Speaker Johnson: No Time to Waste in Delivering on the Trump Agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed the Senate budget resolution, Congressional Republicans delivering on the full Trump agenda through budget reconciliation, and House Republicans’ efforts to prevent noncitizens from voting in American elections. 

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On the Senate Budget Resolution:
 
I want to make four important points about the Senate’s amendment to our house resolution: 1) The budget resolution is not the law. All this does is it allows us to continue the process begin drafting the actual legislation. It really counts, and that’s the one big, beautiful bill. 2) The Senate amendment makes no changes to the reconciliation instructions that we put into the budget resolution, so our objectives remain intact. 3) Any final reconciliation bill has to include historic spending reductions that we included in our resolution while also safeguarding essential programs. And you’ve heard a commitment from us over and over that that will happen, and the President has said it himself over and over as well. 4) Reconciliation will be a collaborative process between the House and Senate. 
 
You’re going to see the Republican Party in both chambers working together as one team. I know that’s a rare occasion, and people don’t really know what that looks like, but we’re actually going to do it this time. The House is not going to participate in an us versus them charade. We won’t do it to secure and accomplish our mission. We’ve got to be working together and rowing in the same direction. And I’m fiercely committed to doing that and so is leader Thune and our members on both sides. 
 
On delivering on the full Trump agenda:
 
Republicans have a historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver relief to hard working families and set our country back on the path of prosperity. The American people desperately need us to take this action, and we will. As we wrote in a letter to our conference this weekend, time really is of the essence. There’s a lot of pressure points that are outside of our control that are forcing this action. 
 
We’re months away from the X date on the debt limit. The border security resources are being diminished. Markets are unsettled, and the largest tax increase in American history is set to hit families and businesses at the end of this year if we do not act. And for all those reasons, we have no luxury of complacency, and we really don’t have time to dither on this thing. So, we’ll be moving that forward, and you’ll see that action this week. 
 
On the SAVE Act:
 
Polling shows that nearly 90% of the American people believe that proof of citizenship should be required to vote. There are few issues in American politics that enjoy that level of bipartisan support. This should pass with a massive bipartisan margin, but watch, it won’t. The Democrats are contorting themselves into a pretzel trying to justify some sort of vote against this. Last year, they argued we were too close to a federal election to make voting changes. And then they said that non-citizens don’t actually vote, and then they said the SAVE Act will somehow result in voter suppression. All that was total nonsense. 
 
Now they’re claiming that the SAVE Act disenfranchises married women who change their last names. I mean, it’s absurd. What they’re trying to do is protect the ability of noncitizens to participate in our elections. Plain and simple, that’s what this is about. And we know it’s a crisis because the last administration, as we all well know, opened the border wide, and we had by some counts 20 million illegal aliens come into the country. There’s no mechanism in federal law, in current law, that requires states to prove citizenship. So even though it is currently against the law, only US citizens should decide US elections. There’s no way to make sure that’s actually happening. The SAVE Act is so critically important, it follows common sense, and the American people are with us. The Democrats, I predict, will not be, and they’re going to have to answer for that. 
 

New Dems Demand that President Trump Abandon National Sales Tax on the American People, Work with Congress to Lower Costs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, following President Trump’s decision to institute sweeping taxes on American consumers and businesses and engage in a global trade war with every single ally and trading partner, New Dems wrote to President Trump and his top advisors imploring the administration to change course on his erratic and unilateral tariff strategy. 

The letter from New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider, Economic Growth and Cost of Living Working Group Chair Chrissy Houlahan, and Trade Task Force Chair Don Beyer reads in part: 

Rather than engaging in an erratic and unilateral tariff strategy, we urge you to pursue a strategic and sustainable approach that strengthens our alliances, upholds international trade rules, and ensures fair competition through robust enforcement mechanisms. We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and implementing policies that support U.S. manufacturing, build supply chain resilience, and strengthen relationships with our trading partners. 

Since President Trump announced this national sales tax, global markets have crashed, companies have begun laying off workers, small businesses are considering closing their doors, and American consumers are seeing higher prices on everything from groceries to electronics and more. 

You can read the letter here or below: 

Dear President Trump,

As Members of the New Democrat Coalition, we write to express our deep concerns regarding your Administration’s approach to trade policy, particularly the imposition of sweeping tariffs on imports that are already raising costs for American consumers and businesses, undermining American competitiveness, and creating uncertainty that is stifling business investment and threatening jobs. We write on behalf of our constituents who were previously struggling to make ends meet and will now be forced to pay more for groceries, for new cars, for home appliances, and so much more. We can expect consumers to pause purchases, big and small, which will be a drain on our economy and diminish our children’s future prospects. 

When used thoughtfully, strategic and targeted tariffs can be a tool to protect American workers, ensure fair trade practices, and defend U.S. economic interests. Unfortunately, your latest announcement of capricious and sweeping universal and reciprocal tariffs undermines these goals, and in fact, moves us in the opposite direction. American workers, families, and businesses will pay the price. 

Tariffs function as taxes on American consumers and businesses, raising the costs of goods and materials essential for domestic manufacturing and production. Industries that rely on global supply chains, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, have already reported higher costs due to the tariffs in addition to increased sourcing challenges—both factors that are leading to price increases for American consumers. Many small businesses have made the difficult decision to pass these costs, which are a direct result of new tariffs, on to their customers and face significant challenges that will impact their ability to operate. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs from our trading partners have further restricted market access for American products, uniquely harming exporters and rural economies that depend on foreign markets to sell world class products. 

The unpredictability of your Administration’s trade agenda, characterized by on-again, off-again tariffs imposed on our closest allies in violation of trade agreements that your own administration negotiated has created an environment of uncertainty for American businesses. Businesses of all sizes depend on certainty to thrive. That certainty comes in the form of policy continuity, a clear regulatory framework, and an equitable and transparent system to resolve trade disputes. Absent this certainty, businesses cannot invest in innovation, American workers, or expanding their operations to international markets. Make no mistake, your Administration’s trade agenda is slowing economic growth and job creation, weakening U.S. global leadership, and increasing the cost of doing business with the United States. 

Rather than engaging in an erratic and unilateral tariff strategy, we urge you to pursue a strategic and sustainable approach that strengthens our alliances, upholds international trade rules, and ensures fair competition through robust enforcement mechanisms. We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and implementing policies that support U.S. manufacturing, build supply chain resilience, and strengthen relationships with our trading partners. 

The Constitution clearly states that no president, Democrat or Republican, has the power to raise taxes on the American people without the consent of Congress. We call on your administration to engage in meaningful consultation with Congress to ensure that trade policy reflects the interests and values of the American people. Given the dire consequences of an escalating trade war, we underscore Congress’s constitutional role in trade policy and respectfully request a meeting with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, to discuss your Administration’s trade strategy. We urge your administration to focus on policies that advance American interests without burdening consumers, isolating our trusted trading partners, and harming U.S. global leadership. 

Rep. Moore and Senator Lee Introduce Legislation to Protect Stay-at-Home-Parents

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Fairness for Stay at Home Parents Act, which closes a loophole in the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure employers can’t claw back the cost of health insurance premiums from an employee should he or she choose not to return to work after the birth of a child.

With health insurance premiums for family coverage averaging $25,000 per year, this current loophole can compel parents to return to work even if they feel unready or would prefer to stay home. 50% of mothers who return to work after the birth of their child experience feelings of guilt about not being with their newborn. This bill strengthens families by giving new parents the option to raise their children without having to worry about their employer clawing back their healthcare premiums.

The legislation has been endorsed by the American Principles Project, the Bull Moose Project, and the Human Coalition.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“Being pro-life means being pro-family. That means ensuring families aren’t penalized for deciding to have a parent stay home with their new baby.

“Our bill ensures families won’t face a huge bill for insurance premiums simply for choosing what’s best for their family.”

Senator Mike Lee added:

“Our legislation rectifies a problem with the Family and Medical Leave Act that unfairly impacts mothers who decide to stay home with their newborns after maternity leave. Each additional financial burden we can remove from growing American families is a victory, and this bill will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of new parents to care for their kids.”

Brad Wilcox, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, further added:

“Family policy should give parents the choice to care for their young children. The Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act does this, which is why I think it is a smart idea.”

This story was first covered by the Daily Wire. Read more here.

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Kaptur Applauds APA Solar’s $19.5 Million Investment in Northwest Ohio

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, celebrated APA Solar’s announcement of a major $19.5 Million expansion in Northwest Ohio, which includes the construction of a new headquarters in Henry County and a manufacturing facility in Williams County. The project will bring 133 new jobs to the region, solidifying Northwest Ohio’s leadership in clean energy manufacturing and marking another proud moment in the region’s industrial resurgence.

Founded in 2008, APA Solar has grown into one of the largest fixed-tilt racking manufacturers in the United States, employing over 200 people and delivering innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure.

“This is a win for our workers, our Great Lakes region, and America’s clean energy independent future,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “APA Solar’s investment reinforces what we in Northwest Ohio have always known: our skilled workforce and proud industrial legacy can drive the future of American innovation. I applaud APA for believing in our communities as much as I do and leading the way toward a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.”

The company’s expansion includes a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art headquarters to be completed by early 2026, and a new manufacturing operation in Bryan expected to begin this summer. The Bryan facility will bring 80 new manufacturing jobs and over $5 Million in payroll over the next three years.

“The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly and APA continues to grow with it. APA has been in business 17 years and is one of the top manufacturers in the solar racking hardware space. Northwest Ohio has been a great location for APA due to the large amount of local manufacturing to help support our supply chain, along with great skilled employees,” said Josh Von Deylen, APA Solar’s CEO.

The project was made possible by strong collaboration between APA Solar and local, regional, and state economic development organizations, including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, the Henry County Community Improvement Corporation, and the Williams County Economic Development Corporation.

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ICYMI: Jewish News Syndicate: ‘The Stefanik Doctrine’: A stronger stand against antisemitism

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

ICYMI: Jewish News Syndicate: ‘The Stefanik Doctrine’: A stronger stand against antisemitism | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. George Whitesides, Sen. Alex Padilla Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Funding

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

April 08, 2025

The network of hydrogen hubs promotes American energy independence, lowers costs for consumers, and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across California

Washington, D.C.– Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27), and Senator Alex Padilla led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of members of Congress to urge the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). 

In a letter to the DOE, the members write:

“As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES)… As California’s Hydrogen Hub, ARCHES anticipates the creation of 220,000 good paying jobs, from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems. This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.”

The letter followed reports that the Department of Energy is considering cutting funding for the development of four hydrogen production hubs. The City of Lancaster, in Rep. Whitesides’ district, was the first city to join ARCHES, alongside industry, government and academic stakeholders from across California. Their Element Resources project in Lancaster was predicted to generate over 200 construction jobs in the area.

“ARCHES is at the forefront of energy development in our state, and it is helping to create good paying jobs and lower energy costs,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “I’m proud to join my California colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to defend this project. We stand united in our efforts to protect energy projects that create jobs, lower costs, and promote energy innovation.”

“The bipartisan support for ARCHES shown in this letter underscores its importance to California and the nation,” said Rep. George Whitesides. “I’m proud to represent Lancaster, the first city to join ARCHES, and support this effort to bring many well-paid jobs to our area and California, while lowering our energy costs. I urge the DOE to support this crucial program and preserve its funding, therefore expanding our workforce and economic opportunity.”

“Kickstarting the market for hydrogen power across California will accelerate the creation of good-paying jobs while investing in key sectors across our economy,” said Senator Padilla. “Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that California’s ARCHES hydrogen hub is essential for lowering fuel costs and promoting American energy dominance and security. I will continue working hard to protect the resources I secured for ARCHES and other critical hydrogen hubs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

In 2023, the Department of Energy awarded the ARCHES network an initial grant under the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) program. As part of the H2Hubs, seven recipients were funded to establish a national hydrogen network. With this and private and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value from 2030.

The full letter can be viewed here.

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Congresswoman Torres Introduces Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Protection Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

April 08, 2025

Ensuring Congress Safeguards the Integrity of our Aviation System

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Protection Act, critical legislation designed to protect the safety, efficiency, and stability of the United States’ air traffic control system. This bill will ensure that decisions regarding the reduction, replacement, or outsourcing of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staff undergo thorough Congressional oversight and will prevent privatization of the air traffic control system.

“The safety of our nation’s airspace is non-negotiable. Air traffic controllers work tirelessly to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the aviation system, and their expertise is critical to the functioning of our transportation network. We have seen how DOGE is illegally trying to take control of all federal agencies. The safety of Americans shouldn’t be one,” said Congresswoman Torres. “The ATC Protection Act will hold Donald Trump and Elon Musk accountable for any decisions that could jeopardize the safety and stability of our air traffic control system. We cannot allow shortcuts or privatization to undermine the safety of our skies.”

Background:  Key Provisions of the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Protection Act:

  1. Congressional Approval for Workforce Reduction or Outsourcing:
    The bill requires that if the Secretary of Transportation seeks to reduce, replace, or outsource 1% or more of the FAA’s workforce, the Secretary must first obtain explicit approval from Congress. This safeguard ensures that any changes to FAA staffing are carefully scrutinized to ensure they do not compromise the safety or efficiency of the nation’s aviation system.

  2. Reporting and Accountability:
    Before seeking Congressional approval, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must submit a detailed report to Congress, outlining the rationale for any proposed workforce reductions or outsourcing. The report must include an analysis of how such decisions will impact the broader aviation and transportation systems, ensuring transparency and accountability in these critical decisions.

  3. Protection Against Privatization and DOGE Control:
    The bill explicitly prohibits the privatization of the air traffic control system and ensures that the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) cannot take control of the FAA or the air traffic control system. This provision protects the public interest by keeping air traffic control operations under government oversight.

Full bill text

As a senior member of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee with constitutional authority to oversee the funding and operation of our nation’s aviation system, Congresswoman Torres is committed to ensuring the safety of our airspace. 

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Newhouse, Pingree Relaunch Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse, Pingree Relaunch Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Food Recovery Caucus, renewing efforts in Congress to combat food loss and waste nationwide as part of National Food Waste Prevention Week. 

“Food security is a real issue for millions of Americans, and the rate in which we waste food in the U.S. continues to climb,” said Rep. Newhouse. “I am proud to relaunch the Food Recovery Caucus alongside Rep. Pingree to tackle this issue in Congress and ensure those in need have access to the healthy food our farmers and ranchers work hard to deliver.” 
 
“Across the country, tens of millions of Americans face food insecurity—yet we’re throwing away perfectly edible food every day,” said Rep. Pingree. “Food waste is a moral, economic, and environmental crisis. I’m proud to relaunch the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus with Congressman Newhouse to bring greater awareness to this issue and advance smart policies to reduce instances of food loss and waste.” 

The caucus highlights commonsense, bipartisan solutions to reduce waste across the food supply chain. The Food Recovery Caucus will continue to educate Members of Congress and staff, support federal efforts to reduce food loss and waste, and uplift successful initiatives from across the country that are rescuing surplus food and fighting hunger.

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Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, Jayapal Statement on SCOTUS Alien Enemies Act Ruling

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

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to move forward with deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act — an archaic wartime law — will unquestionably harm people caught up in this oppressive nightmare.

“This decision also leaves unanswered whether the President’s dangerous and unprecedented invocation of the wartime authority to go after immigrants was lawful in the first place.

“Although the Court unanimously agreed that deportations without due process are illegal, the reality is the Trump Administration has been rapidly and erroneously deporting people, and has taken the position that those erroneously deported may be confined to foreign prisons with no redress. The Court’s requirement that challenges occur through individual habeas petitions will make it very difficult for people to successfully challenge their removals before they happen.

“We will be watching closely to ensure that the Administration complies with the Court’s order and will continue to fight against the illegal invocation of the Alien Enemies Act.”

Issues:

Congressman David Scott Introduces Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Baseball Legend Hank Aaron

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), was joined by members of the Georgia delegation in introducing his bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of the late great Henry “Hank” Louis Aaron, highlighting, among many achievements, his home run record which was set on April 8th, 1974.

“On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record of 714.  Today we honor not only his baseball accomplishments, but the many contributions he made to this nation.  He was more than a baseball icon and a trailblazer – he was also a member of my family, my wife Alfredia’s brother. His strength, grace, and quiet courage changed the game both on and off the field,” said Congressman David Scott. “With every swing of his bat, he set records and with every stride, he walked boldly toward justice and equality. Hank Aaron used his platform to uplift a nation, becoming a symbol of resilience for millions during the civil rights movement and beyond. We miss him dearly—his laughter, his wisdom, his unwavering humility—but we carry him with us. His legacy doesn’t rest in numbers or titles, but in the hearts he stirred, the doors he opened, and the generations he continues to inspire. Hank’s story isn’t just about baseball—it’s about courage, family, and a legacy that helped moved this country forward.”

Hank Aaron is perhaps best known for his pursuit of the Major League Baseball (MLB) all-time home run record set at 714 by Babe Ruth, thought by many to be unbreakable. On April 8, 1974, Mr. Aaron hit the record breaking 715th home run in front of a sold-out crowd at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Mr. Aaron retired as baseball’s all-time home run leader, a record he held for another 33 years. He remains the MLB all-time leader in career runs batted in (RBIs), career total bases, and career extra base hits.

Throughout his career, Mr. Aaron faced racism and discrimination, including outright death threats during his home run chase. As an African American player in the South, he was in a unique position to advance the cause of equality through his actions both on and off the field. Mr. Aaron poured significant resources and energy into the civil rights movement, including his longtime support of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), his relationship with civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his creation of the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, an organization committed to ensuring that children of all backgrounds can fulfill their full potential.

The text of the resolution can be found HERE.