MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope from the United States:

“I am rejoiced by the election of a fellow Chicagoan and honorary St. Rita High School Mustang as the new leader of the Catholic Church. As a Catholic and an immigrant, I am encouraged by the stances Cardinal Prevost has taken in defense of immigrants, and by his views on the poor and the environment. Latin America has the most Catholics in the world, and Pope Leo XIV’s knowledge of the region, the time he spent in Perú and his fluency in the Spanish language will be key qualities that will endear him to Latinos in the United States and Latin Americans alike. Congratulations, Pope Leo XIV!”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement in response to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s presence in Springfield, IL:

“Secretary Noem came to Springfield trying to intimidate, divide, and scapegoat immigrants. But in Illinois, our laws reflect our values ​​and ensure local resources are used to promote public safety and community trust. Trump and his allies are waging a war on immigrants. They’re weaponizing federal funding for vital programs to bully states and distract from their failures. But we’re not scared—we’re organized. We will continue fighting to empower our community, educate our neighbors, and stand together against hate.” 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, Following World Press Freedom Day, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Journalist Protection Act, legislation that would make it a federal crime to intentionally harm or intimidate journalists engaged in newsgathering. 

The bill comes amid an alarming surge in threats and violence targeting members of the press, as well as deeply concerning efforts by the White House to stifle access, punish unfavorable coverage, and defund public broadcasting institutions.

Globally, at least 124 journalists and media workers have been killed, the most in any year since tracking began three decades ago, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The Journalist Protection Act affirms that violence against reporters is unacceptable and will be prosecuted accordingly. The bill establishes federal protections for journalists, ensuring law enforcement has the tools to pursue those who physically attack or threaten media workers attempting to inform the public.

“Our democracy’s survival depends on a free and independent press,” said Congressman Swalwell. “As the Trump Administration continues to vilify, threaten, and attack members of the press as “enemies of the people,” the Journalist Protection Act sends a clear message: if you target reporters with violence or intimidation, you will be held accountable.”

The first 100 days of the second Trump administration have been marked by executive actions restricting AP’s access to the White House, reshaping the press pool to favor partisan outlets, and attempting to cut federal funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS. These actions, combined with rising hostility toward the media, are hazardous for journalists working in “news deserts,” where independent information is already scarce.

“Journalists need protection more than ever against threats and violence that deter truth telling so vital to democracy. Intimidation is hitting new highs in both severity and number of incidents. This measure offers support at a moment of unprecedented peril to a free press,” said Senator Blumenthal.

The Journalist Protection Act does not give special treatment to journalists but instead serves as a vital backstop in cases where state or local authorities fail to take appropriate action to keep reporters safe while serving the public.

In addition to Senator Blumenthal, this legislation is also co-sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

This legislation is supported by the Reporters’ Committee for Freedom of the Press, Association of Alternative Newsmedia, Radio Television Digital News Association, Online News Association, National Newspaper Association, National Press Photographers Association, and News/Media Alliance.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Statement on Firing of Librarian of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC– Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), alongside her colleagues in the Democratic Doctors Caucus, held a press conference to call out Republican attempts to slash Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Approximately 80 million Americans, including 37 million children, get their health care coverage through Medicaid. The current Republican budget calls for historic cuts to Medicaid that would decimate the program, leaving countless Americans without the health care they need, and affect the broader health care system, causing longer wait times and reduced care in emergency rooms, increased health care costs, and the closure of nursing homes and hospitals.

View the full press conference HERE.

Background on the Democratic Doctors Caucus

All six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives joined together this year to launch the first-ever Democratic Doctors Caucus. The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy, and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues.

Other members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus include:

• Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine
• Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine
• Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care
• Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). Approximately 3% of children nationwide are born with congenital anomalies – such as cleft lip or palate – and birth defects that, if gone untreated, can lead to lifelong medical complications. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would expand access to care for individuals with congenital anomalies or birth defects by requiring insurance companies to cover necessary treatment and procedures. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) and a companion bill has been introduced by Senators Baldwin (D-WI) and Ernst (R-IA).

“For far too long, countless patients, including children, have been unable to access treatment for congenital anomalies such as ectodermal dysplasias and cleft lip and palate because their health insurance refused to cover care, leaving them either without treatment or burdened with thousands of dollars in medical expenses,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “This bill would tackle this issue head-on by requiring private health insurance plans to cover medically necessary services for treating congenital anomalies and birth defects, thus allowing patients with these conditions to secure and afford the treatment they need.”

“Many families with children who are born with congenital anomalies face significant financial barriers to accessing the treatment their child needs. This treatment is not just cosmetic. These conditions can have long-term health consequences that can severely impact everyday life,” said Congressman Dunn. “This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help alleviate the financial hardship that many families endure to get their children the vital care they need. I’m proud to lead this important initiative and would like to thank my colleagues for helping us put a smile on every child’s face.” 

“For millions of Americans, medically necessary care for birth defects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, or for others, it is entirely out of reach because of the cost – despite having health insurance,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to put this care in reach so more Americans can lead healthy lives, and more families can focus on caring for their loved ones, not figuring out how they will afford medically necessary care.” 

“To support young Iowans like Alli Steele, who was born with Ectodermal Dysplasia, this bipartisan legislation will help Iowa families by ensuring that health plans cover medically necessary services related to patients’ congenital anomalies of the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw,” said Senator Ernst. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) is proud to announce that his Legislative Director, Amelia Allert, has been named one of the Top 10 Bipartisan Staffers on Capitol Hill by Capitol CNCT.

During her tenure working for Rep. Hill, Amelia has played an integral role in drafting and negotiating legislation that was ultimately signed into law and is always willing to work across the aisle to advance important solutions on behalf of the American people.

Capitol CNCT notes that “Amelia Allert is a seasoned, highly successful policy staffer working across the aisle.” Her nominator wrote, “Her ability to work with Democrats and hammer out deals is a meaningful part of why Chairman Hill is routinely rated as one of the most effective bipartisan lawmakers in the Congress.”

Rep. French Hill said, “This recognition does not surprise anyone who has worked with Amelia. She brings intelligence, tenacity, and a coalition-building mindset as she navigates the complex legislative process. She shows up every day focused on delivering results for central Arkansans and the American people. Her recognition is well-deserved, and I am proud to have her leadership guiding our legislative team.”

This recognition underscores the critical role that bipartisan staff leadership plays in shaping effective, consensus-driven legislation that moves our country forward.