MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), and five more members of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee marched to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today to demand a meeting with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After waiting in the lobby for almost half an hour, Secretary Kennedy nor his office responded to schedule a meeting to explain recent layoffs and restructuring of HHS.

“RFK Jr. is a coward. He followed orders from Elon Musk to fire 10,000 HHS employees, eliminated half of the HHS regional offices – including the one in Chicago that serves the Midwest – and now refuses to answer questions,” said Rep. Kelly. “Americans’ health should not be in the hands of RFK Jr., who refutes basic scientific truths. These DOGE-led layoffs are cruel, politically motivated, and will irreversibly damage public health.”

On March 27, Secretary Kennedy announced the termination of 10,000 employees, bringing the total number of layoffs to 20,000 at HHS. He has refused to brief the House health subcommittee and Senate committee.

Five out of 10 HHS regional offices in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago were closed, notably affecting liberal regions of the country. These offices served a total of 22 states and 166 million Americans.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Babin Backs Budget Blueprint to Deliver Trump’s America First Agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act in the House of Representatives. This bill protects small businesses and taxpayers by bolstering taxpayer protections, prohibiting improper Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting of taxpayers, compensating taxpayers for IRS abuse, and lowering the regulatory burden on taxpayers.

“Small businesses are the engine that runs our economy. As such, small businesses should be focused on what is important – growing and creating jobs. They should not have to deal with burdensome and costly IRS regulations,” said Congressman Kustoff. “I introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act to hold the IRS accountable and give small business owners the support they need.” 

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate.

“Each year, Tax Day reminds us that small business owners must spend thousands of hours conforming to IRS requirements instead of boosting the economy and creating jobs,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill lowers the compliance burden, strengthens taxpayer protections, and ensures small businesses are not targeted for additional scrutiny based on their politics.”

 

Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Brandon Gill (R-TX) introduced the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation will increase the maximum term of imprisonment for those who attempt to intimidate and influence the decision-making process of a Supreme Court Justice from one year to five years. 

“Anyone who intimidates or threatens a Supreme Court Justice should face severe consequences under the law,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will increase the penalty for attempting to influence the decision making of a Supreme Court Justice. As a former United States Attorney, I believe it is essential to uphold the sanctity of our judicial system and protect our Supreme Court Justices from outside influence.”

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate. 

“Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Background: 
In the aftermath of the unprecedented May 2022 leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, far-left protesters immediately began demonstrating outside of the private residences of Supreme Court Justices. Subsequently, a map with the home addresses of five Republican-appointed Justices — Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett—was posted online.

Federal law explicitly prohibits attempts at influencing the decision-making process of a judge. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 1507 states that any individual who, “with the intent of influencing any judge . . . in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades . . . in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge” is subject to criminal monetary penalties or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, or both. Section 1507 was intended to enable our judges to carry out their duty to uphold the rule of law, without fear of intimidation or retribution for doing so.

Under President Joe Biden and Attorney General Garland, following the Dobbs leak, zero protesters outside of Supreme Court Justices’ homes were arrested for violating Section 1507. Just as troubling, the Biden Department of Justice did not issue any guidance on enforcing this statute. With President Trump back at in the White House, the Justice Department will finally focus on law and order. Nevertheless, it’s still critical that Congress act to deter this intimidation of our federal judiciary.

The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act would increase the maximum term of imprisonment for violation of Section 1507 from one year to five years.

 

Click here for the full text of the bill. 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement reacting to San Benito’s own Freddy Fender’s induction into the 2025 Class of the National Recording Registry. His song, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” which released in January 1975 and reached number 1 on the Billboard Pop and Country Charts, was selected among thousands of potential nominees.

“South Texas has some of the best musical talent in the country, and it is wonderful to see yet another Tejano musician being honored at the highest levels,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Freddy Fender was an outstanding musician who left a legacy of musical excellence. With his nomination, the National Recording Registry affirms what South Texans always knew — Tejano music is American music. Freddy Fender makes us even prouder to be where we’re from.”

Since 2002, the National Recording Registry, a program of the Library of Congress, selects songs or sound recordings deemed culturally or historically important for preservation. This year, 25 recordings were chosen. Joining Freddy Fender’s hit song were Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Chicago’s debut “Chicago Transit Authority,” and the original cast recording of Broadway’s “Hamilton,” among others. For more information on all inductees, click here. 

 

El Congresista Gonzalez Celebra la Inducción de Freddy Fender de San Benito al Registrio Nacional de Grabaciones   

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)publico un comunicado en respuesta a la inducción de Freddy Fender de San Benito a la Clase 2025 del Registro Nacional de Grabaciones. Su canción, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”, lanzada en enero de 1975,  fue seleccionada entre miles de posibles nominados y alcanzo número uno en las listas Billboard Pop y Country.  

“El sur de Texas tiene unos de los mejores talentos musicales del país, y es maravilloso ver a otro músico tejano siendo honrado en los niveles más altos”, dijo el Congresista Gonzalez. “Freddy Fender fue un músico excepcional que dejó un legado de excelencia musical. Con su nominación, el Registro Nacional de Grabacion es afirma lo que los tejanos del sur siempre supieron: la música tejana es música estadounidense. Freddy Fender nos hace sentir aún más orgullosos de ser de donde somos”.  

Desde el 2002, el Registro Nacional de Grabaciones, un programa de la Biblioteca del Congreso, a seleccionado canciones o grabaciones que se consideran culturalmente o históricamente importantes para su preservación. Este año, se eligieron 25 grabaciones incluyendo: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” de Elton John; el debut de Chicago “Chicago Transit Authority”; y la grabación del elenco original de “Hamilton” de Broadway. Para obtener más in formación sobre todos los nuevos miembros, haga clic aquí.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, spoke yesterday during floor debate in opposition to the Republican budget resolution, legislation that would pave the way for GOP tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The resolution passed with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against.

Beyer’s remarks follow below, and video is available here.

I rise today in strong opposition to this budget resolution, a recipe for economic disaster for our country.

Americans have been clear – they want lower prices and an economy that works for them. Yet, at every turn, this budget, this Administration, and my Republican colleagues are doubling down on policies that undermine our economy and make wealth equality even worse.

I spent much of the day with Trade Ambassador Greer and it is clear that the Administration’s myth that tariffs will reshape the U.S. economy by bullying our closest allies is nothing more than a fantasy.

The Trump tariffs represent the largest tax hike in American history. They have caused chaos in the markets, and stripped [trillions] from Americans’ retirement plans. Consumer confidence is plummeting, reaching its lowest level in 12 years, and economists are increasingly convinced we are headed for a recession.

This budget will balloon our deficits, leading to higher interest rates. It will slash critical investments, and it will decimate essential programs that support the people we represent.

All of this to help billionaires and corporations get tax cuts that they do not need and our country cannot afford.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), David Valadao (CA-22), and Brad Sherman (CA-32) and 21 additional bipartisan members sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz requesting strong American engagement in the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The United States has the potential to help secure an historic deal for this decades long conflict, and the letter encourages the Trump Administration to take additional steps to achieve this goal.

“We welcome recent efforts to ensure a negotiated and peaceful settlement of this long-standing conflict. We also strongly agree with Secretary Rubio’s statement that “now is the time to commit to peace” in the South Caucasus and NSA Waltz’s call to “finalize this peace deal now, release the prisoners, and work together to make the region more secure and prosperous.” To ensure a sustainable peace, the U.S. must play a pivotal role in preventing any additional barriers to the signing of a formal document between the two sides.”

“As Armenia seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia and pivot toward the West, securing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus is a national security imperative and directly in line with President Trump’s global peace initiatives. Considering Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats toward Armenia and the risk this poses to a fragile peace process, we believe the United States has a responsibility to pursue important confidence and security-building measures.”

The full list of cosigners includes: Representatives Pallone (NJ-06), Valadao (CA-22), Sherman (CA-32), Bilirakis (FL-12), Amo (RI-01), Chu (CA-28), Costa (CA-21), Friedman (CA-30), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Lawler (NY-17), S. Lee (NV-03), Lofgren (CA-19), Magaziner (RI-02), McGovern (MA-03), Min (CA-47), Mullin (CA-15), Norton (DC-AL), Omar (MN-05), (Pingree (ME-01), Sánchez (CA-38), Schakowsky (IL-09), Schneider (IL-10), Stevens (MI-11), Trahan (MA-03)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the bipartisan TICKET Act—a major consumer protection bill to crack down on deceptive ticketing practices—was approved today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Pallone, the Committee’s top Democrat, helped broker a bipartisan agreement last year to pass the bill, but it was blocked by Republicans at the eleventh hour after Elon Musk tweeted his opposition to the legislative package, which included the Pascrell-Pallone provision to deliver transparency and major savings to concertgoers.

“We had a deal to pass the TICKET Act last year as part of a broader spending agreement but that deal was blown up by a tweet from billionaire Elon Musk,” said Pallone. “A billionaire torpedoed a bipartisan consumer protection package, and Republicans let it happen. Today’s vote moves us one step closer to finally delivering relief for fans.”

The TICKET Act requires upfront pricing for all live event tickets, bans speculative ticket listings, guarantees refunds for canceled or postponed events, and prohibits misleading resale sites. 

Pallone has long championed consumer protections in the ticketing industry, introducing the BOSS and SWIFT Act in 2023 alongside his late colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09). Key provisions from that bill are included in the TICKET Act.

“My friend Bill Pascrell was a fearless advocate for fairness in the ticketing marketplace,” Pallone said. “He knew what a racket this system had become, and he fought every day to make it better for fans. Today’s vote reflects years of work we did together to stop hidden fees, deceptive websites, and price gouging.”

Pallone also criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order on ticket pricing, signed last week, as a hollow alternative to real legislative action.

“Trump’s executive order was nothing more than a headline grab. If Republicans are serious about fixing this broken system, they should work with us to bring the TICKET Act up for a vote on the House floor right away,” Pallone said. “Our bill actually delivers real reforms that consumers have been demanding for years.”

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over consumer protection and the ticketing industry, passed the TICKET Act with bipartisan support during Tuesday’s markup. The bill must now be passed by the full House. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement ahead of a House vote to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping excessive overdraft fees:

“Trump promised to lower egg prices. Instead, Republicans are gutting the rules to let banks charge you $35 per transaction to use your own checking account.  Overdraft fees are one of the most predatory practices in the financial system, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule finally puts guardrails in place. Repealing it means banks can run up the score on their customers with $35 fees even for small transactions. This is a Republican handout to the financial industry at the expense of everyday Americans. I’m voting no,” said Pallone.

The CFPB — established in the wake of the 2008 financial crash — finalized the overdraft fee rule in December after years of research and public input. The rule would cap overdraft charges and save consumers billions each year. Repealing it allows banks to continue charging as much as $35 per overdraft — often for small, short-term charges that disproportionately hit low-income families. According to the CFPB, the final rule is expected to result in $5 billion in annual overdraft fee savings to consumers, or $225 per household that pays overdraft fees. The overdraft final rule will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) joined all 19 Democratic Members from New York in sending a letter, led by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy requesting a meeting to discuss the unprecedented attacks on New York State’s health funding. 

“This funding cut will have a detrimental impact on New Yorkers who have dedicated years of their lives to public service and helping their communities,” Rep. Meeks said. “I receive daily calls from my constituents who are furious about the job losses the Trump administration has created. HHS was designed to protect the well-being of Americans, not strip away vital services that allow for safe and effective health care.” 

The Members wrote in the letter:

“We write regarding the Trump administration’s recent attempt to rescind more than $11 billion in congressionally authorized funding from state and local health departments across the country. Under these cuts, New York state health departments will lose an estimated $400 million in critical health funding, with $100 million of that being pulled from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene alone. As a result of these actions, the New York State Department of Health has laid off more than 200 public health workers, including 50 full time staff and 168 public health fellows…Every single one of our constituents will be impacted by these actions.” 

The letter explains that at least 200 community-based organizations that provide mental health, maternal health, and other life-saving services have had their funding jeopardized, and that rescinding congressionally mandated funding is illegal and has already been blocked by a federal judge. The lawmakers conclude by requesting a meeting with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and his staff no later than April 22, 2025. 

The letter was signed by the entire Democratic New York delegation totaling 19 lawmakers. This includes: Representatives Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Josh Riley (NY-19), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).   

Read the full letter, here. 

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