Gomez Demands Accountability for Closure of Key HHS Offices, Including San Francisco

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

Brutal Cuts compromise the health of 166 million Americans, other impact includes long delays and skyrocketing caseloads 

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) joined House Ways and Means Committee Democrats in demanding answers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the closure of half of all HHS Regional Offices. These Regional Offices (RO) have collaborated with state and local communities to ensure that nursing homes and childcare centers are safe, local fraud is rooted out, federal law is followed, and state and local communities have a voice in federal policies for over 50 years. The closure of these offices will profoundly endanger communities across America.  

The affected ROs were in Boston, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. This gross act of retribution will not only compromise the health of 166 million Americans, but also put remaining ROs under even more stress, with long delays and skyrocketing caseloads because of the brutal cuts.   

Since 1974 when the Nixon Administration created the 10-region structure to facilitate efficiency and collaboration at a local level, ROs have partnered with state and local communities to ensure that nursing homes and child care centers are safe, local fraud is rooted out, federal law is followed, and state and local communities have a voice in federal policies,” Gomez and lawmakers wrote. “Eliminating these functions in half of the country will harm the health and safety of local communities and risks inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars by eroding oversight over programs like Medicare and Medicaid.”   

The lawmakers continued, “Staff in these offices work on essential functions to improve quality and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in federal health care programs and ensure human service programs support vulnerable children and families—the value these offices bring to all of our communities cannot be overstated.”  

Finally, the Gomez and his colleagues wrote: “Simply put, they make our communities healthier and safer for us all.”   

Read the full letter HERE

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Díaz-Balart, Giménez, Salazar Applaud President Daniel Noboa’s Leadership, U.S.-Ecuador Security Cooperation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), House Appropriations Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee; Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security of the House Committee on Homeland Security; and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement commending Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s leadership as a valued and key partner in the region: 

“We commend President Daniel Noboa’s leadership and continued commitment to advancing regional security and stability. Under his Administration, Ecuador has become a valued partner in combatting transnational drug trafficking, countering Communist China’s malign influence, and addressing the illegal and damaging fishing activities near the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

“As the people of Ecuador prepare to cast their votes in this crucial election on Sunday, April 13, it is imperative that Ecuador continue strengthening its democratic institutions and deepening its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. We look forward to our countries continuing to expand our defense and security cooperation, which will enhance joint efforts to address critical challenges in the region while upholding our shared democratic values.”

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ARSON ATTACK AT RESIDENCE OF GOVERNOR SHAPIRO

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoyer, Maryland Delegation Members Slam OMB’s Proposed NASA Goddard Cuts, Vow to Fight Back Against NASA Budget

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

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed cuts to NASA Goddard missions:

“Maryland is the proud home to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and to many of the men and women who conduct the vital work being done there and at its partner launch site, NASA Wallops Flight Facility. This work is critical to our exploration of space, our understanding of the universe and the planet we live on, our development of new, innovative technologies, and our national security. Cutting NASA Goddard’s missions would not only be harmful to our state – the negative impacts would be felt across the country. That’s why we’re committed to protecting the missions at NASA Goddard, and together we will push back against this NASA budget proposal.”

Smucker Leads Bipartisan Group Supporting Medicare Enrollment Protection Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Angie Craig, Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Erin Houchin (IN-09), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) have introduced the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect seniors who enroll in Medicare Part B after their COBRA coverage ends from potential coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties.

Under current law, all seniors must enroll in Medicare Part B within three months of turning 65. Seniors who continue working past 65 and maintain employer-sponsored coverage are granted an exception. However, COBRA continuation coverage does not qualify for this exemption.

As a result, seniors who choose to extend their coverage through COBRA instead of enrolling in Medicare are subject to waiting periods of up to a year before they can begin receiving coverage and risk a lifetime of increased Part B premiums and other financial penalties.

The Medicare Enrollment Protection Act seeks to close this loophole by creating a transition period that would allow seniors on COBRA to enroll in Part B during any month they have active COBRA coverage. As long as they enroll in Medicare Part B before their COBRA coverage ends, they would not be subject to a permanent late enrollment penalty.

“This legislation is a commonsense effort to make health care more affordable for American seniors by providing a transition period before Medicare late enrollment penalties are applied,” Rep. Smucker said. “Seniors should be able to make their own choices and enroll in Medicare at an age that makes sense for themselves, not one set by the federal government. I have been fighting for this change to make the enrollment process easier since coming to Congress. I will work to secure support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and look forward to this bill’s passage.”

“Seniors shouldn’t be penalized for keeping their existing health coverage before enrolling in Medicare,” said Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). “The Medicare Enrollment Protection Act is a commonsense solution that protects seniors from unexpected penalties and ensures they have the flexibility and peace of mind they deserve.”

“Medicare has provided care to millions of seniors and people with disabilities for decades. Protecting access to this program is vital to ensure they continue to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Thompson. “The bipartisan Medicare Enrollment Protection Act will help Americans enroll in Medicare and work to ensure beneficiaries are not faced with unexpected expensive penalties. I’m pleased to join my colleagues to protect access to Medicare for those who depend on this program.”

“We want to ensure the transition from private health care to Medicare is easy,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The current law does not meet that objective. Additionally, the law does not properly reflect the need for flexibility due to the various challenges that those exiting the workforce face in today’s economy. Our bill empowers seniors to make the health care decisions that best fit their individual needs without fear of a lifetime penalty, and I look forward to its quick passage.”

“Seniors have paid into Medicare their whole life and it is time we make it easier to access the healthcare they have earned,” said Congressman Norcross. “Seniors already have to overcome complex hurdles to find the coverage they need, and they shouldn’t face excessive penalties for the time it takes them to do so. The Medicare Enrollment Protection Act will empower seniors across South Jersey and America, increasing access to high-quality health care without burdensome penalties.” 

“We should be making it easier for seniors to access the health care they need, not harder, and that’s what this common sense, bipartisan bill will do,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’ll keep working across the aisle to lower health care costs, cut bureaucratic red tape and make life better for every Minnesotan.” 

The legislation has earned support from national and local advocates. 

“Ensuring that all seniors, including those on COBRA, receive fair and equitable treatment is a vital step forward. This proposal empowers seniors to make healthcare choices that best fit their needs without the worry of lifetime penalties. NABIP commends Representative Smucker’s commitment to this issue and urges Congress to support this proposal, ensuring seniors are not subjected to undue financial hardships while maintaining access to continuous healthcare coverage.” – NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods 

Joshua Brooker, Chief Visionary Officer at SnapHealth and resident of Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District shared the following statement: 

“As a constituent and someone who works closely with retirees navigating Medicare, I’m grateful for Congressman Smucker’s continued leadership on issues that impact seniors. In my experience, about 75% of those transitioning into retirement lean on a broker to help make sense of the process. For those who remain on COBRA, it’s often a well-intentioned decision based on familiarity and the desire to avoid making a mistake.

The Medicare Enrollment Protection Act acknowledges that Medicare enrollment can be complex—and that sometimes, people simply need a little more time and clarity. This bill provides a thoughtful, one-time opportunity for individuals to make the switch without being penalized. It’s a practical, people-first solution that reflects the reality many retirees face.

Thank you, Congressman Smucker, for continuing to support policies that meet seniors where they are.”

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON PETE HEGSETH BANNING BOOKS

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

200+ HOUSE DEMOCRATS FILE AMICUS BRIEF AGAINST UNCONSTITUTIONAL TRUMP BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP EXECUTIVE ORDER 

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Democrats continued their efforts to push back against President Donald Trump’s unlawful executive directives by filing an amicus brief in defense of the essential constitutional principle of birthright citizenship in the matter of State of Washington, et al. v. Trump, et al. The brief was signed by 208 members of the Democratic Caucus, including leads and Litigation Task Force Co-Chairs Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Representatives Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement.

Also at the forefront of the endeavor are Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Yvette Clarke, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng, and Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) Co-Chairs Jerry Nadler and Brad Schneider.

In their argument, the amici curiae (or friends of the court) presented overwhelming evidence that Trump’s day-one order to nullify birthright citizenship violates not just the Constitution and over a century of Supreme Court rulings, but also laws passed by Congress that have repeatedly guaranteed citizenship to children born in America.

“An Executive Order is a Memo from the President to his staff. It does not trump federal law, much less the Constitution. Trump cannot end the Constitutional right to birthright citizenship with the stroke of his pen. That’s laughable. The order would strip children born in America of their rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, which violates the plain language of the Constitution, as repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, as well as decades-old federal laws that codify this constitutional right,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “Trump not only believes he is above the law, he believes he has the power to strip the people of the United States of their fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms. The president does not get to decide who gets to be an American. That’s why I am proudly joining the fight to defend the Constitution, 150 years of legislative and judicial precedent, and the birthright of all children born in America.”

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk will stop at nothing to enact their far-right agenda, including attacking the United States Constitution with an unprecedented assault on birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment. Their blatant and unlawful disregard for the rule of law in the form of this illegal executive order shocks the conscience and House Democrats will continue to push back against it. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Jayapal, Rep. Thompson, Rep. Clarke, Rep. Espaillat, Rep. Meng, Rep. Nadler, Rep. Schneider and Assistant Leader Neguse of the Litigation Working Group and Rapid Response Task Force for leading House Democrats as we stand up against this unconstitutional attack on the American way of life,” said Leader Jeffries

“President Trump cannot overturn the 14th Amendment by way of executive fiat,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “And as both the son of immigrants and a defender of the democratic values that form the foundation of our nation, I will push back against this blatantly unconstitutional effort.”

“Under the Constitution, people born here are United States citizens, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where their families came from. It’s just that simple. We will not allow this administration to redefine what it is to be an American just to fit their outrageous anti-immigrant beliefs. Americans reject what Trump is trying to do and the courts should too,” said Ranking Member Thompson

“Birthright citizenship is a core piece of our Constitution. Ending it through executive order is simply unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of executive power,” said Ranking Member Jayapal. “All persons born on U.S. soil are U.S. citizens, that is what our Constitution dictates and is something President Trump cannot undo by waving a pen. As the first immigrant to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, I am proud to be co-leading on this amicus brief to stand up for the immigration laws of this country.”

“President Trump’s unlawful executive order to revoke birthright citizenship is a flagrant violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and the President’s oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to sow division and stoke xenophobic sentiment for political gain. We are a nation of laws, not one ruled by a king, and the courts must step in to uphold the Constitution from those who seek to undermine it. I am proud to join my colleagues to fight against this unlawful action and protect the principles that have made our country into what it is today,” said Chair Meng

“For more than a century, a cornerstone of our law is that those born on U.S. soil are American citizens. President Trump’s executive order to nullify birthright citizenship is in clear violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and is further evidence that extremist Republicans more concerned with dividing our country, not lower the cost of living, or improving economic conditions for hardworking Americans. President Trump has absolutely no authority to unilaterally write American citizens out of the Constitution, and any challenge to that notion is utterly fanciful. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in making clear that we will not stand down against President Trump and extremist Republicans’ lawless and xenophobic attacks,” said Chair Clarke

“Nearly 200 members of Congress banded together behind this critical amicus brief to defend birthright citizenship—one of the most fundamental promises enshrined in the 14th Amendment. For over 150 years, it has guaranteed that every person born on U.S. soil is equal under the law, no matter their background. Any attempt to dismantle this right by executive order is not only unconstitutional—it’s an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. For the Latino community, this fight is deeply personal. Our families are workers, business owners, taxpayers, and proud Americans who contribute to the strength and prosperity of this country every single day. Stripping their children of citizenship would create a dangerous underclass and tear at the fabric of our workforce and economy. We will not allow this nation to return to a dark chapter in its history—we will fight to protect the 14th  Amendment and the future it promises all our communities,“ said Chair Espaillat.

“Since the founding of our country 249 years ago, we’ve recognized that every person born in the United States is a citizen. Turning against this founding principle goes against everything we believe in and hold sacred as a country. We should learn from history where this kind of dismantling of civil liberties leads. President Trump is tearing down our institutions and undermining the values that make America the greatest country in the world,” said Congressman Schneider

“Donald Trump’s divisive and xenophobic policies seek to divide and distract us,” said Congressman Nadler.  “We are dealing with a President who believes he is not just above the law, but above the U.S. Constitution.  The 14th Amendment is clear that persons born in the United States are U.S. citizens. And yet, President Trump feels compelled to single-handedly change what has been universally understood about the law since the Amendment was adopted in 1868.  All Americans should be disturbed by Trump’s assertion that he can unilaterally change the Constitution at will to suit his purposes.  This represents an assault on our democracy, and we cannot stand idly by and allow the President to disregard fundamental pillars of the Constitution. That is why I am proud as the Congressional Jewish Caucus Co-chair to join my colleagues in leading this effort.”

The full amicus brief is available HERE

House Democrats add this to the growing list of court cases filed against the Trump Administration in which they have become involved, including successfully urging a federal judge to block efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). 

litigationandresponse.house.gov

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CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS FIGHT BACK AGAINST TRUMP’S ATTACKS ON INDEPENDENT WORKER PROTECTION AGENCIES

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, House and Senate Democratic Leadership filed an amicus brief opposing President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to fire members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The individuals cited in this matter were duly appointed, congressionally confirmed board members at independent federal agencies. Illegal attempts to terminate them threaten the integrity of these institutions and their ability to protect American workers and uphold workplace democracy.
 
The NLRB and MSPB play a critical role in protecting workers, both in public service and the private sector, in their right to seek better working conditions and in safeguarding a non-political, merit-based federal workforce.
 
The brief was led by House Ranking Members Jamie Raskin, Gerry Connolly, and Bobby Scott, alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker – and was joined by 253 Congressional Democrats. 
 
“Trump wants to dismantle the work of independent agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. These agencies have existed for more than a half-century. They protect American workers, the integrity of our merit-based federal workforce, and the rights of whistleblowers. Trump is not a King, and he has no power to violate the law to target and fire excellent civil servants just because they don’t support his pet causes and the agenda of his billionaire friends,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, House Judiciary Committee. “Democrats must stand up for a century of jurisprudence upholding administrative law because we are the party that fights for the rights of our workforce, unions, and American families.”
 
“President Trump and Elon Musk were never on the side of workers and now that they’re in power, they’re doing everything they can to reward billionaire bosses like themselves at the expense of hardworking Americans. Their concerted efforts to silence and disband the NLRB and MSPB are not only unconstitutional, they are part of their strategy to strip workers of their rights and dignity,” said Ranking Member Gerry Connolly, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
 
“The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (NLRA), which created the NLRB, expressly precludes any President from removing Board Members without good cause and due process to insulate the agency from political interference. Congress explicitly limited the Executive Branch’s ability to remove NLRB Members by requiring notice and a hearing, and that any removal is based on a ‘neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause[,]’ to protect it ‘from being subject to immediate political reactions at elections.’ Furthermore, the NLRB’s independence ensures it can fairly adjudicate labor disputes, hold law-breaking employers accountable, and issue rules to ensure that employees have the freedom to join or form a union,” said Ranking Member Bobby Scott, House Education and Workforce Committee
 
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are committed to breaking down protections for consumers and everyday Americans by any means necessary. That includes the blatantly illegal attempted firing of independent National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board leaders. House Democrats will not stand for it. Congress created these independent agencies by statute and clearing the decks of current leaders in order to appoint hacks who will bend the knee to Donald Trump is illegal. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Connolly, Rep. Scott and Assistant Leader Neguse of the Litigation/Rapid Response Task Force for their leadership as House Democrats join with Senate Democrats to push back against illegal attempts by Trump and Republicans to leave American workers and consumers vulnerable to fraud and abuse,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
 
“No president, Democrat or Republican, has the authority to fire employees at independent federal agencies simply for disagreeing with them politically. House Democrats will continue to vindicate our constitution and the rule of law, and to speak up for workers, consumers, families, and the American people,” said House Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse
 
“Donald Trump has ushered in an era of lawlessness and corruption,” said Leader Schumer. “Not only is he systematically dismantling our government, he is purging those who would help to hold him accountable in this endeavor. It is crucial that agencies like the NLRB and MSPB are able to operate within their full capacity to protect whistleblowers and workers. This flagrant disrespect for the law – and for the process of Senates confirmation – is something that has become a hallmark of Trump’s presidency. But Congressional Democrats are using every avenue to fight back.”  
 
“Donald Trump’s ‘rich-as-hell’ donors expect a return on their investment in his campaign. Now, he’s giving it to them by kneecapping the agencies that stop billionaires and giant corporations from abusing workers and discriminating against employees,” said Senator Warren. “Democrats are united in fighting back against these illegal firings.”
 
“President Trump is attacking independent agencies that Congress created to provide essential services to Americans,” said Senator Booker. “The illegal attempts to fire duly appointed and Senate-confirmed board members of the NLRB and MSPB are a direct threat to the protections that American workers and whistleblowers depend on. I’m proud to lead this effort in the Senate with Democratic Leader Schumer and Senator Warren and join over 200 of my congressional colleagues to defend our independent agencies and ensure that workers’ rights and our nation’s tradition of a merit-based federal workforce remain protected from partisan interference.” 
 
The amici curiae file their argument in the cases involving the attempted unlawful firings of Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the NLRB and Cathy Harris, a member of the MSPB. 
 
The full brief is available HERE

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McCaul Votes For SAVE Act to Protect Election Integrity

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security — voted for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation he also cosponsored in both the 118th and 119th Congress. The SAVE Act would strengthen federal law by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

“Americans deserve to know their elections will be safe and secure when they go to the ballot box. The SAVE Act will restore public confidence in our election system by closing loopholes that enable non-citizens to register to vote. It’s appalling that 208 Democrats voted against commonsense legislation, despite the fact it offers six different ways for citizens to verify their identity. Their opposition underscores why we need this bill — to provide a line of defense against any fraudulent effort to bolster Democrats’ voting bloc.”

Background:

Federal law — the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 — states that it is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, yet the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) does not require states to verify citizenship upon registration. This has led to noncitizen voting in several states, including Massachusetts, Ohio, and Virginia.

The SAVE Act, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), would amend the NVRA to ensure that only American citizens can vote in federal elections. Specifically, it would:

  • Require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections; and
  • Provide states with access to existing federal databases and require them to remove noncitizens from their rolls.

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Scott Denounces Republican Bill to Restrict Voting Rights

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Denounces Republican Bill to Restrict Voting Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Co-Chair of Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, released the following statement after voting against H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act:

“House Republicans’ so-called SAVE Act is nothing more than a shameful attempt to silence the voices of millions of Americans. This bill will prevent Americans from using their driver’s license or military ID in order to register to vote. It will also eliminate existing voter registration methods, including registering via mail or online. 

“If this bill were to become law, military service members deployed overseas would be forced to return to the U.S. to register to vote. Married women who have changed their surnames would not be allowed to use their birth certificate to prove their citizenship — an apparent reference to his unlawful order revoking birthright citizenship. Twenty-one million eligible voters would need to pay significant fees to obtain documentation needed to cast their ballot.

“Adding unnecessary and expensive barriers to vote will disenfranchise millions of U.S. citizens and disproportionately impact communities of color. To be clear, it is already illegal under federal law for noncitizens to cast a ballot. This legislation is not about safeguarding elections; it is a blatant assault on the constitutional rights of millions of Americans.”

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