MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS 02) announced today that Greenwood Leflore Hospital has been selected to participate in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program, a federal initiative aimed at supporting health care access and sustainability in rural communities.

The program, administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is designed to test the feasibility of cost-based reimbursement for small rural hospitals that are too large to be designated as Critical Access Hospitals. Through this program, CMS will assess both the financial impact on hospitals and the effect on health care delivery in the populations they serve.

“This is a meaningful victory for Greenwood Leflore Hospital and the rural communities that depend on it,” said Congressman Thompson. “For far too long, rural hospitals have operated at a disadvantage, being underfunded, understaffed, and overburdened. This program is a step toward leveling the playing field, giving hospitals the resources they need to provide quality care and remain open.”

Participation in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program will provide Greenwood Leflore Hospital with more stable and equitable reimbursement under Medicare, helping to ensure it can continue serving patients in Leflore County and across the Mississippi Delta.

“Every Mississippian, no matter where they live, deserves access to reliable, high quality health care,” Thompson added. “I will keep fighting to make sure our rural hospitals get the support they need to meet that promise.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) strongly condemned the decision by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly remove AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members from their service at the Vicksburg campus—an action that has stunned local leaders and undermined a longstanding commitment to public service.

“This is a shameful decision driven by politics, not policy,” said Thompson. “President Trump and his allies at DOGE have chosen to dismantle a program that has provided real, tangible support to communities in need—especially in Mississippi. The Vicksburg campus has been a cornerstone of national service for years, and this move is an attack on the values of sacrifice, service, and community.”

In a letter to Congressman Thompson, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. decried the action as disruptive and disrespectful—particularly to those AmeriCorps members who were nearing the completion of their service. Thompson echoed those concerns, calling the move a deliberate slap in the face to the young people who answered the call to serve.

“Let me be clear: this isn’t about government reform—it’s about gutting public service to score political points,” said Thompson. “This administration has once again shown its disdain for the very people who dedicate themselves to helping others.”

Congressman Thompson also criticized members of the Mississippi congressional delegation who have remained silent, calling their inaction “complicit” and warning of the long-term consequences of political cowardice.

“I am proud to stand with Mayor Flaggs and the people of Vicksburg in fighting for this program,” Thompson added. “If Republican leadership has the courage to correct this mistake and reinstate NCCC, I will support it wholeheartedly. But make no mistake—this damage was done by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and those too afraid to challenge them.”

Letter From Mayor Flaggs

Letter From Congressman Thompson

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) visited August Wilson Place, a 57-unit affordable housing development in downtown Bellevue, to highlight the nationwide shortage of affordable housing. The property was made possible because of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC/Housing Credit), the nation’s most effective tool for creating affordable housing. During the visit, DelBene participated in a roundtable to hear from a wide range of local housing stakeholders, including Bellevue community officials, property operators, housing advocates, employers, and facility residents.

Washington faces one of the most severe affordable housing shortages in the country, with more than 250,000 households spending over half of their income on rent. The Housing Credit has been instrumental in financing the construction and preservation of over 4 million affordable homes nationwide since its inception.

Earlier this month, DelBene introduced bipartisan legislation with over 100 members of the House that would build or restore 1.6 million more affordable homes, including 53,000 in Washington, by expanding the Housing Credit.

“Access to a safe, affordable home is foundational to a family’s well-being, yet far too many families in Washington are being priced out of their communities,” said DelBene. “This development underscores the impact the Housing Credit can have and why it’s a proven solution to help address the affordable housing crisis. This crisis won’t be solved overnight, but with the right tools and smart federal investment, we can make a real difference. Expanding the Housing Credit is one of the most effective ways we can deliver the affordable housing our state desperately needs.”

“LIHTC is the single most important source of financing for creating and preserving affordable housing in Bellevue,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. “Expanding LIHTC through the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will help us to create more housing opportunities for families, seniors, low-wage workers, and people seeking stable housing.”

This week, House Democrats are hosting a Cost of Living Week of Action to highlight the affordability challenges facing American families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Sherman Oaks, California – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman issued the following statement in observance of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

“Today marks the 110th anniversary of the murder of 1.5 million Armenians, Greeks and other Christians by the Ottoman Empire. 110 years later, too many still deny the first genocide of the 20th century. My heart is with the Armenian people, who continue to face anti-Armenian hatred up until this very day.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi hosted a Cost of Living Week of Action press conference at Arcadio’s Produce in the heart of The SF Market, bringing together San Francisco small business owners and community leaders to discuss how President Trump’s senseless tariffs and reckless economic policies are hurting small business owners and their employees in San Francisco.

The press conference featured Laurie Poston, Board Member of the San Francisco Market; Lauren Crabbe, Owner of Andytown Coffee Roasters; Jeanne Boes, General Manager of the San Francisco Flower Market; Juana Posadas and Manuel Orozco, General Managers of Arcadio’s Produce; Kevin Teng, Owner of SarangHello; and Sara Razavi, CEO of Working Solutions Community Development Financial Institution.

Watch the full press conference here. View photos from today’s event here.

Read Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s remarks as delivered below:

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Good morning, everyone. Thank you to Laurie Poston for your introduction and to everyone at Arcadio’s Produce for hosting us today.

This is a remarkable place. I hope you had a chance to see the force of it all. Small businesses like Arcadio are the lifeblood of the American economy. With their great optimism, entrepreneurial wisdom, and courage.

It is a privilege to join so many small business owners and community leaders during this Cost of Living Week in America. All over the country, House Democrats are having events with the community about bringing down the cost-of-living.

That was something that the President promised in the campaign. But the exact opposite is happening now. So, this Cost of Living Week is part of a drumbeat of the national opposition to Trump’s reckless economic policies.

Now, I’ve always said, because the Democratic Party for a long time has been so enthusiastic about small business, we see it as the ultimate job creator, wealth creator for our country.

And those who engage in small business are the most optimistic. What is more optimistic than starting a small business? Maybe getting married, but maybe you have some more confidence there about what might happen.

So, thank you for your courage, your optimism. Because that, again, is the lifeblood of our economy. And we look forward to hearing your stories.

The Trump Administration’s ineptitude is tanking our economy in a self-inflicted disaster that leaves hardworking Americans bearing the brunt of the pain. Make no mistake: President Trump’s senseless tariffs are driving prices higher, draining retirement savings, look at 401(k)s, and pushing us to the brink of recession.

Here in San Francisco, Trump’s economic policies are hurting small business owners and their employees by instilling fear and uncertainty. But business has enough uncertainty as it is when you go forth. You don’t need civic uncertainty of this magnitude.

Across the country, working families could see their costs go up as much as $4,600 a year. The largest tax hike on American families in history.

I’m fond of certain quotes from Ronald Reagan. He made the best speech of anyone on immigration. I recommend you see that. It was the last speech he made as President of the United States.

He says, ‘I want to communicate a message to a country I love.’ And he talks about the Statue of Liberty and immigration. When I quote that to the Republicans, they don’t applaud.

But nonetheless, now I have to quote this to them. In 1988, President Reagan said ‘America’s most recent experiment with protectionism was a disaster for working men and women of this country. When Congress passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in 1980…’

He goes back then to when Congress passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in 1930. ‘We were told that it would protect America from foreign competition and save jobs in this country. The actual result was the Great Depression.’

He continued, ‘We should beware of the demagogues.’ This is Reagan talking in 1988. ‘We should beware of the demagogues who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends, weakening our economy, our national security and the entire free world while cynically waving the American flag.’ Ronald Reagan.

He then goes back to the 1930s when that was Smoot-Hawley, he said when he made his first vote for president of the United States. As a young person, he voted for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who overturned Smoot-Hawley. Ronald Reagan’s words were true then in 1988. And they are true now.

With the Trump tariffs fully in effect – and again, all the uncertainty – now you see it, now you don’t. Well maybe so, maybe not. San Franciscans will pay more for groceries, shoes and clothing, household necessities, auto parts, recreational items, you name it.

While Trump doesn’t care about the pain of the American people, he should have recognized the fear that he is causing, and that House Democrats are gathering across the country to stand united against his reckless economic policy.

So, again, really, that’s what we’re doing across the country this week. Some of you were with us when we had the Hands Off Our Medicaid, Hands Off Our Social Security, and now we’re talking about our economy writ large.

The best way to talk about that, though, is to hear from our small business folks. It’s now my pleasure to introduce Lauren Crabbe, founder and owner of an incredible small business in San Francisco in Andytown Coffee Roasters. Thank you for being with us and I yield the floor to you.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:

“His Holiness Pope Francis personified our sacred responsibility in the Gospel of Matthew to honor the spark of divinity in the least of our brethren — championing the poor, the worker, the refugee and the immigrant.  He reminded us of our inescapable duty to those struggling to escape poverty and persecution in our communities and around the world.  Perhaps his most distinctive leadership will be his historic commitment to addressing the climate crisis.  In his ground-breaking encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis writes with beauty and clarity, with moral force and fierce urgency to call on all of us to be good stewards of God’s Creation.

“It is with immense sadness that Paul and I join our fellow Catholics and people of faith around the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis: a beacon of charity, hope and love for all people of faith.  His Holiness rekindled the faith of Catholics worldwide, with a triumphant message of peace that has inspired a generation. 

“Personally, the loss of Pope Francis is devastating.  It was my high honor to attend his installation on the Feast of Saint Joseph in 2013 and to be in the House chamber during his historic address to the Congress in 2015.  In San Francisco, we take special pride in Pope Francis, as he shares the namesake of our City and honors the call of our anthem, the Song of Saint Francis, to be an ‘instrument of peace.’

“Many of us who met His Holiness know that he would always say, “Pray for me.” Now, we will pray to him and pledge to carry on his towering legacy.  May he rest in peace.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Today, April 24^th, 2025, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) visited the U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County.

Her visit followed reports of inhumane conditions at the Krome Detention Center, which prompted Congresswoman Frederica Wilson to write to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem requesting a visit to the Krome Detention Center. The visit also comes after the Congresswoman received letters from constituents telling her they worried about relatives who are being detained there.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson entered the facility at 1 PM and held a press gaggle immediately following the tour at approximately 3 PM.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was able to tour the facility and see the holding room area, the courtroom area, the medical area, the mental health care unit, the recreational area, and a sleeping unit area. She also toured a newly built tent that the Krome Detention Facility plans on moving more detainees in as soon as tomorrow. 

For the full video of the press gaggle, click here.

For photos of the press gaggle, click here.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and her staff were not able to take photos inside of the facility.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim McGovern, his wife Lisa McGovern, and their son Patrick McGovern released the following statement upon the passing of Congressman McGovern’s daughter, Molly McGovern:

“Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smile—full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated people with compassion and kindness—always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went. Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people.

“Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity—refusing to let her illness slow her down. She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia. She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.

“Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.”

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

Bacon and Crow Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Small Business Owners Save Money
Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act would nearly double the maximum SBA loan amount available for energy efficiency investments

WASHINGTON — Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jason Crow (D-CO-06) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help small business owners save money by increasing the federal loan amount available for energy efficiency investments. The Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act would help business owners looking to make energy efficient upgrades by expanding the maximum allowable cap on SBA 504 loans from $5.5 million to $10 million. 

Energy costs are one of the largest expenses for commercial buildings, accounting for nearly 40% of total energy consumption in the U.S. However, small businesses often do not have the cash-on-hand to finance large renovations or retrofit projects, and these projects often exceed the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) current 504 loan cap. 

“Building businesses of the future means investing in our small businesses today. Rep. Crow and I are reintroducing the Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act which will empower small businesses to lower costs and improve their buildings’ operational efficiency,”said Rep. Bacon. “By expanding access to capital for energy-focused investments, this legislation allows small business to freely invest in much needed infrastructure improvements, making business more profitable and sustainable.” 

Small businesses help create millions of jobs and contribute greatly to our economy. It’s critical that we support small businesses in Colorado and across the country,” said Rep. Crow. “I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to help small businesses save money and be better able to make critical improvements that will help to conserve energy and protect our environment.” 

The Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act is endorsed by Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International. 

“The Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act will make a significant difference across the country, allowing properties to make the necessary investments to reduce energy consumption and bring down energy costs,” said Manuel Moreno, Chair and Chief Elected Officer of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) 

International, the professional association representing the commercial real estate sector. “BOMA International is proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and we commend Representatives Crow and Bacon for their leadership on this issue.” 

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

Washington, D.C. — The Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force led 192 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to close the Department of Education in the matter of the State of New York v. Linda McMahon. A case in which 20 states moved to sue the administration for its plans to place fifty percent of the Department’s workforce on administrative leave, effectively shuttering a congressionally authorized agency by way of executive fiat. 
 
By involving themselves in this legal battle, House Democrats sought to stand up for Congress’s power to ensure a quality education for all Americans—and in their filing, they argued that the Trump Administration cannot unilaterally create, dismantle, or reorganize the Education Department, nor can executive officials make solitary decisions regarding the agency’s organization and assignment of functions. The lawmakers also cited executive overreach, noting that efforts to strip support for the federal agency violate Congress’s power of the purse.  

The brief was led by Task Force Co-Chairs Jamie Raskin and Joe Neguse, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Ranking Members of the Appropriations and Education and Workforce Committees, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. 

See what they had to say below: 

 “President Trump isn’t laser focused on the cost-of-living crisis that he is actually making worse. He promised to fight for the working-class but instead put Elon Musk and billionaires in charge of the government. They are attacking public education to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Musk illegally fired half of the Department of Education’s staff, the first move by the Trump Administration to illegally shutter the Department altogether,” said Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, House Committee on Appropriations. “The Department of Education was created by an Act of Congress, and so closing it would require another Act of Congress. If my House Republican colleagues want to go there, then let them sign onto a bill to do that. Let Congress debate whether providing for our children’s education, and researching the tools and methods that lead to the best educational outcomes, constitutes waste. Why is the President not focused on helping families, but instead hurting them, cutting funding that ensures teachers in low-income classrooms, and that students have food to eat in school? The government needs to work for the middle-class, the working-class, and the vulnerable—not billionaires.” 

“Abolishing a federal agency requires an Act of Congress. The Administration’s decisions to focus its attention on laying off staff rather than administering and monitoring federal education programs accomplishes nothing to improve student outcomes or deliver for working people. If the Administration’s goal is to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal funding and promote the most effective use of federal funds under the law to address challenges students and families face, we could work together to address those shared goals,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce. “However, the sledgehammer approach of mass firings and illegal termination of grants and contracts intended to support evidence-based approaches to improving education for all students at all levels of education appear to primarily serve the interest of congressional Republicans and President Trump in claiming savings in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations.”

“Congress established the Department of Education to create a first-class education for every child in the U.S. If anyone is going to dismantle and defund the Department of Education, it must be Congress as the lawmaking branch. We oppose and reject any effort to thwart the laws passed by Congress, a lawless and especially egregious blunder when the education of future generations is at stake,” said Task Force Co-Chair and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, House Committee on the Judiciary. “That’s why Democrats are going to court to defend the Constitution, protect our students and our schools, and halt this outrageous presidential power grab in its tracks.”

“Donald Trump’s decision to gut the Department of Education is reckless, cruel and illegal. Congress created the Department of Education and only an act of Congress can eliminate it,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The Trump administration is breaking the law and House Democrats will continue working to stop this malignant scheme in Congress and in the Courts. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Scott, Rep. DeLauro, Assistant Leader Neguse and the Litigation Working Group and Rapid Response Task Force for leading House Democrats in our fight against this unlawful act designed to rip away high-quality public education from our most vulnerable children.”

“President Trump’s efforts to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education are unlawful, and would slash support for ten of millions of students and teachers, including kids learning to read and write, high schoolers looking to get their college degrees, and educators in rural and low-income communities,” said Task Force Co-Chair and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse.  

The full brief is available HERE.  

For more information on House Democrats efforts to protect everyday Americans from the unlawful actions of the TrumpAdministration, visit litigationandresponse.house.gov. 

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