Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd Statement on Removal of Public Lands Sell Off from Budget Reconciliation Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

“Decisions about Colorado’s treasured public lands should be made by the people who live here—not by mandates from Washington.”

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Jeff Hurd (CO-03), who together represent Colorado’s Western Slope, issued the following statement after the Senate parliamentarian ruled Monday evening to remove provisions that sell off America’s public lands from the budget reconciliation bill currently making its way through the Congress. The lawmakers represent rural and mountain communities across the state and continue to urge that a proposal along these lines be excluded from the final text. Neguse and Hurd worked successfully to strip an amendment from the House-passed text that would have mandated the sale of hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada. 

“Colorado’s public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or outside interests. Neither of our districts asked for this land sale, and any efforts to sell off these shared spaces are deeply unpopular with the hunters, ranchers, fishermen, recreationists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts we are proud to represent in Congress. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: public lands are not for sale.”

“As consideration of the budget reconciliation bill continues, we must remain united in ensuring that its text excludes provisions that would permit the widespread sale or transfer of these treasured places. It’s time for folks on both sides of the aisle to come together for the common good and stand with us in our bipartisan effort to be good stewards of America’s prized public lands.”

###

Rep. French Hill Votes for H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” to Tackle Inflation, Boost Jobs, and Put Arkansas First

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1 – the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which passed the House 218-214 and now moves to the president’s desk for signature.

Rep. Hill said, “Republicans promised to deliver border security, rein in inflation, relieve regulatory burdens, unleash American energy, and keep taxes low for everyday Arkansans and Americans, and this landmark bill does just that. Central Arkansans deserve to have their dollars go farther and to have a government that works for them. This bill delivers meaningful relief to working families and small businesses across the country. It is a pro-family, pro-business, and pro-security bill that takes important steps to restore fiscal responsibility and deliver economic growth.

“This bill represents more than just legislative action — it’s about meeting the commitments made to citizens and revitalizing the American Dream. With the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re taking real steps toward securing a brighter future for all Americans. It’s a victory for Arkansas, for families, and for our nation’s future.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers for the American people. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Pro-Family/Pro-Worker

  • An average of $10,000 more in take-home pay for a family of four in Arkansas.
  • Creates “Invest in America accounts” that provide $1,000 to every child born and allows families to contribute up to $5,000 per year for future expenses such as education or homeownership.
  • Increases the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 from $2,000, and more than double what it would have been if the bill had not passed.
  • Extends and enhances the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit.
  • Enhances the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit, the Adoption Credit, and the Child and Dependent Tax Credit.
  • Lower taxes for seniors.
  • No tax on tips or on overtime pay.
  • No tax on car loan interest.

Pro-Prosperity

  • Prevents the largest tax hike in American history.
  • Makes most of the Trump Tax Cuts permanent.
  • Supports small businesses with enhanced tax deductions and immediate expensing.
  • Promotes American manufacturing and job creation.
  • Puts America on a path to fiscal responsibility through smart spending reforms.

Pro-National Security

  • $140 billion to secure the border and facilitate deportations of illegal immigrants.
  • Funds construction of the border wall system and hiring of 10,000 additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
  • $150 billion to strengthen America’s military and protect our national security.
  • Modernizes our defense capabilities and builds the next generation of American military technology necessary to counter China.
  • $32.6 billion to increase shipbuilding to counter China.
  • $7.577 billion to improve quality of life for our service members.
  • $12.52 billion to modernize America’s air traffic control system.
  • Provides funding for the Defense Production Act to counter China in strategic minerals.

Pro-Rural America

  • $50 billion to support rural hospitals.
  • Renews Opportunity Zones.
  • Saves 2 million family farms from the Death Tax.
  • Strengthens agricultural trade efforts.
  • Creates the largest farm safety net investment in decades.

Pro-Energy

  • Eliminates costly Green New Deal regulations that drive up energy costs.
  • Unlocks American energy production and ends reliance on foreign adversaries.

The One Big Beautiful Bill includes all of this — and much more. From Main Street to the family farm, this bill is a win for hardworking families, small businesses, and every American who wants a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.

PLASKETT AND MOYLAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON TERRITORY VOTING RIGHTS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
July 3, 2025                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT AND MOYLAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON TERRITORY VOTING RIGHTS

Washington, DC – Today—July 3, 2025—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands) and Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam), introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a fifteen-member Congressional Task Force to develop a report on a path for Voting Rights for United States Citizen Residents of Territories, which will be terminated upon issuing its report to Congress. The announcement comes on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscoring the historical significance of expanding democratic participation for all Americans.

This legislation builds upon the framework established by House Democrats in the 116th and 117th Congresses in the For the People Act – when the Task Force provision received broad bipartisan support. The Task Force is structured to maintain bipartisan representation from both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

“Today, on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we take a critical step toward addressing one of the most glaring inequities in our democracy. The timing of this announcement honors the historic significance of July 3, 1848, when enslaved people in the Danish West Indies—now the U.S. Virgin Islands—gained their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights and representation.” said Congresswoman Plaskett.

“More than 3.5 million Americans living in U.S. territories are denied the fundamental right to vote for President and lack full representation in Congress. The last five territories of the United States remain in a perpetual limbo status with no path to full inclusion for residents. Congress has a constitutional responsibility for the territories, and this legislation will provide an avenue for Congress to examine access to the ballot for its residents and address this democratic deficit,” Plaskett continued.

“Territories proudly send their sons and daughters in harm’s way to serve in our Armed Forces at higher rates than the States. Yet, we cannot vote for our Commander-in-Chief, nor vote in the House of Representatives, nor have our voices heard in the Senate,” Congressman Moylan stated. “The task force we are seeking to establish would study the long-term effects that this has and what barriers there are to voting representations. It is important that we look at how we can guarantee American citizens in the Territories have a seat at the table.”

“As Congressman Moylan shared, residents of our territories serve in the armed forces in disproportionate numbers but cannot vote for their Commander in Chief. This Task Force takes vital steps to address the inclusion of residents of the U.S. Territories, where millions of Americans currently lack equal representation and equal voting power. We cannot continue to accept second-class citizenship for Americans based solely on their geographic location.” Plaskett emphasized.

“I would like to thank Congressman Moylan for his partnership in co-leading this legislation and invite my colleagues to join us in our fight for fundamental fairness and ensuring that all Americans have a voice in their government, regardless of which territory or state they call home,” Plaskett concluded.

Background

The fifteen-member Congressional Task Force will be appointed by congressional leadership from both parties to ensure bipartisan representation. The Task Force is required to provide a status update to Congress 180 days after enactment and submit a comprehensive report within one year examining impediments to voting rights in territories and recommended changes for full and equal representation. The Task Force has authority to hold hearings, consult with territorial governments, and utilize existing congressional resources before terminating upon submitting its final report.

###

Kaptur Defends Ohio’s Working Families, Seniors, Veterans, Votes No On “One Big Bonanza for Billionaires Bill”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) voted against H.R. 1, citing its severe impact on working families, seniors, veterans, and the regional economy of Northwest Ohio. The bill prioritizes tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy while enacting the most damaging cuts to health care, food assistance, and infrastructure investment in recent history. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said that this legislation will add $3.4 Trillion to the US Debt.

“This bill is callously cruel — an immoral transfer of wealth from the working class to the ultra-rich. It strips health care from 17 Million Americans, kills Millions of good-paying jobs, and adds Trillions to the national debt, all while handing tax breaks to Billionaires. I came to Washington to fight for Northwest Ohio — not to rubber-stamp the destruction of our hospitals, energy jobs, and food assistance,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Unprecedented Cuts to Health Care

The bill strips health coverage from nearly 17 million Americans, including 216,000 residents of Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. It cuts more than $1 Trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, placing children, seniors, and people with disabilities at heightened risk. The legislation also increases out-of-pocket costs for individuals earning as little as $1,300 per month and could force vulnerable individuals out of long-term care facilities.

These provisions are expected to destabilize already struggling rural hospitals and increase reliance on emergency rooms — further burdening a fragile healthcare system and leaving Millions in medical debt.

Massive Reductions in Food Assistance

The bill reduces funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for our seniors, veterans, and children by $186 Billion over 10 years, jeopardizing access for 316,000 Ohioans — nearly one in four residents. It also freezes benefit levels despite rising grocery costs, representing an estimated $18 Million monthly loss to local grocers and food retailers.

The legislation imposes new administrative red tape that will disproportionately affect older adults, low-wage earners, and those with unstable employment.

Rollback of Clean Energy and Infrastructure Investment

The legislation repeals key clean energy tax credits and incentives that spurred over $500 Billion in US investment and supported thousands of Ohio jobs. Households in the 9th District will likely see an average $400 increase in annual electricity bills, while the elimination of energy efficiency and residential clean energy credits means the loss of over $150 Million in tax relief to Ohioans in 2023 alone.

Construction labor and infrastructure development are also under threat, with an estimated 1.75 Million jobs and over 3 Billion work hours at risk nationwide — equivalent to $148 Billion in lost wages and benefits.

A Misguided and Regressive Economic Strategy

This legislation comes at a time when the national debt — now over $36 Trillion — is largely the result of previous tax cuts, costly wars, and financial crises. Rather than addressing the structural causes of debt, this bill adds $3.4 Trillion to the debt, while slashing services that millions of Americans depend on, and shielding the wealthiest from fiscal responsibility.

Congresswoman Kaptur voted no to protect the people of Northwest Ohio from a bill that will deepen inequality, hollow out public services, and erode the dignity of working people across the country.

You can find Congresswoman Kaptur’s remarks during final House Floor debate by clicking here. You can find video of Kaptur’s opening statement and amendments offered on clean energy cuts, and protecting taxpayer data at the Social Security Administration, in the House Budget Committee markup by clicking the individual links. You can find a link to analysis of the legislation by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office by clicking here.

# # #

 

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Votes NO on Final Version of the Extreme Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” Citing Deep Medicaid Cuts, Harm to Families, and Ballooning Deficit

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) today reaffirmed his opposition to the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” voting NO on the final version passed out of the Senate and returning to the House for approval. Congressman Ruiz previously voted NO on the original House version, citing many of the same concerns.

“I voted no on this big ugly bill because it would devastate our local communities. It would take health care away from 17 million Americans and cause 20% of rural hospitals to close, including potentially four in our district. That means fewer doctors, longer drives in an emergency, and more lives at risk. It guts clean energy investments, putting local jobs in jeopardy and raising energy costs for working families. It also cuts food assistance, taking food from the mouths of millions of hungry children, veterans, and seniors. Despite these drastic cuts, this bill raises the national debt by $5 trillion in order to give billions in tax cuts to billionaires. This is disgraceful. We should not be prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires over the needs of hardworking families.”

Background:

Massive Cuts to Medicaid and Hospital Funding

  • The bill slashes $1 Trillion from Medicaid
  • This bill will cut $150 million in Medicaid payments for rural hospitals and an additional $240 billion through provider tax caps, crippling rural hospitals.
  • An estimated 383 rural hospitals will close. In Ruiz’s district, El Centro Regional Medical Center, Pioneers Memorial, Colorado River Medical Center, and Palo Verde hospitals have already warned they are at risk.
  • 17 million Americans will lose health insurance, increasing uncompensated care and raising costs for everyone else.

Skyrocketing Costs for Families

  • The bill raises utility bills by an average of $400 per year, and up to $678 in California by undermining clean energy efforts.

Attacks on Food Assistance for Vulnerable Families:
The final bill includes expanded work requirements for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which could result in millions of Americans, including children and seniors, losing access to food assistance.

Slashes funding for Pell Grants and Cuts Access to Parent Plus Loans 

  • Making college less affordable for low-income and working-class students striving for a better future.

Exploding the Deficit While Giving Billionaires a Handout

  • Adds $3 to $5 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
  • Prioritizes tax breaks for billionaires over basic care for everyday Americans.

###

Rep. Frankel Votes No on Trump, Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Rep. Frankel Votes No on Trump, Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill

Washington, DC, July 3, 2025

Today, U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following statement after voting against President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ One Big, Ugly Bill, which includes the largest Medicaid cut in history, slashes food assistance for children, Veterans, and seniors, and explodes the national debt to hand out massive tax breaks to billionaires. 

“This bill is nothing short of cruel. It includes the largest Medicaid cut in history, ripping health care away from nearly 17 million Americans, including two million Floridians, and raising costs for everyone else,” said Rep. Frankel. “It threatens nutrition programs across the country—leaving children, seniors, Veterans, and people with disabilities at risk of going hungry. And despite all these painful cuts, it still adds at least $4 trillion to the national debt, just to give billionaires like Elon Musk another tax break at the expense of our children and grandchildren.

Americans and their families deserve better.”

Rep. Mike Levin Votes “Hell No” on the Big Ugly Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

July 03, 2025

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after voting “Hell No” on the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that will kick millions of Americans off their health insurance, cut food assistance, and raise energy prices:

“I’ve been saying it for months – this is the worst bill that the House has voted on during my time in Congress.

“I’ve made sure my Republican colleagues know exactly what their vote in support of this legislation means. The numbers are dire. Health care coverage ripped away from 17 million Americans. Food assistance for 42 million threatened. Home electricity bills increasing over $400 dollars a year.

“However, we must all remember the consequences of the bill go far beyond statistics. During a visit to a community health care clinic in Encinitas, I heard from a father whose children with autism will suffer when Medicaid is gutted. At one of my town halls, a single mom from Oceanside who works in our local schools shared how her children with special needs are dependent on every SNAP dollar they receive. During that same town hall, a community member involved with San Diego Community Power explained exactly how this bill’s provisions meant to boost Big Oil will drive up our electric bills, particularly as tens of millions of families across the country already struggle to keep the lights on.

“These terrible consequences aren’t a secret; Mike Johnson and House Republicans have heard the same stories. They know that people will die just so that they can finance tax breaks for their ultrawealthy donors. It’s shameful that they’re so eager to bow to Donald Trump that they don’t care what they’re doing to working families.”

###

Rep. Mike Levin Honors Nani Love as June 2025 Constituent of the Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

June 30, 2025

Nani Love

Vista, CA–Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) recognized Nani Love, a case manager and victim’s advocate at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, as his June 2025 Constituent of the Month.

Born and raised on O?ahu, Hawaii, Nani moved to the mainland and volunteered at the Center for two years before joining as full-time staff. She has been recognized for her outstanding work leading the organization’s housing service program, where she has connected countless families to wrap around services, referrals, and permanent housing.

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Nani Love in the Congressional Record:

“M. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Nani Love as my June 2025 Constituent of the Month

“As a young girl born and raised on O’ahu, Nani had a passion for serving others that has guided her entire life and career. Nani has served as a local government case manager and victim’s advocate in Southern California helping individuals through the toughest times in their life.

“Nani volunteered as a case manager at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and was hired full time to continue her work with LGBTQ community to access affordable housing and health care.

“Nani’s dedication to helping others has made the community a better and safe place, and I am proud to honor her as my Constituent of the Month.”

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:

Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s May 2025 Constituent of the Month was Rohen Vargo, the founder of a student-run blood pressure screening clinic, and his April 2025 Constituent of the Month was Amanda Reuther, an advocate for children with disabilities.

###

Casten Statement on Republican Budget Betrayal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

July 03, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding the Republican budget betrayal:

“This bill forces us to borrow $5 trillion to pay for a tax cut for billionaires. It will make seniors who depend on Meals on Wheels and children who get free lunch at school go hungry. It will shut down nursing homes and hospitals because of cuts to the Medicaid system. It strips over 17 million Americans of their health insurance. It raises energy costs and hurts the reliability of our electric grid.

“Why would any elected official vote for legislation that saddles the country with massive amounts of additional borrowing while simultaneously making most Americans sicker, hungrier, and poorer?

“That’s not a policy question. It’s a moral question. I voted NO because I will always put the interests of my constituents over the interests of the Trump family and their billionaire grifter friends. Those who voted for this legislation should be ashamed of themselves. The American people deserve better.”

###

Congressman Valadao Releases Statement After House Budget Reconciliation Vote

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement on the House budget reconciliation vote.

“It was not an easy decision for me, but I voted yes on the budget reconciliation bill,” said Congressman Valadao. “Since January when the reconciliation process began, I’ve been a vocal advocate for protecting and preserving Medicaid for the most vulnerable in my district. I know how important the program is for my constituents. Many policy changes were suggested over the past six months that would have devastated healthcare in my district, including changes to the federal match rate for the California and per capita caps on the expansion population, and after months of meetings, I was able to prevent these provisions from being included. However, the Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill ultimately made more changes to Medicaid than the House-passed version, and I had several concerns.”
 

Congressman Valadao continues, “Since they were announced, I made my concerns about the provider tax and state directed payments provisions clear to my colleagues in the House and Senate and the administration. After numerous conversations, an additional $25 billion was added to the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program—which will help to support rural and other at-risk hospitals in my district—bringing the total to $50 billion. I’ve been assured by the administration that it will be structured in a way that benefits our providers and keeps our hospitals and communities running. To be clear, I still have concerns with the implementation of the provider tax and state directed payment provisions of H.R. 1, but I’ve worked and will continue to engage with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify specific risks to Valley hospitals and mitigate them.” 
 
“Ultimately, I voted for this bill because it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients—children, pregnant women, the disabled, and elderly. The bill also includes dozens of other policy provisions that directly benefit CA-22, including blocking the largest tax hike on working families in American history, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding the Child Tax Credit, enhancing deductions for seniors, and keeping provisions in place that double the standard deduction for over 90% of taxpayers in my district. These are real wins that will put more money back in the pockets of hardworking families throughout the Valley.”
 
“In addition to critical tax provisions, I was able to secure $1 billion in western water storage and conveyance funding to support critical water infrastructure throughout the district. The bill also authorizes key Farm Bill investments by increasing funding for specialty crop research, expanding crop insurance coverage, providing funding to prevent pollution of drinking water in rural communities, and extending funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). After weeks of meetings, I was able to successfully secure improvements to the IRA tax credit language to support the Central Valley’s clean energy sector. This version of the bill will provide companies with a long transition period to construct renewable facilities, protecting investment in our region.”
 
“No piece of legislation is perfect, but this bill ultimately reflects the priorities of CA-22—lower taxes, stronger farms, better infrastructure, and a commitment to protecting access to healthcare for Valley residents. I came to Congress to be a voice for our community, and I’ll keep fighting every day to make sure every provision is implemented responsibly to serve the needs of our district. While there’s still more work to do, this bill is a meaningful step forward.”

###