Financial Services Committee Stablecoin Markup

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

REMARKS

MEEKS: However, stablecoins are here to stay. And as I’ve said before, it’s our responsibility to establish clear rules with a high regulatory standard for issuers to meet. I talk to individuals in my district who want to invest in stablecoins, And in my role as RM of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve talked to our allies in developing nations on the continent of Africa and in Central and South America, they too are using stablcoins. 
 

Unlike the President’s tariff policy, I believe certainty is crucial, so companies know exactly what rules they need to follow and can plan accordingly.
 

With that, I appreciate the opportunity to express my support for the STABLE Act.

Full committee markup, here.

Congressman Biggs Urges President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin to Stop the Implementation of Biden-Era Woke Environmental Policies in Maricopa County

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Congressman Andy Biggs led a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging his Administration to stop the redesignation of Maricopa County’s Clean Air Act nonattainment status from moderate to serious. Eighty percent of the emissions assigned to Arizona are attributable to natural or international sources, and the implementation of stricter regulations would accomplish nothing except crippling the local economy.

“Americans soundly rejected Biden-Harris era woke nonsense at the ballot box last November,” said Congressman Biggs.

“Eighty percent of the air pollution in Maricopa County is caused by natural phenomena or international transport. Arizona—and Maricopa County specifically—is home to economic and technological development that will better the lives of Arizonans and Americans nationwide. Putting the local economy in a chokehold to serve the Green priorities of a rejected President is unwise.

“I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues on this crucial issue and look forward to continue working with President Trump’s Administration to fulfill Americans’ mandate.”

Cosigners of the letter are: Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Abraham J. Hamadeh (R-AZ), and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

The letter may be read here.

Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

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

Headline: Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Washington Congressional Delegation congratulated Washington State University President Dr. Kirk Schulz on his outstanding tenure and retirement with a written statement in the Congressional Record. 

The Congressional Record statement reads as follows:  

Honoring the Legacy of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz 

April 7, 2025

Mr. Newhouse of Washington. Mister Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleagues from Washington state, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Michael Baumgartner, Emily Randall, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland, to recognize and commend the distinguished tenure of Dr. Kirk Schulz as President of Washington State University (WSU). Since 2016, President Schulz has guided WSU through a period of immense growth, advancing research, student success, and statewide partnerships. As he prepares for retirement, we honor his leadership and dedication to higher education in Washington State.

Under President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students across our state have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.

Each of Washington’s ten congressional districts has benefited from President Schulz’s leadership, reinforcing WSU’s role as an institution that serves all Washingtonians. I would like to highlight a few key impacts across the state:

1st District: WSU has built strong partnerships with the region’s tech industry, working with companies in King and Snohomish counties to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, software development, and semiconductor manufacturing. These efforts ensure Washington remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

2nd District: WSU’s agricultural extension programs in Northwest Washington have played a vital role in supporting farmers and sustaining fisheries in the region. WSU’s Everett campus provides entrepreneurs critical business management skills and trains engineers for the world-class aerospace and high-tech industries in Northwest Washington.

3rd District: WSU Vancouver has expanded opportunities in STEM education, creating new pathways for students to enter high-demand fields like engineering and healthcare. By connecting with local industries and healthcare providers, WSU is strengthening Southwest Washington’s workforce and economic outlook.

4th District: Home to some of the nation’s premier vineyards, Central Washington has benefited from WSU’s viticulture and enology programs. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with winemakers, WSU has helped the region maintain its reputation as a world-class wine producer.

5th District: WSU’s Pullman campus is a cornerstone of agricultural research, and the completion of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) building has only strengthened that legacy. The facility provides farmers and food producers with critical innovations in crop science and food security, supporting one of Washington’s most essential industries.

6th District: WSU researchers have been at the forefront of sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts. Their work supports the health of Washington’s forests, which are vital for the economy, outdoor recreation, and the environment, ensuring these natural resources are protected for future generations.

7th District: WSU’s collaborations with Seattle-area institutions have led to major advancements in medical research, including breakthroughs in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering. These efforts not only push the boundaries of science but also create opportunities for students to engage in life-changing research.

8th District: With a focus on clean energy, WSU has led the way in developing innovative hydroelectric, wind, and solar power solutions. These advancements have benefited communities across the Cascades, helping Washington transition to a more sustainable energy future.

9th District: The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has provided new opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the medical profession. By expanding access to healthcare education, WSU is addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across Washington.

10th District: Military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord have benefited from WSU’s extension programs, which provide educational support and workforce development opportunities. These initiatives ensure that service members and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Mister Speaker, as President Schulz concludes his tenure, we recognize his transformative impact on Washington State University and our communities. His leadership has strengthened WSU’s role as a center of innovation, education, and economic opportunity.

I thank President Schulz for his years of service, and I look forward to seeing how WSU continues to grow and thrive in the years to come. 

Members of the delegation personally congratulated Dr. Schulz on his retirement: 

Rep. Susan DelBene (WA-01) said, As Dr. Schulz prepares for retirement after his impactful tenure at Washington State University, I want to recognize his contributions to the students, the faculty, and the entire community. Under Dr. Schulz, WSU has become a leader in research and innovation, forging partnerships with tech companies in Washington’s 1st Congressional District to equip students with the skills needed for careers in artificial intelligence and software development. His legacy as president will continue to inspire and benefit students for years to come.” 

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) said,During President Schulz’s tenure at Washington State University, tens of thousands of Cougars got a quality education and entered the workforce ready to succeed. Thank you President Schulz for your hard work, years of service and contributions to agriculture in Northwest Washington.” 

Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) said, “Under my friend President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.” 

Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06) said, “President Schulz’s leadership can be felt across our entire community, as he has been a champion not just for education but for ensuring students have the resources they need to live and build their best lives. President Schulz and I worked closely together when I served as chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Committee in the Washington State Senate where I got to see first hand the care, intention, and passion he brought to this role — a legacy that will be hard to match.” 

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) said, “Thanks to President Schulz’s leadership, WSU’s students, faculty, and staff have played a significant role in groundbreaking innovations in the Seattle area and throughout our region, including supporting major advancements in medical research, cancer treatment, and biomedical engineering. There is no doubt that his partnership and leadership have positively impacted and inspired thousands of students across our district and our state. I wish him all the best as he enters retirement and this next chapter!” 

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) said, “I appreciate the years of service of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz. Under his guidance, WSU has not only excelled as a world-class research institution but also expanded opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and enabled student success. I wish him the best in his next chapter and look forward to seeing how his legacy continues to inspire WSU in the coming years.”

Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) said, Land grant universities are special, and I thank President Schulz for his commitment to student success and expanding opportunities for all students. Because of Schulz’s leadership, WSU has made a positive impact in my district, and communities across the entire state.” 

###  

Case, Neguse Introduce Resolution To Designate April as National Native Plant Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai’i-01), along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado-02), today introduced a resolution to designate April as National Native Plant Month to promote the importance of biodiversity, climate and water conservation throughout our country. The Senate passed its version of the resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono.

“Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; they are integral to the environmental health of our nation,” said Case. “From supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our environment.”

Colorado is home to over 3,000 native plant species, all of which play a crucial role in environmental conservation. As biodiversity declines, we must continue to advocate for and take action that protects our environment while highlighting the importance of native plant species. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Case in leading the effort to designate April as National Native Plant Month,” said Neguse, House Assistant Minority Leader.

Case continued: “In my home state of Hawai‘i, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90% of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are not only critical to the islands’ biodiversity but also serve as living treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an isolated, often harsh environment.”

“Native plants are those best suited to our local climates and support native insects and wildlife,” said Jennifer Neale, Director of Research & Conservation, Denver Botanic Gardens. “We connect people with plants, native plants in particular, through our horticultural displays, educational programming and scientific studies. We should all celebrate our native plants and the unique beauty they bring to our local landscapes.”

“The Hawai‘i Nature Center’s core mission is to connect children and families to nature via environmental education and outdoor exploration,” said Todd Cullison, the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center. 

“A main focus is teaching our keiki about their island home and how to mālama ‘āina (care for the land).  A significant tenet of this is the ecological and cultural importance of native and endemic plants, how they provide ecosystem services like soil formation and nutrient cycling, promote clean water and provide habitat for native wildlife . 

“This resolution by Representative Neguse of Colorado and Representative Case of Hawai‘i further solidifies the importance of native plants and provides a pathway for future celebration and education that Hawai‘i Nature Center and other entities can embrace into the future.”

“At the National Tropical Botanical Garden, we are committed to the perpetuation of Hawaiʻi’s irreplaceable native plants and native biodiversity everywhere,” said Tami Rollins, Interim CEO, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

“Hawaiian native plants are at the very foundation of our island ecosystems, the livelihoods of our communities, and the essence of Hawaiian culture. Dedicating a month to native plants across the country is a great way to foster appreciation and inspire action for these increasingly imperiled species that are critical to life on our island home – from the ʻāina of Hawaiʻi to the entire planet.”

Case continued: “Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawai‘i hold profound cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of essential purposes, including as staple foods like sweet potato (uala), taro (kalo), and breadfruit (‘ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species like a‘ali‘i (hopbush) and ni‘oi (chili pepper) integral to the holistic health practices of Native Hawaiians  By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and conserve these species.”

Attachment(s):

·        Text of measure here

·        Case remarks here

·        Picture of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua with ʻIʻiwi bird – Hawai‘i courtesy Keith Burnett

·        Picture of acacia koa – Hawai‘i courtesy National Tropical Botanical Garden

·        Picture of native plants – Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

·        Picture of endangered Penstemon Penlandii  – Colorado courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

###

Gomez Leads House Resolution Honoring World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Resolution comes ahead of the team’s visit to Capitol Hill to celebrate their championship win

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is leading a House resolution to honor the Los Angeles Dodgers for winning the 2024 Major League Baseball World Series—their eighth championship in franchise history and first since 2020.

“As the Representative for the heart of Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium, it’s incredible to see the Dodgers bring the World Series trophy home to LA, where it belongs,” said Rep. Gomez. This win continues to be a reason to celebrate the resilience, talent, and unity of our community in LA. This victory means everything to our city and every Dodgers fan, especially after the heartbreak of missing a parade to celebrate our 2020 victory and the loss of the legendary Fernando Valenzuela.”

The Dodgers clinched the championship in Game 5 of the World Series, capping off a season that included 98 regular season wins, the best record in baseball, and their 11th National League West title in 12 seasons. The resolution also honors the late Fernando Valenzuela, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Angelenos and deepened the Dodgers’ bond with LA’s Latino community. Valenzuela passed just days before the World Series began.

Original cosponsors of the House resolution include Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Judy Chu (CA-28), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), and Norma Torres (CA-35). The Senate companion resolution, led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and former Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), passed unanimously.

Click here to read the full text of the resolution.

###

WATCH: Pressley at Hands Off Rally in Boston: “This is Our Chapter of the Civil Rights Movement”

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

In Powerful Remarks, Pressley Invoked Spirit, Courage and Stamina of Past Generations to Fight Musk-Trump Agenda

BOSTON – This weekend, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered powerful remarks at the “Hands Off” rally in Boston in which she invoked the spirit, courage, and stamina of past generations of activists to defend against Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s cruel vision for America.

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

Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Powerful Remarks at ‘Hands Off’ Rally in Boston
City Hall Plaza, Boston
April 5, 2025

Hello movement family!

I know why you’re all here. You’re here because, like me, you are tired of these billionaire boys and their grubby little hands.

Movement family, it is wonderful to be here with you. Thank you for being here. You could have been anywhere else today, but you chose to be here because you recognize that we are one human family, and our freedoms and our destinies are tied. 

You are a beautiful sight to behold, and you affirm that the power of the people has always been greater than the people in power. 

And as my good sister, the Reverend Mariama White-Hammond reminds us, that has always been true. It was true in Seneca Falls. It was true in Selma. It was true at Stonewall. 

And it is just as true today, and it is only fitting on this day. Exactly 40 years ago, a coalition of Black liberation leaders, women’s groups, student organizers, and unions came together for a national day of protest. They were calling for an end to South Africa’s system of apartheid. 

A system that disappeared political dissidents, suppressed free speech, and divided a nation. Sound familiar?

The same system that made millions for a South African segregationist by the name of Elon Musk. Oh yeah, he gets it honest. The same system that produced the world’s richest white supremacist, a Nazi nepo baby, Elon Musk. 

You see, history has a way of repeating itself, and that’s why we need to take heed to what the past has taught us, that opposition out-worked, out-organized and outlasted those in power until the apartheid regime came crashing down. 

And that’s why we’re all here today, to resist and to reject the cruel and dark vision that Donald Trump has for this country, that he has for our country. 

You know, the reason Donald Trump and his sycophants have a campaign against being woke, the reason they’re anti-woke is because they want you to stay asleep. They want you to be ignorant. They want you to be indifferent. They want you to be inactive. 

But you’re all here because we are going to match their energy. This is an unprecedented moment, a constitutional crisis that we will meet with unprecedented organizing, mobilizing, agitating. 

This is our chapter of the Civil Rights Movement, which we are still very much in. Look around the great Coretta Scott King reminds us that freedom is never really won. We must earn it and win it in every generation. And this is our time. 

This is our time because there will always be an Elon Musk, this is our time because there will always be a Jeff Bezos. This is our time because there will always be a Donald Trump who will try to enrich themselves at the cost of our freedom and our humanity. 

So collectively, we resist and we reject and we say, hands off.

Hands off our bodies.

Hands off our Medicaid. 

Hands off our Social Security.

Hands off our Constitution.

Hands off our democracy. 

Hands off our Black history books, libraries, museums.

Hands off our cancer research.

Hands off our immigrant neighbors.

Hands off our disabled siblings.

Hands off the LGBTQ community. 

You’re all here to say hands off because, well, you give a damn. You give a damn about your neighbor, you give a damn about this country, you give a damn about our democracy. And you’re here to match the energy and to meet the moment, to summon the same stamina that my brother, colleague, Senator Booker did. 

So I have a call to action for you. I have a call to action for you that you summon the stamina, that you summon the courage, that you summon the spirit, that you summon—that you summon the courage of this movement that I am so proud to be an ally of. That we center the dignity and the humanity of all people. 

We welcome all voices, especially when they’re dissenting, because the people here believe in free speech.

But I need you all to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of the Maverick Moms in the 1960s from East Boston. 

I need you to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of Mel King and the activists in the 1960s at Tent City in the South End. 

I need you to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of Dr. King on April 22 with 20,000 people assembled on the Boston Common for the first civil rights march in the Northeast. 

I need you to summon the courage, the spirit, and the stamina of Chinatown activists for Parcel C in the 1970s against environmental injustice. 

I need you to summon the stamina, the spirit, and the courage of those activists in the 1970s of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury to stop the highway and wake up the earth. 

This is the tradition that you are all a part of.

You are freedom fighters. You are democracy defenders, you are patriots. 

So when you go home today, roll up your sleeves and ask yourself, what’s next? Because that is how we win this. 

And I’ll close with the words of a movement sister who recently transitioned, the great Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood. While she was in the midst of her cancer battle, she was still fighting, and people asked, “Cecile, what are you doing here? You’re in the fight of your life?” And she countered, “because one day the question will be asked, when everything was at stake for the country, what did you do? 

And the only acceptable answer will be “everything that I could.” 

I love you, movement, family!

Senators Moran, Rosen and Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Max Miller Introduce Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“It is critical that Jewish Americans who served our nation in uniform and paid the ultimate price are able to be laid to rest honoring their religious heritage,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Unfortunately, due to the fog of war, there were hundreds of Jewish servicemembers who were improperly buried under Latin crosses in American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries. This bill is an important step to allow more descendants of these brave Jewish servicemembers the resources needed to properly honor their loved one’s military service, life, and religious heritage.”

Washington DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Max Miller (OH-07) will file legislation to help ensure hundreds of fallen American-Jewish servicemembers are buried under military grave markers that represent their true religion and heritage. 

“It is critical that Jewish Americans who served our nation in uniform and paid the ultimate price are able to be laid to rest honoring their religious heritage,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz.  “Unfortunately, due to the fog of war, there were hundreds of Jewish servicemembers who were improperly buried under Latin crosses in American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries. This bill is an important step to allow more descendants of these brave Jewish servicemembers the resources needed to properly honor their loved one’s military service, life, and religious heritage.”

“Every American who puts on the uniform deserves to be remembered with dignity and respect. Many brave servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice while defending freedom in World War I and World War II—but due to clerical errors or concerns for their safety during service, their religious identities were not properly recorded,” said Congressman Miller. “This bill is a meaningful step to correct those errors and ensure these heroes are laid to rest with the honor and dignity they deserve.”

“We owe a debt we can never repay to those who have given their last full measure of devotion on behalf of our nation and the freedoms we cherish, religious liberty being chief among them,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation makes certain that the religious heritage of those who have died for our country, particularly Jewish-American servicemembers, is rightfully represented at their final resting places, providing their survivors with assurance that their loved one’s faith is being acknowledged and memorialized with accuracy.”

“Our nation has a duty to fully honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to join Senator Moran in introducing this bipartisan legislation to correct the headstones of servicemembers by ensuring that the religious affiliation of our fallen is properly and accurately recognized.”

Due to the sheer scale of burials that occurred during World War I and II, hundreds of American-Jewish servicemembers killed in action were improperly buried under Latin Cross grave markers, rather than Stars of David. It is estimated that as many as 600 remain that way today.

Clerical errors are to blame for many of the improper burials, but some are due to the fact that American-Jewish soldiers did not want to publicly display their faith on dog tags as they fought against Nazi Germany. 

To replace a grave marker at American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemeteries, the next of kin must present the ABMC with evidence of the decedent’s religious heritage and submit a grave marker change request. However, without resources, this process can be difficult for families. This legislation would create the “Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program,” to award contracts to nonprofits to identify and research American-Jewish servicemembers buried in ABMC cemeteries under grave markers that do not represent the proper religion and heritage. It authorizes $500,000 per year for 10 years for the program.

This bill is supported by Jewish Federations of North America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Spouses of America, Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Aleph Institute, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

“Congress found that approximately 900 American Jewish service members are inappropriately buried under Latin cross headstones in overseas U.S. military cemeteries,” said Nancy Springer, National Legislative Service Associate Director, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. “To remedy this longstanding issue, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act to identify improperly marked graves, verify the religious heritage of the deceased, and enable descendants to request a replacement Star of David headstone. American Jewish service members who fought and died for our country deserve to have their heritage properly recognized and honored. The VFW applauds Chairman Moran and Senator Rosen for introducing this important legislation and calls for its swift passage.” 

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is proud to support the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act,” said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS. “We appreciate Chairman Moran and Senator Rosen, and Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Miller for their steadfast commitment to recognizing and honoring the personal faith of those who gave all in service to our nation.” 

“Gold Star Spouses of America strongly supports the establishment of the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program. Ensuring that all servicemembers are honored according to their faith and heritage is a critical step in preserving their dignity and respecting the wishes of their families,” said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America. “This bill would provide much-needed resources to correct historical oversights and honor the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” 

“A fallen service member has earned the right to have their personal faith properly preserved, this bill is critical to ensuring that is done,” said Robert Olivarez, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

“The Vietnam Veterans of America strongly supports this honorable effort to restore the appropriate faith to our fallen service members markers,” said Jack McManus, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “This is owed to our fallen patriots and absolutely must be done.”  

“The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) proudly stands in support of the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. This important legislation reaffirms the fundamental right of fallen service members to have their religious beliefs respectfully acknowledged in memorial displays and commemorative settings across the nation,” said Levi Sadr, Director of Government Affairs at the Non Commissioned Officers Association. “As an organization that represents the voice, service, and sacrifice of enlisted personnel past and present, we believe that honoring the faith traditions of those who have given their lives in service to our country is a matter of dignity, respect, and historical truth. The religious symbols and heritage reflected in many memorials are not only consistent with the personal beliefs of the fallen, but are also longstanding expressions of the values held by generations of service members.  This legislation safeguards those expressions from unnecessary censorship and ensures that the legacy of the fallen is preserved in a way that is meaningful to their families, communities, and fellow service members. It also protects the freedom of religious expression in a manner that is inclusive, respectful, and consistent with our Constitution.  The NCOA urges lawmakers to pass the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act and to affirm the enduring principles of honor, remembrance, and religious liberty that this nation was built upon.” 

“JWV fully endorses the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program Act, legislation that creates a program within the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to recognize and identify Jewish servicemembers improperly buried in ABMC cemeteries,” said Jewish War Veterans National Commander Gary Ginsburg, USA (retired). “Congress must establish this meaningful $500,000 annual grant for ten years to ensure that Jewish servicemembers killed in action and currently buried under a Latin Cross will be properly buried under a Star of David grave marker.  Now is the time for Congress to act and provide proper recognition of these heroes’ religious and heritage significance. JWV commends Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Max Miller, and SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran, and Sen. Jacky Rosen for their leadership in introducing the legislation in the House and Senate.  We look forward to working with them on the swift enactment of this legislation and partnering with ABMC on awarding grants to nonprofit organizations.”

“Nearly 11,000 Jewish American soldiers gave their lives during World War II, but many still haven’t received proper burials, laying under a Latin Cross rather than a Star of David. Jewish Federations proudly support this bill to fund the painstaking research in identifying American-Jewish soldiers improperly buried overseas,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations for Jewish Federations of North America. “Whether they died for their country during the Battle or Normandy or the Battle of Manila, each deserves to rest under the marker that not only represents their religion, but their heritage.”

####

MENG SOUNDS ALARM ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S CUTS TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cut federal funding for small and medium-sized American manufacturers:

At the same time that President Trump was finalizing his announcement of reckless tariffs with the stated goal of boosting domestic manufacturing, his administration began quietly and illegally stealing funding from Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers that provide invaluable support to small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers across the country. This once again reveals the dishonest contradiction at the heart of this administration. You can’t claim to champion American manufacturers while simultaneously dismantling the very programs that help them survive and compete. 

These MEP centers are lifelines for small and medium-sized manufacturers in our communities. They provide the hands-on expertise that family-owned shops rely on to modernize, train workers, source materials, connect with new customers, and keep good jobs in America. When Elon Musk and the other billionaires running this administration illegally slash this funding, they’re not just cutting a government program – they’re cutting the legs out from under hardworking Americans in machine shops and fabrication plants across our country. 

Let me be clear: just last month, Congress appropriated $175 million for the MEP program, and the President himself signed this into law. Now his administration has told these centers that their work to support American small businesses and workers no longer aligns with his priorities. Eliminating funding for the MEP program is not just wrong-headed – it’s clearly illegal. 

President Trump wants credit for talking tough on trade while quietly pulling the rug out from under the very businesses he claims to protect. Our manufacturers don’t need empty promises and chaotic tariffs that raise prices on the materials they use and the groceries that feed their families – they need practical support to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies and economic circumstances. I expect the President to restore support for all MEP centers and fully implement the funding approved last month. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle should understand the importance of this program for their constituents and stand against illegal cuts. 

LEADER JEFFRIES: “THESE RECKLESS TARIFFS WILL COST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS A YEAR”

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

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue to push back against Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs which will raise costs on everyday Americans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everybody. Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans spent all of last year promising to lower the high cost of living in America while at the same period of time, running away from Project 2025 and pretending as if it didn’t exist. They consistently lied to the American people, and now the American people are feeling the consequences of this extreme administration. The Trump Administration is extreme. President Donald Trump and these extreme MAGA Republicans, who are temporarily in the majority in the House of Representatives this year, Republicans have done nothing. Not a single thing to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. The cost of living is too high. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Insurance costs are too high. Utility costs are too high. Child care costs are too high. America is too expensive. And Democrats remain committed to driving down the high cost of living in the United States of America.

Instead of costs going down, which Donald Trump promised would happen on day one of his presidency, costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. Donald Trump and Republicans are actually crashing the economy in real time. You can’t make this up. They are intentionally inflicting pain on the American people. This Trump tax, these reckless tariffs will cost the American people thousands of dollars a year. It’s the largest tax increase on the American people since 1968. This is what Donald Trump’s presidency and Republicans in control of the House and the Senate are delivering to America, not lower costs. Not a more prosperous economy. Not the golden age in America. Economic disaster.

Then at the same period of time, these MAGA extremists are trying to jam a reckless budget down the throat of the American people. Take away health care from the American people. Strip away veterans benefits from the American people. And hurt nutritional assistance and literally take food out of the mouths of babies in America. Why? Because they want to pass massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors and puppet masters like Elon Musk. This is Republican policy in America, and it’s a complete and total disaster. Questions?

Full press conference can be watched here. 

###

Dear Colleague on Reckless House Republican Budget Bill

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

Dear Colleague:

I write with respect to the reckless House Republican budget bill and their toxic scheme to enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history in order to reward their billionaire donors like Elon Musk with massive tax breaks. Once again, it is essential that House Democrats are present with maximum attendance for what is anticipated to be a close vote on Wednesday. 

Over this weekend, thousands of grassroots rallies took place across the country that sent a clear message to Donald Trump and House Republicans: hands off Medicaid, Social Security, nutrition assistance, veterans benefits and the American way of life. Moving forward, we will continue to push back aggressively against the far-right extremism that is wrecking the economy and hurting people throughout the land.

During the upcoming two-week district work period, in partnership with the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, there are a series of national events we have planned as House Democrats. Please join us in a Save Social Security Day of Action on Tuesday, April 15, a Medicaid Matters Day of Action on Thursday, April 17 and a Cost of Living Week of Action beginning on Monday, April 21. Additional information has been provided by the DPCC. 

House Republicans broke their promise to address the high cost of living and they lied about their intention to enact their extreme Project 2025 agenda. The harm being unleashed by Donald Trump and the GOP is staggering. 

Enough. This is not America.  

We will continue to show up, speak up and stand up until we end this national nightmare and bring the American dream to life for everyone. Thank you for your continued leadership.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic Leader