MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

On the anniversary of the Refugio Beach oil spill, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) reintroduced legislation to expand safety regulations on U.S. oil and gas pipelines to prevent devastating spills like the Refugio Beach disaster, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of oil on the Central Coast of California in 2015.

The Valve Safety Fairness Act, would restore the requirement for Type A gas gathering line operators to install these safety technologies in compliance with the 2022 PHMSA rule. Operators would be required to install automatic shut-off valves and rupture detection technologies.

“Following the 2015 Refugio oil spill, my constituents have been calling for stronger safeguards to prevent future environmental disasters from happening,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Valve Safety Fairness Act is a common-sense solution that will help protect our coastal communities from new spills by upgrading oil pipelines with more advanced safety technology.”

“Residents along California’s Central Coast know the dangerous impacts of oil spills all too well. That is why we must ensure that pipeline owners and operators are using the most advanced technology available to prevent leaks or spills. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have worked to improve federal pipeline safety and oversight, and I look forward to continuing this work with Congressman Carbajal to advance critical legislation to close a safety loophole,” said Rep. Brownley.

Both Carbajal and Brownley serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

In March 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) followed through on a longtime push by California lawmakers to mandate these safety features on new and entirely replaced gas transmission lines, Type A gas gathering, and hazardous liquid (including carbon dioxide) pipelines.

In May 2023, however, a U.S. district court limited application of this rule by striking down the safety feature requirements applying to Type A gas gathering lines–the pipelines that transport gas from a production facility or refinery to a transmission line or gas main.

In 2015, the source of Plains All American Pipeline’s oil spill near Refugio Beach in Santa Barbara, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into Central Coast beaches and ecosystems, took more than two hours to detect.

Following his election to Congress, the devastating Refugio oil spill along California’s Central Coast spurred Congressman Carbajal to champion stronger federal safety regulations for oil and gas pipelines. His leadership began with a bipartisan measure—unanimously passed by the House in September 2017—that called for automatic shut-off valves and improved leak detection standards. He later joined forces with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to press the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) directly for action.

PHMSA issued new rules in March 2022 mandating the installation of automatic and remote-control shut-off valves and leak detection technology for new pipelines.

Congressman Carbajal has previously advocated for his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to support legislation that would expand the 2022 PHMSA rule to include all existing oil and gas pipelines.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that a $650,000 grant from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program was awarded to the Camden Redevelopment Agency in New Jersey. The grant was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Norcross voted to help pass into law.

“I voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create jobs, bolster public health outcomes, and improve the quality of life for residents in South Jersey,” Congressman Donald Norcross. “Brownfield grants have been transformational across our region and especially in Camden City. Protecting our communities from harmful waste and repurposing these sites into valuable community assets for our neighborhoods has been a top priority for me. In Congress, I will continue to fight alongside local organizations to ensure the health and safety of South Jersey families.”

“I am grateful to Congressman Donald Norcross for continuing to fight for Camden and for supporting environmental reclamation in urban communities,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “Camden has worked hard for decades to cleanup brownfields and transition these sites into positive uses. This critical funding will not only result in the remediation and reuse of underutilized properties but will also help to improve the quality of life citywide.”

This funding is provided in addition to the $5,324,999 already awarded. Camden’s Brownfield program has successfully facilitated loans or subgrants for 11 cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. Notable projects for the use of the new funding include Elijah Perry Park, the Knox Gelatin property, Judge Johnson Park, and the former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing site.

The Brownfield grant funding will be used to support locally driven redevelopment, create jobs, and improve public health outcomes in communities in New Jersey. These investments will keep critical momentum going in communities already benefiting from Brownfield investments, ensuring continued progress toward safe and reusable land.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Republicans are stealing a good idea and twisting it.”

Baby Bonds Championed by Pressley & Booker Would Address Wealth Gap, End Cycles of Poverty, Help 18 Year-Olds Pay for College, Home, or Starting a Business

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the so-called “MAGA Accounts” proposal in Republicans’ reconciliation bill. Rather than support this regressive proposal, Congresswoman Pressley urged her colleagues to support Baby Bonds, her bicameral legislation with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to close the racial wealth gap, disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty, and make economic opportunity a birthright for every child.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Calls for True Baby Bonds, Calls Out “MAGA Accounts”

House of Representatives

May 19, 2025

Mr. Speaker,

I rise in support of investing in every child’s future.

Six years ago, I joined Senator Booker to introduce Baby Bonds legislation to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty, close the racial wealth gap, and ensure every 18-year-old has the financial opportunity to go to college, to buy a home, or to start a business.

Now, Republicans are stealing a good idea and twisting it.

The so-called ‘MAGA Accounts’ in their reconciliation bill are intentionally designed to help the rich get richer, while poor children are left further and further behind.

Their proposal would weaponize the tax code to exacerbate wealth inequality, ignore the expertise of economists, and penalize states and non-profits that try to help low-income families.

In America, a child born into poverty is likely to stay there through their adult lives.

That is a policy choice – and a violent one.

Our babies deserve better. Our babies deserve opportunity.

I urge my colleagues to reject this regressive proposal and support true Baby Bonds.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON – Today, a bipartisan and bicameral group of Members reintroduced the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act(POWADA), a proposal to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for older workers.

 

In the House, the bill is led by Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02). 

 

In the Senate, the bill is led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). 

 

“Everyone—regardless of their age—should be able to go to work every day knowing that they are protected from discrimination.  Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is depriving older workers of opportunities and exposing them to long-term unemployment and severe financial hardship.  More than a decade ago, the Supreme Court undermined protections for older workers by setting an unreasonable burden of proof for age discrimination claims.  The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a bipartisan bill that would finally restore the legal rights of older workers by ensuring that the burdens of proof in age discrimination claims are treated in the same manner as other discrimination claims,”said Ranking Member Scott.

 

“Age discrimination is one of the most prevalent issues affecting an entire generation of older Americans,” said Representative Grothman.  “The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a crucial initiative that aims to restore legal safeguards for older Americans by ensuring that age discrimination claims receive just as much credibility as any other form of workplace discrimination.  Age discrimination is often overlooked, but it is one of the most egregious forms of discrimination hurting Americans.  Older workers deserve to work without facing unnecessary burdens.” 

 

“Older workers have a wealth of experience to offer and should not have to overcome age discrimination, or any other form of discrimination, to find a job or fulfill their role in a workplace,”said ECESE Ranking Member Bonamici.  “We must hold employers accountable for age discrimination and restore protections for older workers.  I’m grateful to lead this legislation with a group of bipartisan colleagues.” 

 

“Discrimination has no place in the American workforce, and no one should lose opportunity, dignity, or legal protection simply because of their age. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill restores a core standard of fairness, ensuring our older workers are valued for their contributions and protected from unjust treatment—just like every hardworking American,” said Representative Fitzpatrick.

 

“Older Americans have spent their careers bettering our country which is why I’m proud to reintroduce POWADA to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for our senior workers,”said HEWD Ranking Member Adams.  “Far too often, older workers face age discrimination in the workplace, with two-thirds of workers over 50 seeing or experiencing age discrimination at work. POWADA will ensure that older workers are treated fairly in the job market, improve age discrimination protections, and make sure they can continue to work with the dignity they’re owed. There is no place for mistreatment in the workforce.”

 

“In a truly free and fair America, equal opportunity must be a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of age,” said Representative Van Drew.  “Unfortunately, age discrimination continues to deny older workers the opportunities they deserve, despite their years of dedication and contributions to our society.  This is unacceptable.  That is why I am proud to support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2025 to restore legal protections, uphold the dignity of older Americans, and ensure fairness for all.”

 

“Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace.  We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,”said Senator Baldwin.

 

“Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans.  They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans.  The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay.  It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,”said Senator Grassley.

 

In 2009, the Supreme Court’s decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. weakened protections against age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).  Under Gross, plaintiffs seeking to prove age discrimination in employment are required to demonstrate that age was the decisive motivating factor for the employer’s adverse action.

 

POWADA returns the legal standard for age discrimination claims to the pre-2009 evidentiary threshold, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards for proving discrimination based on based on race and national origin.

 

POWADAamends four laws—the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.  A similar version of the bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support during the 117^th Congress.

 

Read the bill text for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

 

Read the fact sheet for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

 

Read the section-by-section summary of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

 

The following organizations support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, Elder Justice Coalition, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), The National Council on Aging, and USAging.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, during the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee hearing for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request with Secretary Burgum, Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) laid out how the Trump Administration is dismantling the Department of the Interior—abandoning its core mission to protect our environment, preserve our public lands, and help steward our natural resources in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. 

Click here to watch Pingree’s opening remarks; Watch the full hearing here.

Pingree’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Secretary Burgum, we appreciate your being here today. This is my first chance to meet you, and I want to thank you for bringing your many skills as a former governor and businessman to this very important position.

The Department of the Interior is tasked with protecting and managing our natural resources and cultural heritage, providing scientific information about those resources, and honoring our treaty and trust responsibilities.

I will warn you, I am deeply, deeply concerned with the state of the Department of the Interior. In just four months, the Department has been destabilized, and there has been a stunning decline in its ability to meet this mission. Given your extensive executive experience, I am stunned and disappointed that you would allow this to happen.

 In partnership with Elon Musk’s rogue “agency” DOGE, you illegally canceled grants for conservation, for ecosystem restoration, and other important work. Over 1,700 probationary employees have been recklessly fired and 7,600 (or 11%) of the Interior workforce have been pushed to resign. These are not just numbers—those people are experts and dedicated public servants with decades of programmatic and institutional knowledge that is critically needed to ensure the Department fulfills its mission as a guardian of our public lands.

To make matters worse, you instituted a hiring freeze and are considering even further reductions-in-force. I don’t see this ending well for this precious agency that this committee is dedicated to overseeing. And that this committee has devoted hundreds of hours to nurturing.

Further, due to the policies you have instituted, employees are hamstrung from accomplishing everyday tasks by absurdly limiting credit card expenditures to $1. This is no way to efficiently run an organization. In fact, these actions seem to be designed to obstruct employees from doing their job.

Even the National Park Service is under attack: Ahead of peak season, you have gutted staff—leaving national parks like Acadia, in my home state of Maine, understaffed and without the resources needed to keep summer visitors safe, and our parks pristine and protected.

Your Fiscal Year 2026 budget is equally devastating, with a proposed cut to the Department of 30%.

The budget eviscerates the U.S. Geological Survey with a proposed $564 million cut, targeting scientific research on natural hazards, ecosystems, water, and Earth mapping. These programs help us monitor and provide real-time earthquake and hazard information, they strengthen our assessment of groundwater and surface water systems, and they help ensure our national safety by informing the management of our mineral and energy resources.

Without these programs, our communities will be left vulnerable to natural disasters and deprived of the scientific data that guides responsible land management.

The budget shamefully abandons our trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans, slashing the Bureau of Indian Affairs public safety and justice programs by 19% when we are already only meeting a fraction of the need. You’ve also chosen to eliminate funding for desperately needed school construction, leaving a $1 billion repair backlog untouched.

Secretary Burgum, the document we are here to discuss today is more than just a budget. It is a blueprint for dismantling the very mission of the Department of the Interior, making it impossible to protect our natural resources and iconic national parks or uphold our commitments to Tribal communities now and for future generations.

As Ranking Member of this subcommittee, I wholeheartedly oppose these harmful cuts, and I will not stand by while you attempt to hollow out this agency.

Thank you again for being here this morning. I hope you are prepared to give a rationale for your decisions or work with us to reverse them.

I yield back.

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), bipartisan leaders on mental health and suicide prevention, today introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act. This legislation would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure.

“Research has shown that means restriction is one of the most effective strategies for reducing suicides, the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States. Our Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen America’s response to the epidemic of suicide and save lives,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress can help state and local governments by stepping up to provide critical funding to build life-saving infrastructure in communities across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and will continue to pursue legislative solutions to prevent suicide, including through my work as co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and its Suicide Prevention Task Force.”

“More than 1,000 lives are lost to suicide on our railways each year. In our community, that crisis recently took three of our own—one to suicide, and two more in a brave attempt to save him. It was a devastating loss that shook us to our core,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “We can’t accept tragedy as the cost of inaction—not when solutions exist. That’s why Representative Beyer and I are introducing the Barriers to Suicide Act. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Task Force, I’m working to equip communities with funding for proven, life-saving barriers at rail stations and other high-risk sites. We can’t bring back those we lost—but we can act in their memory, and we can save lives with the tools we know work.”

“The Barriers to Suicide Act meets a critical need to prevent suicide by investing in proven strategies to make public spaces safer for people in crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By funding evidence-based design and infrastructure improvements in high-risk settings, this legislation takes a proactive approach to suicide prevention. NAMI thanks Reps. Beyer and Fitzpatrick for their leadership and supports this important legislation.”

“In 2023, more than 49,300 lives were lost to suicide in the United States, including 1,297 deaths by falling. Research shows that these deaths are preventable by reducing access to lethal means,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP). “Bridge barriers deter suicide and give individuals time to seek care and support. We commend Representative Beyer and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this lifesaving legislation.”

“Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., and too many occur at predictable, preventable locations. Research shows that physical barriers on bridges and high structures can reduce suicide deaths at those sites by up to 90%,” said Erich Mische, CEO at the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). “Congressmen Don Beyer and Brian Fitzpatrick are showing the bipartisan leadership this crisis demands through the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025. There should be no trade-off between saving money and saving lives. It’s time we apply the same safety standards to suicide prevention that we already expect in our public infrastructure—to protect the people we love.”

The Barriers to Suicide Act would establish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, and at rail stations. Project funding would be made eligible under the National Highway Performance Program. This bill would also authorize a study to identify additional strategies to reduce jumping deaths.

Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. Studies show that installing physical barriers and nets on bridges commonly used for suicide, for instance San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, can save lives. Suicide prevention advocates have worked to raise awareness of suicide prevention barriers in the National Capital Region in recent years.

The Barriers to Suicide Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson, Sharice Davids, Marcy Kaptur Betty McCollum, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jamie Raskin, Shri Thanedar, Lori Trahan, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.

It is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP), the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), the Kennedy Forum, and the National Association of Social Workers.

Text of the Barriers to Suicide Act is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson highlighted the key policy provisions in budget reconciliation and continued to advocate for swift passage of President Trump’s agenda and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

“Nothing in Congress is ever easy, especially when you have small margins. But we are going to land this plane and deliver this, and we’re proud what we’ve accomplished together,” Speaker Johnson said. “Every member of the Conference can be proud of this legislation.”

Watch the Speaker’s full remarks here

On implementing President Trump’s America First agenda:

From the outset of the budget reconciliation process, we have sought to enact President Trump’s full agenda, not just parts of it. And that’s why we call it the one big, beautiful bill, because really, everything is sandwiched into this. The American people were sick of wasteful spending and high inflation and open borders and weakness on the world stage. And you know what we’re working towards right now? The opposite of all those things, President Trump has used his executive authority in historic ways to stop much of the bleeding, but Congress has a role and a responsibility to step in at this stage to stitch up and mend those wounds for good, and that’s what this legislation is about. We cannot leave the American people waiting or wanting. The one big, beautiful Bill enshrines into law and funds President Trump’s promises.

On building consensus and maintaining Republican unity:

Our House Budget Resolution gave instructions to 11 separate committees in the House to write their portions of the budget reconciliation bill, and they did it right on target. Every instructed committee exceeded those targets, in fact, that they were given through our resolution. That means the committees that were told to spend have spent less, and the committees that were told to save, actually found more savings than they were they were targeting, and the bill delivered more than $1.5 trillion in savings mandated by the budget resolution. That is historic. There has never been anything like it before, and we’re proud to deliver it.

This is a whole of Congress response to a whole of government problem and the results of all this work for over a year has now come to fruition. Every House Republican has engaged in the process. The White House has been involved, as you saw most recently within the last hour. The Senate has been involved. Constituent groups from around the country made their voices heard, and that’s why, as the Whip said, nearly 1,000 organizations have issued enthusiastic public endorsements about this legislation.

On House Democrats supporting the largest tax hike in American history:

Despite the overwhelming popularity of so many of these provisions in this bill, the guys on the other side, the Congressional Democrats, have refused to engage with us in this process at all. They’re not going to vote for anything that I just listed for you. And make no mistake about it, this week they’re going to vote for the largest increase in taxes in American history. They’re going to vote against border security, against American energy dominance, and against broadly popular policies such as work requirements to shore up Medicaid.

By passing this legislation, wages will increase as much as $11,600, take home pay for the typical American family with two kids will increase by $13,300 a year. As many as 4.2 million full time equivalent jobs will be created because of this legislation. But if we fail, here’s the alternative, here’s what the Democrats are going to vote for. Every American citizen seen a 22% tax hike, 26 million businesses would see a tax increase to 43%, we’d lose nearly 6 million jobs in the economy and about a trillion dollars in GDP by some estimates. The Border Patrol and ICE would lack the resources to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens, and 1.4 million illegals would continue to receive taxpayer funding of health care.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) joins Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which will restore critical protections for older workers facing age discrimination.

POWADA reinstates the pre-2009 legal standard for age discrimination claims, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards used for claims involving discrimination based on race and national origin.

“Age discrimination is one of the most prevalent issues affecting an entire generation of older Americans,” said Grothman. “Too often, workers aged 50 and up are laid off while still juggling mortgages, family, and financial obligations. As they try to reenter the workforce, they face major obstacles in finding new employment. Employers also tend to let go of older employees to avoid higher insurance costs, leaving these individuals with limited options.

“The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a crucial initiative that aims to restore legal safeguards for older Americans by ensuring that age discrimination claims receive just as much credibility as any other form of workplace discrimination. Age discrimination is often overlooked, but it is one of the most egregious forms of discrimination hurting Americans. Older workers deserve to work without facing unnecessary burdens.”

“Everyone—regardless of their age—should be able to go to work every day knowing that they are protected from discrimination. Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is depriving older workers of opportunities and exposing them to long-term unemployment and severe financial hardship. More than a decade ago, the Supreme Court undermined protections for older workers by setting an unreasonable burden of proof for age discrimination claims. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a bipartisan bill that would finally restore the legal rights of older workers by ensuring that the burdens of proof in age discrimination claims are treated in the same manner as other discrimination claims,” said Ranking Member Scott.

“In a truly free and fair America, equal opportunity must be a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of age,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Unfortunately, age discrimination continues to deny older workers the opportunities they deserve, despite their years of dedication and contributions to our society. This is unacceptable. That is why I am proud to support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2025 to restore legal protections, uphold the dignity of older Americans, and ensure fairness for all.”

“Older workers have a wealth of experience to offer and should not have to overcome age discrimination, or any other form of discrimination, to find a job or fulfill their role in a workplace,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “We must hold employers accountable for age discrimination and restore protections for older workers. I’m grateful to lead this legislation with a group of bipartisan colleagues.”

“Discrimination has no place in the American workforce, and no one should lose opportunity, dignity, or legal protection simply because of their age. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill restores a core standard of fairness, ensuring our older workers are valued for their contributions and protected from unjust treatment—just like every hardworking American,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace. We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Baldwin.

“Older Americans have spent their careers bettering our country which is why I’m proud to reintroduce POWADA to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for our senior workers,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Far too often, older workers face age discrimination in the workplace, with two-thirds of workers over 50 seeing or experiencing age discrimination at work. POWADA will ensure that older workers are treated fairly in the job market, improve age discrimination protections, and make sure they can continue to work with the dignity they’re owed. There is no place for mistreatment in the workforce.”

“Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans. They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay. It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,” said Senator Grassley.

“Older workers are vital to a thriving economy, yet according to AARP research, 64 percent of workers ages 50-plus report seeing or experiencing age discrimination on the job,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. “More than half of older workers are forced out of a job before they intend to retire. Even if they find work again, many of these workers never match their prior earnings. In addition, 22 percent of older workers report that they have been passed up for a promotion or other career-enhancing opportunities because of their age. These actions not only hurt the workers in question but also limit the economy’s ability to have a thriving job market by unnecessarily reducing the labor force. Older workers deserve a fair shot and our economy needs them.”

Background Information

In 2009, the Supreme Court’s decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. raised the burden of proof for age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), weakening protections for older workers. Gross overturned past precedent that only required plaintiffs seeking to prove age discrimination in employment to demonstrate that age was a motivating factor for the employer’s adverse action.

POWADA returns the legal standard for age discrimination claims to the pre-2009 evidentiary threshold, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards for proving discrimination based on race and national origin.

POWADA amends the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.

A similar version of the bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support during the 117th Congress.

Read the fact sheet for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

Read the section-by-section summary of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

Grothman is joined by Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), and Representative Alma Adams (D-NC).

In the Senate, POWADA is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is supported by the following organizations: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, The National Council on Aging, and USAging.

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U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is serving his fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, today questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin during an Environment Subcommittee hearing on the EPA’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Listen to Rep. Tonko’s opening remarks HERE and see below as prepared for delivery.

President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for EPA has been called “problematic,” “an unserious proposal,” and “maybe a bridge too far to be achievable.”

These were the reactions of Republican Appropriators last week, and I expect you will hear even less charitable reviews from Democrats on this Subcommittee today.

This proposal includes a 55% reduction from FY25 levels, resulting in agency funding levels not seen since the mid-1980s.

If enacted, this would fundamentally dismantle the EPA as we know it and cripple the agency’s ability to carry out its core mission of protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink.

The request includes devastating cuts that will undermine states’ efforts to protect public health and carry out their obligations, including a $2.46 billion reduction to the State Revolving Funds for water infrastructure and a $1 billion reduction for categorical grants, which are critical to supporting staffing of state environmental agencies.

I believe this is part of a disturbing trend we are seeing to force more costs onto state governments, as is being done with the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the majority’s reconciliation bill.

Similar to these funding cuts, earlier this year the Administration expressed a desire to reduce EPA staffing levels by 65%, which would return the agency to 1971 personnel levels — the agency’s second year in existence.

It is not credible to suggest that the agency can fulfill its statutory requirements — including all the major environmental laws and amendments to those laws that have been enacted since the 1970s — with these proposed staffing levels.

Cuts of this magnitude would not only hollow out the agency’s expertise and capacity, but they are insensitive to the public servants who have dedicated their lives to supporting the agency’s mission.

And it is worth reminding everyone of what that mission is: To protect human health and the environment.

In just a few short months, I believe the agency, under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, has lost sight of this mission.

Mr. Zeldin launched the “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative focused on American energy, auto manufacturing, and artificial intelligence dominance.

And broadly speaking, I am not necessarily opposed to aspects of that agenda, but I also do not believe it is the appropriate role for our nation’s environmental regulator to be leading this effort.

Because EPA’s contributions to those goals more or less translate to how can we reduce environmental protections and enforcements of those protections for the benefit of energy producers, the auto industry, and Big Tech, even if ordinary Americans will pay the price by breathing harmful air pollution, drinking contaminated water, and being exposed to dangerous chemicals.

We have already seen a slew of agency actions that will result in greater pollution and reduce our scientific capacity to understand how that pollution will impact Americans’ health and well-being.

This includes reconsidering rules that protect Americans from pollution from power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities, and weakening standards to keep PFAS out of our drinking water.

Each of these public health protections up for reconsideration went through robust rulemaking processes and economic analyses, which found that every one of these rules delivers greater benefits to the American people, in public health and economic benefits, than they cost.

I am also concerned by EPA’s efforts to terminate previously awarded grants without producing any evidence of fraud, waste, or abuse.

For each of those awards, the previous administration carried out competitive selection processes based upon requirements enacted by Congress.

Whether or not Administrator Zeldin personally believes Congress was wasting taxpayer dollars when it directed EPA to carry out those funding opportunities is irrelevant.

No Administrator should be the sole arbitrator of what is a good use of Congressionally-directed taxpayer dollars, and yet we have seen billions of dollars impounded without justification.

Finally, I am very concerned by reports that EPA is planning to eliminate the Energy Star program, which is a voluntary, non-regulatory labeling program with strong support from industry and consumers.

Energy Star has been incredibly effective at supporting American manufacturing, enabling people to lower energy bills, and reducing strain on our electricity system.

This seems obviously in line with the President’s energy and economic agenda, and yet, there may be an effort underway to terminate the program.

If we cannot even find common ground on a broadly popular, voluntary, low-cost program to benefit consumers, I have serious doubts that we will be able to find anything to agree upon this year.

Mr. Administrator, I appreciate you being here, and I hope we can work together to ensure that your agency and this committee have a productive, transparent relationship that honors the critical public health and scientific mission of the EPA.