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Congressman Bennie G. Thompson to Host Town Halls on Budget Cuts and Critical Benefits Updates

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) will host a town hall to address Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education, Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security Administration, and other key government programs in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.  The discussion will cover how these proposed cuts could impact students, seniors, and low-income families who depend on federal programs.

  • WHO: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson   
  • WHAT: Town Hall Events – Federal Budget Cuts and Other Key Programs

  • WHEN & WHERE: 

    Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT) 

                                   New Beginnings M.B. Church

                                   35 Triumph Ln

                                   Natchez, MS 39120

                 Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT)

                                    New Hope First Baptist Church

                                    705 Nelson Street

                                    Greenville, MS 38701

Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Stephanie Booker at stephanie.booker@mail.house.gov .

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Wagner, Schneider Host Morocco’s Foreign Minister for Congressional Roundtable on Regional Peace and Integration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. –Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, hosted His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco for a closed-door roundtable with members of Congress on Tuesday, April 8. The discussion focused on Morocco’s growing role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in advancing regional peace, economic integration, and security cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Abraham Accords.

The event was co-hosted by Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and provided Members an opportunity to engage directly with one of the region’s most active and strategic diplomatic leaders.

“The Kingdom of Morocco has been a vital partner with the United States in pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa and the Middle East,” said Rep. Wagner. “As co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I have worked to deepen the economic, diplomatic, and security relationships between the United States, Morocco, Israel, and Arab nations in the region as well as address Iran’s efforts to undermine and destabilize the historic normalization agreement.  Today’s roundtable with Foreign Minister Bourita advances those shared interests and I appreciated the Foreign Minister’s vital perspective on our efforts.”

“The U.S.-Morocco relationship is centuries old and has never been more relevant,” said Rep. Schneider. “From joint military exercises to trilateral cooperation with Israel, Morocco plays a vital role in advancing our shared interests in stability, prosperity, and peace. We were grateful for the chance to have an open and strategic dialogue with Foreign Minister Bourita about the opportunities and challenges facing the region.”

Coming up on 5 years since Morocco established full ties with Israel and the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Members of Congress and the Foreign Minister discussed the future of the bilateral relationship, as well as the trilateral relationship with Israel.

The roundtable highlighted recent progress in the U.S.-Morocco-Israel trilateral dialogue, which serves as a platform for collaboration on issues such as trade, energy, water, and regional security. Members also discussed the deepening U.S.-Morocco bilateral relationship, which includes robust military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.

Morocco’s hosting of African Lion, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, was spotlighted as a key example of U.S.-Morocco defense partnership and multilateral coordination in North Africa.

Members also discussed US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, the evolving international diplomatic context, and the potential consequences for long-term regional stability.

The Abraham Accords Caucus is committed to advancing normalization, supporting U.S. diplomacy, and fostering long-term partnerships that contribute to peace, opportunity, and integration across the Middle East and North Africa.

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Wyden, Bonamici, Salinas Join Colleagues Demanding McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Lawmakers press Trump’s Department of Education about its abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds an unnecessary hurdle to reimbursement and will harm students following the pandemic.

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., said today they have joined Senate and House colleagues in a letter demanding a reversal of a new federal Department of Education policy that imposes new red tape on Oregon and other states that  prevent their access to  pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

In their letter  to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the department’s change, along with its myriad other harmful actions recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth. 

“We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,” the lawmakers wrote. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago,  the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.” 

“In short,” the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at the Department of Education—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

“We believe there is a better way,” they conclude. “We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

The letter was led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. In addition to Wyden the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Angus King, I-Maine, Ed Markey, D-Mass., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-Mo., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

In the House, the letter was led by U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Va. In addition to Bonamici and Salinas, the letter was signed by Representatives Alma Adams, D-N.C., Donald Beyer, D-Va., Julia Brownley, D-Calif., Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, André Carson, D-Ind., Greg Casar, D-Texas, Sean Casten, D-Ill., Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Joe Courtney, D-Conn., Danny Davis, D-Ill., Diana DeGette, D- Colo., Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., Dwight Evans, D-Pa., Shomari Figures, D-Ala., Jesús García, D-Ill., Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., Hank Johnson, D-Ga., Robin Kelly, D-Ill., Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y., John Larson, D-Conn., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Lucy McBath, D-Ga., Sarah McBride, D-Del., Jennifer McClellan, D-Va., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Mich., Jim McGovern, D-Mass., LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., Donald Norcross, D-N.J., Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Mark Pocan, D-Mich., Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., Darren Soto, D-Fla., Haley Stevens, D-Mich., Mark Takano, D-Calif., Dina Titus, D-Nev., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.Y., Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., and Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.

The full text of the letter is here.

A web version of the release is here.

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ICYMI: Boyle Warns of Devastating Impacts in Philadelphia if Republicans Cut Medicaid

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a press conference to sound the alarm about the catastrophic consequences that the Medicaid cuts proposed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress would have in Philadelphia. He was joined by Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center, and Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

At the press conference, Congressman Boyle, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, warned that the Republican budget would make the largest Medicaid cuts in US history, even as it proposes massive handouts for billionaires. The event also spotlighted the story of a 64-year-old Navy veteran from Northeast Philadelphia who receives in-home care through Medicaid, allowing him to live with dignity.

“In Philadelphia, well over half a million people get their health care from Medicaid. This is the greatest threat to Medicaid in the history of its existence. And why? To pay for tax cuts for the top 1% — it is absolutely unconscionable,” said Congressman Boyle. “The bill that already passed out of the House of Representatives included over $800 billion worth of cuts to Medicaid — the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. Now the good news is that that was just the beginning of the process, not the end of it. As soon  as we’re done here, I will be hopping on a train to go to Washington, DC, where as the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, I have been asked to lead the opposition to these Medicaid cuts.”

“In the geographical area that Esparanza takes care of, which is about a three-mile radius from here, we have a population that’s almost 400,000 people. And of those 400,000, almost 200,000 of them rely on Medicaid insurance for all of their health care needs,” said Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center. “I also live in North Philly. I’ve lived here 25 years. These are not just a statistic, these are actual people, people that I love … thank you so much, Congressman Boyle, for your concern about this important, devastating situation for us here in North Philadelphia.”

“Medicaid is not just a health care program, although that is critical, but it is a lifeline for many we serve. It’s the thread that holds stability, independence, and dignity together,” said Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “We stand with Congressman Boyle today to protect and preserve Medicaid. It’s not just a program. It’s a promise.”

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Stauber Slams Senator Smith’s Anti-Mining, Anti-Labor Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement after Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to enact a moratorium on copper-nickel mining in the Superior National Forest. 

“I am disappointed yet not surprised that another harmful piece of pro-China legislation has been introduced by an out of touch Democrat trying to prevent the responsible development of the Duluth Complex. If this last election taught us anything, it’s that Democrats have lost the confidence of working Americans, and legislation like this is a large reason for that. 

“Not only would critical mineral mining in northern Minnesota create good-paying union jobs and revitalize our economy, but it would provide much-needed funding for every school district in Minnesota and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign adversaries like China. It is offensive to oppose these worthy goals.

“With the introduction of this legislation, Senator Smith has once again proven herself to be anti-union. Fortunately, Senator Smith is in the minority and retiring soon, so any chance of this legislation becoming law is virtually impossible.”

Recently, Stauber reintroduced his Superior National Forest Restoration Act, legislation to overturn the Biden administration’s harmful mineral withdrawal of 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest, restore long-held mineral leases, and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation. 

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Stauber Applauds Trump’s Executive Order to Reinvigorate Coal Industry

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after attending the Unleashing American Energy Event at the White House, where President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to reinvigorate America’s coal industry.

“Coal is one of the most reliable and abundant sources of energy available to us, yet the previous administration did nearly everything in their power to eliminate the coal industry,” said Representative Stauber. “I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action to end Biden’s war on coal and boost America’s energy independence. This Executive Order represents a significant victory for American miners, many of whom are returning to work, and for American consumers, who will benefit from lower energy prices soon. The Golden Age of America is truly underway.”

President Trump’s Executive Order on coal does the following:

  • Designates coal as a critical mineral.
  • Directs agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on these lands.
  • Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium, which paused coal leasing on federal lands.
  • Requires agencies to rescind any agency policy that seeks to transition the nation away from coal production.
  • Directs CEQ to assist agencies in adopting coal-related categorical exclusions under NEPA.
  • Seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports, facilitate international offtake agreements for U.S. coal, and accelerate development of coal technologies.
  • Calls the Secretary of Energy to determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical mineral” and “critical material” under the Energy Act of 2020, and if so, add it to the relevant lists.
  • Pushes for using coal to power new artificial intelligence (AI) data.

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As Republicans Attack Public Education, Rep. Omar Joins Rep. Pressley in Reintroduces Bills to Invest in Safe, Nurturing Learning Environments for All Students

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

Pair of Bills Would Address Pushout of Black Girls, Invest in Counselors and End Over-Policing of Public K-12 Schools

Ending PUSHOUT Act | Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

WASHINGTON – As Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans attack public education, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced a pair of bills, the Ending PUSHOUT Act and Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would collectively end the discriminatory treatment of Black and brown students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities in schools, and invest in safe, nurturing learning environments for all students.

“Classrooms should be a place for students to learn, grow, and thrive – not be overpoliced and criminalized. With Republicans gutting public education and attacking vulnerable students, our bills would help protect our students by promoting trauma-informed policies and investing in counselors, nurses, social workers, and other trained professionals who actually make our schools safer,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for their ongoing partnership and for the coalition of individuals and organizations from across the country who joined us in support of these bills. We must affirm the right for every student to learn in a setting free from fear.”

Reps Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) are joined by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in reintroducing the Ending PUSHOUT Act, which would end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools. 

“Over the last 25 years, more than $1 billion in federal funds have been used to put police officers in our nation’s schools without any evidence that this funding has improved school safety or student outcomes,” said Senator Booker. “Additionally, research shows that students of color, particularly girls, are often subjected to harsher and more frequent disciplinary action compared to their white counterparts. The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act and Ending PUSHOUT Act are critical bills that invest federal dollars in counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed personnel to support students so we can keep create safer academic environments for all students to thrive.”

“I want my granddaughter to learn, grow, and receive an education in an environment where she is loved and valued,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “But we know, both from the data and our own experience, that this is not always the case for Black girls. They are disproportionately likely to face severe punishment for similar behaviors compared to their white peers and we must take action to dismantle this systemic discrimination. The school-to-prison pipeline is real, and it has specifically harmed and targeted Black girls. I’m proud to support Rep. Pressley’s End PUSHOUT Act to put an end to this injustice, and foster a learning environment where every student, regardless of race, gender, or ZIP code, has the opportunity to thrive.”

“It’s heartbreaking but not surprising that across the country, Black girls and Indigenous girls are still being pushed out of classrooms at staggering rates. Black students in Minnesota are eight times more likely to be suspended than white students. For Indigenous students, it’s ten times,” said Rep. Omar. “The Ending PUSHOUT Act is about creating school environments where girls of color feel safe, supported, and free to learn. I’m proud to stand with Congresswoman Pressley and Congresswoman Watson Coleman to say our girls deserve better and we’re going to fight for them.”

Rep. Pressley is joined by Congresswoman Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would invest in safe and nurturing school climates that support all students and end over-policing in our nation’s public K-12 schools.

“Every kid deserves to feel secure and supported in their classroom. But too often students, especially kids of color and students with disabilities, are arrested at school instead of getting the help that would actually address the root causes of their behavioral issues. While a number of school districts across the country have made progress by taking police out of classrooms and giving our kids the kind of support that we know leads to better results, other schools have gone back to old rules that just punish kids but don’t help them get back on track. This legislation would put more counselors and social workers in schools and make sure school districts have the resources they need to make classrooms safe for all students,” said Senator Murphy.

“Our children deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen in their schools, not criminalized for simply being kids. Schools have increasingly relied on policing to manage behavior in our classrooms, a practice that has disproportionately harmed Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and disabled students,” said Rep. Omar. “This bill moves us toward justice by directing resources toward counselors, social workers, and the support systems our students actually need to thrive. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting for a future where every child has the freedom to learn in an environment that uplifts their potential instead of policing their existence.”

“Schools should be a place our students feel safe and supported without fear of surveillance or punishment,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “Rather than increasing police presence in schools, the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would invest in trauma-informed counselors and social workers to create more positive learning environments. We should be bringing students in, not pushing them out—especially marginalized students disproportionately criminalized for normal childhood and adolescent behavior.”

Across the country, the education of Black and brown students is often disrupted as a result of discriminatory and punitive discipline policies that criminalize and push them out of school. In particular, Black girls are suspended, expelled, referred to law enforcement, and arrested on school campuses at disproportionately higher rates than white girls due to unfair dress code and hair policies and a lack of understanding of the historical, social, and economic inequities such as poverty, trauma, hunger, and violence that often impact student behavior. Overall, Black girls, girls of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary school discipline policies such as suspension and expulsion, which can have long-term effects on the safety, wellbeing, and academic success of all students.

Additionally, research shows that the presence of mental and behavioral health personnel in schools, like counselors, social workers, and psychologists, improves educational outcomes for kids, specifically by improving attendance and graduation rates while lowering the rates of suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary incidents. Meanwhile, the presence of police in schools leads to an increase in arrests of students — disproportionately students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities — often for common misbehavior that a school could address without the involvement of law enforcement. 

The Ending PUSHOUT Act will work to disrupt the school-to-confinement pathway by investing in safe and nurturing school environments for all students, especially girls of color.  Specifically, the bill would:

  • Establish new federal grants to support states and schools that commit to ban unfair and discriminatory school discipline practices and improve school climate.
  • Protect Civil Rights Data Collection and strengthen the Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
  • Establish a federal interagency taskforce to end school pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color.

The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would:

  • Prohibit the use of federal funds for maintaining police in schools: Since 1999, the federal government has spent more than $1 billion to increase the number of police in schools. However, evidence does not show this funding has improved student outcomes and school safety. This legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to hire or maintain police in K-12 schools, diverting that funding toward other uses related to school safety within applicable grant programs.
  • Invest billions to help schools hire counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed support personnel necessary to create safe, supportive learning environments for all students: This legislation helps schools build safe and positive learning cultures by establishing a new $5 billion grant program to support the hiring of counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other personnel. The grant would also help schools implement programs to improve school climate, such as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports, as well as invest in trauma-informed services and professional development. As more schools move away from policies that criminalize students and push them out of school, this historic investment will ensure districts have the resources to provide students with the support they need to feel safe in school and thrive.

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Pappas Takes Action to Protect Public Employees’ Right to Organize

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced he is cosponsoring the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, and the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to nullify a recent Trump Administration Executive Order ending collective bargaining rights for a wide-ranging group of federal employees.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions, regardless of state law. The bill comes at a critical time, as recent federal actions have renewed attention on the collective bargaining rights of public employees, including those serving in national security-related agencies.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act would nullify President Trump’s March 27 executive order seeking to end collective bargaining rights for unionized federal employees across several agencies.

“Working families are the engine that drive our economy, but all too often we’ve seen the right to organize for better wages, safe conditions, and full benefits come under attack, including by this administration’s recent attempt to roll back collective bargaining rights for federal employees,” said Congressman Pappas. “All workers, including public employees, deserve to be able to collectively bargain for fair wages and safe working conditions, and I am proud to support legislation that will ensure those who put in a hard day’s work have a seat at the table and a say in their future.”

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).

“Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”

“When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government. We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

“For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.”

“As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”

The Protect America’s Workforce Act is supported by the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

“Donald Trump is trying to end collective bargaining for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, silencing their voices and ripping up their contracts. This order would strike a blow to every American’s fundamental right of freedom of speech and association,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “More than 70 percent of Americans and nearly 9 in 10 young people support unions — no one voted to attack the freedom to organize with our co-workers for a better life. We commend the leadership of Reps. Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick for using Congress’ power to reverse this executive order. The labor movement is 100 percent behind this bill, and we call on every member of Congress, Democrat and Republican, to take a stand in support of our fundamental rights by backing this critical legislation.”

Last month, Congressman Pappas helped reintroduce H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces, and spoke out forcefully against news that the Trump administration had moved to end collective bargaining rights for a wide-ranging group of federal employees.

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Pappas Helps Introduce Bill to Protect and Expand Access to Life-Saving Reproductive Health Care Services

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

In New Hampshire, nearly 10,000 Granite Staters who receive essential care at their local Planned Parenthood affiliate are being affected by the Trump administration’s funding freeze on Title X.

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped introduce the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act. This legislation would safeguard and increase funding for Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning and preventive health services.

For more than 50 years, Title X has provided critical health care services, including birth control, cancer screenings, annual exams, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Title X clinics serve 4 million people annually, and in 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million visits to Planned Parenthood health centers were made possible by the program. But that care is under threat, as the Trump administration continues its attacks on this critical program. 

“In New Hampshire and across the country, Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers offer lifesaving care under Title X, including annual exams, cancer screenings, and STI testing. This administration has chosen to put their own extreme political views over the health and well-being of millions of Americans,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m helping introduce legislation to safeguard and support Title X for the thousands of Granite Staters who depend on it. I’ll keep fighting to pass this legislation and continue standing up for access to health care and reproductive rights.”

The need for the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act comes as the Trump administration has recently frozen millions of dollars in already-appropriated Title X funding, impacting 16 organizations across several states, including New Hampshire. Planned Parenthood affiliates have lost access to as much as $3 million annually — resources they rely on to serve tens of thousands of patients each year. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the freeze could impact access to care for up to 1.25 million people, many of whom are low-income, people of color, or live in medically underserved communities.  

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would:

  • Guarantee stable, annual funding for Title X, preventing repeated Republican-led efforts to eliminate the program.
    • The bill would provide $512 million annually for 10 years, addressing the current funding shortfall and ensuring access to essential services.
    • It also allocates $50 million in mandatory funding for clinic construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
  • Protect family planning providers, including Planned Parenthood, from being excluded, as seen under the Trump Administration’s so-called “domestic gag rule.”
    • The bill would reinstate regulations prohibiting discrimination against providers who offer Title X services, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
  • Ensure access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care for all patients, regardless of income, race, immigration status, or gender.
    • This includes information and services related to prenatal care, delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination — unless a patient opts out of receiving information on certain options.

Pappas, alongside the New Hampshire delegation, condemned the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for life-saving reproductive health care services, including those provided by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE). Last week Pappas joined more than 160 House Democrats in urging U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore all appropriated Title X funding. The letter also called for an urgent meeting with impacted providers to ensure that care is not disrupted. 

Last year Pappas and U.S. Senators Shaheen and Hassan joined PPNNE to highlight the impact abortion bans and efforts to limit access to medication abortion have had in New Hampshire since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The delegation has pushed for Title X funding, and following obstruction from Republicans on New Hampshire’s Executive Council, the delegation helped secure critical Title X funding for PPNNE.

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of public health and reproductive rights organizations, including Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, National Council of Jewish Women, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Upstream USA.

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Pappas, Goodlander Help Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Affordable Housing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) helped to introduce the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation to support the financing and development of affordable housing across the country by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit).  Both Pappas and Goodlander are original cosponsors.

“New Hampshire continues to face a housing crisis that is impacting our families, small businesses, and economy,” said Congressman Pappas. “These tax credits are helping to get Granite Staters into stable housing and will become even more essential to ensuring its availability given the instability in the economy and higher building costs as a result of tariffs. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation and will continue working to expand tools and resources that will bolster New Hampshire’s affordable housing stock.”

“Having a home is a cornerstone of the American Dream. One of my top priorities in Congress is making housing more affordable for hardworking Granite Staters. I am proud to help introduce the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to do just that,” said Representative Goodlander. “Everywhere I go, I hear from families, small businesses, and employers about the housing crisis. In Congress, I will continue looking for every possible path to expand access to affordable housing, eliminate barriers for development, and tackle the housing crisis head-on.”

“NeighborWorks has been utilizing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program since our inception over 30 years ago to revitalize neighborhoods and create new affordable housing opportunities. This program has enabled us to build 550 apartments during that time,” said Robert Tourigny, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire. “We are hopeful that the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will finally be enacted to increase the amount of federal tax credits available, and make this scarce resource go even further toward building more homes in New Hampshire.”

“The AHCIA represents a critical step forward in addressing the affordable housing crisis our communities face. By enhancing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, we can empower developers to create more affordable multifamily housing,” said New Hampshire Housing CEO, Rob Dapice. “This legislation not only provides equitable housing opportunities but also strengthens the economic foundation of our neighborhoods. We hope Congress will support this vital initiative for the well-being of our citizens.”

“New Hampshire has a severe shortage of homes affordable to low and extremely-low-income earners. These are our friends, neighbors, and workers who keep our economy running. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will directly address this shortage by enabling the construction and preservation of thousands of homes in our state,” said Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action NH. “Every year, developers seek to build affordable housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, yet program limits force many to be denied funding. It makes no sense to turn away the affordable homes we desperately need because of arbitrary federal limits. Thank you to Congresswoman Goodlander and Congressman Pappas for supporting this bipartisan, common-sense legislation.”

Since its creation, the Housing Credit has built or restored more than 3.5 million affordable housing units, nearly 90% of all federally funded affordable housing during that time. Roughly 8 million American households have benefited from the credit, and the economic activity that it generated has supported 5.5 million jobs and generated more than $617 billion in wages.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will support the financing of nearly two million new affordable homes across the country by:

  • Increasing the number of credits allocated to each state by 50 percent for the next two years and making the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent. These credits have already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.
  • Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision stabilizes financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.
  • Improving the Housing Credit program to serve at-risk and underserved communities, including veterans, victims of domestic violence, and rural Americans.

The text of the legislation can be found HERE.