MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas introduced the Rural Child Care Access Act, legislation to help child care providers serving small and rural areas upgrade existing or construct new facilities and strengthen services by creating a new grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Affordable, accessible child care is essential to children’s development and learning, and parents’ ability to go to work. Yet 46% of people in New Hampshire live in a child care desert. In 2025 it was estimated that New Hampshire businesses lose $56 million annually due to the lack of available licensed child care slots.

“From my conversations with moms, dads, and providers across the state, I know child care remains among the most pressing issues that families are facing. We’ve got to tackle it head on,” said Congressman Pappas. “My new legislation, the Rural Child Care Access Act, would provide child care providers serving small and rural communities with federal resources to invest in their facilities, services, and staff. Strong child care services mean kids have a safe place to learn and grow while parents work and contribute to our economy. It’s fundamental to society, and we have to be making bigger steps in this space.”

“Child care businesses in New Hampshire operate on thin margins, with staffing costs eating up more than 70% of program expenditures, and little room for capital improvements. Representative Pappas’ Rural Child Care Access Act puts critical infrastructure projects in reach for child care businesses, while helping to advance improvements in care, provider supports, and community connections,” said Trina Ingelfinger, Early Care and Education Policy Director, New Futures, Concord, N.H.

The Rural Child Care Access Act would help new or existing child care facilities serving jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents upgrade their facilities. Eligible projects could receive up to $4 million in funding for infrastructure projects that would improve child care access, provider training and development, staff recruitment and retention, and community engagement.

Bill text is here. 

Background:

Pappas continues to advocate for investments in child care to be made in New Hampshire, including $1 million in federal dollars he secured through the Congressional appropriations process to make enhancements to the Child Study and Development Center at UNH, help create an Early Child Institute for Excellence, and improve child care and education in New Hampshire. He has heldroundtable conversations with child care workers and New Hampshire families about the urgent need to address rising costs for families by making child care more affordable. In February, he introduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act, which would improve access to affordable child care for parents working nontraditional hours.

Pappas fought for the original expansion of the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan and has continuously advocated for reinstating the expanded Child Tax Credit to help Granite State families make ends meet. It’s estimated that 34,000 more children in New Hampshire would benefit from reinstating the fully expanded Child Tax Credit. 

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, is calling for an investigation into the deaths of the six servicemembers who were tragically killed during an Iranian attack in Kuwait on March 1, 2026. Crow is also demanding that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth explain how they’re enhancing protections for all servicemembers as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.

Testimony from servicemembers injured in the attack and public reporting claims that U.S. troops were not properly protected against known and predictable Iranian capabilities, directly contradicting Secretary Hegseth’s accounting of the incident.

“President Trump’s reckless decision to start a war with Iran has claimed the lives of American servicemembers and injured hundreds more, said Congressman Crow. “The Commander in Chief launched a war of choice with no plan, no strategy, and no end game. The American people deserve answers on how the Trump Administration plans to end this conflict and protect our servicemembers overseas.”

Joining Congressman Crow on this letter calling for an investigation are 12 House Democratic veterans, including Representatives Pat Ryan (D-NY), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Eugene Vindman (D-VA).

“Brave servicemembers have come forward detailing the reality on the ground. One servicemember injured in the attack explicitly called the Department’s characterization a ‘falsehood,’ saying ‘the unit… was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.’ When asked specifically what fortifications were in place, another servicemember replied, ‘I would put it in the “none” category, from a drone defense capability…none,’” the Representatives wrote.

They continued: “We remain deeply concerned about the broader implications for U.S. force posture and protection across the region. The evolving threat environment, particularly the proliferation of low-cost, low-altitude drones capable of evading traditional air defense systems, demands urgent attention. Especially as it relates to the safety and security of our 50,000+ servicemembers deployed to the CENTCOM AOR.”

Crow has repeatedly condemned Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran. As an Army Ranger who grew up in a working-class family and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Crow saw firsthand the repercussions of forever wars on servicemembers and hard-working Americans. He voted to reclaim Congressional authority over war with Iran and has demanded answers on recent civilian deaths, including a U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

We write to demand a formal, immediate investigation into the deaths of six U.S. servicemembers killed in Kuwait on March 1, 2026, during operations associated with the war in Iran. Congress must be kept fully and promptly informed of the investigation’s progress and any emerging findings. 

Based on direct testimony from servicemembers injured in the attack and public reporting, it is clear that there was a deadly failure to protect our troops from known and predictable Iranian capabilities. As the Department and the President continue to amass U.S. troops and assets in the region without an end in sight, it is essential that we prioritize the safety of troops deployed in theater. 

In addition to your failure to protect our troops, you, Secretary Hegseth, have also misled the public about the circumstances of the attack and failed to take accountability for the deaths of these brave men and women. 

In a press briefing you characterized the attack as “a squirter” that hit a “fortified” tactical operations center. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the command post was a “secure facility” that was “fortified with 6-foot walls.” Despite these claims, we know these fatalities were in fact the result of a failure to provide sufficient overhead protection against known and predictable one-way attack drone threats. 

Brave servicemembers have come forward detailing the reality on the ground. One servicemember injured in the attack explicitly called the Department’s characterization a “falsehood,” saying “the unit… was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.” When asked specifically what fortifications were in place, another servicemember replied, “I would put it in the ‘none’ category, from a drone defense capability … none.” 

These reports raise serious questions about the adequacy of force protection measures in theater, particularly in the face of increasingly sophisticated and persistent unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats.

In addition to including all physical evidence, operational data, first-hand accounts, and after-action reviews, please ensure your investigation also addresses the following questions: 

1. Was the threat of Iranian drone strikes on U.S. military sites and personnel assessed prior to the conflict? 
2. Why was overhead force protection not accounted for at the operations center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait? 
3. Has overhead force protection been accounted for on the other 19 military sites in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and across U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)?
4. Was the force protection posture based on previous in-theater operations with outdated or insufficient information? 
5. What are the preliminary findings regarding vulnerabilities in base infrastructure, including overhead protection and hardened facilities? 
6. How systemic and widespread were these targeting operations? How many Iranian drones have penetrated our defenses? Please provide any information on other Iranian drone or aerial incursions. 
7. What accountability measures are being considered in light of findings to date?

We remain deeply concerned about the broader implications for U.S. force posture and protection across the region. The evolving threat environment, particularly the proliferation of low-cost, low-altitude drones capable of evading traditional air defense systems, demands urgent attention. Especially as it relates to the safety and security of our 50,000+ servicemembers deployed to the CENTCOM AOR.

Accordingly, we also request information on the steps the Department of Defense is taking to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, including:

1. Enhancements to counter-UAS capabilities at forward-deployed locations;
2. Improvements to early warning systems and detection of low-flying drones;
3. Efforts to harden facilities and provide adequate overhead protection for critical operational and living spaces;
4. Adjustments to force posture, dispersal, or basing strategies to mitigate risk;
5. Coordination with partner nations to strengthen integrated air and missile defense in the region.

The loss of these servicemembers is a profound tragedy, and we owe it to them, their families, and all those currently serving to ensure that every possible measure is taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and request a written response delivered to Congress no later than May 22, 2026.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) introduced H.R. 8470, the Surveillance Accountability Act (SAA). The legislation requires government-initiated searches be conducted with a warrant based on probable cause as required by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In addition, the legislation creates a private cause of action that allows individuals whose Fourth Amendment protections are violated by government employees to sue for damages. Rep. Boebert is the co-lead of the legislation. 

“The Bill of Rights is not a suggestion, and Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless searches conducted by the government are not optional,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “The Surveillance Accountability Act requiresgovernment employees to first obtain a warrant based on probable cause before searching Americans’ personal information—even if the information sought is stored on a phone, in the cloud, or held by a third party. Warrantless searches are unconstitutional, and this does not change when the data the government seeks is in digital formats or held by a third party.”

“Our bill forces the government to obey the Fourth Amendment in the digital age,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert. “No more warrantless searches of your phone, cloud data, bank records, or internet history. No more hiding behind the ‘third-party doctrine.’ No more creepy warrantless facial recognition or tracking. If feds violate your rights? You can sue them for damages. The Bill of Rights isn’t a suggestion—it’s the law. Time to make Big Brother get a warrant.”

The Surveillance Accountability Act imposes a universal warrant requirement for any government search that significantly intrudes on an individual’s privacy or security and closes the “third-party doctrine” loophole by requiring warrants for access to data held by internet service providers, banks, cloud services, and data brokers. The bill defines “search” for the modern, digital era to include metadata collection, geolocation tracking, financial records, and internet activity. It also prohibits the warrantless use of facial recognition, biometric tracking, and license plate reader systems tied to individuals, while preserving traditional and limited exceptions such as consent, exigent circumstances, plain view, identity verification, and other ordinary policing authorities.

The SAA also creates a statutory cause of action that allows individuals to sue federal employees who violate their Fourth Amendment privacy protections for damages. This provision ensures that federal employees who violate a person’s rights can be held accountable for unlawful surveillance.

The text of the Surveillance Accountability Act is available at this link.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced the Small Business Tax Cut Act (H.R. 8415). This legislation lowers taxes for millions of small businesses, farmers, and independent professionals by expanding the qualified business income deduction, also known as Section 199A. Reps. Greg Steube (FL-17), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Mike Carey (OH-15), Carol Miller (WV-1), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Blake Moore (UT-01) are original cosponsors.

“The Small Business Tax Cut Act sends a clear signal that Congress is serious about keeping Main Street competitive,” said Congressman David Kustoff. “Small businesses and family farms are central to West Tennessee’s economy. By expanding the 199A deduction to 23 percent, we are giving local business owners the flexibility to hire more workers and invest in their operations.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the Small Business Tax Cut Act, which raises the section 199A deduction to 23 percent. By increasing the deduction, this bill directly supports small businesses and family farms in Western Minnesota by helping them secure the funds they need to hire more workers, increase wages, and upgrade their equipment. The Small Business Tax Cut helps keep our rural economies strong, so local employers can put their earnings back into their businesses and communities,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach.

“West Virginia is built on the hard work of small businesses, manufacturers, and independent professionals who form the backbone of our communities. This is why this bill is so important. It keeps the focus on Main Street and ensures that our local job creators are not left behind. By strengthening and modernizing the small business deduction, this legislation gives entrepreneurs greater certainty and the ability to reinvest in their businesses so they can continue to serve their customers” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction has been one of the most successful tax policies to support them. I’m excited to introduce the Small Business Tax Cut Act to increase the deduction from 20% to 23% to allow Utah’s small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers to reinvest more of their income into their business. This will support new jobs and keep Utah’s economy thriving,” said Congressman Blake Moore.

“Upstate New York’s economy runs through Main Street,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.“The Small Business Tax Cut Act builds on the success of the 199A deduction by allowing small businesses to keep more of what they earn, invest in their workers, and plan for the future with certainty. By strengthening and expanding this deduction, we are giving Main Street businesses, family farms, and local employers the tools they need to grow, compete, and continue driving economic growth across Upstate New York and the nation.”

The Small Business Tax Cut Act includes reforms to enhance the QBI deduction and expand eligibility to more small businesses:

• Raises the pass-through deduction rate from 20 to 23 percent so sole proprietors, partnerships, S-corporations, farms, and family-owned businesses can keep more of what they earn to reinvest in operations;
• Modernizes the income thresholds and phaseouts to create a smoother, more predictable structure as businesses grow, replacing the sharp “benefit cliff” many face under current law;
• Fixes the treatment of “specified service trades or businesses” (SSTBs)—including professions such as doctors, accountants, and consultants—so more local professionals can continue to benefit from the deduction as income rises;
• Extends the deduction to qualifying interest dividends from business development companies (BDCs), which specialize in providing growth capital to small and midsize businesses that cannot access public markets or large-bank financing;
• Updates the inflation rules, including moving the base year from 2018 to 2025, so the small business deduction keeps pace with today’s costs.

More than 90 percent of U.S. businesses are structured as pass-through entities, making the Section 199A deduction a central component of tax relief for Main Street employers. The bill has earned support from small business and agriculture leaders:

“SBE Council is pleased to endorse the ‘Small Business Tax Cut Act,’” said Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. “Small business owners continue to face various cost and competitive pressures. In SBE Council’s most recent ‘Check Up’ survey, 61% of small business owners reported positive cash-flow effects in 2025 from the ‘Working Families Tax Cuts Act,’ with the 20% small business deduction and lower personal tax rates cited as the most beneficial provisions contributing to improved financial performance. Strengthening the deduction will provide vital capital to help them navigate such pressures, and continue to invest and grow.”

“Since 2017, the Small Business Tax Deduction has been vital for small businesses to remain competitive and grow their businesses,” said Dylan Rosnick, Principal of Federal Government Relations at the National Federation of Independent Business. “Congress saw these benefits and made the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent through the Working Families Tax Cuts. Rep. Kustoff’s Small Business Tax Cut Act builds on this success and would provide 9 in 10 small businesses with tax cuts. The legislation would also expand the Small Business Tax Deduction to small businesses who are prevented from utilizing the deduction.”

“Tennessee Farm Bureau would like to thank Congressman Kustoff for introducing the Small Business Tax Cut Act,” said Kevin Hensley, Director of Public Policy for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. “Increasing the qualified business income (QBI) deduction would allow Tennessee farmers to keep more of their hard-earned income and invest in their operations.”

“On behalf of the S Corporation Association, I write to express our strong support for the Small Business Tax Cut Act,” said Brian Reardon, President of the S Corporation Association. “Pass-through businesses are the backbone of the American economy and S corporations are the backbone of the pass-through community. Raising the deduction to 23 percent would improve competitiveness for Main Street businesses by narrowing the effective tax-rate gap with larger C corporations. It would increase the after-tax cash flow of these businesses, allowing greater reinvestment in hiring, capital improvements, and business expansion.”

“The National Association of Home Builders commends Rep. Kustoff for introducing the Small Business Tax Cuts Act, legislation that would ease the tax burden for small businesses and many home building firms by increasing the Section 199A qualified business income deduction to 23 percent,” said Bill

Owens, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “This measure will help address the nation’s housing affordability crisis by enabling builders to invest more resources into multifamily rental construction, land development, and in building more single-family homes.”

“The Mortgage Bankers Association supports the Small Business Tax Cut Act, legislation that provides meaningful tax relief to America’s small businesses, including independent mortgage lenders, community banks, and mortgage brokers,” said Bill Killmer, SVP of Legislative and Political Affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association. “By strengthening the Section 199A deduction, this bill helps ensure small businesses continue to invest in their employees, technology, and local communities. At a time when housing affordability and access to credit remain critical challenges, this targeted tax relief will enhance the stability and competitiveness of small and mid-sized mortgage businesses that serve borrowers in every market.”

Rep. Kustoff continues to focus on policies that support small businesses and strengthen domestic production. He will continue working to advance these provisions as Congress moves into the next round of reconciliation.

These provisions were included in the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill and remain part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the small business deduction.

Read the full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), today hailed the enactment of a new paid family and medical leave law in Virginia, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday.

“I am overjoyed that Virginia has joined the ranks of states guaranteeing paid leave. This is a historic step forward by Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly for affordability, for families, for businesses and workers, and for a better and stronger Commonwealth,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Study after study shows that paid leave policies are good for workers and businesses, and the law enacted by the General Assembly will allow time to fund and adjust for the program. I applaud the Governor, Del. Sewell, Sen. Boysko, and all who fought for this landmark law. Every worker deserves guaranteed paid family and medical leave, and I will continue seeking passage of federal legislation so workers across the country can receive the benefits that Virginians will soon enjoy.”

The paid leave law enacted by Virginia’s General Assembly and signed yesterday by Governor Spanberger was introduced by Del. Briana Sewell and Sen. Jennifer Boysko. Per the Governor’s office, it “creates a portable insurance program — funded by both workers and employers, similar to unemployment insurance — that allows Virginians to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave to address serious health needs for themselves or a family member, including parental leave,” which would “significantly expand access to Virginia’s workers and smaller employers who otherwise would not be able to offer such a benefit.”

Analysis of the law from the Center For American Progress is available here.

Since taking office, Beyer has championed policies to guarantee universal paid family and medical leave to all workers. He previously helped secure paid leave for federal employees and veterans in the federal workforce, and used his position as Chair of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee to bring attention to the need for federal paid leave policies.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The FEMA grant, worth $1,794,992.25, supports restoration of a public access bridge along route 859 on Grassy Ridge Road.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Recovery and restoration projects support Southwest Virginia communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“This FEMA grant for more than $1.7 million helps local authorities repair a common route used by local residents in Washington County, Virginia.

“I am glad to have supported this Helene relief program.”

BACKGROUND

 

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants that total $2,978,602. The breakdown for the grants includes:

• $927,818 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research
• $360,632 for Cancer Treatment Research
• $390,069 for Biomedical Research and Research Training
• $681,235 for Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs
• $618,848 for Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Virginia Tech is a leading research institution with professional talent, academic rigor and profound capability.

“These HHS grants, which total nearly $3 million, help Virginia Tech dedicate more resources to health-related research projects.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Announces $392,200 DOT Grant to Develop Virginia Highlands Airport

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Combat Russia’s Attack on Religious Freedom

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) joined Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Mike Quigley (D-IL) to introduce Countering Russia’s War On Faith Act.

Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission (D-RI).

This bipartisan legislation requires the Secretaries of State and Defense to jointly report on Russian efforts to persecute, suppress, and violate the religious freedoms of faith communities in Ukraine and Russian-occupied territories. It also directs the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals found to have engaged in these actions.

“Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is not only an attack on a country that seeks democracy, free markets, and alignment with the West, but also includes a deliberate campaign to suppress and persecute religious communities,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act will ensure we fully document these abuses and hold those responsible accountable through sanctions. I’m pleased to join Rep. Wilson and my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to stand up for religious liberty and the Ukrainian people.”

 “Russia targets and kills persons of faith as a matter of policy wherever it invades. War criminal Putin seeks to prevent free worship of all believers and crushes any faith not subservient to its state-run church and corrupt former KGB agent Patriarch Kirill or otherwise submit itself to repressive state control,” said Rep. Wilson, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Believers in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are targeted with particular ferocity. It is critical that we counter Russia’s War on Faith.”

“Putin is a war criminal conducting genocide in Ukraine. He is also attempting to erase expressions of Ukrainian identity, including religious freedoms. This legislation makes plain that these human rights violations will be a focus of our foreign policy and that the United States will always defend religious liberty,” said Rep. Cohen.

“Russia’s war in Ukraine is not only an assault on sovereignty—it is a calculated, systemic assault on religious freedom. For Americans, the freedom to worship is among our most fundamental liberties, and we do not stand by when it is crushed by force. This legislation ensures these crimes are documented, perpetrators are identified, and real consequences follow. Peace through strength requires accountability, and the persecution of people of faith cannot be met with silence,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Russia’s widespread religious persecution in Ukraine dates back centuries, and is a horrific reminder that this new war of occupation was never just about land, but about forcible Russification and the erasure of Ukraine’s pluralistic and free way of life,” said Rep. Kaptur, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “This important legislation calls out the abuses committed by the Russian state and its agents against Ukrainian Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faiths. Russia perversely portrays Ukraine as a persecutor of Christians, when it is Moscow that has destroyed over 600 churches, synagogues, mosques, and places of worship in Ukraine throughout this war. These new attacks are a shameful reminder of Russian pogroms and attacks on religious communities dating back centuries. The United States must hold these war criminals accountable and defend religious freedom and the right of all Ukrainians to worship as they choose.”

“Vladimir Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine is not just about violating its sovereignty, but erasing the democratic values Ukraine has embraced. He seeks to erase freedom of religion in Ukraine by disproportionately targeting places of worship and practitioners of any religion other than his own,” said Rep. Quigley. “I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Wilson’s Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act to make it clear that those who burn churches, persecute religious communities, and try to erase religious diversity will be held accountable. The United States must lead with moral clarity by defending religious freedom and confronting Putin’s abuses.”

“Religious liberty is not a suggestion in America – it’s one of our founding promises protected by the Constitution and lived out every day by generations of freedom-loving Americans. Anyone with a brain larger than a single cell organism knows that Vladimir Putin does not respect nor share that view. The Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act shines a bright light on Putin’s religious persecution and responds with real consequences,” said Sen. Kennedy.

“Putin’s murderous regime has repeatedly bombed places of worship, murdered clergy members, and persecuted Ukrainian communities not aligned with the Putin-allied Russian Orthodox Church. It’s time for the U.S. to take a stand for religious freedom and explore sanctions against individuals engaging in these brutal human rights abuses in Ukraine,” said Sen. Whitehouse.

Background

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, over 600 churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious sites have been damaged or destroyed, and more than 50 Ukrainian clergy have been killed. Protestant, Catholic, Crimean Tatar, and Orthodox Christian communities not aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church have faced raids, forced re-registration, and criminal prosecution. The Russian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, has publicly described the invasion as a “holy war,” providing ideological justification for systematic religious suppression in occupied territories.

The full text of HR-8433 (S-4379) is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press conference, where he emphasized that while Republicans are celebrating legislation that harms the American people, Democrats remain committed to lowering the high cost of living in America.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day, and so I want to welcome our very special guests who are here. And if you would desire, you will get priority on the questions that you get to ask. But thank you for being here, and have a wonderful experience with your dads and moms and family members throughout the day.

Let me begin by expressing our condolences on the passing of the Honorable David Scott, former Chair of the House Agricultural Committee, a tremendous leader who had a tremendous life story and a tremendous commitment to improving the lives of the people that he was privileged to represent in the great state of Georgia, which he loved. He rose up from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing chair of a Committee of great importance to the people that he served and was a leading advocate on a whole host of issues of importance to farm country, to rural America and to the metro Atlanta region that he served in such a tremendous way.

Republicans have made clear that their priority is to continue to fund ICE and the violent Trump mass deportation machine, as opposed to making life better for the American people. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security runs out at the end of this month, and there’s a bipartisan bill that would fund DHS, other than ICE and the violent mass deportation machine, that was sent over by the Senate to the House weeks ago. Every single senator, every Democrat and every Republican, supports the bipartisan DHS funding bill that House Republicans have refused to take up because they want to continue to jam their extreme ideology down the throats of the American people.

Republicans have spent the last few weeks celebrating themselves with silly resolutions on the House Floor, congratulating themselves on bills that they have passed, which have actually done damage to the American people, including rural America. It’s extraordinary. But no wonder the American people have concluded that Donald Trump and Republicans have failed on the economy, and that it’s Democrats who are the ones who are actually focused on driving down the high cost of living, making America an affordable place to live and improving the quality of life of everyday Americans.

Full event can be watched here.

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