MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

CENTENNIAL — Last night, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) hosted a town hall at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, where they spoke directly with Coloradans about how they’re fighting to lower costs and pushing back against Republicans attacks on Medicaid. This is Congressman Crow’s third town hall this year.

“One of the most important parts of my job is listening to constituents. It was great to talk with hundreds of Coloradans and hear about the issues that matter most to them. As Republicans vote to kick millions off their health care to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut, Senator Bennet and I are doing everything we can to fight back,” said Congressman Crow.

“This is an extraordinary time in our country’s history, a profoundly reactionary time in our nation’s history,” Senator Bennet said at the town hall. “But I have no doubt that if we do what we’re required to do, when we consider what our responsibilities are to this democracy, that we will not just get through this – that there will be something on other side that is very important to the kids, for instance, that graduated this week from Arapahoe High School. That is who is on my mind when I’m on the Senate floor.”

Congressman Crow is dedicated to hearing directly from his constituents on the issues that matter most to them. He most recently hosted a town hall in Aurora and a telephone town hall with thousands of constituents. He has hosted regular in-person and telephone town halls throughout his time in Congress, and regularly hosts student town halls to hear from youth in the community.

###

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

Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after an attack earlier today on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder: 

“I am horrified by the heinous act of terror that took place in downtown Boulder this afternoon, and my wife Andrea and I are praying for the victims. Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence. The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence. We stand with the Jewish community — today and always — and will be united in supporting the victims and their families, and to redoubling our efforts to stop antisemitism.” 

###

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

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort to streamline homeowners’ access to federal assistance after natural disasters. Neguse, who represents a congressional district that is no stranger to natural disasters, introduced two bills that would modernize how the Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes aid for homeowners: the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act, co-led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and the Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act, co-led by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC). 

“After working with constituents impacted by natural disasters from Granby to Fort Collins and everywhere in between, I know the road to recovery can be slow, all-consuming, and too often lacking in resources and support,” said Congressman Neguse. “With these bills, we’re taking action to ensure those affected receive clear guidance on next steps, along with the time they need to react and recover. You never know when tragedy will strike, and I’m proud to join Reps. Ciscomani and Edwards in this bipartisan effort to equip homeowners, small business owners, and individuals with the foundational tools they need to ensure the people we represent have a safety net to fall back on.”

“As we head into the summer and temperatures in Arizona continue to rise, we have seen wildfires ignite across the state, disrupting small businesses and impacting the lives of thousands of residents,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, the road to recovery from these disasters can often be slow and burdensome. As families and businesses look to rebuild, the last thing they should encounter are unnecessary financial hurdles. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act to codify a policy within the Small Business Administration to provide zero-interest loans for victims of natural disasters and give homeowners and entrepreneurs up to a year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.”

“After Hurricane Helene, many business and home owners did not know Small Business Administration disaster loans were needed until after they had gone through the FEMA application process. Despite extensions to the SBA application window, there were still folks left behind without access to this vital recovery resource because the FEMA process took too long and the SBA application closed before victims realized they needed to apply,” said Congressman Edwards. “The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act will make sure that homeowners and small business owners have sufficient time and information to get the assistance they need after their lives have been turned upside down. It’s a commonsense way to better support disaster survivors in their greatest times of need.”

Find additional details on both bills below: 

• The Natural Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act codifies a policy previously implemented by the SBA that would waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months. Read bill text HERE.
• The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act modifies application deadlines and communication requirements for disaster assistance by directing the SBA to extend loan application deadlines past the current window of two to three months post-disaster declaration, and issuing guidance for public awareness campaigns in affected areas to better educate individuals on the application process and ensuring the Members of Congress who represent these districts stay informed and receive regular updates. Read bill text HERE.

Background 

###

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

Washington, D.C. — As the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) brace for impact, with public reporting warning additional layoffs are imminent, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced landmark legislation that pushes back against further cuts to the federal workforce and moves to restore adequate staffing levels ahead of the agencies’ busy summer months. The bills, the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act, direct administration officials to rehire individuals wrongfully terminated as part of Trump’s DOGE initiative.  

Neguse, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, represents some of Colorado’s world-renowned parks and forests, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho and Roosevelt and White River National Forests. Since the start of the year, he’s been a vocal opponent of the administration’s full-scale attack on the federal workforce, and his latest effort highlights the dramatic impact of cuts on parks and forests—leaving these shared spaces understaffed and vulnerable, with weakened wildfire prevention, search-and-rescue operations, and maintenance of campgrounds, trails, and restrooms. 

“Coloradans are sounding the alarm: the Trump Administration’s federal funding and purging of the workforce have made our national parks and forests less safe and more prone to disaster. This is simply unacceptable,” said Congressman Neguse. “With the summer months fast approaching, we must act to reinstate terminated employees at our land management agencies to protect communities across the West.” 

Both the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act are co-led by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), as well as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, Andrea Salinas (OR-06). They are championed by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) in the United States Senate. 

“The Trump Administration’s relentless and deeply damaging attacks on our federal workforce, especially the dedicated public servants at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, demand accountability,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman. “From abrupt relocations to politically motivated firings, the career professionals who steward our public lands have been treated as expendable. With another wave of forced reductions reportedly imminent, Congress must act. The Protect Our Parks Act and the Save Our Forests Act will ensure these agencies are fully staffed, reinstate wrongfully terminated employees, and keep critical federal projects on track—from climate resilience and wildfire prevention to trail maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. We owe it to these workers, and to the American people who depend on them, to set this right.”

“With summer fast approaching, we should be hiring more workers who can keep visitors safe at our national parks and protect our communities from wildfires. Instead, the Trump Administration is recklessly firing workers at both the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service – putting even more strain on these agencies at a time when they are already short-staffed,” said Congresswoman Salinas. “These job cuts are unacceptable, which is why I’m proud to introduce two bills that would restore staffing levels and rehire Park Rangers and Forest Service workers who were wrongfully terminated. America’s public servants deserve respect and appreciation for their hard work, and our legislation does just that.”

“The National Park Service and National Forest Service are crucial to land conservation, historic preservation, and protecting our natural resources. Due to the illegal actions of this Administration, these agencies are operating on a skeleton crew and shoestring budget to carry out the work the law requires. I am proud to co-lead the Protect Our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act with Assistant Leader Neguse, Ranking Member Huffman, and Rep. Salinas to reinstate staff and restore funding at the NPS and NFS,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.  

Find additional details on the bills below:

• The Protect our Parks Act directs the Secretary of Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the National Park System for the overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural resource protection. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025).
• The Save Our Forests Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure adequate staffing within the National Forest System, as well as proper resources for maintaining the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025). 

Both bills also help keep critical federal projects moving forward, including those funded by widely supported and enacted laws such as the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 

They are endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, The Wilderness Society, Environment America, National Federation of Federal Employees, and The Trust for Public Land; and the Protect our Parks Act has additional backing from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).  

See what they’re saying below:  

“With mass firings of land management staff, the Trump administration has put our public lands and our ability to enjoy and benefit from them at risk,” said LCV Conservation Program Director, America Fitzpatrick.“Legislation like the bills introduced today by Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth, and Salinas will serve to curb the fallout from the Trump administration’s dangerous policies that seek to decimate our parks and public lands. LCV thanks the bill sponsors for standing up for public servants who steward our parks and public lands, fight wildfire, educate the public, and share our nation’s history, and for continuing to fight back against this administration’s dangerous and indiscriminate firings.“ 

“Our national parks are facing a crisis. Since January, roughly 13% of park staff have been pushed out due to pressured buyouts, retirements and resignations,” said President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Theresa Pierno. “These workers are the backbone of our parks, maintaining trails, managing wildlife, guiding visitors, and protecting our natural and cultural heritage. Parks can’t thrive without the staff who protect them, which is why this bill is so critical right now. This bill would bring back essential staffing as parks face record-breaking crowds. NPCA commends Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth and Salinas for supporting the dedicated staff who care for America’s most cherished places every day.”

###

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

Lafayette, CO — With Memorial Day upcoming, Congressman Joe Neguse called for a renewed commitment by the Congress to supporting American servicemembers by introducing two bills aimed at expanding support for veterans after their service. The Veterans Jobs Training Act and the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act focus on the essentials for successful reintegration: employment, housing, and establishing a clear path forward.

Colorado is home to over 300,000 veterans, many of whom rely on regular access to federal assistance as they adjust to civilian life. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s reckless federal cuts have impacted these individuals’ ability to access their hard-earned and well-deserved benefits. In response, the bills Congressman Neguse introduced are a step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans aren’t left to navigate these hurdles on their own. 

“As we memorialize the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our Armed Forces, we must also recommit ourselves to supporting the veterans in our communities. Our neighbors who sacrificed so much to keep us safe. In their honor, I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures they have access to good-paying jobs and a roof over their heads. And these bills do exactly that—helping employ veterans in careers where their skills and service are valued, including among our wildland firefighting workforce,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

Find details on the bills below:

• The Veterans Jobs Training Act would increase the authorization level for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by $15 million in federal funding, expanding the already successful initiative’s ability to provide competitive employment for unhoused veterans. HVRP’s core objectives are to provide services to assist in reintegrating unhoused veterans into meaningful employment and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address problems facing unhoused veterans. Read the bill text HERE.
• The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act would establish a pilot program to help employ veterans into wildland firefighting positions, putting their valuable skill set to work. More specifically, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate in an effort to help employ veterans in any temporary, seasonal, or permanent wildland firefighting activities. Read the bill text HERE.

The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act is supported by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFEE) and Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

“NFFE is proud to support legislation that would encourage our military veterans to continue serving their country as federal wildland firefighters,” said Randy Erwin, National President, NFFE. “These men and women understand the sacrifice of public service and the importance of defending American communities. Thank you to Representative Neguse for his continued support of veterans, wildland firefighters, and federal workers.”

“The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters applaud Congressman Neguse on his continued efforts to bolster and address wildfires in the United States. United States Veterans and federal wildland firefighting have a long and storied history. Any effort to reinforce and build a bridge between United States military veterans and the work of wildland firefighting should be robustly supported by Congress. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters fully support the efforts and intent of Congressman Neguse,” said Luke Mayfield, President, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

Background

###

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

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Job Corps Caucus, released the following statement in response to news today that the Trump Administration is pausing Job Corps Center operations, effectively shuttering Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia.

“The Job Corps program is the embodiment of a hand up and not a handout. It provides workforce skills and training that empower participants to become self-sufficient and productive citizens. Today’s foolish action by the White House and the United States Department of Labor to close the Job Corps program will shatter the dreams and aspirations of tens of thousands of promising students.

“For over sixty years, there has been strong, bipartisan support for Job Corps. It has paid tremendous dividends in terms of ensuring that young people become valuable members of the labor force. I intend to work with my Republican colleagues to protect and improve Job Corps to ensure its continued success.”

Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement upon news today that former Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York had passed:

“Charles B. Rangel dedicated his life to this country and the people of New York from fighting on the battlefields of Korea to commanding the gavel in the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He was a decorated soldier, a determined federal prosecutor, and a champion for human and civil rights. He was driven to create a better world and make the American Dream more attainable for hard-working Americans.

“He was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and helped blaze a trail for future generations of public servants. I had the honor of working with him to improve the lives of our veterans as co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Veterans Brain Trust.

“He was a patriot, true friend, and compassionate soul. My wife, Vivian, and I send our deepest condolences his family, friends and all who mourn his loss.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that would gut crucial basic needs programs upon which millions of Americans rely and increase red tape. These cuts are being used to fund trillions of dollars in tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires and still explodes the deficit by $3.8 trillion.

“Despite weeks of efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to make this bill better and remove at least a few of its many warts, Congressional Republican leaders ignored our amendments and, in the dead of night, moved forward on a bill that makes it harder for millions of Americans to afford food and healthcare, and undermines public education,” said Congressman Bishop.

The Congressman added, “This bill is a reverse Robin Hood. Make no mistake, more children will go hungry and more working Americans will lose access to healthcare. Seniors and veterans will find it harder to access their hard-earned benefits and care. The cost of living for the vast majority of Americans will go up thousands of dollars in return for meager tax relief. However, the wealthiest 1% of Americans – folks who do not rely on the programs and services being cut – will each get over $100,000 in tax breaks.”

H.R. 1 hurts Americans by:

• Cutting nearly $700 billion in Medicaid which will cause millions to lose healthcare coverage as well as make it harder for hospitals and nursing homes across the country to provide all the care communities need or to even stay open – even people who do not rely on Medicaid may have to travel farther to get the care they need;
• Taking $300 billion from the ACA exchanges which will increase monthly health insurance premiums and co-payments;
• Slashing SNAP by $300 billion which will cost America’s farmers around $30 billion in lost income, threaten more than 27,000 retailers nationwide and imperil nearly 400,000 jobs and $20 billion in direct wages throughout the food supply chain;
• Gutting school breakfast, lunch, and senior nutrition programs;
• Increasing the cost of education by eliminating Pell Grants for over 4 million students;
• Eliminating energy conservation program funds that will push up gasoline prices, make it harder for homeowners and small businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs, makes it harder for schools to afford less expensive, clean buses that reduce their students’ exposure to air pollution, and undermine efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing;

If H.R. 1 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in response to the killing of two Israel Embassy employees last night in Washington, DC:

“It is heartbreaking that these two young Israel Embassy employees who were attending an event dedicated to peace were cut down in the prime of their lives. Antisemitism and political violence have no place in a civilized society. May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim be a blessing.”

###