MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined a group of 33 House Democrats in pressing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for answers after the sudden shutdown of five regional Head Start Offices, including the San Francisco regional office that serves families in the Central Coast. 

The closures come on the heels of a major agency reorganization and reduction in force that led to 10,000 layoffs on Monday. In the letter, the lawmakers raise concerns about the lack of warning or transition plan and the potential impact on children and families who rely on the program.

“The abrupt closures—without a clearly communicated transition plan—puts services and education for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families at risk,” the lawmakers wrote.

Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health care, and family services at no cost to low-income children across the country. In the last 60 years, Head Start has positively impacted more than 40 million children and their parents across the nation, including more than 55,000 in Santa Barbara County.

The letter stresses the essential role regional offices play in helping local Head Start centers access federal support and navigate complex regulations and that the closures will jeopardize vital services.

“Removing these support structures without an alternative plan or clear communication on the impact jeopardizes the reliability and quality of services that so many families depend on,” the lawmakers continued.

The group is asking Secretary Kennedy to respond by April 7 with answers to the following:

• What criteria were used to decide which regional offices to close?

• When were staff informed that their offices would be shutting down?

• What is the Department’s plan to support Head Start providers in the wake of these closures, and how will that be communicated to states and local communities?

“All children deserve quality education and services to support their early development during the most crucial years of childhood,” the lawmakers wrote. “An investment in Head Start and the regional offices that support them should remain a top priority.”

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

Rep. Carbajal, who formerly worked with Head Start as a Parent Involvement Coordinator and Family Services Advocate, is a leader in fighting for childhood education programs. In Congress, he’s worked to prioritize funding for Head Start to ensure this important program has the necessary resources to be successful in our communities.

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

DelBene, Panetta, Beyer, Schneider, Sewell Introduce Legislation to Reclaim Congressional Trade Powers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [4/4/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

The competition is open to students in grades 9-12 who live in Oregon’s First Congressional District, which includes large portions of Washington and Multnomah counties and all of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties. A panel of local arts leaders will select the winning student artist, whose artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. All students who participate in the competition will be invited to a reception with the Congresswoman where the winner and honorable mention will be announced.

“I host the Congressional Art Competition every year because the student artists I’ve met give me hope for the future,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “They are thoughtful, talented, and passionate, and it is always exciting to see the incredible art they create for the competition. I encourage all high school artists to participate this year.” 

Students interested in submitting artwork can find more information here. The deadline for art submissions is Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Art may be mailed to the Beaverton office at 12725 SW Millikan Way, STE 220, Beaverton, OR 97005. Participants may also call 503-469-6010 to arrange an appointment to drop off in-person. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

ALBANY, NY — Ahead of Barth Syndrome Awareness Day (April 5th), Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) announced his bipartisan resolution to raise awareness about the ultra-rare genetic disorder and ensure individuals living with this condition have access to safe and effective treatments.

Rep. Tonko successfully championed the push in Congress to improve visibility and access to treatments for the millions of individuals impacted by rare disease with his Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act, which was signed into law in December 2022.

“For the millions of Americans living with a rare or ultra-rare disease, precious little information and even fewer treatments are available, leaving patients and their families without options and without hope,” Congressman Tonko said. “To that end, I’m immensely proud of my work alongside advocates to pass my HEART Act, but my work to uplift the needs of those living with these rare conditions is far from over. That’s why I’m introducing a resolution to raise awareness for Barth syndrome. I’m thankful to the individuals who have shared their experiences with this life-threatening condition, and I pledge to continue working to ensure Congress meets the needs of those living with a rare disease.”

“We are deeply grateful to Representative Tonko and his bipartisan colleagues for their continued commitment to the Barth syndrome community. His leadership and unwavering support are bringing us closer than ever to realizing what once felt impossible — an FDA-approved treatment for this life-threatening condition. Thanks to their recognition of the urgent need, we may now be just weeks away from a breakthrough that will give hope and change lives for those living with Barth syndrome.” said Emily Milligan, Executive Director of the Barth Syndrome Foundation.

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Lori Trahan (MA-3), Joe Wilson (SC-2), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4) joined the Congressman as original cosponsors.

The text of the resolution can be viewed HERE.

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement:

“Unsurprisingly, much of what we heard in the Joint Address last night were lies from the most disgraceful president our country has ever seen. The disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric are an attempt to distract Americans from the fact that Trump’s policies are driving up the cost of living while slashing federal programs that people rely on. Despite his attempts to spin the narrative, Trump inherited one of the strongest economies in the world. Now, American consumers and businesses will bear the brunt of his tariffs and disastrous economic policies.

“In just over six weeks in office, Trump’s actions have left a stain on our nation’s honor that will take generations to remove.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the March jobs report: 

“The March jobs report today revealed that 228,000 jobs were added to the economy last month and the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%. Sadly, these positive numbers do little to dispel the grave economic uncertainty that Americans are feeling as they watch Donald Trump willfully choosing to break the U.S. economy. After inheriting a country with rising employment and falling inflation, Donald Trump could have coasted on the progress Democrats made to lower costs, create jobs, and help American businesses and workers get ahead. Instead, he chose to put it all at risk. 

“This week, Trump announced the largest tax increase on working-class Americans in our nation’s history. He is forcing American families to pay thousands of dollars more each year on groceries, gas, clothing, electronics, and a variety of other consumer goods while they watch their retirement savings deteriorate. Despite widespread concern from the boardroom to the kitchen table, Trump dismisses his tariffs’ devastating economic impact as ‘short term pain.’  I dare him to say that to the Americans who will struggle to keep food on the table, a roof over their head, and their small businesses open because his policies have raised prices across the board.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on President Donald Trump imposing sweeping tariffs on virtually all imports into the United States:

“For years we’ve been told to take Donald Trump seriously, but not literally. We were told his incoherent economic philosophy and outrageous rhetoric were merely negotiating tactics for a master in the art of the deal.

“What he did yesterday ought to throw any such nuanced interpretation aside. What he did was stand in the Rose Garden and proudly announce the largest tax increase on middle-class Americans in our nation’s history – one that will cost the average American family thousands of dollars each year.

“Faced with financial market panic, his administration is fanning out to describe the impact of his tariffs as ‘short term pain,’ as if that pain were not both serious and literal for everyday Americans. Across the country today, Americans are grappling with the reality of higher costs, financial insecurity, and job uncertainty as a direct result of President Trump’s tax increase.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – One year after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a bicameral Congressional letter led by Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) urging states to conduct critical bridge safety tests to prevent further tragedy in communities across the country. The letter is co-signed by Maryland Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06) as well as Representatives Andre Carson (IN-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).
 
In the letter, Olszewski – who grew up in the shadows of the Key Bridge – and his colleagues said its collapse after a vessel strike on March 26, 2024, could have been averted. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation, also released last month, revealed the bridge was 30 times the acceptable vulnerability threshold according to now-required guidelines by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The NTSB said the bridge was among 67 across the country that have not completed an AASHTO-based vulnerability study because they were built prior to its adoption.
 
Also on the list is Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which the State of Maryland has recently committed to evaluating based on AASHTO safety guidelines.
 
“Just one year ago, the Baltimore region experienced a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of six individuals and disrupted countless livelihoods when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a vessel strike,” the lawmakers wrote. “The cost to rebuild the bridge is expected to near $2 billion and take at least three years for construction. We have since learned there are dozens of bridges across the country under state jurisdiction that lack recommended safety assessments.”
 
“To avoid another tragedy of this magnitude, we must take urgent action to address vulnerabilities that could lead to another catastrophic bridge failure or collapse. The Key Bridge disaster was not an isolated incident – it was a warning,” they continued.
 
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to prevent history from repeating itself. We urgently and respectfully request the expeditious adoption of the recommendations outlined by NTSB in its preliminary report. Specifically, we call on the 18 other states and Army Corps of Engineers with jurisdiction over the 66 bridges across the country that currently lack a vulnerability study to undergo such an evaluation as quickly as possible,” they urged.
 
“As Members of Congress, we stand ready to work hand in hand with you, aiming to provide the resources needed in each state and localities to bring our bridges up to safety standards,” they continued. “This is a moment to lead with compassion and foresight. The families who lost loved ones in Baltimore deserve to know that their heartache is not in vain – that we learned, acted, and are doing everything within our power to prevent another disaster,” the lawmakers concluded.

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Dina Titus (D-NV), and 127 House Democrats urged the Trump Administration to forgo its proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides the main source of federal support for museums and libraries across the country. In a letter to President Trump, the lawmakers shared their strong concerns about the impacts that would come with the elimination of IMLS, advocating for the president to reconsider his proposal to dismantle the agency before the harms are felt in communities nationwide. 

“The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries,” the lawmakers wrote. “Operating in all 50 states and U.S. territories, it plays a vital role in strengthening these institutions which serve as essential educational, cultural, and economic pillars in our communities. From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans.”

“Eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize these essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the far-reaching impact of IMLS funding. Maintaining and strengthening federal support for museums and libraries is not just an investment in cultural preservation, it is an investment in education, innovation, and economic growth.”

Missouri received nearly $5 million in IMLS awards in 2024, including a $250,000 grant to the National World War I Museum and Memorial and $217,000 to Powell Gardens. Since the Trump Administration made public their attempt to eliminate funding for IMLS, the National Word War I Museum and Memorial has  announced it will have to freeze projects and put staff on leave.

The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or matthew.helfant@mail.house.gov