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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington – On Tuesday, Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04)and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC-06) were joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to announce legislation to close the Charleston loophole and establish universal background checks for firearm purchases — a policy that’s supported by over 90 percent of Americans. Watch a video of the press conference here.

“Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others just makes sense — and Americans overwhelmingly agree. That’s why 90 percent of non-gun owners and 90 percent of gun owners support universal background checks for firearm purchases. Background checks are quick and effective tools to keep our communities safe while still respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. It’s time Republican leaders in the House get on board and help us pass this sensible legislation,” said Thompson. 

“Next Tuesday, June 17, marks the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. On that horrific night in 2015, a shooter motivated by racial hatred opened fire during a bible study at this historic place of worship, killing nine worshipers. He was able to obtain the gun because of a provision in federal law that allows the sale to take place if the background check is still unresolved after three business days. Ten years ago, it became known as the Charleston loophole,” said Congressman Clyburn. “I am proud to join Rep. Mike Thompson in introducing The Enhanced Background Checks Act that would eliminate the three-day period and establish in its place a more thorough process that would keep guns out of dangerous hands, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”

“As House Democrats, we stand strongly behind this commonsense, life-saving legislation designed to improve public safety for communities across our nation. We just need a handful of Republicans to join us to advance and enhance the safety of the American people. I’m thankful for the leadership of Mike Thompson, Jim Clyburn and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. We will continue to press forward with the fierce urgency of now until we crush the gun violence epidemic in the United States of America once and for all,” said Democratic Leader Jeffries. 

Rep. Thompson reintroduced H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. It is Co-Sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). Rep. Clyburn introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act. Both bills would expand requirements for background checks and reduce loopholes to help ensure people who are a danger to themselves or others can’t get a firearm. 

Background checks are quick, effective, and Constitutional. More than 90 percent of both gun owners and non-gun owners support universal background checks. Recently, reporting revealed that the perpetrator in the horrific June 1^st antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado originally planned a mass shooting but was unable to access a gun after failing a background check. This most certainly saved lives. 

Chairman Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting which killed 20 children and six adult staff members. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 (H.R. 18) is endorsed by 204 Members of Congress. Endorsing organizations include: GIFFORDS, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise, and Equality California. 

“At a moment where safety and security is a top concern and too many of our leaders fail to prioritize it, we are glad to see this reform introduced again. Background checks work and save lives. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan policy that keeps guns out of the hands of dangerous people. GIFFORDS is proud to endorse the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and thanks Reps. Thompson and Fitzpatrick for their leadership,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director, GIFFORDS.

“Since its implementation in 1994, the Brady Background Check system has saved countless lives by preventing over 5 million transactions to prohibited purchasers. Yet, loopholes in the system, exacerbated by the rise of gun shows and sales facilitated by the internet, have allowed for far too many guns to be sold without background checks, leading to devastating consequences. H.R. 18 will fix this problem by expanding background checks to cover, with limited and reasonable exceptions, every transfer of firearms, fulfilling the mission of our namesakes, Jim and Sarah Brady. We applaud Representatives Mike Thompson and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation and loudly call on Congress to pass this expansion of background checks, which the overwhelming majority of the American public supports,” said Kris Brown, President, Brady.

“Background checks are the foundation of any common-sense approach to keeping guns out of dangerous hands, which is why the vast majority of Americans support them,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown applauds Representative Thompson and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this crucial and common-sense step to address America’s gun violence crisis.”

“Young people across the country have made it clear: background checks are the bare minimum. We’re proud to support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and will continue fighting until our laws reflect the demands of a generation that refuses to accept gun violence as normal,” said Jackie Corin, Executive Director, March For Our Lives.

“Since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, over 1.3 million Americans have been shot and nearly 500,000 have been killed by guns,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “Ensuring that every firearm sale includes a thorough background check is a proven and commonsense public safety measure that is supported by the majority of Americans – including gun owners. By closing the loophole on private transfers, this bill strengthens our communities without burdening law abiding citizens. We urge Congress to urgently pass H.R.18 to protect Americans and reduce gun violence.”

“Keeping guns out of unauthorized hands is crucial in preventing tragedies like the one that took 26 precious lives, including my son Daniel, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. No community and no family should ever experience that kind of trauma. Background checks are a key piece of legislation that will save lives, and we call on every member of Congress to pass this bill to protect children and communities throughout our nation,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and reintroduced the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA), bicameral legislation that would protect access to Medicaid services for individuals forced to relocate across state lines due to federally declared disasters or public health emergencies. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) co-leads this legislation alongside Rep. Panetta.  Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are leading companion legislation in the United States Senate.

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would ensure that seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid waivers do not lose the critical, life-sustaining services they need if they are forced to flee their home state during a disaster.  The bill would designate such individuals as “Relief-Eligible Survivors” and allow them to continue receiving Medicaid-supported services in their temporary state of residence.

In 2024 alone, over 11 million Americans were displaced by natural disasters.  Because Medicaid is administered by individual states, disaster survivors who cross state lines often lose access to critical services, especially Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provided through state-specific waivers with lengthy waiting lists.  This loss of care can severely threaten the health, safety, and independence of older adults and people with disabilities.

“As we’ve seen in California and across the country, natural disasters are displacing more and more families, often across state lines.  But for those who depend on Medicaid, fleeing danger too often means losing access to health care,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would ensure that survivors of disasters do not have to choose between their safety and their health.  I’m proud to lead this bicameral legislation to ensure that no matter the circumstance, the most vulnerable in our community have continuity of care.”

“As our Maui ʻohana know all too well, rebuilding after a disaster brings daily challenges. However, access to healthcare should never be one of them. Medicaid is a lifeline for many, and we must make sure this critical safety net remains accessible, especially in times of crisis,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act with my colleague Representative Panetta.  This bill will ensure disaster victims have uninterrupted access to Medicaid-supported services, no matter where they are or how long it takes to reestablish their lives.”

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would:

• Ensure that individuals eligible for Medicaid who are forced to relocate due to a federally declared disaster or public health emergency can continue to access their Medicaid services.
• Provide a limited-time, 100% federal Medicaid match for states serving displaced individuals.
• Offer technical assistance to states to help them quickly accommodate an influx of out-of-state recipients.
• Establish a grant program to help states build an emergency response corps to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) during and after disasters.

“Our measure ensures that families, seniors, and individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and impacted by emergency relocations are able to continue receiving the care they need,” said Senator Blumenthal.  “Evacuees who have to abandon their homes and communities after a natural disaster strikes should not have to worry about whether they will lose access to their health care.”

“The last thing disaster survivors should be worried about is whether they’ll be able to access health care or not,” said Senator Schatz.  “This bill will make sure that people on Medicaid who are forced to relocate due to disasters can still get the care that they need.”

“The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies applauds the reintroduction of the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA),” said Shaylin Sluzalis and Germán Parodi, co-executive directors of the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies.  “Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by disasters, and losing access to Medicaid in moments of crisis can be deadly.  DRMA is a life-saving, equity-driven bill that ensures disabled people, older adults, and low-income disaster survivors are not left behind simply because they’ve been displaced.  This legislation recognizes that health care is essential infrastructure in any emergency.  We urge Congress to pass DRMA without delay.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations’ National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, released the following statement after House Republicans voted to advance President Trump’s rescissions package, which would claw back $9.4 billion in funding:

“Republicans’ support of Trump’s recissions package is a reckless abdication of our nation’s global leadership and a direct assault on the free press. At a time when authoritarian regimes around the world are stoking conflict and instability, this bill destroys one of our most powerful diplomatic tools: humanitarian aid. Trump, Elon Musk, and House Republicans have gutted lifesaving foreign assistance, including global programs that fight the spread of HIV, provide life-saving care to mothers and babies, and improve food security. Insecurity abroad will make us less safe at home.

“This legislation also devastates public broadcasting, including PBS, NPR, and Chicago’s WTTW, and makes drastic cuts to emergency alerts. Let me be clear: this package was not about rooting out ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’ It is about fulfilling the Trump administration’s goal of concentrating unilateral power to control taxpayer dollars and putting billionaire interests ahead of the public’s.

“Trump has called himself ‘the King,’ but he is not. The American people know that. I know that, and I will continue to push back against his efforts to override the will of the people and our global leadership.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement regarding the DOI announcement that the US is taking first steps toward a potential critical minerals lease, initiating an upcoming public comment process:

“I’ve listened to our people in recent town hall meetings, and first and foremost I represent you. I stand with you. In light of Thursday’s announcement by the DOI, while I understand the national security and energy emergencies we face as a country, and American Samoans proudly and patriotically serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at one of the highest per capita rates in the nation, we also have a deep cultural tie to the ocean in American Samoa as an island people.

“Notwithstanding the objections of the people of American Samoa whom I represent, along with the questions I’ve raised, and other local leadership, we recognize that the federal government has the ability to engage in some form of activity in the geographic area. It is extremely important therefore that DOI and BOEM have proper consultation with our Governor and FONO. I will encourage our people to take part in the upcoming public comment period. 

“In American Samoa, we are a people of strong faith and prayer for God’s wisdom and guidance for ourselves and all national leaders.

“I want to thank BOEM Principal Deputy Director Matt Giacona for stating that the administration is fully committed to an open process that ensures the people of American Samoa are heard and respected. 

“I also spoke to Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katharine MacGregor and appreciate that conversation, her willingness to hear out my concerns and questions, and have future dialogue with DOI.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07) joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced a bicameral Resolution recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Black music to America’s cultural and artistic heritage. The Resolution also calls attention to the importance of equitable access to music education for Black students and supports the designation of June 2025 as Black Music Month.

The Resolution acknowledges the deep-rooted legacy of African American musical innovation and celebrates the generations of Black artists who have shaped music history. From spirituals, jazz, and gospel, to blues, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, Black music has been instrumental in defining the sound of America and the soul of its people.

“To African American communities, music is more than just entertainment, it is a force of identity, healing, and resistance,” said Congressman Meeks. “I am honored to represent a district that has been home to musical legends such as Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. African American music is woven into the DNA of this nation—it tells our stories, preserves our struggles, and celebrates our triumphs. We must continue celebrating Black music and its cultural impact worldwide.”

“Black music is the soul of American music, shaping our culture in indelible and immeasurable ways. Black Music sets the rhythm of Black life and has shared our story, our joys, and our struggle with the world,” Congresswoman Brown. “Black Music Month is an important opportunity to support music and arts education, including for diverse communities, and connect Black music to the wider story of Black history, including as we celebrate Juneteenth this month. I am proud to introduce our resolution in the House with Congressman Meeks and Congressman Carson and to join with Senator Booker in announcing our resolutions.”  

“Black music has always been more than entertainment. It’s a pathway for truth, resistance, and cultural pride,” said Congressman Carson. “From the rhythms carried by our ancestors to the beats of hip hop transcending through today’s movements, Black music has always told our story when words alone did not suffice. This Black Music Month, we honor the genres we birthed and the voices that continue to inspire justice, joy, and speak truth to power across the world.”

“America’s music history has long been defined by Black music, but Black singers, songwriters, and musicians rarely get the recognition they deserve for their contributions and art,” said Senator Booker. “This resolution honors Black musicians from Aretha Franklin to Kendrick Lamar, along with so many others who have made an invaluable impact on our cultural history. I’m pleased to stand alongside my colleagues to ourselves to expanding access to music education for children across the nation.” 

The Resolution underscores the urgent need to support educational initiatives that highlight the heritage of Black music and expand opportunities for African American students in the arts. By celebrating Black Music Month, Congress reaffirms its commitment to cultural equity, historical recognition, and artistic expression.

Read the full bill text here. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, released the following statement concerning the rescissions package sent to Congress by the Trump administration, which would cut $8.3 billion in foreign assistance, including $900 million in cuts to global health programs, as well as cuts to democracy assistance, economic and development assistance, and economic and energy support for Ukraine and other states affected by Russia’s illegal invasion.

“The cuts to U.S. foreign assistance in the White House’s rescissions package undercut key American national security interests and risk our country’s safety and prosperity. Our soft power toolkit helps prevent conflict and promote democracy and stability. The draconian DOGE cuts that President Trump and Elon Musk have put in place have been justified through misleading claims that ignore the harm to America and global death toll that have resulted from their actions. Their claims about fiscal responsibility are laughable in the context of President Trump’s push at all costs to pass a budget that adds $2.4 trillion in deficits while stripping millions of Americans of their health care.

“When America retreats from the world, China and Russia advance. And when our adversaries take our place, America is weaker and more vulnerable. Our manufacturers and workers get boxed out of export markets by unfair economic competition from China. And vulnerable populations around the world, suffer from severely restricting access to HIV treatment and prevention services to forcing food ration cuts in refugee camps.

“That is the legacy of DOGE’s impact on America’s foreign policy infrastructure and soft power. Our country in retreat in the face of great power adversaries. Our global influence diminished. And the poorest of the poor globally being left to die because of slipshod cuts by tech dilettantes.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs and a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, today issued the following statement on the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

“The deadly crash of this Air India flight is devastating, and my heart is with the victims and their families, and all who are affected by this horrible tragedy. I am deeply saddened by the large loss of life and I’m praying for all who have lost loved ones.

I thank the first responders who rushed to the scene of the accident, and my office stands ready to assist constituents who may have family members that have been impacted.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced the No Masks for ICE Act to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions and requiring them to wear clothing displaying their name and affiliation with ICE.  
 
The bill comes in response to increasing reports of masked federal agents conducting immigration raids in neighborhoods, workplaces, and sensitive locations like schools and courthouses. Advocates say mirror the tactics of secret police and undermine public trust.
 
“When ICE agents hide their faces and badges, it spreads fear and removes any accountability. It makes it harder to report abuse, harder to hold agents responsible, and more likely that arrests spiral into chaos,” said Velázquez. “That’s not how law enforcement should operate in a democracy. The No Masks for ICE Act is about bringing basic transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement.”
 
The No Masks for ICE Act would bolster Department of Homeland Security rules by:

• Prohibiting ICE agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions, except in cases where masks are needed for health or safety;
• Requiring agents to wear clothing that shows their name and ICE affiliation during arrests.

“Masked raids are terrifying and make it impossible to hold agents accountable,” Velázquez added. “It’s also dangerous. We’ve seen cases where people thought they were witnessing a kidnapping, not an immigration arrest. That kind of confusion puts everyone at risk.”
 
Since Trump returned to office, ICE has arrested more than 100,000 immigrants, asylum seekers, and undocumented people often through aggressive raids in neighborhoods, courthouses, schools, and worksites. Often these arrests are carried out by agents in plain clothes and facial coverings.
 
Read a full copy of the bill here.

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

BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded more than $1.2 million in research funding to Jackson State University (JSU) to support two groundbreaking projects that advance scientific innovation while strengthening STEM education and workforce development in Mississippi.

The NSF awards are as follows:

• $500,090.00 for the project entitled “Excellence in Research: Self-Healing Infrastructure with Natural-Based Enhancements (SHINE): Innovative Solutions Development for Resilient Earthen Infrastructure,” under the direction of Dr. Kejun Wen.
  • Award Start Date: September 1, 2025
  • This project will focus on improving the durability and resilience of earthen infrastructure through sustainable, nature-based engineering solutions. The SHINE project will integrate cutting-edge research with STEM education by training undergraduate and graduate students, and fostering partnerships with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, community colleges, and K-12 educators.
• $699,948.00 for the project entitled “Excellence in Research: Phytoremediation Using Vetiver Grass to Address Heavy Metals and PFAS in Contaminated Soil and Wastewater,” under the direction of Dr. Sadik Khan.
  • Award Start Date: June 1, 2025
  • This research will evaluate and optimize the use of Vetiver grass in phytoremediation applications to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals from contaminated soils, leachate, and wastewater.

Both projects are supported through the NSF’s Excellence in Research (EiR) program, which aims to expand the capacity for scientific discovery and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions.

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

BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has awarded more than $3.1 million in Airport Infrastructure Program (AIP) grants to airports across Mississippi’s Second Congressional District. These federal investments will support critical airport improvement projects aimed at enhancing safety, supporting aviation operations, and extending the useful life of essential airport infrastructure.

The following awards were announced:

• Carthage-Leake County Airport – Carthage, MS
  Amount: $404,519
  Construction of a new 9,500 sq. ft. sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage, helping the airport become more self-sustaining.
• Ruleville-Drew Airport – Drew, MS
  Amount: $506,988
  Construction of a new 2,013-foot paved Taxiway A to meet current FAA standards.
• Grenada Municipal Airport – Grenada, MS
  Amount: $595,646
  Reconstruction of Runway 13/31 and Taxiway A lighting and signage, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.
• Fletcher Field – Clarksdale, MS
  Amount: $150,000
  Installation of a new Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Type III-P/T to provide accurate, site-specific weather information.
• C.A. Moore Airport – Lexington, MS
  Amount: $106,099
  Reconstruction of the existing soil foundation to address erosion control issues at the end of their useful life.
• Indianola Municipal Airport – Indianola, MS
  Amount: $97,800
  Reconstruction of 120 feet of perimeter fencing and gates, along with improvements to the Taxiway A safety area.
• Greenville Mid-Delta Airport – Greenville, MS
  Amount: $186,000
  Rehabilitation of 2,000 feet of Taxiway B pavement. This grant funds the first phase of the project, which consists of design.
• Hawkins Field – Jackson, MS
  Amount: $158,334
  Rehabilitation of 133,333 square yards of west apron pavement. This award funds a portion of the total project.
• John Bell Williams Airport – Raymond, MS
  Amount: $450,000
  Resealing of 6,495 feet of Taxiway A and 5,499 feet of Runway 12/30 pavement at this nonprimary airport to extend pavement life.

All projects are funded through the FAA’s Airport Infrastructure Grant Program and represent the remaining eligible portions of previously approved improvement plans.