MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) and House and Senate colleagues have reintroduced what Evans calls “poverty-busting” legislation to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Evans is sponsoring the House bill to expand the EITC, the Tax Cut for Workers Act (H.R. 2764). 

Evans said, “I’m proud to join with Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) and our Senate colleagues to introduce this bill to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is one of the most effective poverty-busting tools that we have, and expanding it is something that members of Congress from both parties should support!”

Evans’ bill would benefit an estimated 14 million Americans. It would:

• Virtually triple the maximum value of the EITC for so-called “childless workers” from about $540 to about $1,500. These are workers not raising children in their home who are currently taxed into or further into poverty.
• Extend the credit to both younger and older workers who are currently ineligible for the credit because of their age – delivering the credit to people ages 19 to 24 as well as 65 and older.
• Make the credit more accessible for adults aging out of the foster youth system.

A more detailed one-page fact sheet about the bill is available here.

In addition to co-lead sponsor Khanna, House co-sponsors of Evans’ bill include Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar, (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). 

Organizations endorsing the bill include: Americans for Tax Fairness, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs, Economic Security Project Action, Golden State Opportunity, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, RESULTS, UnidosUS, and Young Invincibles.

Evans is also co-sponsoring the American Family Act in the House. That bill would make permanent the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit that was passed in 2021. 

“We know from recent experience that this can lift millions of children out of poverty. I’m going to keep pushing for this too!” Evans said.

The Child Tax Credit bill would:

• Increase the value of the CTC from the current level of $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children ages 1 through 6, and $3,600 for children age 6 through 17;
• End the longstanding, discriminatory policy that reduces the value of the Child Tax Credit for low-income families, ensuring that the families of 17 million low-income children left out of the CTC under current law would receive the same credit as families in the middle class;
• Provide for monthly delivery of the credit so families would have access to it as bills arrive; and
• Index the CTC for inflation to preserve the value of the credit moving forward.

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.

Evans serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health. In addition to taxes, the committee also oversees trade, Social Security and Medicare. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Youtube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.”

“I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Trump’s Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or Blacksonian – and his blatant attempt to erase Black history. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirms Black history is American history, and our nation’s museums should uphold these truths.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump for Attacking Smithsonian Museums, Affirms Black History is American History
U.S. House of Representatives
April 9, 2025

Mr. Chair,

I rise today in vigorous opposition to occupant Trump’s hostile attacks – hostile and insecure attacks – on Black history. 

Black history is American history.

Dictators try to shutter museums, censor history, and white wash the truth. But we know the truth.

We hold these truths to be self evident:

That centuries of bondage and enslavement brutalized black bodies and tore apart Black families;

That Black women have been the mothers of movements;

That Black folks have endured redlining and pay disparities;

And yet still we rise.

Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.

I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.

I want them to see themselves in our struggles and our triumphs. 

I want them to be inspired by the lyrics of Etta, and the speeches of Malcolm, and the leadership of Fannie Lou.

It is through studying our history that we learn how to overcome the systems of oppression, the whims of petulant men thirsty for power, and the will of dictators.

My blackness is beautiful and Black history is American history.

I yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

ICYMI: Stefanik Joined The Chris Salcedo Show on Newsmax to Discuss Delivering on President Trump’s America First Agenda in Congress | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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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 – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland

April 11, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES UPDATE ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSED FEES AT U.S. PORTS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following update regarding President Trump’s executive order on the maritime industry:

“This week, President Trump announced an executive order which doubles down on previous tariff directives and provides a structure to move ahead with the administration’s Section 301 tariff actions which will impose significant port fees on maritime transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels. If the order comes into full effect, it will result in significant port fees on maritime transport operators servicing the United States Virgin Islands. The order also directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consider imposing fees on Chinese-built cranes and other cargo-handling equipment, an action which could affect almost every port in America.

“These actions will cause increased shipping costs, shipping delays and, in some cases, the wholesale termination of service by cargo carriers to impacted locations throughout the coast of the United States and especially places like the Virgin Islands.

“I am particularly concerned for coastal and island communities, including the Virgin Islands, where the imposition of these punitive measures will skyrocket costs of food and other everyday items that must be imported by the maritime industry.

“My team and I have been highly engaged with the Virgin Islands maritime industry, as well as stakeholders, including meeting with the ambassadors to the Caribbean nations, to track the implications of President Trump’s executive order on ship owners, operators, and builders.

“Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to question US Trade Relations Ambassador Jameison Greer during a Ways & Means Committee hearing and urged the ambassador to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the US outlying areas and ultimately reconsider these actions. Our communities would bear tremendous undue cost, which makes clear the need for an exemption. I am also leading a letter to USTR Ambassador Greer and the Administration to make the case for this exemption and underscore the impact of these fees on the Virgin Islands, which will permeate through the Caribbean region.

“Under the order, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels will be charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would be subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal. We continue to urge the Trump Administration to heed the feedback of elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders even amidst the imposition of these actions that will have radically negative consequences for our corner of the American experience.

“I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands.”

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

RELEASE: REP. FRENCH HILL SUPPORTS CRITICAL BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL ADVANCING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PRO-GROWTH REFORMS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement after he voted against Congressional Republicans’ reckless budget resolution, H.Con.Res 14, which would establish the congressional budget for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2025.“In less than 100 days, President Trump and Republicans have created economic chaos. Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, crashing the stock market, and squeezing the pocketbooks of Americans. Now, Republicans are gutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical lifelines with the biggest cuts in history. I voted against this reckless budget resolution because turning our backs on America’s safety isn’t leadership, it’s cruelty. I won’t stop fighting back.” said Congressman Costa.BACKGROUNDCongressional Republicans passed a budget resolution that unlocks the next step in the budget reconciliation process and will allow committees in both the House and the Senate to begin drafting legislation to meet their targets, but Republicans long ago leaked their menu of options.

Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion, which will lead to deep cuts to Medicaid – impacting 456,532 Medicaid enrollees in Costa’s district, and over 1.8 million enrollees in the San Joaquin Valley. 
Agriculture Committee to cut at least $230 billion from nutrition assistance, which would cause over 131,000 people in Costa’s district to lose SNAP/food stamps. 
Oversight and Reform Committee to cut at least $50 billion, which would endanger government employee retirement benefits and further cut the federal workforce. 
Education and Workforce Committee to cut at least $330 billion targeting student loan programs, income-driven repayment, Pell grants, and school meals. 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to claw back $10 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, preventing further investments in the San Joaquin Valley and California.  

This also instructs the House Ways and Means Committee to approve tax cuts of $4.5 trillion over 10 years, while raising the deficit without accountability.
The Yale Budget Lab found that the bottom 40 percent of Americans would see their costs go up and 70 percent of the benefits from the Republican budget would go to the richest 5 percent.  According to data from the House Budget Democrats, over 1.8 million people across the San Joaquin Valley depend on Medicaid – that’s larger than the state of West Virginia’s entire population.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

ICYMI: Stefanik Joined Fox News The Story to Discuss Safeguarding American Elections and Joining President Trump in Holding Columbia University Accountable | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

April 11, 2025

Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin (CA-49), Brian Mast (FL-21), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) reintroduced the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act, which would revitalize federal efforts to strengthen and protect lagoons and estuaries. This bill would reauthorize and enhance the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) and require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work toward designating five new National Estuarine Research Reserves and to enhance the Reserve System.

Congress established the CELCP to provide grants to state and local governments to protect coastal and estuarine areas deemed to have conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic value. This program supports locally driven efforts to protect coastal and estuarine lands for conservation, research, and recreation. CELCP’s authorization expired in fiscal year 2013 and other federal funding mechanisms ran out in 2017.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act would revive funding for CELCP at $60 million per year and expand the eligibility for program to include nongovernmental organizations. The bill would prioritize funding for projects in communities that lack resources for coastal hazards, areas threatened by climate change, and areas that might help mitigate the effects of environmental changes through blue carbon storage.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act would also support and expand the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), which the Tijuana River Estuarine Research Reserve is a part of. The NERRS is a network of 30 coastal sites covering 1.4 million acres designated to protect and study estuarine systems. The Reserves specialize in research and data monitoring to support conservation and management efforts locally and around the country.

“As the proud representative of a coastal community, I know the critical role lagoons and estuaries play in safeguarding against environmental hazards and enhancing our local economy,” said Rep. Levin. “This bill restores a common-sense measure to protect coastal and estuary habitats. As we continue to find creative solutions to combat coastal erosion and rising sea levels, and protect our environment, I’m eager to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to advance this priority for our communities.”

“Healthy estuaries are important to thriving coastal communities and a robust economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This bipartisan effort to conserve and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems will improve resilience along our country’s waterways and coasts, and I thank my co-sponsors for their support.”

“Coastal Virginia is blessed to be home to a large network of estuaries and other wetlands that act as critical barriers against hurricanes, tropical storms, and other natural disasters,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Through this important legislation, we can provide state and local governments the resources they need ensure these lands in southeast Virginia and around the country are protected. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan effort to preserve our wetlands and support our coastal communities!”

“Estuaries are an essential part of our community. The problems facing the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee, St. Lucie, and Lake Worth Lagoon have shown repeatedly that our work to protect and restore our waterways is not over,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “I’m proud to support the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act to reauthorize a successful program that allows us to better safeguard our coastal environments for future generations to come.”

“With over 80 percent of America’s population living in coastal states, millions of hunters and anglers rely on coastal habitats to support recreational passions and economies. The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System have provided vital state and local stewardship for these habitats, safeguarding at-risk ecosystems and promoting public access for all. The TRCP is proud to support the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act, and we commend Reps. Levin, Mast, Bonamici, and Kiggans for working to reauthorize common-sense conservation funding,” said Joel Pedersen, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

“Surfrider applauds Representative Levin and the introduction of this bill to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program. For too long our shorelines and coastal wetlands have been overlooked as critical natural defenses against climate change. This bill will help bolster the resilience of vulnerable coastal ecosystems and communities from the impacts of sea level rise and climate change while protecting the rich habitats and wildlife that they support,” said Zach Plopper, Sr, Environmental Director, Surfrider Foundation

“We welcome the reintroduction of the Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act which reauthorizes critical programs that will increase conservation of coastal land, improve estuarine data and research, and provide more public access and recreational opportunities in an era of massive coastal change. By balancing the protection, conservation, responsible use, and sustainable economic development of America’s coasts and ensuring every state can manage its own coastal zone, coastal communities and habitats can thrive into the future.” said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director of Coastal States Organization.

“Thank you to Representatives Levin, Mast, Bonamici and Kiggans for their leadership; they know that as the challenges facing our coasts intensify, we need strong, effective programs that protect people, places, and economies,” said Rebecca Roth, director of the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA). “The National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program are time tested initiatives that consistently meet coastal community needs with training, science, data, education, land protection and more. Reauthorization of these programs will ensure they remain a cornerstone of our national policy, a value added for states, and a direct benefit to local communities and economies for generations to come.”

“Healthy estuaries support our coastal communities and serve as nurseries and feeding grounds for birds, fish, and other wildlife,” said Romaric Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager at the National Audubon Society. “The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act will fund the essential federal programs that protect coastal habitats from threats like sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion.”

The bill would provide support for several estuary habitats in the 49^th District and Southern California, including the San Mateo Lagoon, San Luis Rey River, and San Elijo Lagoon. Additionally, the bill would provide support to the Tijuana River Estuarine Research Reserve, which supports ecosystem management and the cleanup of the Tijuana River Valley.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act is endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Coastal States Organization, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, National Audubon Society, American Sportsfishing Association, National Wildlife Federation, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), American Shore & Beach Preservation Association, Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), American Fisheries Society, North American Falconers Association, International Game Fish Association, Land Trust Alliance, Wild Salmon Center, and Angler Action Foundation.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter introduces bill preventing unnecessary animal testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, alongside bipartisan colleagues Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Troy Carter (D-LA), a bill directing the FDA to fully implement provisions intended to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development. 

This bill will require FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are developed for patients using advanced and innovative non-animal testing methods.

“It is inhumane to rely solely on animal testing of medical products when other, harmless methods exist that are more predictive of human outcomes. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0, and recent actions by the Trump administration, have paved the way for modernizing FDA’s testing methods. This bill will put these wins into practice, accelerating innovation and getting safer, more effective drugs to market quickly by cutting unnecessary red tape,” said Rep. Buddy Carter.

“The FDA Modernization Act of 2021 was a monumental win that will streamline drug development and spur innovation without having to sacrifice at the expense of animal welfare,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “I look forward to building upon that success with Congressman Carter and ensuring the FDA follows through on delivering speedier cures for diseases without subjecting animals to inhumane and counterproductive experiments.”

“The FDA’s outdated animal testing rules are harming animals, hurting patients, and stalling medical innovation,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger. “The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 will cut burdensome red tape to allow drug manufacturers to use modern and more humane alternatives to improve safety for animals and patients alike. As a compound pharmacist for more than 30 years, I understand that ensuring East Tennesseans have affordable access to safe medicines is of the utmost priority, and this bill is a step toward delivering safe medicines in a more humane way.”

“This bill will transform drug development for the 21st century. By requiring full implementation of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, this legislation ensures that advanced, human-based testing methods are actively adopted in the drug development process. It’s a win for patients, a win for innovation, and a win for animal welfare. I’m proud to be join this bipartisan measure to accelerate safer, more humane, and more effective medical breakthroughs,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Read full bill text here. 

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