Congressman Brad Sherman Urges Swift Federal Support Following Gov. Newsom’s Updated Wildfire Aid Request

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Pacific Palisades, CA — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) released the following statement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s updated request to Congress for a disaster supplemental after the January LA Fires:

“I strongly support Governor Newsom’s $34.1 billion federal assistance request to respond to the destruction caused by the January wildfires. After six months, this federal disaster aid package would be a critical step toward getting our communities the resources they urgently need. 

Moreover, I’m pleased to see two priorities included in the Governor’s request that I will continue advocating for as we move forward: first, a sharp increase in SBA’s maximum disaster loan limit so families and small businesses have sufficient funds to rebuild their homes; and second, major Community Development Block Grant funding for the state to provide grants to those who lost everything without adequate insurance. These tools will make the difference between temporary relief and long-term recovery.”

Governor Newsom first submitted a request to Congress in February to provide additional funding to California fire victims, since the basic package of federal benefits is insufficient in the wake of one of the worst fire disasters in U.S. history. The request included tax relief and funding for business grants and loans, public infrastructure, disaster-related social services, and grants to rebuild uninsured and underinsured homes lost in the fires. On July 14th, the Governor submitted an updated request letter to Congress with less aid than was requested in the initial letter to Congress, to account for $5.5 billion in federal funds already disbursed by FEMA and SBA this year.

To view a copy of Governor Newsom’s letter to Congress, click here.

###

Rep. Massie Introduces PREP Repeal Act to End “Medical Malpractice Martial Law”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

Washington, D.C.- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces introduction of the PREP Repeal Act (HR 4388) to repeal sections 319F–3 and 319F–4 of the Public Health Service Act. These targeted sections are commonly referred to as the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act and currently provide sweeping liability protections to pharmaceutical companies for pandemic-related products. 

“The PREP Act is medical malpractice martial law,” said Rep. Massie. “The 2005 PREP Act prevents people from holding corporations accountable for the pain and suffering they cause during Presidentially declared emergencies. Americans deserve the right to seek justice when injured by government-mandated products. The PREP Repeal Act will restore that right.”

Rep. Massie’s legislation:

  • Fully repeals the liability shields and compensation fund provisions under the PREP Act.
  • Restores civil remedy rights under federal and state law for those harmed by pandemic products.
  • Ensures applicability to current and future lawsuits, including pending appeals.
  • Rescinds unused federal funds set aside for PREP Act-related injury claims.

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

The text of Rep. Massie’s PREP Repeal Act can be found at this link

###

Larsen Releases Statement on Lelo Juarez Choosing to Self-Deport

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Lelo Juarez Choosing to Self-Deport

Washington, D.C., July 15, 2025

Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:

“In arrests across the country, the Trump administration and ICE have claimed that they are going after “the worst of the worst.” But like so many others who have been detained, Lelo Juarez does not represent the worst of the worst. He is an activist, a union leader and a beloved family member. It is a tragedy he will not be able to return to his home and loved ones in Skagit County.”

###

Congresswoman Norma Torres Condemns U.S. Partnerships with Terrorist-Linked Regimes

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

July 15, 2025

Calls Out Dangerous Foreign Aid Provisions in SFOPS Committee Bill Vote

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) formerly known as the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS), issued the following statement following subcommittee markup.  The Congresswoman sounded the alarm on provisions that would deepen U.S. partnerships with regimes accused of collaborating with terrorist organizations and engaging in gross human rights violations:

“America was built on a simple promise: freedom over tyranny. We don’t fund dictators. We don’t abandon our citizens to torture chambers.”

“This bill would send millions of American taxpayer dollars and official recognition to regimes that actively collaborate with violent criminal organizations.”

“When we fund terrorist-supporting regimes, we’re not defeating terrorism. We’re bankrolling it. We’re letting MS-13 and other criminal organizations operate with state protection, while we provide the cash and cover.”

“Who will look the victims of MS-13 in the eye and tell them they will never get justice for the overdoses, the violent murders, the rapes that these criminals have committed and facilitated on American soil– because we are releasing MS-13 leaders into the waiting arms of the Bukele Regime?”

Congresswoman Torres has long championed policies that put human rights, national security, and the rule of law at the forefront of U.S. foreign assistance. As a former 911 dispatcher, she brings a deep commitment to public safety and justice to her work on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs.

###

Casten Introduces Bill to Combat Illicit Activity in DeFi

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

July 15, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Compliant Operations of Decentralized Entities (CODE) Act of 2025, legislation to combat illicit activity and address cybersecurity concerns associated with decentralized finance (DeFi).

“We cannot ignore the illicit activity currently ongoing within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, like North Korean hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in DeFi systems to steal cryptocurrency and fund their nuclear weapons program,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “We can and should leverage automated systems to instantly flag, halt, or address illicit finance and cybersecurity issues. The CODE Act strikes the right balance by exploring innovative, technological solutions for DeFi entities before prescribing risk-based requirements to strengthen compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering laws.”

Specifically, the CODE Act creates a public-private partnership with the Department of the Treasury, key federal agencies, DeFi services, and risk management experts to explore integrating anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, Know-Your-Customer (KYC), and cybersecurity checks into the computer code that underpins DeFi services.

The bill also includes language addressing conflicts of interest to prohibit cryptocurrency companies linked to the President and his family, such as World Liberty Financial, from participating in the partnership program. 

This would allow the partnership to identify consensus AML standards for DeFi and develop consistent technological controls that satisfy Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements. Upon conclusion of the partnership, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) would be required to promulgate a rulemaking to establish tailored anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance requirements for DeFi entities that meet the goals of the BSA.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

###

Representatives Nadler and Goldman Applaud NYC Council for Forcing City to Finally Release the Truth About 9/11 Air Toxins

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Representatives Nadler and Goldman Applaud NYC Council for Forcing City to Finally Release the Truth About 9/11 Air Toxins

Washington, July 15, 2025

Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) made the following statement in response to the New York City Council vote on releasing 9/11 related documents:

“We commend the New York City Council for passing Resolution 560, finally forcing the City to release records about what officials knew about the toxic air New Yorkers were breathing after 9/11 while they were telling the public it was safe to return to the City.

“For years, we have demanded transparency from the Adams Administration about what the Giuliani and Bloomberg Administrations knew about toxins in the air following 9/11 and when they knew it. We sent multiple letters to the Adams Administration requesting the release of critical records, yet each time, they denied our requests. Their lack of a meaningful response denied justice to the thousands of New Yorkers and first responders who continue to deal with or have died from health complications due to the air quality following 9/11.

“With the passage of Resolution 560, New York City’s Department of Investigation has the power to discover exactly what Mayor Giuliani knew about the toxins in the air after 9/11 while claiming it was safe for New Yorkers to return. These records could provide long overdue accountability for potentially devastating decisions that cost thousands of lives.

“New Yorkers deserve the truth. We’re finally about to get some answers.”

###

Larsen Demands Portland Family Detained in Ferndale Have Access to Attorney; Judge Grants Emergency Temporary Restraining Order

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, a federal judge granted an preventing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from removing the Merlos family from the court’s jurisdiction. The family, including four U.S. citizen children, is from Portland, O.R. has been held without counsel for two weeks in Ferndale, W.A..

The judge’s order is in response to the Merlos family’s attorney Jill Nedved filing a lawsuit on Monday. The lawsuit demands that the family have access to an attorney before they are removed from the country, and it is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center.

On Sunday, Representative Rick Larsen, Representative Maxine Dexter, M.D. and other lawmakers sent a to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP setting a deadline of 10:00 a.m. PT on Monday, July 14 to grant the Merlos family access to their attorney.

“We write to raise urgent concerns regarding the detention of Ms. Kenia Jackeline Merlos and her four U.S. citizen children—triplets, all 9 years old, and a 7 year old child— by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Bellingham Border Patrol Station. It is unconscionable that Ms. Merlos and her citizen children have not received access to legal counsel in the 15 days they have been detained. We demand that Ms. Merlos has access to speak with her counsel, Jill Nedved, or an attorney with her firm Gonzales, Gonzales, and Gonzales Immigration Law Offices immediately…

“The Merlos family is a valuable part of our community. Friends of the family have described them as kind, hardworking, small business owners, who are devoted to their church congregation and neighbors. We demand their access to counsel and will continue to advocate for them to be able to stay home in the Pacific Northwest.”

Rep. Larsen will continue to support Rep. Dexter as she assists her constituents detained in Ferndale.

###

Speaker Johnson: Every Citizen, In Every Zip Code, In Every Pocket of America Will Benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson addressed the anniversary of President Trump’s assassination attempt and highlighted how his constituents plan to utilize the thousands of dollars in savings from the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here

On the anniversary of President Trump’s assassination attempt:

One year ago, Sunday, on that field in Butler, Pennsylvania, an assassin nearly took the life of President Trump. And we can’t talk about it too much because it was a turning point in American history. It could have gone the wrong way. I mean, if that assassin’s bullet missed just an inch to the right, or if President Trump would’ve turned his head just a millisecond later, he would’ve died on that stage and this country would’ve come apart at the seams. But now, because of all this recent success and the President’s success, it’s easy to forget that just 12 months ago, President Trump was the most vilified politician, arguably in the history of the country.

Democrats spent years persecuting him on all fronts. They impeached him twice. Social media platforms removed his ability to communicate with his supporters. Armed FBI agents raided his home. Democrat judges and prosecutors bent the law to arrest him. And multiple assassins tried to kill him, but God miraculously spared the president’s life. I think it’s undeniable. And he did it for an obvious purpose. His presidency and his life are the fruits of divine providence. And he points that out, obviously now all the time. And he’s right to do so. President Trump has lived since with the acknowledgement every day since, he has acknowledged that each new day isn’t guaranteed to us. It isn’t to any of us, and that’s why we’re not wasting any time. It’s why he remains so strong and resilient. It’s why we have such a sense of urgency. President Trump took a bullet to his head. He got up shortly thereafter. He pleaded with the crowd to fight, and then he went on to win a historic election less than four months later. America’s changed because he survived that day.

On the first 6 months of unified Republican government:

Think about everything we’ve accomplished just the last few weeks. Gas prices hit a four-year low. The last four jobs reports exceeded expectations. The stock market is reaching record highs. We have the lowest monthly border encounters in the history of the United States. Our NATO partners committed to spending 5%, not 2% of their GDP on national defense. We brokered multiple peace agreements and struck many more trade deals, more to come. We significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program. And on July 4th, we did sign the One Big Beautiful Bill, the president signed it into law. It’s the most consequential transformational legislation ever considered in our lifetimes. And we got it done because the Republican Party delivered on the promises we made to the American people, and the president did as well

On the Republican agenda after One Big Beautiful Bill being signed into law:

Every citizen in every zip code in every pocket of America will benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill. You’ll hear story after story in the weeks ahead. Last week, my office sent a survey to our constituents. I serve Louisiana’s fourth congressional district. And we sent around a survey to Louisiana families, knowing that they’re going to save thousands of dollars now because of the vote that we took on July 3rd. We asked them, how would you use the extra money? And here’s some of the responses: James said he’s going to use the savings to open a Roth IRA for his family. Janice is an 80-year-old widow, she said she’s going to use the savings for much needed repairs to her home. Whitney is in a retirement home; she’s going to utilize the savings to help pay rent. Pamela is grateful for the increased standard deduction and will likely add these savings to a rainy-day fund for future expenses. Another constituent named James said he doesn’t even want the relief. He said he’d like to send it back to us to “use for more plane tickets for people heading back south of the border wall.”  That’s a real response. So many of my constituents said they would use their savings on things like basic needs and bills and debt, payment and transportation and home repairs, and helping family members and adding to their emergency funds or taking a well-deserved vacation. You know what, as Jimmy [Patronis] said earlier, it’s their money. It’s not the government’s money and we’re delighted to give it back to them. That’s the beauty of the One Big Beautiful Bill. And you can spend it however you please.

###

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF SAYFOLLAH MUSALLET

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF SAYFOLLAH MUSALLET

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 15, 2025

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

July 15, 2025                                                    202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ‘S STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF SAYFOLLAH MUSALLET 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement regarding the killing of Sayfollah Musallet: 

“I am deeply disturbed by the tragic death of Sayfollah Musallet, an American citizen who was killed while visiting relatives in the West Bank. My heart goes out to Mr. Musallet’s family and friends during this devastating time.  

“This concerning incident calls for prompt and thorough attention. Israeli authorities must conduct a full and transparent investigation into Mr. Musallet’s death and ensure that those responsible face justice. The violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, which has increased, is deeply troubling and must be addressed.  

“Americans cannot ignore this tragedy or the broader crisis of settler violence in the region. For meaningful and sustainable peace to take place between Israelis and Palestinians, we must acknowledge and hold space for everyone caught in the violence in the region – Israelis, Palestinians, civilians, men, women, children and elders.   

“Mr. Musallet’s death cannot become another statistic—justice must be served. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for the safety of all American citizens traveling abroad and push for accountability when their rights and lives are violated. As the congressional representative of many Americans and residents of the Virgin Islands with family and ties to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, I and my office work to support all our constituents and work to find peace and a two-state solution.  The Administration and congressional leaders must use their power to bring Israeli and Palestinian leadership together for a long-term resolution to the conflict that can lead to a peaceful two-state solution.” 

PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 July 2025

Contact: Jin Choi

Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), a member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy following up on comments and commitments the Secretary made related to Alzheimer’s disease research at the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on “The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget” on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the country. Since the start of the Trump Administration and DOGE’s attacks on critical research, 13 ADRCs have experienced funding reductions of $65 million in 2025. Currently, another 14 ADRCs are up for renewal in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

The letter clarifies the facts about the status of federally-funded Alzheimer’s research after Secretary Kennedy suggested that what the Congresswoman shared about these cuts was untrue.

“It’s extremely disappointing that our nation’s top health official was unaware of devastating cuts to research that prevents access to clinical trials and other critical services for people living with devastating Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Rep. Barragán. “I urge Secretary Kennedy to honor his words and ensure full funding of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers up for renewal in 2026. These Centers are funded with bipartisanship support in Congress. This should be a non-partisan priority. Families battling Alzheimer’s can’t afford funding delays, conspiracy theories, or ideological budgets. They need answers, treatments, and hope now.”

The letter also urges a commitment in writing following an exchange during the hearing when Congresswoman Barragán asked Secretary Kennedy to commit to fully funding the 14 ADRCs up for renewal in FY26, and the Secretary responded that is something he was willing to work together on.

About Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

Established in 1984 as NIH Centers of Excellence, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCS) are conducting research and translating scientific advances into improved diagnosis and care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADRCs have supported access to over 325 clinical trial opportunities between 2017 and 2022, provided evaluations and diagnoses for nearly 30,000 individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment since 2005, and offered a range of supportive and informational resources, including referrals to clinical trials, for ADRC research participants living with dementia and their caregivers as well as for professional providers. Although each Center has its own area of research emphasis, the ADRCs work together as a network to enhance research, sharing new research ideas, approaches, diseases, and samples.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###