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

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, today sent a letter requesting the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the financial costs and strategic consequences of the Trump administration’s unlawful effort to subsume USAID into the State Department, and terminate thousands of State and USAID contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. This review is critical for Congress to understand the costs of the Trump administration’s reckless termination of foreign assistance to the American taxpayer and to understand how these actions, which were taken without Congressional approval, may impact U.S. interests.

Full text of the letter is below. A PDF is available here.

Dear Mr. Dodaro,

We are gravely concerned that the Trump Administration’s illegal dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and cancellation and termination of thousands of State and USAID contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements since January 20, 2025, has come at great direct and strategic cost to the U.S. Government (USG) in terms of U.S. global influence, money, and ability to conduct oversight of U.S. taxpayer-funded programs.

It is vital for Congress to understand the full cost of these actions, including whether any savings have been realized or are expected in the future. The Trump Administration has indicated it will imminently transfer some USAID authorities and programs to the State Department; however, it is not clear that the State Department will have the capacity – including staff with the necessary skills and expertise – to execute these authorities and oversee these programs. As such, we request that GAO examine:
 

1. The cost to the USG of canceling or terminating existing contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements at USAID and the State Department, both for overall department/agency operations and those associated with foreign aid programs, or litigation of the cancelations or terminations. What are the associated cost savings, both estimated and realized?
2. The extent to which the State Department retains the capacity (including the proper workforce) to oversee the contracts, grants, or agreements for remaining foreign aid programs. To what extent is State taking steps to ensure adequate staff, with the appropriate skills and expertise, are available to perform monitoring and evaluation of the remaining foreign aid programs?
3. The firing and hiring authorities and personnel process(es) the USG has used or will use to terminate USAID employees and what authorities and personnel process(es) are available to be used if USAID employees are rehired to perform similar functions at the State Department. What are the costs associated with terminating all USAID employees and possibly rehiring some of them at the State Department?
4. The scope and nature of the impact of canceling foreign aid programs on U.S. foreign policy. To what extent and how does canceling these programs affect the USG’s influence and soft power around the world?

The Committee would also like to understand the likely implications for the State Department’s facilities and operations from the termination of USAID employees and/or the cancelation of foreign assistance programs, including how the State Department is dealing with excess goods and materials and excess facilities around the world as a result of these terminations and cancelations. In particular, we would also like to know how the State Department plans to determine its staffing needs and strategically align its facilities to support new staffing patterns.

Given these interests, we request GAO address the following questions:

1. What is the process for dealing with excess property (goods and materials) as a result of canceled foreign aid programs? What costs are associated with moving, managing, or disposal of excess property? To what extent are goods and materials being sold, reused, or otherwise disposed of? What are estimated cost savings, if any? How much funding will this return to the U.S. Treasury?
2. How much office space will USAID vacate because of staffing reductions or program cancelations? What are the State Department’s plans to reuse or dispose of this space? What are the costs and estimated cost savings of these efforts?
3. How many overseas housing unit leases will the State Department terminate as a result of USAID or other staff reductions? How many will the State Department take over? What are the costs and potential cost savings associated with these terminations or assumption of leases?
4. What are the State Department’s plans for reusing, repurposing, or disposing of vacant or underutilized space at embassies and consulates that are to be downsized or closed as a result of the closure of USAID? What are the costs and estimated cost savings of these efforts?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

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

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raising concerns over reports that the Department of Commerce may withdraw from critical multilateral agreements aimed at restricting access to critical technologies, like semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME). The Members warned Secretary Lutnick that abandoning coordinating efforts with partners would make it harder to prevent the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from accessing cutting-edge technology and undermine America’s national security. 
 
The full text of the letter can be found below. A PDF copy of the letter can be found here.  

Dear Secretary Lutnick,

We are concerned by recent reports indicating the Department of Commerce may seek to pull back from critical multilateral agreements and engagements with allies and partners that are designed to coordinate policies to restrict the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from accessing cutting-edge technologies. While it’s important to prevent U.S. technology from powering the PRC’s military, a coordinated approach with partners and allies is necessary in critical technology areas such as advanced semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), to prevent the PRC from developing critical capabilities that are detrimental to our national security. 

To ensure the United States continues to outpace the PRC on semiconductors and SME, we have worked on a bipartisan basis to facilitate a domestic innovation and manufacturing ecosystem while controlling our adversary’s ability to access advanced technologies. We helped to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, sweeping legislation that sought to reinvigorate U.S. leadership in science and technology and included an investment of $52.7 billion designed to help reshore U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity. We also recognize the need for a defensive strategy to protect our economic and national security. Both the Trump and Biden Administrations have placed restrictions on PRC entities from purchasing certain high-end semiconductor chips and SME technologies.  We believe these export controls were necessary and remain so.

However, U.S. export controls alone are not sufficient because other countries also manufacture advanced semiconductors and associated equipment and tools that they can sell to the PRC. While the previous administration achieved some success with multilateral agreements with the Netherlands and Japan on certain SME controls,  those controls would have been far more successful in constraining the PRC if they were coordinated from the start. To this day these trilateral controls remain misaligned in key ways, from a lack of end use controls to different approaches to the denial of licensing.

We recognize that organizing these coalitions can be challenging, but working with allies and partners achieves real results. The United States assembled a coalition of nearly 40 nations to coordinate controls against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. We urge you to continue to engage with our partners and allies to build a similar coalition focused on the PRC. This can only be accomplished through direct and sustained diplomacy, which while not always as fast as we would like, is the only effective option in the long competition with the PRC.

The Commerce Department has an opportunity to demonstrate strength and support the U.S. manufacturing base by coordinating more plurilateral controls, not less. With Russia stalling progress in the four large multilateral regimes, we urge you to seek out small coalitions of countries that have market-share in particular critical technology sectors. In the case of semiconductors, for instance, we should be broadening coordination beyond Japan and the Netherlands to include South Korea, Taiwan, and others. Initiatives and fora, such as the Multilateral Action on Sensitive Technologies (MAST) and the U.S.-E.U. Trade and Technology Council (TTC), can help advance such coordination while furthering U.S. global leadership and interests on standards development, technology transfer, trade, and many other multinational issues.

We are worried that if the United States goes it alone or attempts to bully our partners, they will increasingly hedge to the PRC instead of working with the United States. Disengaging from multilateral dialogues and initiatives could provide an excuse for key governments not to cooperate with our controls. In response to President Trump’s tariffs, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission has called for strengthening European-PRC relations.  In March, the Dutch company ASML announced it would be building a facility in China—a decision that runs counter to U.S. interests and could only have been made with European government support.  Last month, the PRC engaged in its first multilateral economic dialogue with Japan and South Korea in five years—seeking a regional partnership among the three nations to weather the trade policies of the United States.

Finally, we caution against a unilateral approach that overly relies upon the foreign direct product rule (FDPR) to extend U.S. jurisdiction to foreign-produced items. While the Department should continue to exercise this authority as a last resort, abuse of the rule may further weaken our standing with allies and partners and result in the removal of U.S. suppliers from major global supply chains in the long run, which would be disastrous for our economy and our ability to outcompete the PRC on critical technologies. A better path would be to coordinate controls with other partners and help them build enforcement capacity, so the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) does not have to monitor and police millions of transactions alone. We would be willing partners in ensuring that BIS has the tools and resources to make U.S. controls more effective.

We are deeply concerned about the harms that will occur to U.S. interests if the United States walks away from multilateral approaches. We urge the Department to continue multistakeholder dialogues to bring our allies along in aligning their export controls with ours, using appropriate leverage available to you. Given the critical importance of this matter to both domestic and foreign affairs, we request that you provide us answers to the following questions by June 5, 2025:

• What is the Department’s current policy with regards to participation in multilateral councils and forums, including MAST, TTC, multilateral agreements, and plurilateral agreements such as the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral agreement?
• What steps is the Department taking to coordinate with our allies and partners on export controls on critical technologies, such as semiconductors and SME?
• To what extent will the Department continue to take into account foreign availability as it designs and coordinates its controls?
• What additional staffing, resources, or authorities does the Department need to more effectively coordinate with partners on controls on technology entering the PRC market?

We would appreciate a briefing from your staff to better understand how you are approaching these questions.

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

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

Queens, N.Y. – Today, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement after the death of former Congressman and mentor Charles B. Rangel. 

“Today, New York City and the country mourn the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel – the Lion of Lenox Avenue. A pioneering leader, devoted public servant and staunch advocate for justice. For more than four decades, he represented the people of Harlem with unmatched passion, becoming one of the most influential voices in Congress. 

“Rangel, a decorated war veteran, earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star due to his bravery in the Korean War. The same determination for justice and progress was shown during his time as a federal prosecutor. 

“In Congress, Rangel broke barriers by being a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and serving as the first Black Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. He also created the historic Rangel Program at the U.S. Department of State to ensure that Foreign Service represented the diversity of our country. 

“Rangel opened doors for future generations of leaders. He was my mentor, dear friend, and an overall special human being who will be greatly missed. I send my condolences to his family, friends and everyone inspired by his remarkable legacy. May he rest in peace and may his life’s work continue to guide and uplift the nation.”

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

WASHINGTON – Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D- NY) led five members in urging the House Appropriations Committee to direct the Treasury Department to report on Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) efforts to identify and address tax avoidance under Puerto Rico’s Acts 22 and 20 (now consolidated into Act 60), and to estimate federal revenue losses attributable to these laws.

Originally enacted to attract wealthy individuals and businesses, Acts 22 and 20 offer sweeping tax breaks. Act 22 grants a 0% tax rate on interest, dividends, and capital gains for individuals who establish residency in Puerto Rico, while Act 20 provides a 4% corporate tax rate and full dividend exemptions for firms exporting services.

“Although these provisions were intended to grow the economy and promote socioeconomic development by retaining foreign capital, the available data on their impact suggests otherwise,” said the lawmakers. “For example, according to the Puerto Rico Tax Expenditure Report for Tax Year 2024, Puerto Rico stands to lose an estimated $4.5 billion in foregone revenue related to Act 22 between 2020 and 2026.”

Most Act 20 businesses are in consulting and professional services, which generate fewer jobs and limited economic impact. The tax breaks under Acts 22 and 20 have also fueled short-term rentals, cash property deals, and real estate speculation, displacing working-class Puerto Ricans.

“In terms of job creation, Act 22 has underperformed,” said the lawmakers. “A study by the firm Estudios Técnicos concluded that between 2015 and 2019, the 2,202 individuals with an Act 22 decree exemption had created 4,400 jobs, which represents less than 3 jobs per exemption. On the other hand, Act 20 has a minimal job hiring requisite. A company with a decree exemption is required to hire at least one full-time employee if it has more than $3 million in revenue.”

Amid concerns over tax avoidance, in 2021 the IRS launched an audit campaign targeting individuals improperly claiming Act 22 benefits without meeting residency rules. By July 2023, around 100 beneficiaries were under investigation. In March 2025, the DOJ charged businessman Suresh Gajwani with evading taxes on $80 million by falsely claiming Act 22 eligibility.

“Given the damaging effects of Acts 22 and 20 on Puerto Rico and the continental United States, it is urgent that the Federal government continues its oversight efforts regarding these laws, while informing the public about such work,” continued the lawmakers.

In the letter, the lawmakers call for an update to the IRS’s 2020 report to Congress on Act 22 that adds details on current audit efforts related to Act 20 and the associated federal revenue losses.

The letter has strong support from local advocacy groups.

“We commend Congresswoman Velázquez’s continued efforts to increase transparency around these tax incentives,” said Iris Figueroa, Senior Policy Strategist at the Center for Popular Democracy. “Despite repeated Congressional inquiries and persistent advocacy from our organization, the public still has virtually no insight into the agency’s Act 22 audit process, launched in 2021. The recent federal charges against an Act 22 beneficiary involving $80 million in unpaid capital gains taxes, highlights the serious risk and potential tax evasion these incentives pose to both U.S. taxpayers and Puerto Rican communities. We hope additional members of Congress, including Resident Commissioner Hernández Rivera, will join us in these crucial efforts.”

“The state government claims that Acts 20 and 22 are beneficial for the people of Puerto Rico but does not provide enough data and insight to actually prove it,” Issel Masses, Executive Director, Sembrando Sentido.“What we have access to is an estimate of the amount of lost revenue, which by itself represents a significant cost that does not quantify other negative effects on social and economic conditions. In the context of deep federal budget cuts and a very vulnerable Puerto Rican economy, there is an even greater need for transparency about the implications of Acts 20 and 22 for both the United States and Puerto Rico. As an organization that advocates for fairness, transparency and accountability in public administration, Sembrando Sentido supports Congresswoman Velazquez’s efforts to follow up on the IRS’s auditing of decree holders and urges the government of Puerto Rico to provide the information requested by interested parties, including the IRS, in a timely and complete manner.” 

The letter was signed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Rashida Talib (D-MI), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA).

Find the full text of the letter here.
 

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

WASHINGTON- Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after House Republicans passed their reconciliation bill during the early hours of the morning:
 
“Republicans waited until the middle of the night to advance this bill because they know how deeply unpopular it is. While families were sleeping, they pushed through a cruel package that gives tax breaks to the wealthy and strips away support from the people who need it most. Simply put, this bill is a betrayal of working families.
 
“According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, nearly 14 million Americans would lose their health insurance under this bill. Millions more would see their costs go up. In New York alone, millions would lose coverage and $13.5 billion would be ripped from our health care system.
 
“And it gets worse. This bill makes the largest cut to food assistance in our nation’s history. It would take meals off the tables of families already struggling to get by. New estimates show it could eliminate school meals for more than 18 million children. That is shameful.
 
“We should be expanding health care, not cutting it. We should be making sure no child goes hungry, not passing laws to take away their lunch. And we should be helping small businesses, not tipping the scales even further in favor of large corporations.
 
“This bill is a disgrace. I will do everything in my power to ensure it does not become law.”
 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) led five colleagues in a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee requesting an end to federal funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of private prison facilities. The lawmakers also called for a ban on transferring phased-out Department of Justice prison contracts to ICE for immigration enforcement.  
 

“During the first Trump administration, privately-operated ICE facilities were used extensively and grew despite substandard conditions and problematic contracting practices documented by Congress, government oversight bodies, NGO’s and the media,” wrote the lawmakers. “More must be done to ensure that those without a voice, namely undocumented immigrants, are not subjected to dehumanizing or perilous conditions.” 

During President Trump’s second term, the administration has expanded the immigration detention system through billion-dollar contracts with private prison companies such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. These efforts include the possible reopening of closed or phased-out facilities across at least eight states, many with documented records of abuse and neglect.

The lawmakers raised concerns about the absence of accountability in private detention centers. Unlike government-run prisons, these facilities often operate with little or no independent oversight.

“We know that private facilities have had staff falsify records, failed to adequately supervise detainees and provided improper medical care,” wrote the lawmakers. “Moreover, unlike state-run prisons or local jails that are subject to established oversight mechanisms, privately operated ICE detention centers operate largely without state inspections or regulatory oversight.” 

The letter calls for specific bill language in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package to prohibit DHS from using or entering private detention contracts for immigration purposes.

The letter was signed by Rep. Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Smith (D-WA), Rep. Beyer Jr. (D-VA), Rep. Carson (D-IN), and Rep. Rivas (D-CA). 

The letter can be found here. 
 

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

WASHINGTON –Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter along with 14 members of the New York Congressional delegation urging SkyHop Global to return to the bargaining table with striking shuttle drivers at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.

“It is time for meaningful negotiations to take place in order to achieve a basic agreement that guarantees every employee fair pay, job security, and union protection. As elected representatives, we have a strong interest in defending the rights of our constituents and holding employers accountable when they fail to fulfill their commitments,” the lawmakers wrote.

“SkyHop management launched a relentless and illegal attack on worker rights and basic human decency. The company is required by the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate in good faith, but it refuses to do so. I am proud to stand with the New York Democratic Congressional Delegation as they fight alongside us for justice. We are not backing down. We will stay in this fight for as long as it takes — and we will win a strong, enforceable Teamster contract.” said Robert Bellach, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 210.  

SkyHop workers voted to unionize with Teamsters Local 210 in May 2024, but almost a year later they still do not have a contract. The 60 SkyHop Global drivers provide critical shuttle services for airline crew members at New York City area airports. Close to 95 percent of them are Black, Latino, Asian and other non-white ethnicities, and many are immigrants. 

The strike began in November after the company repeatedly refused to bargain in good faith over wages, job security, and a union contract. Employees also allege that SkyHop retaliated against workers by cutting hours and firing pro-union drivers. The drivers have filed over 20 unfair labor practice charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board. Employees have also reported wage and hour violations, and some cases are now pending before the New York State Department of Labor.

SkyHop driver Jessica Gallegos said, “SkyHop management lied to us and broke their promises — and I made the mistake of believing them and voting against the union in the first election. When I stood up and organized, SkyHop retaliated by trying to intimidate me and then illegally firing me. I am on strike with my fellow drivers to get a fair contract. With the full backing of Local 210 and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, we are fighting back — and we are going to win.”

In the Congressional letter, the Members stressed that continued disruption not only harms workers but also the broader travel network that depends on these essential services.

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Laura Gillen (NY-3), Dan Goldman (NY-10), George Latimer (NY-16), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), John Mannion (NY-22), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Grace Meng (NY-6), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Tom Souzzi (NY-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).

 

Teamsters Local 210 is the second largest Teamsters Local in New York representing workers in a wide range of industries.  Airline workers are the backbone of Local 210, and their members work at airports across the eastern half of the United States.  

 

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement today applauding the House passage of H.R. 1 – the One Big, Beautiful Bill; budget reconciliation legislation to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to secure our nation and our borders, spur economic growth, and improve accountability to taxpayers.

The bill includes $150 billion in mandatory funding for bipartisan legislation passed by the House Armed Services Committee to strengthen our national defense and implement President Trump’s visionary Peace through Strength agenda.

“After years of chronic underinvestment, our defense industrial base and military capacity have dangerously atrophied to the point where we may no longer be able to sustain a prolonged conflict,” Rogers said. “Without this generational investment in national defense, we will no longer be able to deter our adversaries or ensure America’s global leadership. The One Big, Beautiful Bill provides long overdue resources to modernize our military, revitalize the defense industrial base, and improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees worked closely together and with the White House to develop this critical legislation, and Speaker Johnson has worked closely with all of the committees involved to develop a comprehensive budget bill that best serves our taxpayers. I’m looking forward to sending this to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”

Background:
The House and Senate Armed Services Committees released legislative text on April 27, 2025, and on April 29, 2025, the House Armed Services Committee marked up the legislation and advanced it to the Budget Committee with a bipartisan vote.

The legislation prioritizes critical improvements to America’s national defense, including:

• Funding key initiatives for President Trump’s Golden Dome
• Revitalizing our defense industrial base
• Strengthening DoD efforts to secure our southwest border and stem the flow of illegal immigration
• Deterring Chinese Communist Party aggression
• Delivering the systems needed for DoD to improve fiscal efficiency and pass a clean audit
• Enhancing servicemember quality of life

A legislative overview of HASC-passed text is available here, and a section-by-section is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL)

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joined the McCrary Institute’s “Cyber Focus” Podcast to discuss the future of national security and Alabama’s role in our nation’s defense.

The McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University was founded in 2015 with the mission of making America safer from cyber-attacks through a team of national cyber experts in policy, applied research and services, and education. Since then, the McCrary Institute has emerged as a leader in the cybersecurity space and has further cemented Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as a preeminent engineering program.

Rep. Rogers works closely with the McCrary Institute and recently helped secure funding for the Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (SERC3) project.

Watch or listen to the full episode here.

Key Moments:

We are at the lowest level of defense spending as a percentage of GDP since before World War II. It is dangerously low, 2.9% of GDP. We really should be closer to 5%.

You can put a multi-million warehouse stockpile of drones together and we can upgrade them every week or every month without touching them. And those are the kind of changes that we need to make sure that we can move with the speed of relevance.

Guam has a big target on it. Number one target by China. If we get into a conflict… it will be target number one.

We’re going to be doing swarms [of underwater drones] just like we’re doing swarms in the air. You’re going to find the use of unmanned fighter jets is going to be very commonplace. We’re already doing some of that now, but it’s going to be a lot.

I really think scholarships are the best way to get younger people to think about [working in cyber] early when they’re looking at career choices.

[The Golden Dome] would create a significant space-based, low earth orbit sensor capacity that is much more sophisticated than what we have now. Along with some additional interceptors, and obviously this would be exactly in the wheelhouse of Huntsville.

I expect sometime in the month of April that Space Command will officially be assigned to build its headquarters in Huntsville… I’ve already talked with the contractor, and he is ready to turn dirt on the day they announce.

There will be a lot of battles fought where there’s not a gun fired. It’s going to be through cyber and through space.

We all, in our daily private lives, use space every day.

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