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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC’s This Week where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to aggressively push back against the Republican assault on Social Security and Medicaid.
(VIDEO) LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re in a crisis across the board, right? I mean, that is obvious for everyone to see. This is not normal. The president is assaulting the economy, assaulting Social Security, assaulting health care, assaulting the American way of life and assaulting our democracy. None of this is normal. It is all a crisis.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KARL: That was House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who joins me now. Leader Jeffries, thank you for being here. Let me get right at what you were saying, because I also heard you say that Republicans are breaking the economy and will own all of the damage that is being done to the American people. So, what—what are Democrats going to do about it?
JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to continue to make clear that the cost of living in the United States of America is too high. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower the cost of living, in fact, on day one. Costs aren’t going down, they are going up and they are crashing the economy in real time and in fact, driving us toward a recession. Democrats have a different vision. We want to build an affordable economy for hardworking American taxpayers, and we’re ready to work with anyone in good faith to get that done. But that’s not occurring in the Congress right now, which is why things are heading in a bad direction.
KARL: But let me ask you about a Gallup poll that came out recently, asking people how much confidence they have in various people to—to deal with the economy. And Donald Trump only—you know, 44 percent have a great deal or fair amount of confidence, but that was—GOP leaders were next, the Fed chairman, the speaker of the House. And when you get down to the bottom Democratic leaders, Chuck Schumer, down at the bottom. You had only 30 percent. So, what do Democrats have to do to convince the American people that they have a better plan on the economy than the Republicans?
JEFFRIES: Well, this week, we’ll be having a Cost of Living Week of Action, and we have to continue to talk to the American people about our plans. We recognize that housing costs are too high, grocery costs are too high, utility costs are too high, child care costs are too high insurance costs are too high. America is too expensive. Now, Donald Trump is the president. And in terms of his approval as it relates to the economy, it was his biggest strength on January 20th. Now, it’s his greatest weakness. There are a variety of different polls that are out there, including most recently a Morning Consult poll, that showed that congressional Democrats were actually trusted more than congressional Republicans on the economy for the first time in four years. We’re going to continue to press our case on the economy, continue to press our case on protecting and strengthening Social Security, which is what we are committed to do. Republicans are trying to detonate Social Security as we know it. And certainly, we’re going to protect the health care of the American people.
KARL: You’ve seen those huge crowds that Bernie Sanders and AOC have gotten at their “Fighting Oligarchy Tour.” Is that where the energy of the Democratic Party is right now? Is it with the progressive left? Is that the direction the party’s going to turn?
JEFFRIES: I think the energy of the Democratic Party right now is across the board. And everyone has made that observation, that this is not a right/left moment, it’s a moment of right versus wrong. And we’ve got to be able to stand up to this assault that is underway led by Donald Trump and his compliant Republicans in the House and the Senate. An assault on the economy, on Social Security, on Medicaid, an insult on the democratic way of life as we know it.
KARL: I saw Senator Sanders had said in an interview this week that he was skeptical of Kamala Harris, and he mentioned Joe Biden as well — and having a future in the national Democratic Party. He said, quote: I think the future of the Democratic Party is not going to rest with the kind of leadership that we’ve had. Is—is he right? Do you think Democrats are looking for new leaders?
JEFFRIES: I think what we’ve got in front of us in terms of politically is that we have to win the races that are up next. That’s a governor’s race in New Jersey and a governor’s race in Virginia. Those two in November are going to be critically important, and we certainly have to win back control of the House of Representatives next year. Now, we’re pushing back in the Congress. We’re pushing back in the courts, and we’re pushing back in the communities, including wherever there are special elections on the campaign trail. And, in fact, Democrats are winning special elections month after month after month, including most recently a decisive one in Wisconsin earlier this month for the state Supreme Court.
KARL: David Hogg, who I know you know, a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, he’s going to be joining us on the roundtable, and he is pursuing this effort to unseat some Democrats in safe seats through primary challenges. He’s talked about a culture of seniority politics that is not working for the party. He said, quote: We need a better Democratic Party and need to get rid of the Democrats in safe seats who do not understand what is at stake now, who are asleep at the wheel not meeting the moment and are a liability now into the future of our party. What’s your response to this idea of targeting your Dem—some of your Democratic incumbents?
JEFFRIES: Well, I look forward to standing behind every single Democratic incumbent, from the most progressive, to the most centrist, and all points in between. They’re working hard in their communities, rising to the occasion this past week. We had, of course, Medicaid Matters Day of Action, a Save Social Security Day of Action, and we have to continue to do all of the things—rallies, town hall meetings in Democratic districts, town hall meetings in Republican districts, days of action, telephone town hall meetings, site visits, press conferences. We are in a more is more environment, and more is going to continue to be required of all of us. Now, the House is the institution that is known to be—was built to be the closest to the American people. That’s why we have elections every two years. Primaries are a fact of life. But here’s the thing: I’m going to really focus on trying to defeat Republican incumbents so we can take back control of the House of Representatives and begin the process of ending this national nightmare that’s being visited upon us by far-right extremism.
KARL: All right. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you for joining us before running into Easter services. We appreciate you. Have happy—have a happy Easter.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
In honor of Earth Day, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that aims to help the U.S. reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector by 2040—while giving America’s farmers more tools and resources to increase their profitability.
“From historic droughts and wildfires to devastating floods and extreme weather, America’s farmers are directly impacted by the climate crisis,” said Pingree, a longtime organic farmer and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “With the Farm Bill in limbo and the Trump Administration actively undermining farmers’ interests, bold legislation like the Agriculture Resilience Act is more urgent than ever. These goals are ambitious—but they’re achievable. By helping farmers adopt practices that boost resilience and profitability, this bill charts a path to not only create a more sustainable future for America’s agriculture sector, but ensure greater economic viability for our farmers as well.”
“New Mexico’s agricultural producers and rural communities rely on the health of our land and water to sustain their families and communities. They are also the first to feel the impacts of climate change. That is why we need to provide our farmers and ranchers with new tools to not only protect their land and way of life, but also be part of the climate solution,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to reintroduce the Agriculture Resilience Act, which sets a national goal of achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2040 through farmer-led, science-based initiatives. I’ll continue working to bring our communities the tools they need to improve soil health, expand conservation programs, increase research into climate-friendly agricultural practices, and support on-farm renewable energy projects.”
To reach net-zero agricultural emissions within the next 15 years, the ARA focuses on six concrete policy areas—and solutions that are rooted in science.
These goals include:
Increasing Research: The ARA would ensure existing agriculture research programs prioritize climate change research, increase funding for USDA’s Regional Climate Hubs, support public breed and cultivar research, and create a new SARE Agricultural and Food System Resilience Initiative for farmer and rancher research and demonstration grants.
Improving Soil Health: The ARA would create a new soil health grant program for state and tribal governments, authorize USDA to offer performance-based crop insurance discounts for practices that reduce climate risk, expand the National Agroforestry Center by authorizing three additional regional centers, and provide more technical assistance and flexibility in USDA conservation programs to support climate-smart practices.
Protecting existing farmland and supporting farm viability: ARA would increase funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program to help keep local farms profitable and create a new subprogram for farm viability and local climate resilience centers to help farmers reach new markets. The bill would also increase funding for the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program to make farmland affordable for the next generation.
Supporting pasture-based livestock systems: The ARA would create a new alternative manure management program to support an array of livestock methane management strategies and establish a new grant program to help small meat processors cover the costs associated with meeting federal inspection guidelines.
Boosting investments in on-farm energy initiatives: The ARA would increase funding for the Rural Energy for America Program to prioritize low-emissions electrification projects and direct USDA to study dual-use renewable energy and cropping or livestock systems.
Reducing food waste: The ARA would standardize food date labels to reduce consumer confusion about the shelf life of foods, create a new USDA program to reduce food waste in schools, and increase federal support for food waste research and outreach, composting, and anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy projects.
The ARA is supported by dozens of national and local organizations including American Farmland Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, as well companies like Stonyfield and Organic Valley. Click here for a full list of endorsers.
An organic farmer since the 1970s, Pingree has been recognized as a national policy leader on sustainable food and farming. Pingree is the founder of Congress’s first-ever Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus and is Vice Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Climate and Agriculture Task Force. In addition to serving on the House Agriculture Committee, Pingree is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she serves as Ranking Member on the Interior and Environment Subcommittee and on the Agriculture Subcommittee.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)
Tonko on the Passing of Pope Francis
Amsterdam, April 21, 2025
AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement following the passing of Pope Francis:
“Our world has lost a truly remarkable servant of the people. Pope Francis embodied the values of all faiths, and as a respected global leader, worked tirelessly on behalf of those who are too often forgotten. His humble but forceful work in service to immigrant, refugee, and marginalized communities, and in pursuit of peace will live on and inspire countless across the globe.
“While we mourn his loss, let us be lifted up by his humble faith, modest lifestyle, and groundbreaking work, and never forget his message that we all have a role to play in the sound stewardship of our planet and of each other.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after the passing of Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion and hope for people of faith across the world,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “He lived a life of leadership through action. Whether tending to the sick or serving the poorest and most persecuted among us – Pope Francis encouraged us to find our shared humanity. To embrace one another and empathize with those around us. To harness our strength and courage for the common good. He reminded us of our collective obligation to protect our environment and our planet for generations to come. My prayers are with the Catholic community around the world and all of those whose life he impacted. May he rest in peace.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)
The bipartisan Protect National Service Act would block federal funds from being used to cut the national service agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced theProtect National Service Act, which would prohibit federal dollars from being used to carry out AmeriCorps cuts and damaging the agency’s core functions.
This follows on the heels of a bipartisan letter that the three members and Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) sent to the White House on April 11 demanding that President Trump work with Congress on any proposed AmeriCorps reforms rather than pursue unilateral executive actions.
This legislation is in response to reporting that the Trump Administration is attempting to fire large swaths of the Agency’s workforce, beginning with its disaster relief efforts. Earlier this week, AmeriCorps members who had been working in North Carolina rebuilding from the effects of Hurricane Helene were recalled from their project sites ahead of termination on April 30.
“Let me be clear: dismantling AmeriCorps is an indefensible attack on some of our most patriotic and selfless young Americans. For 30 years, AmeriCorps has opened the door for people across this country to step up and serve,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “AmeriCorps members are on the front lines of public service: rebuilding after disasters, helping families file taxes, and tutoring children in struggling schools. Time and again, they’ve proven their power to bridge divides and drive meaningful progress across the country. Now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to tear down three decades of progress — without justification and without a plan. But here’s the truth: for every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps, our country gets back over $17 in economic and community benefits. That’s not just service — that’s impact. The American spirit of service runs deep. It’s in our DNA. We will fight for every piece of this program, because national service will endure.”
“I am horrified that the Trump Administration is attempting to gut AmeriCorps,” said Congresswoman Houlahan. “National service brings together Americans across political divides, uplifts communities, and is a terrific return on investment for the federal government. To target AmeriCorps, especially at a time when Members are still working to repair hurricane damage in North Carolina and elsewhere, is wrong.”
“While I am supportive of President Trump’s mission of cutting the size and cost of the federal government, I am deeply troubled that once again, they are using a sledgehammer approach on vital programs such as Americorps, which gives young people an opportunity to serve their country through programs such as disaster relief efforts and food banks,” said Congressman Bacon. “Not only do these young Americans lose the opportunity to make a difference, but programs connecting elderly volunteers with people in their age group who need help are being shut down because there is no one to run them. It seems that no thought goes into what gets cut, and DOGE is just slashing to meet some number goal.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s proposed rule to reinstate “Schedule F” and make thousands of federal employees vulnerable to removal at the President’s whim:
“As promised in his radical Project 2025 agenda, Donald Trump is reinstating his Schedule F policy. Trump plans to strip protections away from tens of thousands of hardworking, nonpartisan federal employees by reclassifying them as Schedule F. That will make it even easier for him to continue his purge of federal workers whom he believes are disloyal to him personally and backfill with political loyalists. These federal workers are patriots who serve the country under Democratic and Republican administrations alike. They are loyal to the Constitution – not to any one person.
“Trump is hellbent on dismantling not only America’s merit-based civil service but also the critical services our federal workers provide to the American people. I fought Schedule F when Trump tried to force it on the country in his first term. I will fight it again now. Patriotic professionals make our government work – not political hacks.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
April 21, 2025
San Diego, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre called on the Trump Administration use Congressionally appropriated funds to address the cross-border sewage pollution and environmental crisis at the Tijuana River Valley. Ahead of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s visit to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesday, they urged him to commit to no cuts to funding dedicated to clean-up efforts in the region.
“For decades, tens of billions of gallons of raw sewage, polluted stormwater, and trash have flowed from Mexico, down the Tijuana River, and into the Pacific Ocean. This pollution has had a devastating impact on public health, our local businesses, and the environment,” said Rep. Levin. “We can’t allow Administrator Zeldin or anyone in the Trump Administration to talk about solving this crisis while proposing cuts to the very agencies responsible for the solution. DOGE and House Republicans have already targeted funding for the IBWC, which operates the plant. You can’t say you support a solution and then gut the resources required to get it done. So, I look forward to Administrator Zeldin’s visit. But what matters most is what happens after he leaves. We need action. And we need to fix this in a bipartisan way—once and for all.”
Rep. Levin and the Democratic Members of the San Diego Congressional Delegation secured over half a billion dollars to upgrade the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and secured commitments from Mexico for clean-up on its side of the border. The use of this funding was delayed by the first Trump Administration and the Biden Administration. It is now threatened by the second Trump Administration’s slash-and-burn approach to government programs that address pollution and help keep our air and water clean. Rep. Levin and Mayor Aguirre will make clear that funds to address this crisis cannot be caught up in the Trump Administration’s haphazard cuts.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
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Washington, D.C. – On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:
“On April 19, 1995, an awful act of domestic terrorism occurred at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Today, thirty years later, we remember the 168 precious lives that were brutally taken from us that day and pray for those who still mourn a loved one whose days were cut short,”said Congressman Cole.
“As I reflect on this tragic day, I will also never forget the way our state responded to this horrific event. Oklahoma was launched onto the worldwide stage without any warning. Yet, we responded so strongly, swiftly, and compassionately – one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Oklahoman,”said Congressman Cole.
“In conclusion, today, on the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, we mourn the innocent lives that were prematurely taken from us, grieve with those who lost a loved one on that heartbreaking day, thank our first responders and governing officials who responded so honorably, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans. They will not be forgotten,”said Congressman Cole.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes the Pentagon, again called for the resignation or termination of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today after New York Times reporting revealed that Hegseth sent sensitive, and potentially classified, information about military strikes in Yemen in a separate Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer:
“As we have seen in the weeks since reporting by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg first revealed the Secretary’s reckless violation of national security procedures, this was not an isolated incident nor was it a mistake. He has shown a pattern of flagrant disregard for the rules and responsibilities entrusted to his office and made clear that he is unfit and unqualified to serve as our Secretary of Defense. Such repeated lapses in judgement not only disprove Hegseth’s claims of ‘100% operations security,’ but also actively put our servicemembers at home and abroad in harm’s way.
“The Secretary has not shown the discretion nor the sound judgement needed to manage his own communications or his front office. As he has previously stated himself: Any security professional ‘would be fired on the spot for this type of conduct and criminally prosecuted for being so reckless with this kind of information.’ The Secretary of Defense is not above the law. He is not exempt from the standards every servicemember serving in the Department of Defense is held to.
“At minimum, Hegseth must resign immediately. If he refuses, President Trump must remove him without delay. Every day he remains in office is a threat to American national security.”