MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, today issued the following statement on the March 14 executive order to shut down the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

“Since the agency’s founding under President Nixon and strengthening under President Reagan, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been a lifeline for thousands of American entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. With relatively modest annual funding, every year the MBDA helps American businesses secure billions in contracts and financing and support tens of thousands of jobs. This isn’t government waste – it’s a smart down payment on economic opportunity and American competitiveness, with a fantastic return on investment.

 In recognition of MBDA’s decades of success as an engine of opportunity, Congress permanently authorized MBDA in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and appropriated $68,250,000 for the agency for fiscal year 2025, which was signed into law by President Trump just last Saturday. This contradicted an action he took one day earlier: when urged on by Elon Musk, President Trump signed an executive order to unlawfully shut down MBDA’s services for small businesses. The executive order isn’t just illegal – it’s an attack by billionaires on vital programs that power the American dream for business owners and workers in every state. I expect President Trump and his Administration to abide by and implement the funding for MBDA that he approved and signed into law last Saturday.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, State Department, and Other Related Programs, announced that she sent a bipartisan letter urging the President to nominate a qualified Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism is a Senate-confirmed State Department position dedicated to advancing US foreign policy on antisemitism. The Special Envoy’s work is critical to countering antisemitism around the world. Antisemitism has been on the rise for years. However, Jewish communities worldwide have experienced a significant increase in antisemitism following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack against Israel. In synagogues, schools, sporting venues, and daily life, Jewish people have increasingly faced exclusion, demonization, and physical threats, including fire-bombings and even premeditated pogroms.

In the letter, the members wrote, “The United States must continue sending a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our world—and that those who engage in illegal antisemitic conduct must be held accountable. Since the first appointment of a Special Envoy in 2006, all have received strong, bipartisan support through both Republican and Democratic administrations. We urge you to nominate a qualified Special Envoy as soon as possible to maintain U.S. leadership in this fight.”

Thanks to the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, the United States has a dedicated entity within the State Department to counter this hate. Under the Biden Administration, the office developed initiatives like the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism – a set of principles that provide a roadmap for responsiveness and accountability. 42 countries and international bodies have already signed on to the guidelines to date. 

The letter was led by Rep. Meng, a co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, with eight House Democrats and Republicans co-chairs including Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX) Marc Veasey (D-TX), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). In total, 62 members from both parties joined the letter.

It is supported by the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Orthodox Union, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Agudah Israel, B’nai B’rith International, National Council Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Union for Reform Judaism, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

In January, Meng introduced a bipartisan resolution on International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and recommitting to combatting all forms of antisemitism.  

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s district includes Social Security facilities in Rego Park and Flushing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s constituent, Luke Graziani, who worked at a local VA hospital, will be her guest to stand against mass terminations of federal employees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), released the following statement on the firing of weather forecasters and other employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

“Once again, the reckless Trump Administration is inflicting tremendous harm upon the American people. Today, hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including weather forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS), were given termination notices for no good reason. This is unconscionable. These are dedicated, hardworking Americans whose efforts help save lives and property from the devastating impacts of natural disasters across the country. This action will only endanger American lives going forward.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ):
 
“I am devastated by the passing of my dear friend and longtime colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Raúl fought a courageous battle against cancer, and his loss leaves a void in Congress and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
 
“For over two decades, I had the honor of serving alongside Raúl in the House. He led the charge on so many fights for justice, for the environment, and for the most vulnerable among us. As Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Raúl was a fearless champion in the battle against climate change. He always centered the voices of frontline communities and demanded accountability from corporate polluters. He worked tirelessly to secure historic investments in climate action and environmental justice, and the positive impact of his work will endure for generations.
 
“Raúl was deeply committed to the people of Puerto Rico. His leadership was essential in passing the Puerto Rico Status Act, working tirelessly to bring together voices from all sides to find common ground on the island’s future. With a steady hand and a deep respect for self-determination, he helped push the conversation forward when it mattered most.

“Above all, Raúl was my friend. His kindness and humor made him a joy to know. He believed in treating all people with dignity and respect. His legacy will continue to inspire us to fight for a better, fairer, and more just world.
 
“My heart is with Raúl’s family, his staff, the people of Arizona, and all who mourn his passing. May he rest in peace.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the implementation of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico:
 
“Trump’s tariffs are nothing more than a tax hike on hardworking families and small businesses. Instead of fighting inflation, this policy will drive up costs for the American people while hurting the economy.  
 
“Today’s broad, senseless tariffs will increase costs by an estimated $800 in 2025 alone. The burden will fall the heaviest on lower-income families, who already spend a greater share of their income on goods more susceptible to tariffs.
 
“And the damage won’t stop there. Trump’s tariffs will move the dream of homeownership further away for millions of Americans. With 70% of the United States’ lumber and gypsum imports coming from Canada and Mexico, construction costs will rise, further squeezing potential homeowners. Small businesses, already struggling with supply chain challenges, will be forced to either absorb rising costs or pass them on to customers.
 
“Democrats have been fighting to protect families and small businesses from these destructive policies. We believe that strengthening domestic manufacturing and building resilient supply chains cannot come at the cost of punishing consumers.
 
“Unlike Trump’s misguided tariffs, which act as an indirect tax on American households, Democrats have delivered real solutions. The Inflation Reduction Act has lowered energy and healthcare costs, while the CHIPS and Science Act is revitalizing American manufacturing and reducing reliance on volatile foreign markets. Unlike Trump’s tariff-driven tax hikes, Democrats are committed to economic policies that put working families and small businesses first.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that Denise Gutierrez Robles will be her guest to tonight’s Joint Address to Congress by President Trump.
 
Denise Gutierrez Robles, originally from El Salvador and a longtime New York resident, is a passionate advocate for transgender and immigrant communities. She serves as the Program Manager for the Transgender Family Program at Community Healthcare Network (CHN) in Brooklyn, where she has spent the past five years working to expand access to inclusive healthcare, legal services, mental health support, and other essential resources for transgender individuals. CHN provides critical healthcare services to many patients who rely on Medicaid, making its work especially vital as the Trump administration threatens to cut the program.
 
“At a time when the Trump administration is attacking Medicaid and targeting the transgender community, voices like Denise’s are more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Her tireless work ensures that transgender individuals of all backgrounds have access to the care and support they deserve. I’m honored to have her as my guest so we can send a clear message: this administration must keep their hands off Medicaid and respect the rights of trans Americans.”
 
Denise’s advocacy began in 2014 with LGBTQ+ organizations in Long Island, focusing on empowerment and expanding opportunities for the transgender community. Her passion for inclusion, education, and equality continues to drive her work today.
 
Congresswoman Velázquez has been raising the alarm about the Trump administration’s plans to cut Medicaid and has been pushing back against its attacks on the transgender community. She has long fought to protect healthcare access for all and continues to advocate for policies that ensure transgender individuals can live freely and with dignity.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution to designate February 28, 2025, as Community Arts Education Day to highlight the vital role of the arts in education and community development.
 
The resolution raises awareness of how community arts education in forms such as dance, music, theater, and literary arts enhances learning, inspires activism, and strengthens communities. It also underscores the need for continued federal support for the arts, particularly as proposed cuts by the Trump administration threaten these essential programs.
 
“Community arts education is a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural awareness,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “For many, it provides a space to understand and navigate the world around them. This resolution affirms the importance of these programs in fostering inclusivity and equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and beyond.”
 
This resolution is cosponsored by Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL).
 
The National Guild for Community Arts Education is proud to collaborate with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office in reintroducing this critical resolution. Investing in community arts education is an investment in our future, ensuring that creativity, culture, and community-driven learning remain essential pillars of our society. At a time when the arts are increasingly marginalized, this resolution serves as a call to action to sustain and strengthen arts education for generations to come. We hope it garners the support needed to uplift the profession and empower the next wave of artists, educators, and cultural leaders,” says Dr. Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education. 
 
For a full copy of the resolution, click here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement on the joint memorandum issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) on implementation of the Waters of the United States rule, known as WOTUS. Under the memorandum, EPA and USACE will work collaboratively to solicit stakeholder input toward a new WOTUS rule designed to provide needed clarity and reduce permitting barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

“This is a great step toward putting WOTUS abuse to bed. The EPA has threatened property rights and livelihoods of rural Americans with bureaucratic overreach for far too long. The Biden administration’s failure to appropriately comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling or seek public input has only perpetuated uncertainty. EPA regulations must never put undue burdens on American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses and should properly reflect congressional intent in the Clean Water Act.”

BACKGROUND:
Read more about Smith’s efforts to stop WOTUS implementation here. 

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