MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, April 7, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson sent a Letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, requesting Congressional oversight of the Krome Detention Facility and a Congressional visit to the facility.

In 2019, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson led a Congressional Delegation visit to the Krome Detention Facility.

For the full letter, click here.

Letter Text:

Dear Secretary Noem:

I write to urgently request your assistance in arranging an official visit to the Krome Detention Center located in Miami, Florida so that I can assess the detainees’ living conditions. Recent reports from the Miami Herald, specifically the article titled “Hundreds protest outside Miami-Dade’s Krome Detention Center over ‘inhumane’ conditions,” underscore the critical issues regarding the treatment and living conditions faced by detainees.

I have heard directly from immigration lawyers about the unacceptable conditions at Krome, including reports of individuals sleeping on the concrete floor, detainees being deprived of adequate food, and female detainees being held in a facility designated for men. These alarming accounts illustrate the urgent need for me to exercise my duty of congressional oversight and intervention. As an elected representative, I have a fundamental duty to exercise my oversight authority under Article 1 of the Constitution. This authority allows Congress to access federal facilities to verify compliance with federal laws and policies. As you are likely aware, the Supreme Court has determined the Congressional oversight power to be far-reaching. For example, in Watkins v. United States, the Court said the “power of the Congress to conduct investigations is inherent in the legislative process. That power is broad. It encompasses inquiries concerning the administration of existing laws as well as proposed or possibly needed statutes.”

It is imperative that Congress gains firsthand insight into the facility’s operations to address these serious concerns and ensure that the rights and dignity of individuals in detention are upheld. I fully support lawful detention and the enforcement of the law; however, this is balanced by the need to ensure that people who are in government custody are not treated inhumanely, no matter the circumstance.

To confirm the arrangements for our visit, I request your assistance with the following:

·      Please identify which date you will facilitate my visit from these dates: April 11 to 21 or April 25 to 28, 2025?

·      What steps will be taken to ensure that this visit receives complete transparency?

I appreciate your prompt attention to this urgent request and hope to facilitate this visit as soon as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure the transparency and accountability of our immigration system.

Sincerely,

Frederica S. Wilson

Member of Congress

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY),  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Jeffries (D-NY), and Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY) are leading a bipartisan letter calling on President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse cuts to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff that provide critical support for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

The WTCHP offers medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more. The cuts include the dismissal of Dr. John Howard, the administrator of the WTCHP, who makes critical decisions regarding covered conditions and ensures the WTCHP complies with statutes enacted by Congress. The WTCHP also currently uses NIOSH staff to determine the awards of research grants in the amount of nearly $20 million a year, an annual requirement of the program to fund research on 9/11 conditions and care.They were joined on the letter by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Laura Gillen (D-NY), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), George Latimer (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Josh Riley (D-NY), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), John Larson (D-CT), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Nellie Pou (D-NJ), as well as Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

“We were appalled at the recent announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services cut two-thirds of the staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under which the WTCHP operates,” wrote the lawmakers. “We understand that your plan is to ultimately eliminate all NIOSH staff in the next few days. The WTCHP relies on NIOSH staff to fulfill many of its obligations under the law, and eliminating staff that implement it, especially as more and more responders and survivors fall ill with 9/11-related conditions, will directly interfere with program operations and undermine access to the treatment these heroes have earned and deserve. Congress has continually reaffirmed its bipartisan commitment to the responders and survivors of September 11th. We stand ready to work with you to reverse these cuts to ensure that current and future participants receive the coverage and care that Congress has continuously provided.” 

“I am glad that the members of the NY Congressional Delegation are working together in a bipartisan manner to demand answers as to what Secretary Kennedy is doing. Why fire Dr. Howard, a Trump appointee, why fire the NIOSH staff the Doctors and epidemiologists that support the WTC Health Program, who is going to approve cancer treatments for 9/11 responders and survivors this week when they are seeking help, why fire the CDC staff that handle the programs contracts and grants, who is going to handle the contracts and grants that are the heart of this program? The Secretary needs to either answer all these questions or restore Dr .Howard and the NIOSH,  CDC staff that were doing this work who were terminated. This wasn’t a scalpel or even a chainsaw this was bulldozer that is leveling the program,” said Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of the Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act, Inc.

In February 2025, the Trump administration drastically reduced the workforce of the World Trade Center Health Program. In response, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Garbarino, and a number of their bipartisan colleagues in the House called on the administration to reverse the cuts, and the program’s staffing levels were ultimately restored.

After years of efforts and calls on the federal government, Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed, including responders and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Shanksville crash site, children who were in schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during clean-up, and those who have since experienced, or are expected to experience, adverse health effects that are linked to the attacks in the coming years. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, lawmakers delivered $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, they secured an additional $676 million for the program.

The full text of the members’ letter to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy is available here or below:

Dear President Trump and Secretary Kennedy,  

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides critical medical treatment, research, and monitoring to over 137,000 responders and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, living in every state and nearly every Congressional district. The WTCHP serves first responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This vital program provides life-saving care to the heroes who answered the call to serve in one of our nation’s darkest hours and the survivors who are forced to live with the health consequences from the attacks every single day.  

We were appalled at the recent announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services cut two-thirds of the staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under which the WTCHP operates. We understand that your plan is to ultimately eliminate all NIOSH staff in the next few days.  

Since the establishment of the WTCHP in 2011, the number of program enrollees has more than doubled from 61,000 to 137,000. The WTCHP relies on NIOSH staff to fulfill many of its obligations under the law, and eliminating staff that implement it, especially as more and more responders and survivors fall ill with 9/11-related conditions, will directly interfere with program operations and undermine access to the treatment these heroes have earned and deserve.  

For example, the WTCHP does not employ any staff physicians or individuals with medical degrees. Under the statute medical doctors need to approve certifications of members coming forward with new conditions that meet the requirements of the law for them to receive treatment.  The WTCHP has always used NIOSH doctors to perform this work. 

Additionally, the WTCHP does not have a staff epidemiologist and has always used NIOSH epidemiologists to review pending petitions for considering whether to add new conditions to the list of covered conditions. The WTCHP also currently uses NIOSH staff to determine the awards of research grants in the amount of nearly $20 million dollars a year, an annual requirement of the program to fund research on 9/11 conditions and care. 

We are extremely concerned regarding the dismissal of Dr. John Howard, the Program Administrator of WTCHP. Since the program’s inception, Dr. Howard has faithfully served as the Administrator, playing a critical role as the final decision-maker on determining which petitioned conditions should be covered and ensuring the WTCHP is adhering to the explicit statutes enacted by Congress. His institutional knowledge is unmatched and allows the program to operate effectively and efficiently. It is estimated that over 400,000 individuals were exposed to toxins or other hazards on 9/11, and we are gravely concerned that his termination will undermine the essential work the WTCHP does.

Finally, we are concerned about the termination of the staff at the Office of Acquisition Services at NIOSH. The Office of Acquisition Services oversees all contracts for the WTCHP’s Nationwide Provider Network (NPN), which is a vast network of contracted health providers throughout the country that provide the medical monitoring and treatment for program enrollees who live outside the New York metropolitan area. This office ensures these contracts and providers meet the needs of enrollees and provides oversight and quality assurance for the NPN. Without this coordinating mechanism, current contracts could receive little oversight and that future contracts could lapse, undermining access to enrollee care. 

We are asking that the Administration provide answers on how the WTCHP will be impacted by these massive layoffs. Please respond to the below list of questions by April 9th, 2025.  

1. Is the Administration planning to terminate all NIOSH staff? 
2. What was the justification for the termination of Dr. Howard?  
3. Since there are no doctors on the staff of the WTCHP, and the statue requires doctors to sign off on certifications that allow for treatment of members, what is the administration’s plan to rectify this as all of the NIOSH medical staff that performed this function have been terminated? 
4. Since the WTCHP used the staff of NIOSH, especially epidemiologists to review pending petitions under the law to consider covering new conditions, what provisions has HHS made to supply the necessary staff to fulfill that role for the WTCHP? 
5. What is the status of pending petitions to add autoimmune disease and cardiac conditions to the program? The program announced in December 2024 that eligible individuals can expect an answer by March 2025. 
6. WTCHP utilized NIOSH staff to determine the approximately $20 million of annual research awards required under the statute that are normally announced in March. What staff will be assisting WTCHP in making these decisions and when will the awards for 2025 be announced?  
7. Has the administration consulted with advocates or career staff on the impacts these cuts may have on WTCHP service delivery?  
   1. If you have not, please explain why.  
8. What office will oversee the contracts and contracting process if there is no staff at the Office of Acquisition Services?  

Congress has continually reaffirmed its bipartisan commitment to the responders and survivors of the September 11th attacks. We stand ready to work with you to reverse these cuts to ensure that current and future participants receive the coverage and care that Congress has continuously provided. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2025) — Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), and introduced the Cool Roof Rebate Act, legislation to create a rebate program for reflective roofing products to lower home temperatures and reduce energy consumption and costs.

“Just last month, parts of California’s 25th District hit triple-digit heat, the earliest it has exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in over a decade. Our region includes California’s desert communities, where summer temperatures can soar well above 110 degrees. It’s one of the hottest areas in the country, and that comes with serious health risks,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act creates the first federal rebate program of its kind to help underserved communities afford reflective roofing, reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and protecting families from extreme heat.”

“As communities across the country continue to experience extreme weather events and record-breaking heat due to climate change, it is critical that Congress take steps to provide communities with the support they need to mitigate the effects,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act will help vulnerable households purchase reflective roofing products through a first of its kind federal rebate program, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency. I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation with Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Ruiz, and I look forward to working to pass it through the House and onward.”

“As global temperatures continue to rise to record-breaking levels and at a record-breaking pace, it’s imperative that Congress provide families with new and innovative ways to beat the heat and lower energy costs,” saidCongressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05). “I’m proud to introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act with Congresswoman Foushee and Congressman Ruiz to create a new program dedicated to helping working class families in Missouri and across the country afford reflective roofing products that will keep their homes cool, costs low, and extreme heat at bay.”

Specifically, the Cool Roof Rebate Act will:

• Provide a rebate to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products to mitigate extreme heat
  • Eligible households determined by two metrics measuring exposure to extreme heat and median income of the residence’s zip code
  • Eligible cool roof products are ones that have been tested and verified by the Cool Roof Ratings Council
• Authorize up to $25,000,000 in household rebates annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories between FY25-FY29
• Require the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a report to Congress six months after the program’s termination to evaluate the program’s efficacy and impact

The Cool Roof Rebate Act is endorsed by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Federation of American Scientists and Smart Surfaces Coalition.

“We are proud to support the Cool Roof Rebate Act which will help many hard-working families living under extreme heat to improve their living conditions by providing a rebate for the installation of eligible cool roof products. Our Coachella Valley families in California experience extreme heat for five to six months of the year and this program will allow them to retrofit their roofs to provide a much cooler environment that will improve their quality of live.” – Pedro S. G. Rodriguez, Executive Director / CEO, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

“To prepare for future extreme heat events, we need to be developing and deploying innovative adaptation solutions at scale. The Cool Roof Rebate Act will make cool roofing technology affordable to more Americans to lower their home cooling costs and provide the incentives necessary to grow and diversify the cool roofing market.” – Daniel Correa, CEO of the Federation of American Scientists.

“Yet another year of record-breaking extreme heat underscores the urgency of the Cool Roof Rebate Act, which tackles the urban heat island effect while delivering lower energy bills, safer work environments for outdoor workers and improved health outcomes for vulnerable communities. Our current benefit-cost modeling with 10 major U.S. metro areas with whom we are working demonstrates that an 80% deployment of cool roofs across those areas (representing more than 35 million people) would produce a net financial benefit of $34.7 billion, with an average benefit cost ratio of 9:1. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer, and this bill will be a literal lifesaver, as well as saving citizens substantial amounts of money.” – Greg Kats, CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition.

The Cool Roof Rebate Act is cosponsored by: Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

The full bill text is available here.

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

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, which expands the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit to employer-based salons and beauty service establishments. This credit helps ensure accurate reporting of tipped income and reimburses small businesses for continuing to implement reporting systems.

The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief. Tips are paid as gratuity by a client directly to the worker providing the service. Employers are required to pay FICA taxes on these tips even though they are not involved in the tip transaction and 100 percent of it goes to the employee. Currently, restaurants are able to claim a tax credit for the portion of FICA taxes paid on their employees’ tips, but beauty salons do not have access to the same credit. This legislation would extend the FICA tip credit to the beauty industry creating parity with the restaurant industry. The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief.

“The beauty industry is largely comprised of small businesses, predominantly owned by women and women of color, with workers who rely heavily on tips. said DelBene. “Extending this tax relief to the beauty industry would provide parity with the restaurant industry, which already has the ability to claim this credit. This bipartisan legislation would bring commonsense tax relief to salons and their workers and support small businesses.”

Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy,” said LaHood. “I am proud to reintroduce the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act alongside Congresswoman DelBene to level the playing field for beauty salons who rely on tips for a large portion of their income. This bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation simplifies our tax system for these small business owners and their employees while supporting job creation in central and northwestern Illinois.”

“The Professional Beauty Association proudly supports The Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, a critical measure that levels the playing field for beauty industry employers, most of whom are small, Main Street businesses,” said Leslie Perry, PBA’s Executive Director. “We commend Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman DelBene for their leadership in advocating for fair and equitable tax policies. This legislation will provide much-needed tax relief that directly benefits small businesses and their hardworking employees across America. In addition, it complements the No Tax on Tips initiative, ensuring that beauty professionals receiving the full value of their hard-earned income does not unfairly burden their employers. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman LaHood to ensure this vital legislation becomes a reality for the industry’s employers this year.

A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) reintroduced the Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, legislation to prepare the Department of Homeland Security to confront and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.

“As we fall deeper into the ongoing climate crisis, ensuring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is equipped to address its escalating impacts must be a priority. The well-being and safety of America’s vulnerable, frontline communities will depend on how DHS prepares for and responds to these impacts, particularly in the face of the Trump Administration’s work to dismantle DHS and hinder FEMA’s effectiveness at every turn. I’m proud to introduce legislation that meaningfully moves America forward in our fight against the climate crisis by rooting the DHS’ climate efforts in strong research and an actionable defense plan,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

“We all know that climate change is making storms more frequent and more intense – doing untold damage to our communities. To meet this threat, we need to make sure that the Department is taking climate change into account when it is planning for disasters and other homeland security missions. Wishing it away – and pretending it doesn’t exist – for political reasons, as the Trump Administration is doing, is not an option. I thank Ms. Clarke for her leadership on this issue and for introducing this legislation,” said Congressman Thompson.

“From blizzards to hurricanes, in every corner of the country, including my district, we have seen the impact of extreme weather due to climate change,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. “This bill, led by Congresswoman Clarke, will empower the Department of Homeland Security to better understand the changing needs of our communities, helping to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. As the Trump Administration continues to degrade our capacity to respond to extreme weather events, I am committed to strengthening it to better support communities, protect our national security, and save lives.”

The Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act recognizes the importance of mitigating climate change challenges by directing DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate to:

• Assess the current Federal research regarding approaches to mitigate identified or potential negative effects of climate change on homeland security including but not limited to preparedness and emergency planning policies, including with respect to preparedness, response to, and recovery from natural disasters; and
• Consult with heads of other Federal agencies and departments, State, local, Tribal, territorial governments, and stakeholders when identifying and suggesting policy changes to mitigate the impact of climate change on homeland security; and
• Mandate an annual report to Congress for three years on any research and development activities concerning climate change.

Read the full bill text here.

###

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

Stefanik, Malliotakis Reintroduce Legislation to Impose Penalties on Antisemitic Universities | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Facebook Icon

Google Plus Icon

Instagram Icon

LinkedIn Icon

Twitter Icon

YouTube Icon

Vimeo Icon

Clients Icon

Email icon

Map Icon

Print Icon

Quote Icon

icon_share

Carousel Arrow – Left

Carousel Arrow – Right

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act, which would prohibit the use of “official time” by federal employees engaging in union activities while on the clock. This legislation would restore accountability to the federal workforce and ensure taxpayer dollars are used solely to serve the American people, not subsidize private union interests.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for federal employees to conduct union business instead of fulfilling their official duties,” Rep. Cline said. “Ending ‘official time’ is a commonsense step to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and to increase accountability across the federal workforce. Public funds should serve the American people, not private union interests.”

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is introducing the companion legislation in the Senate.

If enacted, this bill would:

Eliminate the Use of Official Time: The bill would amend 5 U.S.C. § 7131 to make clear that any activity performed by an employee relating to the business of a labor organization must be carried out while the employee is in a non-duty status. In other words, federal employees can engage in union activities, but only on their own time and at their own expense.

Ensure Taxpayer Funds Are Used Appropriately: According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal employees spent 3.6 million hours performing union-related activities in 2016 alone, costing taxpayers $177.2 million. Even after reforms under the Trump Administration brought that number down to 2.6 million hours and $134.9 million in 2019, the lack of unified reporting means the full scope of the problem remains unknown today.

Restore Accountability to the Federal Workforce: The current lack of transparency and weak statutory guardrails have enabled widespread abuse of official time. Some federal employees are spending the vast majority or all of their time engaged in union work rather than fulfilling the responsibilities of the positions for which they were hired. If you are being paid by the taxpayer, you should be doing the work of the taxpayer.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Background: 

“Official time” was established under the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act to allow federal employees to represent labor organizations while remaining on the federal payroll. However, it has grown into an unaccountable and costly practice that diverts resources away from the core functions of government. Without reliable, up-to-date reporting requirements, the extent of the misuse is difficult to track, leaving the American people footing the bill for work that serves private union agendas rather than the public interest.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) announced the introduction of their bills, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) joined the members in leading the introduction of the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act.  

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act will end the ability for corporations to deduct union busting expenses from their taxes. The Tax Fairness for Workers Act will allow workers to deduct employment expenses such as union dues, travel, and uniform costs, restoring a deduction that was stripped by the 2017 Trump tax law.  

“The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and Tax Fairness for Workers Act both focus on protecting America’s workers,” said Rep. Norcross. “Every worker deserves a free and fair choice to join or form a union, and it’s time that our tax code reflects that. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act will end corporate handouts for union-busting campaigns, make our tax code fairer, and level the playing field for workers. The Tax Fairness for Workers Act will restore fairness and put money back into the pockets of workers who bet on themselves. During a time when the Trump Administration is attacking workers’ rights, I’m honored to have Representatives Brendan Boyle and Judy Chu partner with me in the fight to put more money into the pockets of hardworking Americans.”     

“While Republicans continue to push tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, we are focused on easing the burden on hardworking people and strengthening unions. It’s time for a tax system that works for teachers buying school supplies, workers paying for uniforms, and union members fighting for fair wages,” said Rep. Boyle. “The Tax Fairness for Workers Act and the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act are both key steps in restoring fairness and supporting those who build our economy.”  

“We need policies and a tax code that support American workers and ensure wealthy corporations pay their fair share,” said Rep. Chu. “But in the last few months, this Trump-Musk administration and its corporate allies have waged an all-out assault on worker rights: paralyzing the agencies responsible for enforcing fair labor laws, revoking collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, and advancing trillions in tax cuts for corporations – the same ones that spend heavily on anti-union campaigns against their own workers, and then write that off as a business expense. We need to pass our No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to finally end the government subsidies for illegal union-busting, as well as the Tax Fairness for Workers Act to once again allow union employees to deduct their dues from their taxes.” 

“There’s nothing fair about a tax code that’s loaded with deductions and giveaways for corporate union busters and the super-wealthy while penalizing workers for exercising their right to have a seat at the table,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “At a time when high costs are squeezing working families and the freedom to form a union is under attack, AFSCME thanks Reps. Boyle and Norcross for spearheading commonsense legislation like the Tax Fairness for Workers Act and the No Tax Breaks for Union Busters Act to level the playing field for workers.” 

“It is unacceptable for Congress to support anti-worker tax provisions, especially when they’re considering more tax cuts for the wealthy while ignoring the urgent needs of working families. It’s time to give workers their fair share,” said Dan Mauer, Communications Workers of America’s Government Affairs Director. “Our tax code should prioritize workers organizing to have a voice on the job. That is why we wholeheartedly support the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. We commend Representatives Norcross, Boyle, Chu and all those championing a fairer tax system for working families.” 

“The Tax Fairness for Workers Act will restore basic fairness to the tax code by allowing hard-working middle-class families to, once again, deduct common employment expenses like safety equipment, tools or the classroom supplies teachers use every day from their federal taxes—just as they could before Trump’s 2017 tax law, and just like the wealthy do now,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “It’s a simple, necessary step to right a wrong. This bill would make a noticeable difference to the monthly budget of millions. If a CEO can write off business expenses, workers should be able to do the same.” 

The IAM Union applauds Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Donald Norcross and Brendan Boyle for introducing the Tax Fairness for Workers Act,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The GOP’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act wrongly eliminated workers’ ability to deduct many employment related expenses, such as the cost of union dues, uniforms and tools. The IAM strongly supports the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, which rightly restores these tax deductions for working families.” 

“The IAM Union applauds Senator Ben Ray Lujan and Representatives Donald Norcross, Brendan Boyle, and Judy Chu for introducing the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Union busting, or union avoidance campaigns, have a chilling impact on workers’ ability to exercise their right to freely form and join unions.  This legislation would end the taxpayer subsidization of these anti-union, anti-American campaigns.” 

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would end taxpayer subsidies for corporations’ anti-union behavior by classifying corporate interference in worker organization campaigns like political speech rather than an “ordinary and necessary” business expense. Additionally, this bill would require corporations to report anti-worker interventions to the IRS and grant the Department of Treasury greater enforcement authority to hold them accountable for using company money to interfere in protected worker activities. 

Read the full text here. 

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act will allow workers to deduct common employment expenses such as travel, union dues, and uniform costs, restoring a deduction stripped by the 2017 Trump tax law. Workers will be able to deduct business expenses, just as employers can.  

Read the full text here.  

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the office of Congressman Donald Norcross released a statement on the Congressman’s recent medical event.

“Congressman Donald Norcross was traveling over the weekend and suffered an emergency medical event likely related to his gallbladder. He was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in North Carolina on Sunday and is in stable condition, where he is receiving exceptional medical treatment. He is currently in good spirits and wants to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at UNC Rex Hospital for all their work on his behalf during his stay. When the Congressman is medically cleared to fly, he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care in the coming days to complete his recovery. “   

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) held a press conference alongside Rancho Cordova Councilmember Linda Budge, Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and residents in response to the recently released U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report on mail theft in Sacramento County. 

“Despite extensive collaborative efforts from my office with USPS and USPIS to address the persistent concerns raised by constituents, the findings of this audit are completely unacceptable,” said Representative Bera. “The audit identified serious systemic issues including missing and unaccounted-for arrow keys, inadequate oversight and a troubling lack of mandatory inspections. The Postal Service must immediately implement the Inspector General’s recommendations to restore public trust and ensure that Sacramento County residents have the secure and reliable mail services they deserve.”

The audit, requested by Rep. Bera following months of community concerns, uncovered alarming deficiencies in how local postal facilities track, secure and inspect mailboxes — including widespread mismanagement of arrow keys and a lack of basic oversight procedures.

“Mail theft has become the scourge of many communities—not just in our area, but all across this country—and it’s not a new issue, ” said Michael Mashburn, Natomas Park Safety Committee Chairman. “We have been tracking data since 2020, and every year it doubles. This audit is a move in the right direction, and I want to thank Congressman Bera for it because it’s giving us the opportunity to try and find a way to fix this issue.”   

“Together as a community we must work together to hold the USPS accountable for their failed leadership, lack of oversight procedure and mismanagement of master keys. We must hold them accountable along with the criminals responsible who steal our mail, ” said Councilmember Kaplan. “ I am proud to stand with Congressman Bera and my community as we demand action.”

“The group mailboxes have provided over two decades of opportunity for mail and identity theft, ” said Councilmember Budge. “Rancho Cordova is extremely appreciative of Congressman Bera’s efforts to bring some attention to this problem, and we are happy to work with him to help create a solution.”

The OIG audit focused on three postal facilities in Sacramento County:

• Sacramento Main Post Office (Royal Oaks Dr)

• Fort Sutter Station (Alhambra Blvd)

• Rancho Cordova Post Office (Progress Ct)

Key Findings Include:

• “The Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not properly track their arrow key inventories.”

• “There is no tracking mechanism in place that distinguishes whether a CBU is postal-owned or privately owned.” 

• “Local management at the Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not perform the annual safety inspections for the condition of blue collection boxes, CBUs, and green relay boxes.”

The report outlines why these failures occurred, their impact on the community, and specific steps for corrective action. The OIG has also issued implementation deadlines and will require proof of compliance.

Congressman Bera’s office will closely monitor the Postal Service’s progress in addressing these critical issues and will continue advocating on behalf of Sacramento County residents to ensure their mail is delivered securely and on time. 

You can find the full audit report here.