WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Stakeholder Support for the Big, Beautiful Bill Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Stakeholder Support for the Big, Beautiful Bill Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act, into law. This legislation delivers tax relief for working families and small businesses, protects nuclear energy investments, and strengthens the agriculture industry. 

Here’s what they are saying about the Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1): 

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, said, “We want to recognize Congressman Newhouse’s efforts to make sure our growers have the support they need to continue supplying the nation and the world with top quality wheat. The increase in the wheat reference price will more closely match the actual cost of production, giving much-needed support to growers who are struggling to make a profit when prices are low. We are also appreciative of the Congressman’s work to protect crop insurance, making it more affordable for farmers to adequately cover their crops in the face of drought or other natural disasters.” 

Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest, said, “I am pleased that Congress acknowledges the key role of nuclear power for America’s energy future. While policymaking involves hard choices, Representative Newhouse has consistently championed the U.S. as a leader in advanced nuclear technology. I am excited about actively pursuing the expansion of carbon-free and reliable electricity, marking the next chapter for nuclear energy in America.” 

Former Congressman Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, “The One Big Beautiful Bill not only prevented the largest tax increase on the American people in history, it made permanent critical pro-growth provisions that will enable businesses of all sizes, especially small businesses, to grow and thrive. This will strengthen America’s economy and result in greater economic prosperity for all. We thank Congressman Newhouse for his leadership and for supporting this crucial legislation.” 

David Reeploeg, Vice President for Federal Programs, TRIDEC, said, “Congressman Newhouse worked incredibly hard to prevent nuclear energy tax credits from being removed from H.R. 1. Retaining these tax credits will help our existing nuclear energy facilities while also supporting advanced nuclear development, which is an area where we see huge opportunities for the Tri-Cities. Not only do the power plants create direct jobs, they also provide the baseload energy needed to attract industry and create even more family wage jobs. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Newhouse’s understanding of how important these tax credits, and nuclear energy, are for his district.” 

Ted Tschirky, 2025 President, National Potato Council, and grower from Pasco, said, “We give great credit to Congressman Newhouse and the Chairmen of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for taking the opportunity to deliver on key priorities for the specialty crop industry. The tax certainty provided by the bill, coupled with the historic enhancements in essential Farm Bill programs serving specialty crops will significantly improve our competitiveness against foreign competition well into the future.” 

Clay Sell, CEO, X-energy, said, “For next-generation advanced nuclear companies, tax credits are more than just financial incentives—they’re a catalyst for market entry. For early movers, these credits significantly reduce capital risk, unlock private investment, and enable us to compete on a level footing with other energy technologies. Without them, commercialization slows and investor confidence erodes. With them, we’re positioned to scale faster and deliver reliable, always-on abundant power to the market.” 

Bill Lampson, Chairman and CEO, Lampson International LLC, said, “Congressman Dan Newhouse’s support of the Big Beautiful Bill was essential for all Americans to avoid the Largest Tax Hike in history, which would have crippled future investments of all types. In our case, we have watched the construction industry struggle with the high cost of overly burdensome regulations, costly and lengthy permitting process and high taxes of all types.  The Big Beautiful Bill will allow the construction industry to flourish and create real jobs for many that would have otherwise gone without opportunity.   We are so thankful to have a Congressman who truly cares about the ability of his constituents to make a decent living and care for their families.

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Griffith Visits Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Virginia. The visit featured a roundtable discussion on rural health care issues with hospital leadership and staff.

“Clinch Valley Medical Center is an important health care provider for the area,” said Representative Griffith. “I visited Clinch Valley Medical Center to gain more knowledge of their needs and challenges. As the new chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I am committed to working with Congressional and industry partners to advance policies that positively impact the health outcomes of Americans, particularly those in rural communities.”

“Clinch Valley Health was honored to have Congressman Morgan Griffith visit with us today,” said Clinch Valley Health President and CEO Peter Mulkey.  “We had the opportunity to discuss the challenges of rural healthcare now and in the future and how we can work together with him in his new role as Chairperson of the Health subcommittee on Energy and Commerce.  I believe we both have the interest of the communities we serve in ensuring we are able to continue to provide top quality care to those that call our region home.”

Pictured: Representative Griffith with Clinch Valley Medical Center leadership and personnel.

BACKGROUND

This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. 

In a recent Rules Committee hearing, Congressman Griffith committed to working with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie to analyze the status of our rural hospitals and explore improvements to health care access for rural communities.

Clinch Valley Medical Center operates under Lifepoint Health.

Other hospital health systems that serve communities in Virginia’s Ninth District include Centra Health, Carilion Clinic, HCA Healthcare, Ballad Health and Sovah Health.

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Griffith Visits LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, Virginia. The visit featured a roundtable discussion on rural health care issues with hospital leadership and staff.

“As the new chairman of the Health Subcommittee, it is my responsibility to explore policies that positively impact the health outcomes of Americans, including those in rural communities,” said Representative Morgan Griffith.  “It is critical to assess and determine solutions that help our rural hospitals serve patients. I appreciate the dedication of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery and all of our hospitals and their interest in discussion about hospital operations and challenges.”

“We were honored to host Congressman Griffith at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery today to discuss the challenges currently facing hospitals, especially those in rural areas,” said LewisGale Hospital Montgomery CFO Rachael Stanton.

Pictured: Representative Griffith in discussion with LewisGale Hospital Montgomery leadership and staff.

BACKGROUND

This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. 

In a recent Rules Committee hearing, Congressman Griffith committed to working with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie to analyze the status of our rural hospitals and explore improvements to health care access for rural communities.

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery operates under HCA Healthcare.

Other hospital health systems that serve communities in Virginia’s Ninth District include Centra Health, Carilion Clinic, Lifepoint Health, Ballad Health and Sovah Health.

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Griffith, Harshbarger Visit Lee County Community Hospital

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Following their respective appointments as Chair and Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. Representative and Health Subcommittee Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and U.S. Representative and Health Subcommittee Vice Chair Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) made their first joint public action visiting Lee County Community Hospital. They had a roundtable discussion focused on rural health care issues with hospital leadership and staff.

“In our new roles on the Health Subcommittee, we look forward to advancing policies that positively impact the health outcomes of Americans, including those in rural communities,” said Representatives Griffith and Harshbarger. “It is critical to assess and determine solutions that help our rural hospitals serve patients. We thank Ballad Health for the opportunity to tour Lee County Community Hospital.”

Pictured: Reps. Griffith and Harshbarger participate in roundtable discussion with Lee County Community Hospital leadership and staff.

BACKGROUND

This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Representative Harshbarger was also named Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee.

Lee County Community Hospital, located in Pennington Gap, Virginia, operates as part of the Ballad Health system.

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Florida Democrats Release Statement on Invitation to Tour Everglades Detention Center

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“As Members of Congress, we were planning an unannounced oversight visit of this Everglades detention facility. Today, we received notice from the state announcing its own planned ‘tour’ at the same time, on the same day. We do not need permission to conduct lawful oversight.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Darren Soto (FL-9), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) released a joint statement after receiving an invitation from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to tour the detention center in the Everglades:

“As Members of Congress, we were planning an unannounced oversight visit of this Everglades detention facility. Today, we received notice from the state announcing its own planned ‘tour’ at the same time, on the same day. We do not need permission to conduct lawful oversight.

“This sanitized tour is not real oversight. We expect ICE and FDEM will try to paper over the inhumane treatment of detained people with a limited, scrubbed visit and rehearsed answers.

“Given reports of horrific living conditions, rampant denial of due process, the risk of death and destruction from a hurricane, plus irreversible damage to the Everglades and tribal lands, we will attend this scripted ‘tour’ to see the conditions and speak to detainees and guards. We will also return, unannounced, to conduct real oversight as the law allows and the American people demand.”

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JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON REP. ILHAN OMAR

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

Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) applauded the Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw its proposed rule of phasing out the use of 14(c) certificates, an action that would have jeopardized meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and threatened the future of Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) nationwide. 

On December 3, 2024, the Department of Labor announced its intent to phase out 14(c) certificates, a move that posed a devastating blow to individuals and families who rely on these certificates for functional employment. In response, Congressman Grothman introduced the Continuing Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act, standing up for the thousands of Americans whose jobs were at risk.  

“I am grateful for the strong leadership shown by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and her Department of Labor in reversing this devastating rule,” said Grothman. “This decision protects the right of individuals with disabilities to choose the employment opportunity that best fits their needs. The pride and purpose that comes from their work is inspiring and deserves our full support. 

“I was proud to lead the charge against this proposal with my legislation and remain committed to preserving and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After years of reckless, misguided policies under the Biden Administration, I am glad that we are finally restoring certainty in choice and dignity to some of the most hardworking individuals in our nation.” 

Click HERE to view the Department of Labor’s official notice. 

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives 

Trahan, Huffman Demand Answers on DOGE’s Unchecked Access to Sensitive DOI Data Amid Growing Security Concerns

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) urged Department of Interior Secretary Burgum to revoke DOGE officials’ access to his agency’s critical technology systems and sensitive data.
“We are deeply concerned by recent reports that you provided at least three DOGE-affiliated individuals—Tyler Hassen, Stephanie Holmes, and Katrine Trampe—with unfettered access to the IBC’s FPPS system,” the lawmakers wrote. “These reports indicate that you granted this access despite significant concerns expressed by senior career DOI officials, including the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, who raised alarms in a risk assessment memorandum. According to the memorandum, DOGE’s access requests were unprecedented and posed significant cybersecurity, operational, and legal risks–including potential violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which may carry criminal penalties. Rather than addressing these concerns, you reportedly placed these officials on administrative leave and later terminated them.”
In March, public reporting indicated that staffers affiliated with DOGE received access to critical technology systems at DOI. Secretary Burgum decided to grant unprecedented access to at least three DOGE officials against the objections of senior career staffers, who were summarily placed on administrative leave and later terminated. One of these systems is the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), which stores troves of sensitive personnel data and supports the payroll operations of more than 50 agencies.
In the lawmakers’ letter, they warn about the major cybersecurity and privacy risks that access to systems including FPPS needlessly creates. They also call attention to the risk of imperiling the operations of dozens of agencies that rely on shared software systems built and maintained by DOI.
“That level of access, reportedly exceeding even that of DOI’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), is
deeply troubling. It creates exactly the kind of cybersecurity, operational, and privacy vulnerabilities that the experienced civil servants warned about in their risk assessment memo and sought to prevent. These individuals now have access that could allow, among other things, the exfiltration of data to unknown and unprotected destinations, the deletion of records and logs, the modification of system code or data, and the ability to grant the same capabilities to others,” the lawmakers warned.
A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
This request builds on Trahan’s investigation into the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attempt to centralize Americans’ personal data, including information held by federal agencies like the Treasury Department and the National Labor Relations Board as well as state-held data used to administer benefits programs like SNAP and Medicaid. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
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Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries Re-establish House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group

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

WASHINGTON — Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit this week to the United States Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the re-establishment of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group.

“This is an important time to bring together a bipartisan delegation of American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss mutual concerns and how to continue strengthening the alliance between our two nations,” Speaker Johnson said. “The House-Knesset Friendship group will be instrumental in building a broad understanding among elected representatives as we pursue together peace in Israel and lasting solutions for the Middle East.”

“The special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests,” Leader Jeffries said. “Congress is committed in a bipartisan way to the safety and security of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish, Democratic state. The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a critical forum to strengthen our partnership and provides the opportunity for bilateral dialogue at the legislative level during these challenging times.”

“This is a historic milestone in U.S.-Israel relations, with legislative bodies leading the advancement of the partnership and exploring new opportunities,” said Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana. “Since the war began, the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion, supporting Israel through statements and legislation that have bolstered its security and diplomatic efforts against the ayatollah regime in Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East. I wish to thank my friend, Speaker Mike Johnson, a true friend of Israel, who today officially launched the House-Knesset Friendship Group. Together, we will continue to strengthen the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”

The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group brings together selected American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Israeli legislative bodies.

The bipartisan members of the group are as follows:

  • Rep. David Kustoff (Chair)
  • Rep. Ann Wagner
  • Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
  • Rep. Mike Lawler
  • Rep. Max Miller
  • Rep. Craig Goldman
  • Rep. Randy Fine
  • Rep. Brad Sherman (Ranking Member)
  • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
  • Rep. Richie Torres
  • Rep. Nikema Williams
  • Rep. Jared Moskowitz

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Needless NOAA Budget, Staff Cuts Put Lives at Risk Weather Experts, Lawmakers Warn

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

Sunrise, FL – Today, U. S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) joined some of the nation’s top weather scientists to issue vocal warnings that gutting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through staff and funding cuts will cause needless deaths by delaying critical, timely research and severe storm forecasting that our communities count on to be safe.   

The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

Cuts to NOAA’s budget will have ripple effects beyond public safety, impacting economic sectors like agriculture and fishing, climate resiliency efforts, and wider disaster preparedness. These hurricane state lawmakers were joined by Dr. Robert Atlas, Director Emeritus of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, Dr. Frank Marks, former Director of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, and James Franklin, the former Branch Chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center.

Click here and here for graphs shared by experts at the press conference.

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