MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corps Center placed on hold by Trump

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-9), Dina Titus (NV-01) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today re-introduced the Horse Transportation Safety Act that would ban the transportation of horses across state lines in “double decker” trucks or trailers containing two or more levels on top of one another. Congressman Cohen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in 2022 applauded the inclusion of the Horse Transportation Safety Act in the House-passed INVEST in America Act, the same year the Humane Society of the United States named him its “Humane Horseman of the Year.” Congressman Cohen has championed the measure since 2008. This year’s version of the bill currently has 17 bipartisan cosponsors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Horses deserve to be transported in as humane a manner as possible. Double-deck trailers do not provide adequate headroom for adult horses, and accidents involving double-deck trailers are a terrifying reminder that the practice is also dangerous to the driving public. I look forward to seeing this measure move forward as it did last year and be signed into law. Transporting horses can be precarious even under the best circumstances, and we should not compound the risks with unsafe double-deck trailers.”

Congresswoman Titus made the following statement:

“The harmful transport of horses in double-deck trailers cannot provide proper headroom and makes accidents worse. Whether roaming free or being transported on highways, horses must be treated humanely, and I’m proud to help introduce this commonsense legislation to make certain of that.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick made the following statement:

“Transporting horses in stacked double-deck trailers isn’t just inhumane—it’s dangerous. These trailers were never designed for animals of this size and using them puts both horses and drivers at serious risk. As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’ve been working across the aisle to close this loophole and advance commonsense reforms that protect animals and improve public safety. This bill is long overdue—and it’s time to get it across the finish line.” 

The bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Don Beyer, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Sean Casten, Suzan DelBene, Lloyd Doggett, Sara Jacobs, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Stephen Lynch, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mike Quigley, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Greg Stanton, Shri Thanedar, and Jill Tokuda. 

Endorsing organization statements:

“The Horse Transportation Safety Act is a commonsense solution that would promote public safety and animal welfare by ensuring that horses are not crammed into double deck livestock trailers that are designed for much shorter animals,” said Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute. “HTSA provisions have twice passed the full House of Representatives in recent years — a testament to the strong bipartisan support for protecting horses from unsafe transport conditions. It’s time to enact these critical reforms, and we are grateful to Congressman Cohen, Congressman Fitzpatrick, and Congresswoman Titus for their unwavering leadership.”

Neda DeMayo, founder and president of Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation made the following statement:

“We are pleased to support the bipartisan Horse Transportation Safety Act, reintroduced by Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Dina Titus (D-NV). The bill would prohibit interstate transportation of horses in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another, commonly known as a double-decker, a practice already prohibited for hauling horses to slaughter for being too cruel. As we continue to pursue federal legislation to end the slaughter of America’s wild and domestic horses, we must do all that we can to ensure they are protected from any cruel and unnecessary practices.”

“The ASPCA applauds Representative Cohen’s commitment to protecting the equines in this country, and his longstanding leadership on animal welfare issues,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “We are thrilled to see Congress taking important steps to keep animals safe.”

“The AVMA-endorsed Horse Transportation Safety Act is critical to ensuring horse welfare and public safety,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Transporting horses in double-deck trailers does not provide them with the proper level of comfort needed during long road trips over state lines and poses an elevated threat to traffic safety, as these trailers packed with large animals are at greater risk of tipping over. We look forward to working with the congressional champions and other stakeholders to advance this legislation and urge Congress to pass the Horse Transportation Safety Act.”

                                                                                    # # # 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

What: A groundbreaking and press availability for Hub North, a project in the New Chicago neighborhood offering shelter and support for families without stable housing for which Congressman Cohen secured $1,275,000 in community project funding

Who: Speakers will include Congressman Cohen, Kelcey Johnson, executive director of the Hospitality Hub; Ashley Cash, director of Housing and Community Development; Jarad Bingham, principal at Dragonfly Collective; Mayor Paul Young, Councilwoman Rhonda Logan, Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas and the Reverend Dr. Ronnie C. King, pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church

When: Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m.

Where: 777 Firestone Avenue, Memphis 38107 

Background: In addition to the $1,275,000 project on which Friday’s groundbreaking is focused, Congressman Cohen has secured funding for the Hospitality Hub of $1 million in Fiscal Year 2024 and for $450,000 in Fiscal Year 2022. The Hospitality Hub was founded in 2007 by the Downtown Churches Association.

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) learned of the passing of former New York Congressman Charles B. Rangel on Sunday at 94 and made the following statement:

“I had the honor of serving with Charlie Rangel for 10 years. A gentleman and a legislative giant, honored by Memphis with the I AM A MAN award, we stood together on healthcare, drug reform, Cuba and much more. I was always proud to vote alongside him and the Congressional Black Caucus he founded. He was one of the greats. May he rest in peace.”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a member of the House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force created to address Trump Administration power grabs through intervention in the federal courts, today applauded a Boston federal judge’s ruling preventing the dismantling of the Department of Education. Congressman Cohen signed on to the task force’s amicus curiae brief in State of New York v. Linda McMahon.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that our litigation task force has chalked up another big win in our efforts to prevent the Trump Administration from illegally usurping powers from Congress. We have had much success across the country in courts where judges have been appointed by the last six presidents, Republican and Democratic. This is a victory for the Department of Education but also for the American people and the rule of law.”

In late April, House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force filed an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to close the Department of Education in the matter of the State of New York v. Linda McMahon. Thursday’s ruling cited the Members of Congress’s argument multiple times, with the judge noting President Donald Trump cannot make solitary decisions regarding the agency’s organization or function without congressional approval.

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress and Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement in response to remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the United States will “aggressively” revoke visas for Chinese students:

“One of our country’s greatest assets is that we attract the most talented people from around the world to come to the U.S. to study and conduct research in groundbreaking fields. But by broadly revoking visas for Chinese students, the Trump Administration has yet again demonstrated they don’t value a free, democratic, and open society. Instead, they are undermining these very principles and removing students from our country simply because of their national origin. This will not make America stronger or more secure. In fact, the biggest beneficiary of this shortsighted decision is the Chinese government, which will now benefit from their most talented individuals staying in China instead of coming here and contributing to our country. This is just another example of the Trump administration targeting Chinese people instead of the Chinese government, unjustly assuming that every Chinese person is automatically a pawn for the Chinese Communist Party. The Trump administration’s xenophobic decision is reminiscent of the Chinese Exclusion Act and will only make the U.S. weaker.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

ALTADENA, CA– Yesterday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted a wildfire recovery housing roundtable and press conference to address the housing needs of survivors displaced by January’s devastating Eaton Fire. The roundtable brought together local nonprofits, housing advocates, and government officials from every level to discuss obstacles her constituents are facing in finding stable, affordable housing in their own communities.

“In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which displaced over 20,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes, it’s clear that housing is the biggest barrier to recovery,” said Rep. Chu. “FEMA has provided $40 million in Housing Assistance, which has been critical in helping survivors find long-term housing. But there are still survivors who are slipping through the cracks, with many still struggling to secure stable housing in their own communities.”

Rep. Chu emphasized that FEMA must explore all available options for providing disaster housing assistance, including its Direct Lease program that provides housing directly to survivors. And she continues to urge the Administration to request $40 billion in supplemental disaster assistance needed to support long-term recovery efforts.

The event provided a platform for community advocates and nonprofit leaders to share their experiences. Organizations in attendance included:

• Altadena Rising
• Altadena Town Council
• Beacon Housing
• Civic Soul
• Clergy Community Coalition
• Change Reaction
• Community Women Vital Voices
• CORE
• Day One
• Friends In Deed
• Greenline Housing
• Habitat for Humanity
• My Tribe Rise
• NAACP Pasadena
• Neighborhood Housing Services

“These organizations are on the frontlines supporting displaced families and advocating for the resources our community desperately needs,” said Rep. Chu. “I’m deeply grateful for their work, and for sharing their findings with government leaders so we can ensure  no one is left behind.”

Government agencies participating in the roundtable included:

• FEMA
• CalOES
• U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCHS)
• Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)

The roundtable and press conference were part of Rep. Chu’s continued commitment to ensure all Eaton Fire survivors receive the support they need to recover, rebuild, and return home.

Read more about the roundtable here:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After an overnight debate that Republicans sought to hide from the American public, the House of Representatives voted 215-214-1 to advance H.R. 1, the One Big Ugly Bill. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of both the Ways and Means Committee and Budget Committee, voted no on this bill and issued the following statement: 

“This is a shameful and cruel bill that House Republicans have spent the last week desperately trying to hide from the American people through midnight markups and votes. 

“They could not bring this bill up in the light of day because they know it will kick 14 million Americans off of Medicaid and ACA health plans; effectively end abortion coverage on ACA marketplace plans; threaten the SNAP food assistance of nearly 11 million people; reduce or eliminate Pell Grants for more than 4 million students; and take away the Child Tax Credit from millions of American children simply because one of their parents is not a citizen,” said Rep. Chu. 

“They know it will add as much as $5 trillion to the federal debt over the next ten years, an amount so high that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has confirmed it would lead to nearly $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare benefits. And by gutting the energy tax credits that Democrats created under the Inflation Reduction Act, it will immediately raise families’ energy prices and crush American manufacturing. 

“And this bill wreaks all of this havoc for one reason: to give massive, permanent tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy. This is a reverse robin hood scheme that the CBO found is so unfair that it would actually make the poorest 10% of Americans even poorer while making the richest 10% even richer. So while Donald Trump and his billionaire donors will stuff their wallets, it’s my constituents who will be stuck paying the bill.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32) hosted a roundtable with California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following January’s devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires. Together, these fires scorched more than 37,000 acres, destroyed over 13,000 homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and claimed 30 lives.

The discussion offered an opportunity for the Members to hear directly from Los Angeles County leaders, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for Altadena and Pasadena, about the ongoing challenges facing fire-impacted communities and the work being done to ensure communities can rebuild swiftly and safely. During the roundtable, Members and LA County officials discussed the status of ongoing debris removal and mitigation, soil testing and remediation, utility restoration, social and medical services, and housing solutions for disaster victims.

After the roundtable, Rep. Chu and Rep. Sherman released the following joint statement: 

“In response to the many challenges our communities face following the Los Angeles fires, we were grateful to host today’s roundtable to discuss solutions with LA County officials leading recovery efforts on the ground and advocate for the urgent support our communities need to rebuild.”

The Members also emphasized the need to protect the federal agencies carrying out disaster recovery operations for their communities from the Trump administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and AmeriCorps . Lastly, the Members emphasized their commitment to securing additional federal disaster funding in Congress so that California disaster victims have the resources they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities — just as Congress has done after every other major disaster across the country.

 Rep. Chu and Rep. Sherman concluded: “We have both consistently voted for disaster aid to Republican-led states regardless of whether we strongly disagreed with their policies, because disasters have no political affiliation. Our constituents have demonstrated so much strength and resolve throughout the course of this catastrophe, and they urgently need and deserve additional federal resources to rebuild their lives. Disaster relief is not and should never be a partisan issue, and we will continue to work with Congressional leadership and President Trump to deliver relief to our communities.

Far too many families are still living in uncertainty as we work to rebuild after the fires. We are committed to working alongside our local partners to deliver every possible resource to help our communities recover.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) voted against House Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1).  The legislation includes drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other basic benefits, to pay for tax cuts for the rich and wealthy. 

Congressman Thompson releases the following statement:

“Since my first day in Congress, I have been clear that I will never vote for any cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or any programs that benefit my constituents.  Today, I proudly voted against House Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill.”

“This horrific bill is one of the most shameful pieces of legislation I have ever seen in over 32 years of serving in Congress. Mississippians will suffer.  The bill would take health care away from nearly 14 million people due to its harmful cuts to health care and nutrition assistance, which will cause tens of thousands of Mississippians to lose their benefits if this bill passes through the Senate and becomes law. 

“It is disgraceful what Republicans have done today.  Instead of helping people, they are making it harder for everyday people to make ends meet. They have continuously shown that they do not care about the poor and underserved.  I can only hope that today, the American people realized the hidden cruelty and deception woven into the bill by Republicans.”

SNAP CUTS

According to the USDA, 54,481 households in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi participate in SNAP.  African Americans have the highest rate (13,838 households or 25.4%) of SNAP participation in the District.  

HEALTH CARE CUTS

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, nearly 14 million Americans will lose health care coverage due to this bill. These cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will cause more than 664,000 Mississippi residents to lose health care coverage.  This includes 35,337 residents in the Second Congressional District.