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Dingell, Tlaib Demand Answers Over Concerning Working Conditions at USPS Facility in Metro Detroit

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) are demanding answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) over reports of concerning working conditions at the Allen Park distribution center in metro Detroit. The reports follow the death of a postal service worker at the same distribution center in late 2025. 

“Staff, supervisors, and union representatives have raised concerns to our offices surrounding the labor conditions at the NDC. These reports include the improper rescission of positions, failure to provide fair and equitable treatment, denial of contractually guaranteed bathroom and meal breaks, inadequate training, intimidation through disciplinary write-ups and threats of termination, and management performing bargaining-unit work, including the elimination of overtime opportunities. Employees have also expressed concerns about safety hazards, citing an expedited mail process from management pressure, reductions in staffing, and minimal specialized training,”Congresswomen Dingell and Tlaib wrote. 

The congresswomen reiterated the importance of safety for USPS workers and requested answers to a series of questions regarding the steps the facility is taking to ensure safety and more. This effort follows a November 2025 letter from the congresswomen seeking answers from USPS about the tragic death that occurred at the facility. 

A PDF copy of the letter is available HERE and text is below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

This letter is regarding the labor and workplace safety concerns of workers at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan. We are concerned by the reports of unsafe and unfair practices at the facility.

Staff, supervisors, and union representatives have raised concerns to our offices surrounding the labor conditions at the NDC. These reports include the improper rescission of positions, failure to provide fair and equitable treatment, denial of contractually guaranteed bathroom and meal breaks, inadequate training, intimidation through disciplinary write-ups and threats of termination, and management performing bargaining-unit work, including the elimination of overtime opportunities. Employees have also expressed concerns about safety hazards, citing an expedited mail process from management pressure, reductions in staffing, and minimal specialized training. 

These reports are especially alarming after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker at the facility in November of last year. In May, USPS received five serious citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) investigation at the NDC, three of which resulted in fines totaling over $26,000. Within these citations, OSHA determined that employees were exposed to caught-in hazards via the mail conveyors, employees did not have adequate training to perform equipment repairs, and facility procedures were not followed amid shift changes and maintenance work. While these citations were separate from Mr. Acker’s death, they are still troubling. The safety of USPS workers is of the utmost importance, and USPS must ensure that protocols and standards are properly enforced. 

Given the federal government’s responsibility to ensure worker safety and just treatment in its facilities, we request answers to the following questions:

1. What kind of specialized training do employees receive in their roles?

2. What measures does the facility take to ensure that staff are receiving necessary training for their roles?

3. What measures does the facility take to ensure labor standards are responsibly met, including fair and equitable treatment of employees?

4. What contractually obligated paid and unpaid breaks do employees receive?

5. What are the expected procedures when an employee is unable to take a contractually obligated break due to workload, staffing shortages, operational demands, or management direction?

6. What contractually obligated overtime compensation do employees receive?

7. What are the expected procedures when an employee does not receive their contractually obligated overtime compensation?

8. What impact has voluntary early retirement had on operational strain, including transitional staffing issues, localized shortages, position availability, and mail delivery? 

9. How does the facility address the aforementioned impacts of voluntary early retirements?

10. How does the facility adhere to uniform and standardized safety protocols?

11. What steps is the facility taking to ensure safety protocols are administered?

12. Please describe the safety protocol training employees receive.

13. What measures does the facility take to ensure that employees understand and follow the safety protocols?

14. Please describe the accessibility of safety and grievance procedures for employees.

15. What effect do staffing shortages and pressure for on-time mail delivery have on safety practices? 

Thank you and ensuring worker safety and proper labor standards remain my top priority. We look forward to your full and prompt response, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter.

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Beyer, Meeks, Walkinshaw, Titus Introduce Legislation to Expedite Return of Career Diplomats Wrongfully Forced Out of State Department

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) today introduced the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act to help rebuild America’s diplomatic corps by eliminating unnecessary and unprecedented barriers for experienced Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated during the Trump Administration’s mass reductions in force (RIF) beginning in January 2025. The legislation would allow eligible officers to return to service without having to retake the same written and oral entry exams they already passed before their service.

Normally, Foreign Service Officers reappointed within five years of leaving the Service are not required to retake the Foreign Service Officer Test or its written and oral examination components to rejoin the Service after separation. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would authorize the Secretary of State to waive those entry examinations when reappointing eligible career Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated through RIFs between January 20, 2025, and January 31, 2030. The legislation applies only to career Foreign Service Officers who were serving in good standing at the time of their dismissal.

“President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s reckless purge of the State Department inflicted lasting damage on America’s diplomatic capacity by driving out some of our nation’s most experienced public servants,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our Foreign Service Officers have dedicated their lives to advancing America’s interests, protecting our national security, supporting American citizens overseas, and strengthening our alliances abroad. After years of distinguished service, they shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to return to jobs they never should have lost in the first place.”

“The Trump purge of seasoned experts from the State Department have jeopardized the State Department, U.S. National Security and led to the greatest brain drain from our diplomatic corps in modern history,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “This legislation takes a positive step towards making it easier to reemploy those who were baselessly fired from their posts, and re-infuse our diplomatic corps with the expertise needed to address today’s many modern challenges.”

“Those who dutifully served as Foreign Service officers before the Trump Administration wrongfully terminated their service included some of our most talented and skilled international affairs experts in the United States government,” said Rep. Titus. “Our national security cannot afford to lose this institutional knowledge. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would remove a barrier of reentry for these officers and ensure that they can continue to serve their country and foster a critical aspect of the nation’s soft power.” 

“The Trump Administration’s cuts to the State Department have cost our country experienced diplomatic talent critical to protecting our national security and advancing America’s interests abroad,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “I’m proud to support Congressman Don Beyer’s Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act, which ensures career Foreign Service Officers forced out through no fault of their own do not have to retake a test for jobs they are already qualified to hold. This commonsense legislation will help strengthen America’s diplomatic corps and make our nation safer.”

Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are original co-sponsors of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act.

This legislation is also supported by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

“The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would quickly bring back experienced professionals who were involuntarily separated through no fault of their own, while protecting them from future policies requiring them to retake any part of the entrance exam,” said AFSA President John Dinkelman. “With critical staffing gaps, we cannot afford to sideline proven talent and years of institutional knowledge when they are ready to return and fill essential roles for our country.”

Full text of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act is available here.

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Pallone, 15 Members Press Pentagon to Make Sunscreen Standard Issue for Servicemembers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

NJ 6th District Congressman, lawmakers cited higher melanoma rates among troops, reports some servicemembers cannot access sunscreen while deployed

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As summer puts renewed attention on the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led 15 Members of Congress in calling on Trump’s Department of Defense to make sunscreen readily available to servicemembers year-round, arguing that access to basic skin cancer prevention should not depend on whether troops can bring their own supplies.

In their letter to Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers raised concerns that sunscreen is not included in personal protective equipment (PPE) issued to servicemembers and cited troubling accounts of some troops being prevented from using sunscreen sent by family members or purchased themselves while training or deployed.

The lawmakers noted that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and that military personnel face elevated risks because of prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Research cited in the letter found melanoma rates among active-duty servicemembers are 62 percent higher than among the general population, while veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease.

“The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with at least one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime. Skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, is a unique and major threat to our military community who carry out their missions in environments of extreme solar radiation. Decades of studies going back to WWII confirm the linkage of exposure to the development of deadly melanoma. Shockingly, one of the most proven skin cancer prevention tools, sunscreen, is not included in PPE for military personnel. We have also learned that there are cases where servicemembers were prevented from using their own sunscreen during training and deployment,” the members wrote.

“Skin cancer, including deadly melanoma, is a persistent threat to the men and women who bravely serve our country and whose service often exposes them to dangerous UV radiation. Veterans are 62% more likely than the general public to develop melanoma and are also much more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced disease. Importantly, over 90% of cutaneous melanomas are considered preventable through the use of sun safety tools such as sunscreen. We applaud Congressman Pallone for shining a light on this issue and encourage Secretary Hegseth to give our servicemembers the education and sunscreen they need to keep themselves safe,” said Kyleigh LiPira, Chief Executive Officer of the Melanoma Research Foundation.

“As members of the military sacrifice daily to protect our country, the Department of Defense should consider providing them broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as basic protection against skin cancer that preserves their health during their service to our nation,” said American Academy of Dermatology Association President Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD. “The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds Representative Frank Pallone for his leadership for asking our Armed Services to provide this valuable protection from skin cancer as part of their Personal Protective Equipment. As the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer is a preventable with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.”

The Members requested information on current Department policies regarding sunscreen use; whether any regulations restrict servicemembers from receiving sunscreen in care packages or using their own products during training and deployment; and whether commanding officers are authorized to distribute sunscreen in the field. They also urged the Department to include sunscreen in standard PPE kits issued to military personnel.

Read full letter here and below:

 

Secretary Hegseth, 

We write to raise concerns about the lack of sunscreen in personal protective equipment (PPE) for servicemembers and, based on troubling reports we have received from those directly affected, request answers to questions regarding shortfalls in existing policies. As members of the military sacrifice daily to protect our country, we have a responsibility to equip them with basic protection that safeguards their health during their service to our nation. 

The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with at least one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime. Skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, is a unique and major threat to our military community who carry out their missions in environments of extreme solar radiation. Decades of studies going back to WWII confirm the linkage of exposure to the development of deadly melanoma.1 Shockingly, one of the most proven skin cancer prevention tools, sunscreen, is not included in PPE for military personnel. We have also learned that there are cases where servicemembers were prevented from using their own sunscreen during training and deployment. 

Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the World Health Organization have publicly recognized the growing impact of skin cancer and the role of sunscreen as important prevention tool. Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma.2 A recent study using data from 1999 to 2018 showed that the likelihood of skin cancer diagnoses was higher in U.S. veterans than in nonveterans; which undoubtedly causes an increase of utilization and cost to the VA health care system.3 In the near term, readiness is diminished as servicemembers seek and undergo biopsies, recover from procedures, and receive treatment for advanced disease.

According to a Uniformed Services University report, “melanoma is the most significant cancer to affect the active-duty military population.”4 A 2014 study published in Military Medicine found that the melanoma incidence rate among servicemembers was 62 percent higher than in the general population between 2000 and 2007.5 Additionally, aircrew were found to have an 87 percent higher rate of melanoma than the civilian population, while groundcrew had a nine percent higher rate of melanoma. 6  

Recent studies have reinforced these findings and demonstrated that ultraviolet exposure during military service can have lifelong effects. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that veterans have an 18 percent higher risk of stage III and a 13 percent higher risk of stage IV melanoma at initial diagnosis, indicating that when veterans are diagnosed with melanoma it is at a more advanced and dangerous stage.7 It is unconscionable that the men and women who serve our nation face an elevated risk of developing a deadlier form of cancer as a direct result of their service. Given the seriousness of this issue, we respectfully request answers to the following questions: 

1. What efforts is the Department currently undertaking to encourage sunscreen use among servicemembers? 

2. Are there any Department regulations that prohibit servicemembers from receiving sunscreen in care packages from family or using their own sunscreen during training and deployment? 

3. Are commanding officers authorized to dispense sunscreen? Cancer should not be a direct product of military service. Upwards of 90 percent of skin cancers, including melanoma, are considered preventable through the use of sun-safe behaviors such as daily sunscreen use.8 This low-cost, widely available prevention tool could save lives, reduce disease burden, and greatly decrease future health care spending in the VA system if provided to our servicemembers when they need it the most.

We urge you to immediately prioritize the inclusion of sunscreen in all PPE kits and look forward to receiving your response to our questions by July 23. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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Foster Introduces Legislation to Improve Safety and Sustainability in the Battery Supply Chain

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act of 2026 to help the Department of Energy develop new, safer materials processing technologies needed to bolster our battery supply chain. This testbed would aim to kickstart a domestic materials processing industry in the United States with a focus on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimizing resource intensiveness.

“As our nation’s clean energy demands continue to grow, there’s more need than ever to safely process the critical materials that are used in electric car batteries, solar panels, and other electronics,” said Foster. “Currently, these materials are typically processed in countries with minimal safety regulations, causing damage to our environment and human health. A testbed managed by the Department of Energy would allow us to not only create a safer and more environmentally friendly battery supply chain, but also bring good manufacturing jobs to the U.S.” 

This legislation was prompted by a hearing Foster chaired in the House Science Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, which found that materials processing constitutes a major impediment to strengthening the domestic battery supply chain.

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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DeGette, Crow, Neguse, Pettersen Statement on Massie Amendment to the Republican Budget

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jason Crow (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after voting in favor of Congressman Massie’s amendment to the Republican budget:
 
“Today we voted against additional taxpayer-funded military aid being given to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
 
“We support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to safety, security, and self-determination.
 
“We should not be giving military aid to any country that does not comply with our own laws and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet these standards.
 
“The status quo is not tenable. We need a different path forward for America’s foreign policy rooted in values and consistent application of the law.”

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Congressman Johnson Joins 24 Colleagues In Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.

“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.

“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.” 

The statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

 

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Larsen Votes No on Cutting Veterans’ Benefits and Increasing Fees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“The so-called Take Care of America’s Veterans Act cuts benefits and raises fees on future veterans. I cannot support that. Congress should be focused on breaking down barriers that prevent veterans from receiving the benefits they need, not creating more.

“I continue to support the Major Richard Star Act to correct the unfair offset in benefits for combat-injured veterans. I call on Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor for a vote.”

Today, Rep. Larsen voted “no” on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA). The bill cuts an estimated $57 billion in disability compensation over the next 10 years for future veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea, two of the most common conditions among veterans. The bill would also triple fees on veterans refinancing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans at a time when Americans are already struggling to afford housing.

Larsen Continues to Fight for Veterans in Northwest Washington

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September 2025. Following those conversations, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns. Rep. Larsen submitted this report to the VA and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices are heard in the policy-making process.

After hearing from local veterans about the lack of transportation options to VA health facilities, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veterans Access to Transit Act last December to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations. Rep. Larsen’s BUILD America 250 Act, which passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May, makes funding available to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations, like the Everett and Mount Vernon Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

Last August, Rep. Larsen reintroduced the Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would expand the fertility treatments and family-building services that are covered under servicemembers’ and veterans’ health care. Rep. Larsen also introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act this February, which would expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the VA.

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Rep. Craig Statement on Her Vote Against Massie Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act regarding funding for Israel.    

“Today’s vote was an unserious attempt by Rep. Thomas Massie to implement sweeping and irresponsible changes to America’s foreign policy.  

“Let me be clear. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reckless policies and the humanitarian crisis he has created in Gaza have damaged Israel’s reputation on the world stage and therefore jeopardized any progress toward weakening Hamas and implementing a necessary two-state solution. Not to mention, President Trump and Netanyahu’s dangerous and illegal war with Iran has driven up costs and put American troops in harm’s way. I firmly believe that the best thing for the U.S.-Israel relationship is for Netanyahu to lose his next election.

“That said, the U.S.’ longstanding partnership with Israel is critical for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and a blanket ban on all foreign aid, including humanitarian programs, would not only endanger the Israeli people, but also American troops and our allies in the region. 

“Attempting to litigate these complex foreign policy conversations through an amendment to the national security appropriations bill undermines the importance of our alliance with Israel and threatens to undercut ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.”  

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Davids Calls for Return to Bipartisan Farm Bill Tradition at Center Forward Discussion

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Davids (D), Finstad (R) discuss future of the Farm Bill coalition after years of partisan gridlock

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) and Center Forward for a bipartisan discussion on the future of the Farm Bill coalition. During the event, Davids emphasized that supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities, and keeping food affordable have long been bipartisan priorities — and urged Congress to move away from political games and get back to working together.

“Kansas has a long history of showing that the Farm Bill works best when people come together,” said Davids. “Leaders like Senator Bob Dole and Senator Pat Roberts understood that supporting farmers and making sure families can put food on the table aren’t competing priorities — they’re connected. That’s the bipartisan tradition that made the Farm Bill successful for decades. We need to stop playing political games, rebuild that coalition, and get back to passing a Farm Bill that gives producers certainty and keeps our food system strong.”

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I know firsthand the importance of delivering a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that responsibly addresses the needs of my fellow Minnesotans,” said Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01). “While the Farm Bill is a critical tool for farmers and rural communities, it also serves as a crucial piece of legislation for strengthening food security across the country. Whether it be my colleagues in Congress or community members back home, what makes the Farm Bill effective is listening to others to ensure we are meeting the needs of Americans. I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this bipartisan conversation about how we can continue to make the Farm Bill successful for generations to come.”

“Bipartisan policymaking delivers durable results that benefit all Americans,” said Cori Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, Center Forward. “At Center Forward, we are proud to serve as Washington’s leading bipartisan convenor, bringing together leaders to foster the conversations that make meaningful progress possible. We are grateful to Congresswoman Davids and Congressman Finstad for their commitment to pragmatic problem-solving as they work to advance the Farm Bill through Congress. Their leadership demonstrates that when lawmakers work across the aisle, they can build consensus and move important legislation forward on behalf of communities across the country — from rural towns to urban neighborhoods.”

Earlier this year, Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, voted to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill through the House Agriculture Committee, emphasizing the need to provide certainty for Kansas farmers, strengthen the nation’s food supply, and help address rising costs for families after years of delays in Congress.

For decades, the Farm Bill has been one of Congress’ most bipartisan pieces of legislation, bringing together lawmakers representing both rural and urban communities around a shared commitment to supporting American agriculture, strengthening conservation programs, expanding trade opportunities, and ensuring families can put food on the table. That longstanding coalition has become increasingly strained in recent years as partisan disagreements over nutrition programs have made it more difficult to reach the broad bipartisan consensus that has historically defined the legislation.

Last year’s partisan budget law, which Davids opposed, cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help pay for tax breaks that benefit billionaires. Those cuts are projected to reduce farm income by more than $30 billion over the next decade while threatening jobs throughout the food and agriculture supply chain. During consideration of the Farm Bill, Davids supported an amendment to reverse those SNAP cuts and restore the historic bipartisan approach that has long united the Farm Bill coalition, but the Republican majority rejected the proposal.

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Pappas Statement on Massie Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Washington, DC – Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting present on an amendment offered by Representative Massie to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“I cannot support this amendment as written because it is overly broad. Enacting it would hamstring our humanitarian efforts in the region by limiting funding for programs that support Palestinian economic development and peacebuilding efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. It would also weaken our ability to combat Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations that threaten Americans and our allies.

“At the same time, I have deep concerns about the path Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to pursue that undermines the long term security objectives of Israel and the United States. This path won’t lead to peace, only to more war and instability. The United States must stand for security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“I voted present today because I cannot support this amendment as written but also cannot support the disproportionate, extreme policies of the Netanyahu government.”