Posts

Posted on

Protecting the Environment and Local Law Enforcement Big Winners in Larsen-backed Bills

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

Protecting the Environment and Local Law Enforcement Big Winners in Larsen-backed Bills

Washington, D.C., January 8, 2026

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting yes on a package of three Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bills. The package passed the House with bipartisan support on a 397-28 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

“I am glad that this legislative package includes the funding I requested to improve marine research and community safety in Whatcom County,” said Rep. Larsen. “Today my colleagues and I voted to continue funding that protects the environment, grows local economies and supports law enforcement, despite the President’s best efforts to defund these priorities. I will keep working closely with Northwest Washington leaders to bring home federal dollars that improve the communities I represent.” 

Larsen’s Requested Funding for Local Projects Included 

Last year, Rep. Larsen requested $1.6 million for two Whatcom County community projects. Funding for those projects is included in the FY26 spending package. 

  • $1,031,000 for Western Washington University’s (WWU) Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel: This funding will support acquisition of a new research vessel for WWU marine and coastal science educational and research activities.  

  • $600,000 for Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project: This funding will support the purchase of new portable radios to replace outdated radios that are failing, allowing deputies to communicate clearly with dispatch and each other.  

“Congressional support from Representative Rick Larsen for a new research vessel at Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center is a vital investment in the Salish Sea,” said WWU President Sabah Randhawa. “This vessel will expand hands-on learning for students, create new research opportunities for faculty, and strengthen partnerships with Tribal nations and state agencies advancing critical research and restoration in the North Puget Sound. We are deeply grateful to Representative Larsen for his leadership and support.” 

Larsen Priorities for Environment, Economic Development, Law Enforcement Included 

The final package also provides funding for several Northwest Washington priorities, including: 

  • $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which supports state and Tribal habitat restoration projects to reverse the decline of Pacific salmon and steelhead and support conservation efforts in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. 

  • $1.285 million for Washington’s Regional Fisheries, restoring funding the Administration refused to allocate in Fiscal Year 2025. In August, Rep. Larsen and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). 

  • $40 million for the National Estuary Program (NEP), which is a non-regulatory program that supports locally driven efforts to restore and protect the environmental and economic health of 28 estuaries of national significance, including Puget Sound. In June, Rep. Larsen introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the NEP through 2031. 

  • $1 million to establish a new Northwest Regional Commission that will coordinate economic development opportunities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. 

  • $964 million for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides funding for regional drug task forces that help Washington state communities fight the opioid epidemic. 

  • $800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services Grants, which awards funds to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. 

  • $720 million for the Violence Against Women Act, which provides survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with lifesaving legal services and transitional housing to help rebuild their lives. 

In November, Rep. Larsen secured $2.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture spending bill for three local projects in Island and San Juan counties. Since 2022, Larsen has secured nearly $64 million for 43 projects in Northwest Washington state through annual spending bills. 

Posted on

Dingell Statement on Steny Hoyer’s Retirement

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

Dingell Statement on Steny Hoyer’s Retirement

Washington, January 8, 2026

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement in response to Congressman Steny Hoyer’s announcement that he will not seek reelection.

“Steny Hoyer is a long-time friend, partner, colleague, and someone I have always been able to turn to. He has been a steadfast, hardworking representative for his constituents for more than four decades and helped shape some of Congress’ most important work as a member of House leadership. Something we have always shared and worked closely on is disability advocacy, and he was foundational to passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has changed our country for the better.  He has always led with civility, courage, and a willingness to work with anyone to get the job done. I am proud to call him a dear friend, and I will miss calling him a colleague, but this retirement is well deserved.”  

Posted on

JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDIT EXTENSION

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Today is a historic day. House Democrats, alongside 17 of our Republican colleagues, successfully passed legislation to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits and prevent millions of people from losing their healthcare.

Donald Trump and far-right Republicans promised to lower the high cost of living, but instead are breaking our healthcare system for working and middle class Americans.

House Democrats will always fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and bring to life the great American dream. It is time for Leader Thune and Senate Republicans to act with the urgency that this moment requires and finally work with Democrats to protect the healthcare of the American people. 


###

Posted on

Ranking Member Huffman Statement on House Republicans Voting to Uphold Trump’s Retaliation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

January 08, 2026

Washington, D.C.? – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after House Republicans killed two of their own party’s bills and voted to uphold President Trump’s vetoes of two bipartisan bills that had passed both chambers unanimously:

“Congratulations to House Republicans on completing their transformation of the United States Congress into the American Duma. They just proved they’d rather be Trump’s doormats than do their jobs and serve their constituents.

“These two bills had already passed Congress unanimously — every single Republican voted for them — and now those same Republicans turned around and killed their own colleagues’ legislation because Trump threw a tantrum.

“Let’s be clear about what happened here: Trump vetoed clean drinking water for 50,000 rural Coloradans to punish Lauren Boebert for defending the victims of his pedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein, and to exact revenge on the state of Colorado over his obsession with losing the 2020 election. Trump vetoed flood protection for a Native American tribe over an unrelated environmental lawsuit that challenged his “Alligator Alcatraz” debacle, punishing them for defending their ancestral lands. He will always put his fragile ego over the American people, but that much we already knew. What we learned today is that the overwhelming majority of House Republicans are happy to be pawns in his craven personal vendettas — even when innocent people are hurt, and even when it makes them look spineless and soulless.

“The MAGA majority talks a big game about fighting for rural America and respecting tribal sovereignty. Today they showed us exactly who they are. When Trump says jump, House Republicans slam their heads into the ceiling in the rush to reverse their own votes and betray their oath of office.”

###

Posted on

Congressman Bilirakis Secures Federal Grant Funding for Critical Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects Across Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced today that, with the passage of three appropriations bills in the House, he has secured $14,625,000 in federal grant funding for multiple critical infrastructure, public safety, education, and research projects across Florida’s 12th Congressional District. The funding is included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations, Energy and Water Appropriations, and Interior Appropriations packages.

“These investments reflect my commitment to delivering results for our communities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “These projects were identified by local government leaders as priority unmet needs. From improving public safety and protecting public health to strengthening water infrastructure and advancing lifesaving medical research, they have the potential to make a lasting, meaningful impact across our district-once these bills are approved by the Senate and signed into law.”

The Bilirakis-sponsored projects included in these appropriations bills are:

  1. Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Advanced Forensics Tools and Equipment Upgrades-$2.875 million to support state-of-the-art digital and biological forensic tools, strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing community safety amid evolving criminal tactics.
  2. Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications System Enhancements- $3 million to replace aging mobile and portable radios with advanced, interoperable communications technology, improving situational awareness, security, and reliable communication among first responders during emergencies and all-hazards events.
  3. Pasco County School Board Safety Enhancements-$1.75 million to deploy weapons detection software and additional security cameras across all 100 Pasco County school campuses, allowing the district to proactively address threats and enhance student and staff safety.
  4. Pasco County Chlorine Booster Stations Project-$750,000 to support design, engineering, inspection, testing, and construction of three chlorine booster stations. This project will reduce water waste, ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health, and support Pasco County’s goal of operating infrastructure systems in a safe, compliant, and cost-efficient manner.
  5. City of Brooksville Wastewater Infrastructure Planning-$1 million for engineering and design to expand the wastewater treatment facility to handle up to 5 million gallons per day. With rapid growth projected to push capacity limits by 2028–2029, this funding represents a critical first step toward long-term sustainability and environmental protection.
  6. Citrus County Lift Station Improvements-$750,000 to improve wastewater system reliability and environmental protection through critical lift station upgrades.
  7. City of Crystal River Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements-$750,000 to enhance system performance and protect local waterways.
  8. Hernando County Centralized Sewer System-$750,000 to help construct lift stations needed to decommission outdated RV sewer treatment package plants and connect them to a centralized sewer system, improving efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
  9. University of South Florida Molecular Profiling Center for Brain Research-$2 million to support the purchase and installation of advanced single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics and related research instruments. These technologies will accelerate research into Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders, including studies focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and vascular dementia among Veterans.
  10. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Human Performance Program-$1 million to enhance equipment and technology that support deputy wellness, physical readiness, and injury prevention-reducing downtime, improving quality of life for deputies, and ensuring continued effective service to the community.

“These projects represent mission-critical investments that strengthen public safety, protect public health, support students, safeguard our environment, and prepare our communities for future growth,” Congressman Bilirakis added. “While these bills have passed the House, the funding is still contingent on Senate approval and the President’s signature. I will continue working to ensure our district receives its fair share of federal resources and that these funds are spent responsibly and effectively.”

In addition to these projects, Congressman Bilirakis previously secured $750,000 in federal grant funding for the City of Inverness to purchase a ladder fire truck, which was previously signed into law.

Posted on

Representative John Carter Supports FY26 Appropriations Package Restoring Regular Order and Advancing America First Priorities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John “Judge” Carter (TX-31) voted in favor of the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment appropriations package, advancing a return to regular order in Congress and ensuring responsible, full-year funding for essential government operations.

“This legislation reflects a deliberate, transparent process that respects Congress’s constitutional responsibility over federal spending,” said Rep. Carter. “Passing full-year appropriations bills through regular order provides stability, accountability, and certainty for the American people.”

By voting in favor of this bill the House took a key step to fully fund key agencies through the end of the fiscal year. The package supports priorities important to Texas and the nation, including strengthening national security, restoring American energy leadership, and equipping law enforcement with the resources needed to combat fentanyl trafficking and violent crime. It includes investments in grid security, critical minerals, geothermal energy, and the continued modernization of the nation’s nuclear deterrence.

Additionally, the legislation provides funding for responsible management of public lands, wildland firefighting, tribal public safety initiatives, and national parks, while preserving longstanding protections for the Second Amendment and preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions.

“This is responsible governance,” Carter added. “By avoiding last-minute omnibus bills and passing full-year appropriations, Congress is doing its job and delivering results for the American people.”

Posted on

WATCH: Pressley Applauds House Passage of ACA Subsidies Extension

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

Earlier Today on House Floor, Pressley Implored Republicans to Save Healthcare, Invoking Story of Boston Family

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement after Democrats forced House passage of legislation to extend life-saving Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and protect healthcare for millions. Earlier today on the House floor, Rep. Pressley implored Republicans to save healthcare for families across the country, including her constituent Deborah, whose family’s monthly payments would double should the ACA tax credits expire.

“Today the House took an important step toward protecting the health, well-being, and financial stability of families in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country. This is a testament to what is possible when we organize and refuse to be complicit in Trump and Republicans’ attacks on the fundamental right to affordable healthcare,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley in a statement. “The Senate must follow suit without delay.”

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks from earlier today is available below and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Applauds House Passage of ACA Subsidies Extension

House of Representatives

January 8, 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise today carrying the voices and the lives of the people of the Massachusetts 7th whose survival depends on the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

The grandmother skipping meals to pay for her prescriptions.

The young mom lying awake at night, wondering how she’ll afford her baby’s asthma inhaler if premiums go up.

Families like Deborah’s in Boston staring down premiums that will double while they care for loved ones, serve their community, and do everything right. 

These are not abstract numbers. 

These are real people, with real lives, and real fears about whether they will be able to see a doctor, fill a prescription, or keep their families healthy. 

In my district alone, 29,000 people will be forced to pay more for healthcare if Congress fails to act, and up to 35,000 could lose their coverage entirely. 

This is a shameful policy choice, and it is a choice—a choice by my colleagues across the aisle, and it is a violent one at that. 

Let me tell you more about Deborah. Her family buys insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. 

Right now for a family of five, they pay just over $1,000 a month. 

If these ACA tax credits expire, they’ll pay nearly $2,000 a month—for an even worse plan.

And that doesn’t even include their daughter, who has aged out of the plan, is underpaid at her job, and whose premiums they will have to help cover.

Deborah told me they are fortunate they can afford it—but that affordability does come at a cost.

Between paying for their premiums, their sons’ college tuition, and caring for her disabled sister, Deborah’s husband—a dedicated public offender—now works weekends just to keep up.

As Deborah told me, “Even work you love shouldn’t require you to give up every day of your life just to survive.”

Mr. Speaker, Deborah’s story is no anomaly. 

It is the reality for millions of families across this country. 

And this crisis did not happen by accident. 

No, this is manufactured, man-made.

It was manufactured by an occupant of the Oval Office and a Republican party that is hell-bent on making families poorer, sicker, hungrier, and less safe.

The same party that was content to let these lifesaving tax credits expire—until Democrats had to force them to vote on a clean three year extension.

The shame and the sham of it all. 

Dr. King once profoundly said, and his words still ring true today, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane because it often results in physical death.” 

Mr. Speaker, health care isn’t a nice-to-have. 

It is a fundamental human right. It is a matter of life and death. 

I urge my colleagues to do right by the people who sent you here and join us in passing this extension before it is too late. 

Posted on

Trahan Secures House Passage of $5 Million for Third District Projects

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) secured House passage of $5,118,000 in federal funding for five critical community projects across Massachusetts’ Third District. The investments will support major infrastructure upgrades in Lowell, Littleton, Groton, and Westford, while expanding access to addiction recovery services through The Phoenix in Lawrence and surrounding communities.

“Our communities deserve safe water, reliable infrastructure, and support for people working to overcome addiction. That’s why I spent the past year working with local leaders and my colleagues in Congress to cut through the gridlock and turn local priorities into real federal investments. These investments will make our cities and towns healthier and safer places to call home, and I look forward to working with our Senate partners to advance them into law,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

The funding passed by the House of Representatives includes:

$1,092,000 for the City of Lowell Centralville Sewer Separation Project

$1,092,000 for the Town of Littleton Common Sewer System Expansion Project

$1,092,000 for the Town of Groton Regional Water System Expansion PFAS Mitigation Project

$1,092,000 for the Town of Westford PFAS Treatment Infrastructure Project

$750,000 for The Phoenix Essex County Community Reentry Project

After careful consultation with local leaders, Congresswoman Trahan requested the inclusion of these funds to address pressing infrastructure and public health needs across the Third District. The projects were included in two government funding bills, both of which passed the House with bipartisan support.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

### 

Posted on

Congressman Cuellar Helps Force House Vote to Successfully Pass the “Breaking the Gridlock Act” to Lower Health Care Costs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Breaking the Gridlock Act with bipartisan support, which extends Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years:

“With health care costs rising, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits is a cost-of-living issue for families across South Texas and our nation,” said Congressman Cuellar. ““I’m fighting for 113,000 of my constituents who are seeing their premiums double, and sometimes triple, in real time. That’s unacceptable. It’s why I signed the discharge petition, voted yes, and overwhelmingly support passage in the Senate to send this legislation to the President’s desk.”

The enhanced ACA premium tax credits were first expanded in 2021 and extended through the end of 2025. With those credits expiring, many Americans purchasing coverage face significant premium increases and higher out-of-pocket costs. Without congressional action, millions of families could see their monthly premiums spike, making health care less affordable and putting coverage at risk.

The House vote was made possible through the discharge petition process, a procedural mechanism that allows a majority of Members to bring legislation to the floor even when it is not advanced through the traditional committee process. Congressman Cuellar joined colleagues in signing the discharge petition to break the logjam and force consideration of legislation addressing urgent cost-of-living concerns.

“In the communities I represent, as well as across the entire country, health care is not a partisan issue,” Congressman Cuellar said. “It’s about being able to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and keep coverage next year. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can deliver real relief and certainty to the families who need it most.”

El Congresista Cuellar Ayuda a Forzar una Votación en la Cámara de Representantes para Aprobar con Éxito la “Ley para Romper el Estancamiento” y Reducir los Costos de la Atención Médica

El representante Cuellar firmó la petición de descarga del líder Jeffries y votó a favor con demócratas y republicanos para proteger los créditos fiscales de primas de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio por tres años adicionales.

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el congresista Henry Cuellar (TX-28) emitió la siguiente declaración después de que la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos aprobara, con apoyo bipartidista, la Ley para Romper el Estancamiento, la cual extiende los créditos fiscales de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA) por tres años:

“Con el aumento de los costos de la atención médica, extender los créditos fiscales de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio es un asunto del costo de vida para las familias del sur de Texas y de todo el país,” dijo el congresista Cuellar. “Estoy luchando por 113,000 de mis constituyentes que están viendo cómo sus primas se duplican y, en algunos casos, se triplican en tiempo real. Eso es inaceptable. Por eso firmé la petición de descarga, voté a favor y apoyo firmemente su aprobación en el Senado para enviar esta legislación al escritorio del Presidente.”

Los créditos fiscales mejorados de la ACA se ampliaron por primera vez en 2021 y se extendieron hasta el fin de 2025. Con la expiración de estos créditos, muchos estadounidenses que compran cobertura enfrentan aumentos significativos en las primas y mayores costos de su propio bolsillo. Sin acción del Congreso, millones de familias podrían ver un aumento drástico en sus primas mensuales, haciendo que la atención médica sea menos asequible y poniendo en riesgo su cobertura.

La votación en la Cámara fue posible gracias al proceso de petición de descarga, un mecanismo de procedimiento que permite que una mayoría de los Miembros lleve una legislación al pleno incluso cuando no avanza a través del proceso tradicional de comités. El congresista Cuellar se unió a sus colegas para firmar la petición de descarga con el fin de romper el estancamiento y forzar la consideración de legislación que aborda preocupaciones urgentes sobre el costo de vida.

“En las comunidades que represento, así como en todo el país, la atención médica no es un tema partidista,” dijo el congresista Cuellar. “Se trata de poder ver a un médico, surtir una receta y mantener la cobertura el próximo año. Insto al Senado a actuar con rapidez para que podamos brindar un alivio real y certeza a las familias que más lo necesitan.”

###

Posted on

Rep. Gomez Votes to Pass Legislation Lowering Health Care by Extending ACA Premium Tax Credits

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) voted to pass legislation extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for three years, helping protect millions of Americans from sharp health insurance premium increases. 

The bill passed after House Democrats forced a vote through a discharge petition, a rare procedural move used only after House Republicans blocked efforts to bring the legislation to the floor, despite the expiration of the tax credits and the impact higher premiums are already having on working families. 

“I voted to extend the ACA premium tax credits to lower costs and keep working families covered,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “Most House Republicans opposed this bill, but Democrats forced a vote and passed it anyway. Now Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are standing in the way and may not even allow a vote. When premiums go up and people lose coverage, Republicans will be to blame.” 

In CA-34 alone, up to 27,000 people rely on these enhanced ACA subsidies, and without action, many are now facing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional annual health care costs. Across the country, millions of people are expected to lose coverage all together without an extension. 

As Chair and Founder of the Congressional Dads Caucus, Rep. Gomez has repeatedly warned that the expiration of ACA premium tax credits would hit parents and children hardest. The Dads Caucus has called on Republicans to stop blocking action and protect affordable health care for working families. 

The House-passed bill would extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits for three years, providing stability and affordability for individuals and working families who rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.