MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined with Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Dina Titus (D-NV), Doris Matsui (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), and April McClain Delaney (D-MD) to protect federal funding for NPR, PBS, and America’s public broadcasting. Together, the legislators introduced an amendment to remove a provision within the Republican rescission package that would eliminate federal funding for these vital institutions, which were included in the unlawful cuts made by DOGE. The package is expected to receive a vote in the House of Representatives later this week.

“At a time when families are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, my Republican colleagues are not focused on lowering costs for hardworking families; instead, they’re working to eliminate funding for public broadcasting services that provide vital information to communities across the country,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Respectfully, I don’t know a single person who voted to kill Sesame Street, but I do know families across my congressional district who rely on the services provided by outlets like NPR and PBS during times of crisis. When Republicans in the past tried to gut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Mr. Rogers himself stepped up to convince Congress to maintain this funding. I’ve always supported investments in our public broadcasters, and I’m hopeful my colleagues across the aisle will come to their senses and listen to the wise words of Fred Rogers before they do long-term damage to these American institutions and the Americans they serve.”

The letter comes as the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress continue to attack public journalism’s editorial independence and crack down on public broadcasting nationwide. Last month, the administration issued an unlawful Executive Order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease all funding for NPR and PBS, which support local TV and radio news outlets across the country. CPB-funded public media reaches nearly 99.7% percent of the American population, and its funding supports over 1,500 public television and radio stations across the country, supporting approximately 20,000 local jobs.

Congressman Cleaver has been a longtime supporter of America’s public broadcasting, pushing back on the Trump administration’s effort to undermine these vital services. In March, Cleaver joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to call for continued funding for public broadcasting following reports the FCC had opened a frivolous investigation into NPR and PBS and signaled interest in defunding the outlets.  In May, the Congressman again joined a cohort of lawmakers to call on the Committee on Appropriations to maintain funding for CPB programs.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

The Legislation Would Ensure Broadcast Programming Reflects Diversity of American People

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

Washington, D.C. — House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) led over 60 members of the Democratic Caucus in penning a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging they commit to removing language that eliminates excise taxes on firearm silencers and deregulates their use under the National Firearms Act currently included in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” 

Neguse and his colleagues on the House Rules Committee exposed Republicans’ last-minute move to eliminate firearm silencer regulations during the panel’s marathon 21-hour hearing. A silencer, when attached to the barrel of a firearm, muffles the sound of gunfire—obstructing law enforcement efforts to respond to active shooters and making it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots quickly and effectively.  

“In the dead of night, our Republican colleagues added a provision (Sec. 112029) to H.R.1 that would remove firearm silencers from the NFA. This change, which was ultimately included in the legislation, would be catastrophic to public safety and greatly impede law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe,” wrote Neguse, Thompson, and Amo. 

The lawmakers continued: “As you know, the so-called ‘Byrd Rule’ under the Congressional Budget Act makes clear that, in short, non-budgetary provisions cannot be included in reconciliation legislation. Removing the regulatory structure for firearm silencers is thus not only dangerous, but blatantly violative of the Byrd Rule. Put simply, the provision represents a clear attempt to make a significant policy change to a century-old law, and cannot be adopted through the reconciliation process on that basis alone.”  

“Congress has long maintained strong regulations for firearm silencers under the NFA for good reason. Law enforcement has identified silencers in crimes across the country–including in mass shootings in Monterey Park, California, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and by a gunman that killed two police officers during a 10-day shooting spree in Southern California. Furthermore, according to data from the ATF, in 2023 alone, over 400 silencers were recovered and traced from violent crime scenes. It is with this in mind, that we strongly urge you to remove Section 112029, and any provision that would deregulate and eliminate excise taxes on firearm silencers as the Senate considers the FY25 reconciliation bill. If enacted, these provisions would place the public and our brave law enforcement officers in harm’s way. The American people and our law enforcement deserve better,” they concluded. 

The full letter is available HERE. 

It is supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords.  

“The inclusion of the deregulation of silencers under the National Firearms Act in the budget reconciliation bill is unconscionable and demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety. In the wrong hands, silencers are extremely dangerous as they make it much more difficult for victims, bystanders, and law enforcement to recognize and react to gunfire and to identify shooters, even when in close proximity. Deregulating these under the NFA devices will enable mass shooters and other bad actors, putting the lives of law enforcement and the public at risk across the nation,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. 

“The silencer provisions in this bill will put law enforcement and our communities at greater risk from gun violence while costing taxpayers more than a billion dollars. We urge the Senate to remove these harmful provisions, and thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue,” said Monisha Henley, Everytown’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.

“Instead of fighting crime and keeping American families safe, House Republicans gave gun industry CEOs a $1.5 billion tax break to boost their bottom line. Silencers enable shooters to cause more violence without being detected. Law enforcement has opposed efforts to sell silencers without background checks for a reason — they make law enforcement’s jobs harder. We thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue, and urge the Senate to keep silencers out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.Res. 481, the bipartisan resolution he co-led with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), condemning the rise in antisemitism and violent attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent act of terror in Boulder, Colorado. The resolution also reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. 

“I was proud to work with my colleague Rep. Van Drew in championing a bipartisan resolution denouncing the scourge of antisemitism, and condemning the horrific act of terror that took place in my community on June 1st. 

“Yesterday marked one week since a terrorist viciously targeted, ambushed, and attacked my constituents, who had gathered on Pearl Street Mall to take part in a peaceful walk and vigil, as they’ve done every week for the past two years, to call for the release of the hostages that were kidnapped and are being held by Hamas in Gaza. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of meeting with several of the victims this past weekend, and to hear them recount their experiences. It is difficult to put into words the emotions I felt witnessing their resilience and strength under such incredibly trying circumstances. It’s equally hard to describe the emotions I felt marching yesterday—back in my district in Boulder—alongside thousands of Coloradans who came out to show our strong support for our Jewish community.

“We will continue to support the victims of this horrific attack and their families, and recommit to enacting legislative solutions to combat the antisemitism that has metastasized across our country. And I will continue to call on the Speaker and House Leadership to allow the House to vote on H.Res.476—my bipartisan resolution, written in conjunction with the community I represent, that further condemns the violent antisemitic attack and expresses support for the victims, their families, and local law enforcement.”

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

Neguse and former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack serve as this year’s honorees; prior recipients include John McCain and Bob Woodward.

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

Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet, both of whom represent the people of Boulder, Colorado in the United States Congress, introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the horrific and antisemitic act of terror that took place on the Pearl Street Mall on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1st. It was co-signed by Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, Jeff Hurd, and Jeff Crank. 

The resolution denounces the scourge of antisemitism that has metastasized across the country, citing a disturbing rise in violent and hateful attacks against Jewish Americans—including the horrific assault on 15 Coloradans who had gathered for a peaceful march calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. It also calls upon the American people to stand united in supporting the victims and their families, as the community continues to promote peace and safety.

“Our community is reeling. The horrific rise of violence toward our Jewish brothers and sisters must be stopped,” said Congressman Neguse. “That’s why we are calling on lawmakers from across Congress to join us in expressing their support for the 15 victims of Sunday’s act of terror and to stay united in the fight to stop the rise of antisemitism, which has shamefully become far too prevalent across our country.”

“On June 1, a lone attacker committed unspeakable violence against Jewish Coloradans who gathered weekly to raise awareness for the hostages that Hamas has held for over 600 days. He did not attack them to make a political statement, but because he simply wanted to kill Jews,” said Senator Bennet. “This type of hatred is not new; antisemitism is the world’s oldest hatred. We must recommit to stand united with the Jewish community, for freedom – of speech and religion – and against fear. Hate has no home in Colorado.”

“Run For Their Lives is deeply appreciative of this declaration against antisemitism and for the ongoing support and strength of both Congressman Joe Neguse, Senator Michael Bennet, and other representatives around our state since the attack on June 1st. We will continue marching until every last Israeli hostage has been released from Gaza, and we will continue making our voices heard until every Jew worldwide is safe from the threats of antisemitism and violence. We invite all people across the country and across the globe to join us. Together, we cannot be stopped,” said representatives from the Boulder and Denver Chapters of Run For Their Lives.

It is supported by Run For Their Lives, the Anti-Defamation League, the Democratic Majority for Israel, and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) . 

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) will convene a group of next-generation reformers in the House of Representatives to introduce the End Corruption Now legislative agenda. An effort to confront political corruption and clean up government that includes seven bills designed to put power back in the hands of the American people by preventing the President, Executive Branch officials, and Members of Congress from personally benefiting from their offices.

After watching President Trump’s administration engage in brazen corruption, the group of representatives helmed by the Colorado Congressman—including Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13)—felt compelled to act. 

“Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office were marked by chaos, corruption, and self-dealing. He spent the time stacking his administration with billionaire donors and promoting shameless cryptocurrency scams, all while his Republican supporters in Congress trade stocks to benefit their own portfolios. The time for this corruption to end is now. We must clean up government for future generations and ensure our government is serving the American people, not special interests,” said Rep. Neguse. 

“Elected officials are elected to serve their constituents, not their own self-interests,” said Rep. Craig. “It’s past time we pass legislation to clean up Washington and ensure our tax dollars are being spent as they should – on improving the lives of everyday Americans. That’s why I’m proud to be partnering with my colleagues on this anti-corruption campaign to make common-sense reforms that will restore integrity, transparency and efficiency to our government.”  

“Members of Congress are elected to serve the American people, not to enrich themselves,” said Rep. Magaziner. “We must ban Member of Congress from trading stocks, because there should be no opportunity for elected officials to profit off of their positions. I am proud to join Representative Neguse and other colleagues in our effort to bring real ethics reform to Washington.”

“Corporate power has long rigged the system against the American people,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We must root out this corruption to restore the American Dream. Stopping corporate criminals from taking power from inside our government itself is a great place to start. I’m introducing the No Corporate Crooks Act as a part of the ‘End Corruption Now’ legislative agenda because someone convicted of crimes like bribery, embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, and more shouldn’t be let anywhere near the levers of power in the executive branch.” 

“For too long, politicians in both parties have put their own gain ahead of what’s best for the American people. The brazen corruption of the last few months has only highlighted the need for urgent action. It is time for comprehensive reform to ensure politicians serve the people, not themselves,” said Rep. Ryan. “No more getting rich off trading stocks. An end to Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Getting rid of kickbacks for billionaire friends. I’m proud to be working alongside a group of next-generation lawmakers who refuse to accept the status quo – we’re here to clean things up.”

“At a time when public trust in our institutions is at a breaking point, the Integrity in Government Act is about restoring accountability at the highest levels of power. This bill protects the nonpartisan watchdogs who work on behalf of the American people and ensures that the White House–regardless of who is in office–is subject to real oversight to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure efficiency. Our democracy depends on transparency, and the American people deserve nothing less,” said Rep. Scholten. 

“When public officials use their power for personal gain and are shielded from accountability, we undermine democracy itself,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bill – and the broader End Corruption Now agenda – is about restoring public trust and ensuring that no one is above the law. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not for the biggest wallets or the best connections.” 

The End Corruption Now legislative agenda targets conflicts of interest and would put a stop to the selling of access and influence, including banning Members of Congress from trading stocks or becoming lobbyists, and strengthening anti-corruption laws. It includes the following bills:  

• The Close the Revolving Door Act, introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse, places a lifetime ban on Members of Congress from serving as lobbyists. The bill is championed in the U.S. Senate by Senator Michael Bennet. Read the bill text HERE.
• The Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution, introduced by Rep. Angie Craig, would prohibit Members of Congress from serving on corporate boards. Read the bill text HERE.
• The Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act, introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner, effectively bans Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks by requiring them to either divest from individual stock holdings or move their investments into a qualified blind trust during their entire tenure in Congress. Read the bill text HERE.
• The No Corporate Crooks Act, introduced by Rep. Chris DeLuzio, prohibits any chief executive officers, in either the public or private sector, convicted of covered financial crimes from serving in the executive branch. Read the bill text HERE.  
• The Stop Millionaires Using Service for Kickbacks (MUSK) Act, introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan, requires government employees defined as Executive Schedule (I-IV) employees, Special Government Employees, and people in the Executive Office of the President to recuse themselves from any matters affecting the financial interests of their previous employers for the four-year period. Read the bill text HERE.
• The Integrity in Government (IG) Act, introduced by Rep. Hillary Scholten, strengthens checks and balances by installing new oversight measures for the White House and its top offices and protecting independent watchdogs from political retaliation. Read the bill text HERE.
• The Closing Bribery Loopholes Act, introduced by Rep. Emilia Sykes, closes loopholes in the federal bribery statute by clarifying the definition of an “official act” by a public official. The bill expands the definition to prohibit public officials from improperly using their position for private gain. Read the bill text HERE. 

The End Corruption Now agenda is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, and Project On Government Oversight (POGO). 

“Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials and senior policymakers are serving the public’s interest, rather than private financial interests,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “CREW applauds Reps. Neguse, Magaziner, Deluzio, Scholten, Ryan, Sykes, and Craig for their initiative, leadership and collaboration to put together a multi-faceted anti-corruption package. For far too long, some have accepted the status quo, but in the face of recent and unprecedented examples of how the system can be manipulated for private gain, now is the time for Congress to take action and pass effective anti-corruption legislation.” 

“Bribery, kickbacks, pay-to-play. These are the components of a criminal enterprise – not a functional federal government. The tsunami of corruption flowing from the White House has flooded all of Washington and left a revolting stench that’s impossible to ignore. This fire hose of anti-corruption measures will blast corruption head on by protecting independent government watchdogs from being weaponized, banning former members of Congress from being lobbyists, and stopping convicted corporate crooks and special government employees from personally profiting at the people’s expense. Now is not a time to worry – it’s time to clean house,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen. 

“At a time when the federal government does not have the trust and confidence of the American people, it is more important than ever for leaders to lead and respond accordingly,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “Not since the post-Watergate era has there been such a need for a comprehensive anti-corruption, good governance reform agenda. This is why Rep. Neguse and his colleagues should be applauded for this bold reform initiative, aimed at cracking down on corruption and bringing about the government that the American people deserve. Whether it’s reining in the corruption of the revolving door or banning the unethical practice of congressional stock trading or strengthening oversight tools like inspectors general, these reforms are long overdue and now is the time to get them done.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today issued the following statement in support of the Trump administration’s decision to rescind Biden-era guidance that required emergency room doctors to perform abortions under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), undermining state pro-life laws:

“I strongly commend President Trump and his administration for restoring clarity and integrity to federal law by rescinding the Biden administration’s EMTALA guidance. Congress never intended EMTALA to be a backdoor mandate for abortion. It was designed to ensure that patients receive emergency medical care, regardless of their ability to pay, not to override pro-life state laws.

The previous guidance was not only legally flawed but dangerously misleading. It created unnecessary confusion about the ability of women to receive emergency care in pro-life states—care that is, and has always been, protected. Every state allows physicians to treat conditions like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other emergencies where a mother’s life is at risk. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible and politically motivated.

I am grateful that the Administration reaffirmed what many of us have long said: pro-life laws protect both patients, the mother and her unborn child. This is a win for life, a win for truth, and a win for the many doctors who provide life-saving care with compassion and integrity.”

Congressman Aderholt is a long-time pro-life advocate and Chair of the House Values Action Team. He has consistently supported legislation to protect both unborn children and the rights of medical professionals who refuse to participate in abortion procedures on moral or religious grounds.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today issued the following statement in strong support of Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments regarding waste and abuse in the Medicaid system, following a new report exposing how non-working Medicaid recipients are spending their time.

“Speaker Johnson hit the nail on the head when he said Medicaid shouldn’t be going to ‘29-year-old males sitting on their couches playing video games.’ The American Enterprise Institute’s new analysis confirms it: many able-bodied Medicaid recipients who aren’t working are spending their time — not looking for jobs — but glued to screens.”

According to the AEI study, non-working Medicaid recipients without children spend an average of 4.2 hours every day watching TV and playing video games. That adds up to 125 hours per month — time that could be used for working, volunteering, or gaining job skills. 

According to estimates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and supported by data from the American Enterprise Institute and the Congressional Budget Office, roughly 7 to 10 million able-bodied, non-working adults without dependents are currently enrolled in Medicaid — approximately 1 in 10 recipients nationwide.

“Let’s be clear: Medicaid was never meant to support a lifestyle of leisure for those who are fully capable of working,” said Aderholt. “Spending the equivalent of over three full workweeks a month on video games and TV is not what hardworking taxpayers signed up to support.”

“These benefits were designed to support the truly vulnerable — the disabled, low-income seniors, and struggling families. When able-bodied adults who choose not to work receive the same benefits, it cheats the system and it cheats those truly in need.”

Congressman Aderholt is a strong advocate for common sense work requirements, which are overwhelmingly supported by the American people — with 78% in favor.

“The next time Democrats claim Republicans are ‘cutting Medicaid,’ just remember what they’re really defending: a system that gives taxpayer-funded healthcare to individuals who spend more than 120 hours a month on the couch. That’s not compassion — that’s recklessness.”

“I stand with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues to fix this broken system. We will continue fighting to protect Medicaid for those who genuinely need it — and to stop the abuse by those who don’t.”