MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) released a statement in response to reports that the Trump administration plans to slash $40 billion from the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services in Fiscal Year 2026, which is about one-third of the department’s current budget. Her statement follows:

I was absolutely appalled to learn of the Trump administration’s plans to slash $40 billion from the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Far from making America healthy again, this cruel and senseless budget would dismantle the life-saving programs that enable Americans to stay healthy – from medical research by the National Institutes of Health to disease prevention by the Centers for Disease Control – from substance use treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the training of our nation’s future health care workforce. This budget will undermine our ability to prevent future pandemics like COVID, influenza, bird flu, and measles, and shut down research to find cures for life-threatening conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

Trump’s plan to dismantle our nation’s HIV/AIDS programs is especially outrageous. The budget would slash funding for the Ryan White program and completely eliminate the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, and all funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative within the CDC, SAMHSA, and the Office of the Secretary. 

I created the Minority AIDS Initiative back in 1998 – with the help of the Clinton Administration and my congressional colleagues – and I am proud that bipartisan majorities in Congress have continued to support this critical initiative for more than two decades. The Minority AIDS Initiative is essential because minorities represent the majority of new HIV diagnoses, people living with HIV/AIDS, and deaths among people with HIV/AIDS.

Dismantling our nation’s HIV/AIDS programs will have catastrophic consequences for public health, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. HIV prevention programs play a critical role in reducing new infections, promoting testing and early diagnosis, and connecting individuals to life-saving treatment. The decision to zero out prevention funding will destroy the very programs that serve as the first line of defense in our battle against HIV, putting millions of Americans at heightened risk and causing transmission rates to soar. Meanwhile, slashing funding for the Ryan White program will leave thousands of Americans who are living with HIV unable to access comprehensive care and treatment for their infection. 

This budget is not just reckless – it is deadly. By decimating HIV/AIDS funding, lives will be lost. People who depend on prevention services will be left unprotected. People who rely on outreach programs for testing will go undiagnosed. Health systems that have worked tirelessly to combat this epidemic will be overwhelmed with preventable cases and no federal funding to treat their patients. This is an unconscionable abdication of responsibility by the federal government.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution commemorating the 1848 slave escape that occurred in D.C. on the ship the Pearl.

“When it comes, statehood will free District residents of every race and background from constraints that deny them the freedom and equality enjoyed by other Americans,” Norton said.  “But I see it as no accident that the single largest known slave escape in American history occurred in the District. The courage of the escapees, men and women determined to be free, reminds me of the spirit D.C. residents have always had in the fight for statehood. Remembering the story of the Pearl must inspire us to achieve the freedom that only statehood can give.

“The escapees’ courage against the odds should inspire D.C. residents to continue believing that statehood is within reach and that D.C. is worthy and capable of self-government, even during this time when the people in the nation’s capital are under political attack from Republicans who hold both the majority in Congress and the White House.”

The text of the resolution follows.

Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Whereas, on April 16, 1848, 77 enslaved people attempted to flee slavery in the District of Columbia and Alexandria, Virginia, on the Pearl, a schooner waiting for them in the Potomac River;

Whereas, on April 14, 1848, three White men brought the ship to the District of Columbia, and Daniel Drayton, the captain and owner of the Pearl, chartered the schooner for $100 and arranged for the enslaved peoples’ travel;

Whereas the escape was initiated by free Blacks Paul Jennings, who had been enslaved by President James Madison, and Paul Edmonson;

Whereas William Chaplin, a White abolitionist, assisted in connecting the enslaved people with Drayton;

Whereas abolitionist Gerrit Smith of New York financed the escape;

Whereas 77 enslaved people, including men, women, and children, sailed on the Pearl down the Potomac River and then into the Chesapeake Bay in pursuit of freedom;

Whereas, on April 17, 1848, numerous enslavers in the District of Columbia, realizing the people they enslaved had fled, sent a posse of 35 men to seek the Pearl;

Whereas the posse met the Pearl near Point Lookout, Maryland, and took the enslaved people and the ship back to the District of Columbia;

Whereas slavery supporters formed a mob and lashed out at both the White abolitionists involved in the escape as well as free Blacks in the District of Columbia in the Washington Riot of 1848;

Whereas the enslavers sold the enslaved people who had escaped to traders who took them to New Orleans, Louisiana;

Whereas two of the enslaved people who had escaped were purchased and freed in an effort led by Henry Ward Beecher’s Plymouth Congregational Church of Brooklyn, New York;

Whereas Drayton and two of the other ship workers were arrested for helping in the escape and were represented in court by Congressman Horace Mann;

Whereas two of the men, including Drayton, after serving four years in prison, were released after being granted a pardon from President Millard Fillmore, based on a recommendation from Senator Charles Sumner; and

Whereas the escape is said to be the single largest known escape by enslaved persons in American history and to have inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe in her writing the novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the legacy of all those who furthered freedom from slavery and all of those who were involved in the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and recognizes their importance to the history of the District of Columbia and to American history itself.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced her resolution commemorating Emancipation Day. Emancipation Day, which is an official holiday in D.C., honors the date in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln freed 3,100 enslaved individuals in the District, nine months ahead of the Emancipation Proclamation. This year it falls the day after the deadline for filing federal taxes.

“Emancipation Day is all the more powerful for its timing, coincidentally coming the day after the annual deadline for filing federal taxes,” Norton said. “District residents were the first to be freed from slavery but are the last to enjoy full rights and freedoms as American citizens, paying more in overall federal taxes than 19 states while still being denied voting representation in Congress and fiscal autonomy, as we’re experiencing right now after the CR restricted D.C.’s current spending to 2024 levels. The House left town last week without bringing a Senate-passed bill to correct the issue to the floor; if the House doesn’t pass the bill, D.C. will be forced to cut a projected $1 billion in spending through the end of the fiscal year.

“Fiscal autonomy is central to liberty and self-determination, and true freedom requires the ability to make choices about how D.C. spends its own local funds.”

The text of the resolution follows.

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation’s capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the “first freed” on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation’s capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the “first freed” on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

Whereas the District of Columbia has been a focal point of the Nation’s complex racial history, which has included slavery, the Civil War, killings, segregation, and disenfranchisement, among other violations of civil and human rights;

Whereas, on April 16, 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed the approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals in the District of Columbia and authorized compensation to their former enslavers;

Whereas, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which established a “new birth of freedom” by legally emancipating millions of enslaved individuals in the 10 States of the Confederacy not under Union control, freeing the majority of the Nation’s enslaved individuals;

Whereas the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which reads “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation”, was adopted on December 6, 1865, and effectively outlawed slavery in the United States;

Whereas the enslavement of persons of African descent endured for more than two centuries in what is now the United States, including the District of Columbia;

Whereas, in 2005, District of Columbia Emancipation Day, commemorating April 16, the date of the signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, was made a legal public holiday in the District of Columbia to be celebrated annually on April 16;

Whereas the residents of the District of Columbia pay more per capita in Federal taxes than the residents of any State;

Whereas the residents of the District of Columbia, who pay the full freight of Federal taxes, serve in the United States Armed Forces, are subject to all of the requirements of citizenship, and otherwise have long made contributions to the life, culture, and leadership of the United States, still are denied voting representation in the Congress and independence from congressional interference in local matters in violation of the Nation’s founding principles of no taxation without representation and consent of the governed;

Whereas, on June 26, 2020, and April 22, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, the first and the second times in history, respectively, the D.C. statehood bill had been passed by either chamber of Congress;

Whereas H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, has 189 cosponsors; and

Whereas S. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, has 42 cosponsors: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) recognizes District of Columbia Emancipation Day, marking the anniversary of the end of slavery in the District of Columbia and symbolizing the aspirations of the residents of the District of Columbia for the same rights and freedoms afforded to residents of States; and

(2) calls on Congress to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has introduced new bipartisan legislation to strengthen health care benefits for veteran firefighters. 

Studies have shown that firefighters, as a result of their career, are more likely to suffer from certain illnesses, including higher rates of cancer. However, the VA currently does not recognize the direct connection between military firefighting and higher rates of illness incidence beyond one year following active duty, resulting in denials of VA health care claims.

Congressman Crow’s Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would create the presumption that military veteran firefighters who become disabled by serious disease – including heart disease, lung disease, and certain types of cancer – contracted the illness due to their service in the military, allowing them to be approved for VA health care. 

The legislation was also introduced by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02).

“I know from my days as an Army Ranger that military firefighters protect the safety of everybody in our ranks,” said Congressman Crow. “Too many of our military firefighters have been denied VA health care for conditions connected to their service, and that’s unacceptable. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation that expands their access to the care they deserve.”

“After nearly 30 years in the Air Force, I’ve witnessed hundreds of heroic military firefighters who put their own lives on the line by carrying us out of burning buildings or jets and exposing themselves to toxic substances and deadly fumes,” said Congressman Bacon. “Creating the presumption that those who become disabled from serious disease contracted the illness while serving in the military allows the VA to treat thousands of military firefighters that would normally not be covered. This bill changes that. I fully support this mission, and I will continue to work with Rep. Crow to not only get this over the finish line, but to honor the life of former USAF firefighter, Michael Lecik, to which this bill is named after.”

The legislation is named in honor of Michael Lecik, a U.S. Air Force firefighter who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019. Lecik filed a claim with the VA, which was ultimately rejected. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 39. 

As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, ensuring America’s military servicemembers and their families get the appropriate care and resources is a top priority for Congressman Crow. In the 117th Congress, he introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act and supported the PACT Act, which expands health care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals. Congressman Crow also supported the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, which expands health care to federal firefighters who become disabled by serious disease. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

COLORADO — Today, Congressman Jason Crow and the Colorado Democratic congressional delegation, including Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Reps. Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, Joe Neguse, issued the following joint statement following the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General’s report evaluating the decision to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado.

In a statement, Colorado’s Democratic congressional delegation said:

“Today’s report from the Department of Defense Inspector General confirms what we have long known: keeping U.S. Space Command in Colorado is the best decision to protect America’s national security. 

“U.S. Space Command’s HQ in Colorado Springs has been at Full Operational Capability since December 2023. Any relocation of U.S. Space Command’s headquarters would threaten our military readiness, cost years of valuable time and resources, and result in an irreversible loss of personnel and expertise. 

“As our nation’s adversaries are rapidly developing their own space capabilities, we don’t have time to waste. The decision to keep Space Command in Colorado was the right one and will ensure continued operations to safeguard America’s national security.

“We’ll continue to fight to protect America’s national security interests by keeping the U.S. Space Command in Colorado.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

In week of action against President Trump’s actions, Rep. Kelly heard concerns about public education, Social Security, healthcare

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

Kelly discusses mental health, emergency response with SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center in midst of Trump administration healthcare cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act, alongside U.S. Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). This critical legislation will improve the mental health and well-being of the nation’s 911 operators and dispatchers, a group often exposed to high-stress and traumatic situations.

The PROTECT 911 Act is being introduced during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to honoring the essential contributions of public safety telecommunicators across the country. Rep. Kelly will also tour the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center later this afternoon. 

“Emergency operators help callers in violent and disturbing situations – but after the call is over, operators themselves don’t receive the mental health support and resources they need,” said Rep. Kelly. “The PROTECT 911 Act aims to fix that and provide our country’s 911 operators and dispatchers with the treatment they deserve. They are the first responders to the first responders. I introduced this bill because my stepdaughter was a 911 operator, and she’s told me about the harrowing calls she received every day. As our dispatchers and operators save people’s lives, we need to take care of them in return.”

“I am proud to co-lead the PROTECT 911 Act and to stand with my colleagues in supporting our nation’s 911 professionals who face unimaginable stress every day,” said Rep. Torres. “As a former 911 dispatcher for more than 17 years I know first hand the personal toll this job can take on you. This bill is about giving our emergency responders the tools and support they need to manage their mental health, as well as creating a safer and more sustainable working environment for those who work tirelessly to protect us.”

“Public safety starts with the voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The PROTECT 911 Act delivers long-overdue federal support for our emergency dispatchers through evidence-based standards, targeted wellness grants, and specialized training resources. This bipartisan legislation strengthens the foundation of our emergency response system and ensures these unseen first responders are finally recognized—not overlooked—for the critical role they play.”

PROTECT 911 Act is endorsed by APCO International and NENA: The 911 Association.

“Public safety telecommunicators are essential to emergency response, handling intense and high-stakes situations that can take a toll on their physical and mental health,” said Mel Maier, CEO and Executive Director of APCO International. “The PROTECT 9-1-1 Act includes important measures to support their health and wellness and ensure these professionals have the resources needed to continue their lifesaving work. APCO appreciates the leadership of Representatives Kelly, Fitzpatrick, and Torres in addressing these challenges and looks forward to working with Congress to secure passage of this critical legislation.”

“The PROTECT 911 Act is a crucial step toward addressing the reality that those who work in 911, unfortunately, know all too well: that life under the headset can take a great emotional and psychological toll,” said Brian Fontes, CEO of NENA: The 911 Association. “We thank Representatives Kelly, Fitzpatrick, and Torres for introducing this legislation; just as 911 professionals across the country work every day to keep Americans healthy and safe, these members of Congress are working to do the same for our nation’s first responders.”

PROTECT 911 Act ensures that these first responders have access to the support they need to continue providing critical services to the public, without sacrificing their own mental health in the process. The bill includes:

• Developing best practices to identify, prevent, and treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in public safety telecommunicators.
• Creating resources for mental health professionals to better assist these personnel in managing emotional trauma.
• Establishing grants to fund health and wellness programs within emergency communications centers.

Read the full text of the PROTECT 911 Act here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

Rep. Kelly to hear constituents’ concerns about public education, Social Security, healthcare at townhalls, roundtables

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 reporting that President Trump will propose a federal civilian pay freeze:

“Donald Trump’s proposed pay freeze for federal workers in 2026 is the latest salvo in his administration’s mission to inflict ‘trauma’ upon the patriots who make our government function For The People. In doing so, Trump, Elon Musk, OMB Director Russell Vought, and their DOGE henchmen attack not only our federal workers but also the vital services they provide to Americans every day.

“For government to function effectively and efficiently, it needs to recruit and retain top talent. It can’t do that if federal employees live in fear that they will be purged, underpaid, or forced to relocate at a moment’s notice. Sadly, that is exactly what the Trump Administration has done the past few months: terrorize and degrade Americans who want only to serve their nation.

“During his first term, Trump proposed pay freezes three times. Congress overruled him three times. I will fight to ensure federal workers receive fair pay in 2026, just as I have done every year. Congress makes the law, not Trump.”