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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (217 to 213) of the House of Representatives for H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. The bill funds the federal government through Fiscal Year 2025, which ends on September 30, 2025. 

“While my preference is always to pass individual appropriations bills, I believe we must take every possible step to prevent a government shutdown – which is what this bill achieves,” said Rep. Calvert. “As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked with Chairman Cole and my colleagues to ensure our military has the necessary resources to execute its national security mission. I’m also pleased that the bill includes the largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years, which has been one of my top priorities. The bill protects Social Security, Medicare, and our critical VA programs that our veterans rely on.”

The bill approved today by the House:

• Ensures a costly government shutdown does not befall the American people and fully funds core government services.
• Maintains government operations without increasing the spending of taxpayer dollars.
• Upholds responsibilities to our nation’s veterans and ensures full funding for their healthcare services and benefits.
• Enhances defense investments and includes the largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years.
• Provides $22.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund to ensure continued support for California to assist with debris removal, emergency protection, and financial assistance to survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires and other natural disasters.
• Supports federal wildland firefighters and their work to protect our communities and public lands.
• Protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from the disruptions and confusion a shutdown will cause.
• Increases funding for air traffic control priorities over FY24.
• The bill fully funds the program that provides important nutrition assistance to mothers, infants, and children. It includes a more than $500M increase for WIC, as requested by the Trump Administration, for a total of $7.6B.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) reintroduced the Federally Integrated Species Health (FISH) Act, H.R. 1894, to consolidate the management and regulation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), with respect to anadromous species, within the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Currently, ESA authority is split between FWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 

“The FISH Act will benefit species and Americans trying to comply with the Endangered Species Act by having a single federal agency manage all species,” said Rep. Calvert. “Consolidating the management of our endangered species and our rivers will translate into better results for species and those trying to comply with ESA regulations. The FISH Act will provide stakeholders and our habitats a more uniform approach to managing threatened and endangered species.” 

“California’s water delivery system and its fisheries would benefit from having a single federal agency responsible for anadromous species management to help avoid conflicting regulations from multiple agencies,” said Deven Upadhyay General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California appreciates Representative Calvert introducing this legislation and looks forward to its passage.”

“There is a concerted and holistic effort in California’s Sacramento Valley to help recover Chinook salmon while ensuring safe drinking water for our communities; reliable water supplies for our farms, hydropower, and recreation that serve as the economic engine for the region; and water to improve conditions for other fish and wildlife,” said David Guy, President, Northern California Water. “To continue our important recovery partnerships with federal and state agencies in an effective and affordable manner, having the federal fish and wildlife agencies within a unified federal agency will provide for better communications, streamline decision-making, and help Californians advance the holistic approach needed to improve conditions for our amazing salmon.”

“We commend Representative Ken Calvert for his unwavering commitment to advancing the FISH Act,” said Roger Cornwell, Board President, Sacramento River Settlement Contractors. “By consolidating authority within the Department of Interior, the FISH Act will enhance our ability to implement effective conservation measures and balance the needs of all species in our watersheds. This approach aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to recover winter-run Chinook salmon and other iconic fish populations in the Sacramento River basin while maintaining the environmental and economic vitality of our region. The FISH Act is a testament to the need for a more coordinated federal response to the complex challenges of promoting salmon recovery.”

“We applaud Representative Calvert for his leadership in working to resolve a longstanding issue that has led to inefficient and sometimes conflicting implementation of the Endangered Species Act,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “The FISH Act will improve ESA implementation by giving a single agency the responsibility of implementing the Act, minimizing duplication and potential conflicts like those experienced in prior years in California when Reclamation was ordered to release water out of Shasta Reservoir for smelt by the Fish and Wildlife Service at the same time that NOAA Fisheries directed Reclamation to hold that same water in Shasta to improve temperature management for salmonid species.”

“The Federally Integrated Species Health (FISH) Act is a groundbreaking step forward, bringing much-needed clarity to our regional water management approach,” said Mauricio Guardado, General Manager of United Water Conservation District . “By resolving the long-standing confusion between federal agencies, it saves taxpayers millions and ensures that science-based, experience-driven decisions are at the heart of our habitat preservation efforts. For too long, the National Marine Fisheries Service has managed species in areas outside its core expertise—territories where the Fish and Wildlife Service has extensive knowledge and understanding. This shift in responsibility aligns the right expertise with the right habitats, empowering water agencies, businesses, and families, while strengthening the ecosystems that support us all. The FISH Act brings balance, progress, and a future where every decision benefits the greater good. United Water Conservation District has been a proud partner in this joint effort, contributing additional language to the bill that reflects the unique needs of water agencies. We deeply appreciate Representative Calvert’s collaborative approach in crafting the FISH Act, which exemplifies a common-sense solution to complex issues.”

The ESA is currently administered by FWS and the Commerce Department’s NMFS. The FWS has primary responsibility for terrestrial and freshwater organisms, while the responsibilities of NMFS are mainly marine wildlife such as whales and anadromous fish, such as salmon.  The Federally Integrated Species Health Act would transfer the NMFS’ ESA responsibilities for management of anadromous and catadromous species to the FWS.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“After less than 45 days in office, President Trump is already delivering on many of the promises he made during the 2024 campaign. We have seen our southern border secured and dangerous criminal illegal immigrants being removed from our communities. An all-encompassing review of our federal government is underway to uncover and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Major employers have announced significant investments in America, increasing economic opportunities for workers. 

Looking ahead, President Trump and Congress must work together to provide families with relief from higher prices and prevent a massive tax increase they are facing with tax cuts expiring at the end of 2025. We have an opportunity to build upon the successful 2017 cuts by enacting ‘no tax on tips,’ raising the cap on SALT deductions, and enhancing the child tax credit. To strengthen our national security, we need to disrupt the status quo and leverage American innovation into a technological advantage on the battlefield. Investments ensuring our military superiority will deter our adversaries and pave the path toward a more peaceful future.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

On Friday, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced H.R. 2241, the Secret Ballot Protection Act, which amends the National Labor Relations Act to enhance employee protections by guaranteeing every vote to unionize a workplace is cast with a secret ballot. Upon introduction, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Congressional Democrats have been attempting to undermine workers’ rights to privacy in the union election process for years—which is exactly why we need the Secret Ballot Protection Act. This legislation would guarantee every vote to unionize a workplace is cast with a secret ballot, eliminating the threats posed by the deceptive ‘card check’ scheme. I am thankful for Chairman Walberg’s support as we continue the fight for workers’ rights, choices, and freedoms in the 21st century,” said Congressman Allen.

“The secret ballot is a hallmark of our democracy that allows workers to freely vote on union representation,” said Chairman Walberg. “Unfortunately, Democrats and union organizers keep looking for new ways to eliminate the secret ballot. This creates new, dangerous opportunities for organizers to harass, coerce, and threaten workers — all in support of union leaders looking to expand their influence. That’s why we need Rep. Allen’s Secret Ballot Protection Act: to protect workers’ access to their fundamental right of voting freely to determine their own future.”

BACKGROUND: Under current federal labor law, workers choose whether or not to be represented by a union through a federally-supervised secret ballot election. However, workers can also organize through a “card check” campaign, in which workers are asked to publicly declare their support for union representation by signing an authorization card. When a simple majority of workers sign a card – by free choice or not – the union is then recognized with the employer’s consent. Workers are denied a vote by secret ballot and exposed to intimidation and coercion.

Specifically, the Secret Ballot Protection Act would amend the National Labor Relations Act to:

• Require a secret ballot election before a union can be certified or decertified, eliminating once and for all the threats posed by the card check scheme
• Prevent employers from bargaining with any union that has not been certified by a secret ballot election
• Prohibit union bosses from negotiating with an employer before they have been certified by a secret ballot election

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressmen Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the Startup Act, bipartisan legislation that would support American entrepreneurs by expanding access to programs that offer training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own business. Upon the bill’s introduction, Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier issued the following statements:

“Having built and grown my own small business from the ground up, I know how difficult and demanding that process can be. With over seven million unfilled jobs across the country, Congress must lead the way in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build successful businesses, create jobs, and bolster the U.S. economy. Through the Startup Act, we can eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship and empower more hardworking individuals to achieve the American Dream. I thank Rep. DeSaulnier for joining me in this effort and am hopeful we can send this critical legislation to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Allen.

“As a former restaurant owner, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of running a small business,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Allen to increase access to the support and resources entrepreneurs need to help their business thrive and remain the engines of our local economies.”

“At Make Startups, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and proven that building a business is one of the most effective ways to create jobs — not just for the founder, but for their community. Yet too often, our workforce systems create barriers instead of pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs. We’re grateful for Congressman Allen’s leadership in reintroducing the Startup Act to help unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth in communities across the country,” said Eric R. Parker, AIA, Cofounder & CEO of Make Startups.

BACKGROUND: The Startup Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), inserting language to incorporate entrepreneurial skills development training into the current system. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a three-year, multi-state study to review the outcomes of these programs and report its findings to Congress. During the 118th Congress, the Startup Act was included in the bipartisan Stronger Workforce for America Act, which was advanced by the Education and Workforce Committee. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen’s Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen Reintroduces Bill to Streamline Broadband Deployment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

This evening, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) attended President Donald J. Trump’s first Joint Address to Congress during his second term in the White House. Following the speech, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:

“President Trump is already making good on his promise to the American people. In less than two months, this administration has reversed the many failures of President Biden and laid the groundwork for the New Golden Age of America.

“As he highlighted in his speech tonight, President Trump is bringing common sense back to Washington. From securing our border and reclaiming energy dominance to making America more competitive and restoring accountability in the federal government—this is just the beginning of a historic new era of American strength. Illegal border crossings are at record lows, criminal illegal aliens are being deported, regulations are being slashed, hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments have been secured, we are respected on the world stage, and taxpayers are no longer funding endless and unnecessary spending.

“77 million Americans wanted a transformational change in Washington, D.C. My colleagues and I in Congress will continue to work in lockstep with the administration to deliver President Trump’s full agenda and renew the American Dream.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District.

“I’m encouraging all high school students, who enjoy creating art, to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each year I enjoy hosting this competition, and I’m always impressed with the artistic talent of students across Kentucky’s Second District. Thank you to all of our local educators and judges for helping make this year’s Congressional Art Competition possible,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Each spring, participating members of Congress host the Congressional Art Competition in their respective districts. The artwork of students from Kentucky’s Second District are judged by an independent and local panel of art professors from colleges and universities. The overall winner’s artwork from Kentucky’s Second District and other districts and territories will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building. The second and third place overall winners’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office.

The Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District also includes a “Facebook Favorite” competition. All students’ submitted artwork who abide by the rules and regulations (linked here) will be posted to Congressman Guthrie’s official Facebook page for the public to vote on between April 14-18, 2025, for their favorite artwork. The “Facebook Favorite” winner’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office as well.

The winners of the Congressional Art Competition will be announced at the reception hosted by the Congressman in April. Reception details will be provided at a later date.

Students have three options to submit artwork to Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office by the deadline of April 9, 2025. Artwork can be shipped to or dropped off at Congressman Guthrie’s District office at:

Congressman Brett Guthrie

Attention: 2025 Art Competition

996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B2

Bowling Green, KY 42103

Students can also call Congressman Guthrie’s District office at 270-842-9896 to make arrangements for a member of Congressman Guthrie’s staff to pick up artwork at the students’ schools.

Please contact Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District Office at 270-842-9896 with any questions.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Guthrie Statement on President Trump’s Inauguration