Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Washington, DC — This week, Rep. Frankel (FL-22) and Florida Democratic Reps. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) sent a letter to President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy, calling on them to reverse the sudden termination of nearly $2.5 billion in federal public health funding to Florida. This dangerous and disruptive cut is part of a nationwide rollback happening in every state across the country, jeopardizing lifesaving care and threatening the health and well-being of millions of Americans.
In the letter, the Florida Democratic Congressional Members expressed deep concern about the impact these cuts will have on crucial health services across the state.
“As Members of Congress representing the State of Florida, we write with deep concern about the recent termination of nearly $2.5 billion in critical federal public health grant funding to our state,” said the Members. “These grants support vital public health initiatives, including childhood immunizations, infectious disease control, mental health programs, and HIV prevention and treatment.”
“Public health should never be a casualty of political ideology,” continued the Members. “While we support transparency and accountability in government spending, abruptly terminating billions of dollars in grants creates confusion, undermines public health goals, and jeopardizes years of bipartisan investments in research and innovation.”
The Members urged the Trump Administration to immediately review and reinstate the grants, warning that failing to do so will have serious consequences for communities across Florida and the country.
“We urge an immediate review of the terminated grants and a reinstatement of funds. Our communities are counting on you to help them provide life-saving research, treatment, and care,” the Members concluded.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) issued the following statement regarding the criminal charge of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) related to the incident at the Newark, NJ ICE detention facility:
The charges filed against Congresswoman McIver are completely without justification and a gross abuse of prosecutorial power. She upheld her oath of office by conducting congressional oversight and lawfully visiting a Trump immigration detention facility in Newark. This charge against Congresswoman McIver is a weaponization of our justice system and it must not stand.
It is a disturbing overreach for the Executive Branch to criminalize a Member of Congress conducting congressional oversight. If Trump administration officials are interested in examples of real assaults on officers of the law, they should refer back to the January 6th insurrection and the attacks on Capitol Police officers. I join my colleagues in standing behind Congresswoman McIver against this baseless charge.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Washington, DC — Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Governor Jim Pillen hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on a visit to Nebraska. The officials toured the Cargill Bioscience Complex in Blair, NE, the Wholestone Farms pork facility in Fremont, and Ohnoutka family farm in Valparaiso where they held a roundtable with local agriculture producers. Secretary Rollins announced the administration’s new Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda to support family agriculture operations for a prosperous future.
The officials released the following statements.
“Welcoming Secretary Rollins to Nebraska alongside Governor Pillen provided a tremendous opportunity to showcase Nebraska’s world-leading livestock, crop, and biofuels producers. As we mark 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, agriculture remains the economic driver of our state and the nation’s Heartland. USDA’s new Farmers First strategy will expand markets, deliver regulatory relief, promote long-term certainty, and ensure the accessibility of USDA resources for American farming families working tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. I will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and President Trump to unleash prosperity for generations to come,” said Representative Smith.
“Nebraska is helping to lead the nation in agriculture! Great to meet with the farmers, ranchers, and producers from the Cornhusker State who are working to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are returning USDA to a Farmers First department, and that starts with giving farmers a seat at the table,” said Secretary Rollins.
“Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly-rooted values, and common-sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation. I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First. I look forward to this tremendous initiative, and I am thrilled that she chose to launch it from a family farm right here in Nebraska,” said Governor Pillen.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Raul Ruiz (CA-25) delivered remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives regarding the devastating Palm Springs IVF Facility Explosion.
“Mr. Speaker, despite the deliberate and targeted domestic terrorist bomb attack at the American Reproductive Centers IVF facility in Palm Springs, thank God Dr. Abdullah, his staff, and all eggs and embryos are safe.
“Palm Springs is strong. The people are beautiful, resilient, inclusive, accepting, and cherish their community. All law enforcement and first responders acted with courage, professionalism, and excellence.
“I, along with all the people in Palm Springs and the surrounding communities, thank Police Chief Andy Mills, Fire Chief Paul Alvarado, FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, and all law enforcement officers, first responders, and health care professionals who responded swiftly and effectively. Thanks to their rapid response, all those injured in the bombing have been released from the hospital, and Palm Springs is safe.
“To the people of Palm Springs: my heart is with you, and I stand by you. Thank you, and I yield back.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov
c: 202.913.0126
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:
“The baseless charges filed this evening against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver are nothing more than a reprehensible political stunt intended to intimidate an exceptional public servant into abiding by the overwhelming injustice and cruelty created by the very administration now prosecuting her. For months, this president and his lackeys have been relentless in trying to disrupt the work of Congress as a co-equal branch of government. Now, they’ve stooped so low and so shamefully as to weaponize the Justice Department against Rep. McIver, who only stood up for the freedoms of her constituents and her fellow elected officials.
“Members of Congress have every right to conduct oversight. When egregious, illegal violations are taking place, they have a responsibility to do so. Rep. McIver was just doing her job, and that is why the American people recognize these charges as bogus to a laughable degree. No matter how many attempts this administration makes to intimidate Congress, local leaders, the federal workforce, or anyone who stands up against the Trump regime, they should know our resolve is only deepened by this disgusting attack. He does not have the capacity to scare us.
“Donald Trump took a monstrous step on his pathway to dictatorship tonight. With it, it’s clear this is no longer the America I know.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2025)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, and Rep. Lucy McBath, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, released the following statement following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) unfounded targeting of Rep. LaMonica McIver:
“The targeting of Representative McIver is a blatant attempt to intimidate Members of Congress and to block our oversight of this administration’s actions, which have been enjoined more than 150 times by federal courts. We stand by Representative McIver’s exercise of her constitutional rights and duties. If you come for the legal rights of one of us, you come for the rights of all of us.
“Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight, full stop — whether that’s holding Cabinet officials accountable or visiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Representative McIver was performing her proper oversight role, a role she was elected by the American people to do — and even participated in a one-hour tour after the incident occurred.
“Charging Members of Congress for doing our jobs is a dangerous precedent to set. It reveals the increasingly authoritarian nature of this Administration and its relentless, illegal attempts to suppress any dissent or oversight, including from judges, Members of Congress, and the American people, which check lawless executive power. Representative McIver has our full support, and we will do everything in our power to help fight this outrageous threat to our constitutional system.”
Background:
Section 527 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47) explicitly states that the Department of Homeland Security cannot prevent Members of Congress from “entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens […]. The law goes on to state that “Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility […] for the purpose of conducting oversight.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $116 Million in Projected Federal Funding for South Texas Schools
Washington, DC | Matthew Landini, DC Press Secretary, matt@mail.house.gov, May 19, 2025
Laredo, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), announced over $116 million in preliminary federal education funding for public schools across South Texas. The projected investments, part of the latest round of federal support for local school districts, will help ensure students in low-income communities have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
“These are your tax dollars at work, coming back home to help our kids,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will support teachers, reduce class sizes, and strengthen early education programs across South Texas. I’m proud to have secured these federal investments that will uplift our classrooms and empower the next generation of Texas leaders.”
The $116,935,226 in projected funding supports public school districts in Atascosa, Bexar, Duval, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Zapata, and McMullen counties. Please see below for a county-by-county breakdown of projected education funding in TX-28:
Atascosa County – $2,973,154
Jourdanton ISD – $273,334
Pleasanton ISD – $1,019,457
Lytle ISD – $694,019
Charlotte ISD – $280,741
Poteet ISD – $705,603
Bexar County – $59,076,343
Judson ISD – $9,110,821
San Antonio ISD – $37,388,941
Randolph Field ISD – $13,752
Harlandale ISD – $6,342,337
Southside ISD – $3,025,616
East Central ISD – $3,194,876
Duval County – $1,879,708
Benavides ISD – $237,851
Freer ISD – $546,356
Ramirez CSD – $25,070
San Diego ISD – $1,070,431
Guadalupe County – $1,911,415
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD – $1,721,632
Marion ISD – $189,783
Jim Hogg County – $637,172
Jim Hogg County ISD – $637,172
Starr County – $10,390,199
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD – $5,919,492
Roma ISD – $4,322,136
San Isidro ISD – $148,571
Webb County – $37,021,846
Laredo ISD – $15,471,036
United ISD – $21,384,392
Webb Consolidated ISD – $166,418
Zapata County – $3,020,919
Zapata County ISD – $3,020,919
McMullen County – $24,470
McMullen County ISD – $24,470
Total: $116,935,226
These federal funds are part of the Title I, Part A Grants to Local Educational Agencies program, which directs resources to school districts serving high numbers of students from low-income families. The funding supports everything from additional teachers and academic specialists to technology upgrades and after-school programs.
Final dollar amounts will be released this summer and formal grants will be awarded starting July 1, 2025. Congressman Cuellar will continue working to maximize federal support for South Texas schools as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
###
SOLO PARA FINES DE PLANIFICACIÓN Lunes, 19 de mayo de 2025
Matthew Landini, Secretaria de Prensa del DC matt@mail.house.gov Cell: (216) 952-8227
El Congresista Cuellar Anuncia Más de $116 Millones en Financiamiento Federal Proyectado para las Escuelas del Sur de Texas
Laredo, TX – Hoy, el congresista Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), anunció más de $116 millones en fondos federales preliminares para la educación de las escuelas públicas en el sur de Texas. Las inversiones previstas, parte de la última ronda de apoyo federal para los distritos escolares locales, ayudará a asegurar que los estudiantes en las comunidades de bajos ingresos tienen las herramientas y recursos que necesitan para tener éxito.
“Estos son los dólares de sus impuestos en el trabajando, volviendo a casa para ayudar a nuestros hijos”, dijo el congresista Cuellar. “Esta financiación apoyará a los maestros, reducir el tamaño de las clases, y fortalecer los programas de educación temprana en el sur de Texas. Estoy orgulloso de haber asegurado estas inversiones federales que elevarán nuestras aulas y capacitarán a la próxima generación de líderes de Texas.”
Los $116,935,226 en fondos proyectados apoyan a los distritos escolares públicos de los condados de Atascosa, Bexar, Duval, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Zapata y McMullen. Por favor, vea a continuación un desglose por condado de la financiación de la educación proyectada en TX-28:
Condado de Atascosa – $2,973,154
Jourdanton ISD – $273,334
Pleasanton ISD – $1,019,457
Lytle ISD – $694,019
Charlotte ISD – $280,741
Poteet ISD – $705,603
Condado de Bexar – $59,076,343
Judson ISD – $9,110,821
San Antonio ISD – $37,388,941
Randolph Field ISD – $13,752
Harlandale ISD – $6,342,337
Southside ISD – $3,025,616
East Central ISD – $3,194,876
Condado de Duval – $1,879,708
Benavides ISD – $237,851
Freer ISD – $546,356
Ramirez CSD – $25,070
San Diego ISD – $1,070,431
Condado de Guadalupe – $1,911,415
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD – $1,721,632
Marion ISD – $189,783
Condado de Jim Hogg – $637,172
Jim Hogg County ISD – $637,172
Condado de Starr – $10,390,199
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD – $5,919,492
Roma ISD – $4,322,136
San Isidro ISD – $148,571
Condado de Webb – $37,021,846
Laredo ISD – $15,471,036
United ISD – $21,384,392
Webb Consolidated ISD – $166,418
Condado de Zapata – $3,020,919
Zapata County ISD – $3,020,919
Condado de McMullen – $24,470
McMullen County ISD – $24,470
En total: $116,935,226
Estos fondos federales forman parte del programa de Subvenciones del Título I, Parte A, a las Agencias Educativas Locales, que destina recursos a los distritos escolares que atienden a un elevado número de estudiantes de familias con bajos ingresos. La financiación se destina a todo tipo de actividades, desde profesores adicionales y especialistas académicos hasta mejoras tecnológicas y programas extraescolares.
Los montos finales en dólares se darán a conocer este verano y las subvenciones formales se otorgarán a partir del 1 de julio de 2025. El congresista Cuellar seguirá trabajando para maximizar el apoyo federal para las escuelas del sur de Texas como miembro principal del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse released the following statement:
The criminal charge against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact.
Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch wherever and whenever it is needed. We are lawfully permitted to show up at any federal facility unannounced to conduct an inspection on behalf of the American people. By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office. They didn’t assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals.
Shortly after the alleged altercation took place, administration officials escorted Congressmembers LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez on a tour of the detention center that lasted approximately an hour. There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong.
The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever.
Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions. An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representative Scott Peters’ (CA-50)Veterans Claims Education Act (VCEA), which provides educational resources to steer veterans to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredited entities instead of scammers. This will limit the ability of predatory companies to take advantage of and unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits. The House passed the legislation by voice vote.
The VCEA is inspired by a constituent who wrote to Rep. Peters seeking assistance after he hired a for-profit company to maximize his VA benefits, but ended up having to pay more money to the company than benefits he was receiving.
Speaking in support of his legislation, Rep. Peters said, “It is unconscionable that for-profit entities, known as ‘claims sharks,’ prey on the trust and goodwill of our veterans to line their own pockets. Republicans and Democrats may have sincere policy disagreements about how to provide world-class care to our nation’s veterans and their families, but I know we all agree that no one should be able to profit from the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Multiple veterans service organizations have endorsed the VCEA, including the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Specifically, the bill requires VA to:
Inform all veterans filing a claim that there are accredited entities that can assist them.
Provide the web address of an online search tool that lists accredited entities that can assist veterans with filing a claim.
Provide a publicly accessible web address where veterans can file a complaint to report entities that are unaccredited and target veterans by charging a fee for their services.
Background:
Upon separating from military service, veterans may file a disability claim with the VA on their own or by utilizing VA-backed resources, such as an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). An accredited representative or VSO must pass an exam, complete a background check, and take continuing education courses to ensure they provide up-to-date information to veterans. These accredited resources may file an initial claim with VA on the veteran’s behalf free of charge. Unfortunately, an ecosystem of non-accredited for-profit entities has emerged which preys upon veterans’ frustrations with VA’s claims process. These companies often provide “consulting” services to help veterans prepare and present relevant paperwork needed to file a claim with VA in exchange for lump sum payments, a percentage of the total dollar amount awarded for a successful claim, or some other payment mechanism. Such fees lead many veterans to receive far too little of the benefits to which their service entitles them. Current legislative proposals designed to curb the excess of these companies focus on more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Win for Hardworking Americans
Middle Class Americans will benefit from substantial tax relief
Washington, May 19, 2025
WASHINGTON —The facts are in. Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill to deliver President Trump’s America First Agenda is a WIN for hardworking American families. From preventing the largest tax hike in U.S. history to eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, our One Big Beautiful Bill is transformative legislation that will provide tangible relief for American workers and unleash America’s economic revival.
One Big Beautiful Bill Provides Historic Tax Relief for Middle and Working Class Americans
Democrats claim this legislation is just a tax break for the wealthy. That is a lie. The One Big Beautiful Bill makes permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which gave the largest tax cut to low-income working families.
The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) found extending the Trump tax cuts will increase wages up to $11,600. The typical American family with two children will see their take-home pay INCREASE by up to $13,300 a year.
On top of making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, the One Big Beautiful Bill also eliminates taxes on tips and taxes on overtime. This will provide real relief for the over 80 million hourly workers and the four million Americans who work in tipped occupations.
According to the CEA, tipped workers on average will see a pay increase of $1,675, and overtime workers will receive a tax cut up to $1,750 a year.
Our One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Generational Investment in the American Economy
This legislation will be jet fuel for the American economy. According to the CEA, the One Big Beautiful Bill is projected to increase U.S. investment by up to 14.5% and GDP by up to 5.2% over four years.
This economic revival will secure over 4 million more full-time equivalent jobs to unlock opportunity for the American worker. In our most distressed communities, $100 billion in investment will supercharge workforce development.
Overall, American workers will enjoy higher wages, higher take-home pay, more investment, and increased economic opportunity. And House Democrats are going to vote against all of it.