemplary career of public service as well as the profound and lasting positive impact he’s had on Illinois families and our nation. Known for his legendary work ethic, Senator Durbin has led the fight to expand access to affordable health care, invest in our state’s infrastructure, tackle gun violence, defend Dreamers, improve public health, protect working families, and more. His expert leadership on the Senate Judiciary Committee ensured the confirmation of a record 235 federal judges, shaping the courts and securing our most fundamental American rights for many years to come.

“A champion for everyday families and an unyielding advocate for the underdog, Senator Durbin represents the true meaning of public service. Over the next two years, I know he will continue to fiercely advocate for our state, and I will be honored to fight alongside him as we continue to deliver for Illinois. From one son of downstate to another: Thank you, Senator.”

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – In a letter sent Monday to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urged immediate consideration of the Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act following troubling signs that Members of Congress — including possibly Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — may have used non-public information surrounding recent Trump Administration tariff announcements to trade stocks for personal gain.

“In recent weeks, as the Trump Administration caused significant market volatility through a series of tariff announcements, there have been several opportunities for elected officials to make profitable stock trades based on non-public information,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “This improper activity, or even the appearance of impropriety, serves only to further erode trust between public servants and the American people.”

The Congressman specifically pointed to market activity on April 9th, when President Trump posted on Truth Social, “IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!” at 9:37 a.m. — followed just hours later by a formal tariff announcement that caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to spike by 2,000 points. “This rapid change in market conditions triggered by the President’s planned announcement presented a clear opportunity for those with advance knowledge of the activity to reap significant financial benefit by trading stocks accordingly,” Krishnamoorthi warned. 

To combat this behavior, Krishnamoorthi has led the charge to clean up Washington, introducing the Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Cory Mills (R-FL). The bill would bar Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from owning or trading individual stocks while in office.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that Members are serving the American people and not day trading stocks and profiting from the position to which they were elected,” Krishnamoorthi emphasized in his letter. “I urge you to act on our bipartisan effort and schedule a vote to pass this legislation at the earliest possible opportunity to do so.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s full letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 26, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the passing of Alexis Herman, the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor:

“I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and Soror, Secretary Alexis Herman. Alexis was a faithful public servant, who devoted her entire being to the preservation and economic development of the Black community.

“Herman defied all odds, growing up in the segregated Jim Crow South to parents who were civil rights activists and educators, who helped lay the foundation for Alexis to become a change agent of social justice and a vocal opponent of inequality. She fought to desegregate schools in Mobile, Alabama, and worked with the Southern Regional Council to assist Black women to obtain managerial or technical jobs, and she would later become the youngest director of the U.S. Labor Department’s Women’s Bureau under the Carter administration. Before the term DEI, Herman would use her position to encourage large corporations, such as Coca Cola and Toyota, to diversify their workforce by hiring Black women.

“Alexis went on to become the first Black Secretary of Labor under the Clinton administration. During her time as Secretary, she was praised for handling the USPS labor strike, addressing child exploitation and labor laws, and increasing the minimum wage.

“Herman’s contributions to politics and the advancement of women are legendary. Her work alongside presidential candidates, her leadership under various administrations, and her tenacity to break gender and race barriers within the workplace have cemented Alexis Herman’s name in American History.

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with her family and friends, as well as the countless others she inspired over her lifetime of service and advocacy.” 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA02) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Secretary of Labor, the Honorable Alexis Herman.

“My wife, Vivian, and I were deeply saddened to learn that our friend of longstanding, the Honorable Alexis Herman, had passed.

“From our days together as teenagers on the neighborhood youth council in Mobile, Alabama, up through her years of public service as Director of the Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor, as Chief of Staff at the DNC, as White House Public Liaison Director, as Secretary of Labor, and as a member of multiple corporate boards, she exemplified competency, courage, integrity, wisdom, grace, and dignity.

“Alexis was a gifted visionary, able to bring people together, manage resolution of their issues, and achieve common goals. She was among the best! America and the world are better because of her service.

“On a personal level, I will always be grateful for the timbre of her character and the fidelity of her friendship.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Chicago, Ill. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement regarding the announcement that U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (IL) will not seek re-election:

“After serving the people of Illinois for over 40 years in Congress, my colleague Senator Dick Durbin has shared that he plans to retire at the end of his term. 

“From securing federal funds to extend Chicago’s Red Line and bolster anti-flooding infrastructure, to supporting full LGBTQ+ equality, Senator Durbin has been an essential partner in solving problems right here at home. As the Senate Democratic whip for two decades, Durbin has also mobilized my Democratic colleagues to vote for transformative legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, First Step Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In recent years, I have also been honored to work with Senator Durbin in advocating for Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression.

“Senator Durbin’s decision to retire embodies the essence of public service—doing what is best even when it is difficult. I will miss his partnership and advocacy in the Senate, but I look forward to seeing him thrive in this next chapter.”