Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)
ICYMI: Stefanik Delivers Remarks on Redesignating Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington D.C. – Today, at an Energy & Commerce Committee meeting on the Republican tax plan, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) urged his colleagues to not go through with their extreme cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for tax cuts to wealthy individuals and corporations that do not need them. The Republican plan, which will not reduce the federal debt or deficit, would kick 13.7 million people off of their health insurance according to a new analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
During his remarks, Rep. Peters also shared the story of his constituent, Jesus Acosta, who is an in-home care provider for his mother who was disabled after being hit by a car. Without Medicaid funding, Jesus would no longer be able to provide this care and pay the bills that keep their family together in their home.
Rep. Peters began his remarks by stating, “This Committee has no jurisdiction over taxes, but let’s be honest with the American people. Taxes are the real reason we’re here. Over in the Ways & Means Committee, they are marking up what will be one of the most expensive tax bills in history. When Republicans originally passed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they designed many of the individual and some business tax provisions to expire this year. That’s because even back then, Republicans knew making the tax cuts permanent would cost the United States trillions in revenue we desperately need to pay our expenses. Making those tax cuts permanent now is no less costly.
He continued, “The bill before us will decimate Medicaid, which provides health insurance to nearly 72 million people nationwide. In every congressional district across the country, Medicaid supports health care for children, Americans with disabilities, and working people who are already struggling to keep up. Cutting health coverage for our most vulnerable neighbors will not make America healthier, it will make us sicker.”
And he concluded, “Don’t buy their fiscal responsibility act. Republicans are proposing these painful cuts to programs that help everyday Americans not to lower our debt but just so President Trump can follow through on his campaign promise to give his donors, who he himself said were already “rich as hell,” even more money in tax cuts. When the government borrows more, inflation goes up and working people suffer at the grocery store, gas pump, and when they pay for utilities. Higher federal borrowing drives up interest rates and makes it harder for people to buy a home, start a business, or pay down credit cards. All this now in addition to depriving so many Americans of basic health care.”
CA-50 Medicaid Facts:
Jesus’s Story:
Jesus Acosta is a home care provider and member of United Domestic Workers, UDW/AFSCME, in San Diego. Jesus became a care provider after his mother was tragically hit by a car, leaving her disabled. She was a single mother who worked hard to provide for Jesus and his siblings. After her accident, Jesus felt it was his responsibility to care for the woman who always cared for him — and he’s proud to do it.
Jesus became his mother’s full time care provider in 2016. The responsibilities that come with her care — medication management, feeding her, bathing her, taking her to doctor’s appointments, helping her with her physical therapy and to live a fulfilling life with her family — has made it difficult for Jesus to maintain full-time employment. But he is able to take care of himself and pay the bills for his family thanks to Medicaid. The program also pays for his mother’s wheelchair and doctors’ visits. Without Medicaid funding, Jesus and his family would likely have to move out of their home and they would be separated
Rep. Peters’ Full Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:
Jesus is one of my constituents from San Diego. His mother was tragically hit by a car, leaving her disabled.
Jesus became his mother’s full time care provider in 2016. He manages her medications, feeds her, bathes her, takes her to doctor appointments, and helps with her physical therapy.
If these Medicaid cuts take effect, this work – this very had work — will not meet the so-called work requirements Republicans want to impose. Jesus and his family would likely have to move out of their home and live separated, and they will lose their health care.
Mr. Chairman, this Committee has no jurisdiction over taxes, but let’s be honest with the American people. Taxes are the real reason we’re here.
Over in the Ways & Means Committee, they are marking up what will be one of the most expensive tax bills in history.
When Republicans originally passed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they designed many of the individual and some business tax provisions to expire this year.
That’s because even back then, Republicans knew making the tax cuts permanent would cost the United States trillions in revenue we desperately need to pay our expenses. Making those tax cuts permanent now is no less costly.
Yet, that’s what we are being asked to do today. The Budget Committee instructed the Ways and Means Committee to cut taxes by $4.5 trillion and has asked our committee to come up with $880 billion in cuts to make up the shortfall. That’s it. That’s what this is about.
To do that, the bill before us will decimate Medicaid, which provides health insurance to nearly 72 million people nationwide.
In every congressional district across the country, Medicaid supports health care for children, Americans with disabilities, and working people who are already struggling to keep up.
Cutting health coverage for our most vulnerable neighbors will not make America healthier, it will make us sicker.
At home I hear from people concerned about national debt and deficits and they say to me, “hey Scott we have to make cuts to address the deficit.” But that is not what is happening here. Because Republicans will continue to run $2 trillion annual budget deficits and we will see the national debt grow from 36 to 38 to 40 to 42 trillion. And they will vote for a $5 trillion increase in the debt limit to make this borrowing possible, even though many of them swore a blood oath that they’d never vote to increase the debt. They will enact a budget that according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget will increase the federal debt by $37 trillion over 30 years.
Don’t buy their fiscal responsibility act. Republicans are proposing these painful cuts to programs that help everyday Americans not to lower our debt but just so President Trump can follow through on his campaign promise to give his donors, who he himself said were already “rich as hell,” even more money in tax cuts.
When the government borrows more, inflation goes up and working people suffer at the grocery store, gas pump, and when they pay for utilities. Higher federal borrowing drives up interest rates and makes it harder for people to buy a home, start a business, or pay down credit cards. All this now in addition to depriving so many Americans of basic health care.
I urge my colleagues to vote no.
Thank you, I yield back.
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) has introduced the Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act, legislation to expand eligible fertility treatment and care allowable under Health Savings Accounts (HSA), making fertility treatments more affordable and accessible for families.
HSAs can lower health care costs and tax responsibilities for Americans enrolled in high deductible health plans by allowing them to set aside pre-tax dollars for their health care expenses. The Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act defines fertility treatment as a “qualified medical expense,” under HSAs, securing families’ ability to use HSAs to pay for their fertility treatments.
“No one should be priced out of the treatment and health care that can help them achieve their dream of starting a family. Millions of Americans use fertility treatments to grow their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of infertility, and they deserve our support,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We must make sure that families are able to access this essential care. Ensuring that their HSA can be used to make these treatments more affordable is a key step forward.”
The Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Actwill codify the following fertility treatments as “qualified medical expenses” under an HSA:
The full text of the Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act can be viewed here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During an Energy and Commerce Committee Markup on the Republican budget today, which includes massive cuts to health care for millions of Americans, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) shared the story of a local Albany family in their own words about what Medicaid means to them.
Tonko spoke directly with parents Noëlle and Nathan about the impact of Medicaid in providing support for their 12-year-old daughter, Isla. Their conversation can be viewed HERE.
Tonko’s full remarks can be viewed HERE or read below as prepared for delivery:
I’m here today fighting for people like Noëlle and Nathan, constituents of mine who are raising their family in Albany, New York. Their 12-year-old daughter Isla has a rare genetic disorder and has received healthcare through Medicaid for almost eight years because of her disabilities.
Through Medicaid, Isla is in a program where she has self-directed care, which means she has a budget for a caregiver, classes, respite care and more to best support Isla and her family.
Noëlle and Nathan shared with me that one of their first reactions when they heard about Republicans plans was fear of how it would impact Isla’s care.
In Noëlle’s words, “Medicaid changed our life. I can’t imagine what our life would be like without Medicaid. It is not only the direct impact it has on Isla’s quality of life but our entire family’s quality of life. I know our story is just one of millions of families who would be devastated by the loss of Medicaid.
Nathan added, “on the human level it has been life changing for us. On an economic level it allows us to work.
To lose it would be awful not only for our family but also for all the people we serve through our work.”
They explained to me that when you have a child with complex medical needs and disabilities you are constantly navigating systems to advocate for your child in educations settings, in healthcare settings and in dealing with insurance.
Noëlle described how as a parent of a child with disabilities you are often pushing through all the red tape for your child’s needs to be respected.
Let’s not add more red tape for this family.
Noëlle also described how Medicaid provides Nathan and her with a breath of relief of thinking about these supports for Isla as she gets older and enters adulthood.
Noëlle’s shared a friend’s sentiment that Isla doesn’t need to change for the world, the world needs to change for Isla. I could not agree more.
Noëlle asked Members of this Committee to rethink these devastating cuts and instead provide respect and dignity for families and individuals living with disabilities.
On behalf of Isla and her family and families like hers across my district, New York State and the nation, I demand that we reverse course on all the cuts to Medicaid and additional red tape that would hurt so many people.
With that, let’s say ‘NO’ to lining the pockets of billionaires and ‘YES’ to providing access to affordable healthcare via Medicaid for so many.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)
TAMPA, FL — Before heading back to Washington, D.C., where her Republican Energy and Commerce colleagues plan to rip health care away from millions of Americans and make life more expensive for everyone to fund tax breaks for the wealthy, Castor stood with local health care advocates to demand that Republicans keep their hands off our health coverage, which is life or death for many Floridians.
“Millions of families rely on Medicaid for their health care. I am thinking of your grandparents, who are not on the street, because Medicaid is helping them live in an assisted living facility. I am thinking about pregnant mothers who use Medicaid to ensure they have healthy births. I am thinking about children who have complex medical conditions who literally need Medicaid to survive,” said Rep. Castor.
“This is not just a debate in Washington, D.C., this is a debate that will impact whether certain people will be able to live. Medicaid has always ensured that no matter where you stand in life, you never have to suffer. For the grace of God, this could be you, and you will need to think about whether your child can have a decent quality of life, or if you can afford the doctor or medications you need to stay alive.”
In Florida, 3.9 million people rely on Medicaid. Over 4.7 million Floridians rely on the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans want to make more expensive. The independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) determines that at least 13.7 million more Americans will go uninsured on Trump and Congressional Republicans’ watch. The massive financial pain will hurt all Floridians, all Americans.
New analysis from the nonpartisan CBO found the health provisions in the Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans’ bill will cut at least $715 billion and will result in at least 8.6 million more Americans going uninsured as a result of cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The analysis was completed at the request of Democratic Committee leaders.
In additional analysis, CBO determined that 5.1 million more Americans will go uninsured as a result of Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Castor continued, “Let’s stick with our all-American values. We don’t need to gut health care so billionaires like Elon Musk can buy another private jet. Let’s take care of our neighbors.”
Castor was joined by CEO and President of Tampa Family Health Centers, Sherry Hoback, CEO and President of Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete, Dr. Kanika Tomalin and CEO and President of Evara Health, Elodie Dorso.
Photos from the event are available here.
Watch the press conference here.
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 – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, DC)— On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Congressman Al Green was honored by the Washington Bar Association (WBA), the oldest and largest association of Black attorneys in the D.C. area, with the Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit. The WBA presented its highest award to Congressman Green and civil rights scholar Professor Sherrilyn Ifill. Charles Hamilton Houston was a WBA founder and civil rights leader, he was key in ending Jim Crow segregation and played a critical role in the Brown v. Board of Education decision that overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine. This award is given to individuals who embody the principles of Charles Hamilton Houston through leadership and service.
Past recipients of this distinguished honor include the Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Honorable Johnnie Cochran, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, the Honorable Dr. Dorothy Height, the Honorable Eric Holder, the Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Honorable Valerie Jarrett, the Honorable Justice Constance Baker Motley, and the Honorable Marian Wright Edelman. WBA President Joshuah R. Turner and President-Elect Cristina A. Beckles were among the notable legal leaders in attendance.
Congressman Al Green stated, “I am deeply humbled to receive this award from the Washington Bar Association (WBA). To be included among such a distinguished group of civil rights giants is an extraordinary honor. I thank the WBA for its unwavering commitment to justice and for continuing to elevate voices that fight for equity under the law.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor to preview Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, alerts of constitutional crisis.
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Markup of Various Measures.”
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Regulatory Overreach: The Price Tag on American Prosperity.”
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).