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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor, where he emphasized that while Republicans are celebrating legislation that harms their own constituents, Democrats are focused on the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re here on the House Floor debating this resolution that Republicans have introduced on Tax Day to celebrate themselves. This is an extraordinary thing. I’ve seen a lot during my time here in the United States Congress for more than 10 years. I have never seen a resolution introduced by Members of Congress, let alone a party, the Republican Party, to celebrate yourselves for a bill that has damaged the American people. But if you’re around this town long enough, I guess you see it all. So I’m confused with H. Res 1156 because the first clause says, “Whereas on July 4, 2025, the President signed Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the Working Families Tax Cuts.” Commonly known to who? Let’s be clear with the American people, Republicans have made up that name. Why? Because the bill, the actual name of the bill in Public Law 119-21 is the One Big Beautiful Bill. It is deeply unpopular with the American people, who know it’s been a disaster.

Now, I have respect for the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He recently just called it the One Big Beautiful Bill. I’m not sure you’re allowed to do that, sir. Because Donald Trump has made clear, walk away from that name that he gave [to the bill himself]. Why? Because the American people understand it’s been a disaster. And the American people know that this resolution is not worth the paper that it is written on. It does nothing. It doesn’t have the force of law and does nothing to keep the promises that Donald Trump made to the American people that on day one of his presidency, he was going to lower costs. But here in America, Mr. Speaker, costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up because of decisions that Donald Trump and Republicans have made to hurt the American people. The Trump tariffs have cost everyday Americans thousands of dollars in additional expense per year. That’s an affirmative decision to hurt the American people.

Mr. Speaker, Republicans have refused to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And as a result of that very decision, more than 20 million Americans are experiencing dramatically increased health insurance premiums, in some cases, costs having increased by over $1,000 per month. That’s an affirmative decision that Republicans have made to increase costs. And now, there’s a reckless war of choice that has been raging in the Middle East. More than a dozen brave American heroes have already lost their lives. Hundreds have been seriously injured. Billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent per day to drop bombs in the Middle East, and yet, Republicans are unwilling to spend a dime to make life more affordable for the American people. In fact, this reckless war of choice, this Trump-Republican war over in the Middle East has skyrocketed gas prices all across America. More than four dollars a gallon, largest increase in gas prices on a monthly basis in more than 60 years. Republicans have done that to the American people. And so, in the face of such policy failure and the One Big Ugly Bill being such a disaster, we have this resolution in front of us, not worth the paper that it’s written on. Doesn’t even reference the name of the bill that was passed. Why is that? Because Republicans are trying to hide what has been done to the American people. Let me just briefly talk about five different things that are in the One Big Ugly Bill that have caused real harm.

One, the One Big Ugly Bill contained the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, almost a trillion-dollar cut to Medicaid, and as a result of that, almost 14 million Americans at risk of losing [their] health insurance because of the bill that Republicans are celebrating on the Floor here today. And as a result of that Medicaid cut, the largest in history, hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers are at risk of closing all across the country, including in rural America as a result of the legislation that Republicans are celebrating here on the Floor today, though they’re running away from the name of the bill because it’s such a disaster.

Second problem with the legislation that Republicans are celebrating on the Floor today is in that One Big Ugly Bill, they cut $186 billion, Mr. Speaker, Republicans cut $186 billion in nutritional assistance, the largest cut to SNAP in American history, literally ripping food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans in this One Big Ugly Bill. And now my Republican colleagues have the nerve to come on the Floor today with this resolution and celebrate that?

Third problem with the bill, amongst many, is that after cutting Medicaid, ripping healthcare away from the American people, stealing food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans, $75 billion in taxpayer money was set aside in a slush fund so that ICE can brutalize and, in some cases, kill American citizens. $75-billion slush fund for ICE in this One Big Ugly Bill that Republicans are on the Floor celebrating today. Active harm being done to the American people, including resulting in the deaths, the cold-blooded killing of two American citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Fourth problem with this bill, on Tax Day, is that the beneficiaries of this legislation—every economist who [has] studied this legislation knows that it overwhelmingly and disproportionately benefits the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. In fact, the American people know it, which is why this resolution doesn’t even make mention of the official name of the bill because Republicans are running away from it. But the bottom line is Medicaid was cut, nutritional assistance was cut, ICE was given this slush fund of $75 billion and billionaire donors to the Republican Party were given massive tax breaks that they did not need and do not deserve, in an environment where working families, everyday Americans, middle class Americans, working class Americans are struggling to make ends meet, can’t thrive and can barely survive. And yet what was done in this One Big Ugly Bill that Republicans are celebrating on the Floor today? Massive tax breaks to Republican billionaire donors. Not making life more affordable to the American people, because the American people know that life has become more expensive, not less, under Donald Trump’s presidency and failed Republican policies.

Fifth problem, amongst many, is that for years, Republicans have portrayed themselves, Mr. Speaker, as the party of fiscal responsibility. This is one of the most fiscally irresponsible bills—being celebrated on the Floor today—by Republicans ever to pass the United States Congress, going all the way back to 1789. Legislation that increased the debt by more than $4 trillion to give ICE a $75-billion slush fund, to cut Medicaid, to rip food from the mouths of children and to subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. This is nothing to celebrate here on the Floor today.

And so, I’m thankful to Mike Thompson, my colleague, distinguished Members of the Ways and Means Committee for communicating to the American people the truth. We will be opposing this resolution, a resolution not worth the paper that it’s written on, something that doesn’t even have the force of law, because as Democrats, we’re committed to actually solving problems for the American people, for making life more affordable for the American people, for ending this reckless war of choice in the Middle East that has skyrocketed gas prices, to fix our broken healthcare system, reverse these Medicaid cuts that are part of this One Big Ugly Bill, extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits and actually commit to doing things—legislating, not pontificating—legislating in ways that make life better for the American people. I yield back.

Full Floor speech can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) led 30 of his colleagues in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and current Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Student Loan Ombudsman Geoffrey Gradler demanding transparency regarding recent findings that a federally required student loan oversight report was substantially altered prior to publication. 

According to the findings, the report was originally drafted by former CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman Julia Barnard, but the version ultimately released to the public was significantly shortened and edited by Trump-appointed CFPB leadership prior to publication. If accurate, these alterations raise serious concerns that Congress and the public may have been deprived of critical information regarding borrower harm, loan servicing failures, and risks within the federal student loan system.

“Millions of Americans rely on federal student loans to have access to a college education, and Congress needs accurate reports to conduct oversight of this process,” said Congressman García. “Intentionally editing the annual report to hide information of how Trump’s decimation of the Department of Education personnel has impacted borrowers is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about transparency and integrity in the system as well as borrower protection.”

The Members’ letter also raises concerns about whether the Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman was provided with access to information and stakeholder engagement necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. Any limitations on the Ombudsman’s ability to independently gather information would undermine the integrity of the report and Congress’ ability to conduct oversight. 

“Statutory law required me to write an independent annual report. I wrote it and covered everything from college price-fixing to pathways out of default status to widespread and basic servicer errors, but the Trump administration hid it,” said Julia Barnard, former Student Loan Ombudsman at CFPB. “Student debtors and their families desperately trying to stay financially afloat deserve corrupt actors being held accountable. Congress must leave no stone unturned to expose what the Trump administration concealed.”

Additionally, the Members highlight reporting that the Administration may move forward with plans to transfer responsibility for defaulted federal student loans from the Department of Education to the Department of Treasury, raising further concerns about transparency and borrower protections. 

In the letter, the Members demand “access to complete and accurate information in order to ensure federal student aid programs are functioning as intended,” given the scale of the federal student loan portfolio and the millions of Americans, particularly first-generation college students, students of color and low-income borrowers who rely on it.  

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01) Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

A full copy of the letter is available here. 

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

Watch Pressley Manage Floor Debate on Her Bipartisan Discharge Petition

Final Passage Set for Thursday Afternoon

Pressley Floor Debate | Pressley Press Conference

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus, won a key procedural vote on her bipartisan discharge petition to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti. The House of Representatives agreed to Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to discharge by a vote of 219-209, and final passage is set for Thursday afternoon.

“This is a critical step forward in our fight for immigrant justice and delivering our Haitian neighbors the protections they deserve—and it’s a testament to the strength of our broad, diverse, and bipartisan coalition,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement. “I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who supported our discharge petition, to my staff who power this work, and our movement partners who’ve helped us get this far. The House must move with urgency and pass this legislation without delay.”

Earlier today, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) held a press conference alongside colleagues and advocates calling for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Following the press conference, Congresswoman Pressley went to the House floor to advance her discharge petition on Rep. Gillen’s bill and trigger the first procedural House vote on extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti until April 2029.

For footage of Rep. Pressley managing floor debate on her discharge petition, click here. A transcript of her remarks on the floor are below.

Transcript: Rep. Pressley Manages Floor Debate on Her Haiti TPS Discharge Petition
April 15, 2026
House of Representatives

Opening Remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in unequivocal support of this vote.

I am immensely grateful to the members who supported my discharge petition on both sides of the aisle.

The broad, intergenerational and multiracial coalition of justice-seekers throughout the country who power this movement and my indefatigable staff, my A-Team, who power this work.

I’m grateful for labor unions like SEIU, business industry like ABIC, faith leaders like the Conference of Catholic Bishops, civil rights groups like Black Lives Matter Grassroots, IFSI, and so many more have joined the movement to extend TPS for Haiti.

Now this issue, Mr. Speaker, is not the most glamorous, and I don’t fault anyone at home who perhaps has never heard of this. But for those who know those three letters, T-P-S, they know it is life changing.

Temporary Protected Status is a legal status for 1.3 million immigrants in the United States. The application process is arduous, requiring piles of paperwork, undergoing a background check, spending hundreds of dollars and coming from one of the few countries on the list, like Haiti or Venezuela.

Technically, the deadline for maintaining Haiti TPS has already passed. That is why this vote is so urgent.

That is why I filed the discharge petition. And that is why Democrats, Republicans, and an Independent have come together to take action.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote yes to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians who are living in the United States and building a future that will help all of us.

Haitians like Rebeca in my district, the Massachusetts 7th, who shared her personal story with me. Rebeca moved to the United States in 2010 not by choice, but out of necessity following the catastrophic earthquake that killed more people than any other earthquake in the history of the Western Hemisphere. She witnessed the rise in gangs and saw her beautiful country overtaken by political violence and instability

After surviving multiple kidnapping attempts, out of desperation, Rebeca made the same decision that any of us would make in her position, she immigrated to the United States. She quickly enrolled in school to learn English. She obtained a job to support herself and her family. Now in 2026, thanks to her legal status under TPS, Rebeca is a certified nursing assistant. She told me that she cares for her patients with great joy, pride, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, let the record reflect that 20% of Haitians in the United States, that’s one in five, work in healthcare bridging the critical workforce gaps that define our caregiving crisis.

Rebeca is not our enemy. She should not have to live with shame nor fear of being deported solely because of where she was born. She told me that she cannot return to Haiti and she has no other place to go, Mr. Speaker, Rebeca’s letter ended with two words that no person wishes they’d ever need to use. “Please help.”

Today, Congress has the ability to do just that — for Rebeca in Massachusetts, for the teacher in Ohio, for the entrepreneur in Florida, and the more than 350,000 Haitian TPS holders whose lives hang in the balance.

Congress can help. Congress can do the right thing. There is nothing stopping us. Congress, right now and right here, can vote to save lives.

I urge my colleagues to vote yes.”

Closing Remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, I am preparing to close.

A vote against this resolution is a vote against our country’s best interest, plain and simple.

But don’t just take my word for it, Mr. Speaker. Republicans in the executive branch agree.

If you go to the State Department’s website, you will see the Trump Administration has designated Haiti as a Level 4, Code Red, Do Not Travel because of the multi-layered humanitarian crises of natural disasters, gang violence, and political instability impacting the island.

That’s why TPS is warranted in this moment, and Secretary Rubio knows that. In fact, when he was in the Senate, it was Rubio who authored the very legislation we are voting on today, and it’s not just him who agrees.

The US. Ambassador the United Nations, Mike Waltz has repeatedly discussed the dire conditions of Haiti and its strategic importance to our national security. Ambassador Waltz, who was recently a Republican in this very body, believes we should be working to stabilize Haiti. He knows that the international effort to restore order in Port-au-Prince would be undermined if we deport hundreds of thousands of Haitians to the island.

But this isn’t just about foreign policy. Secretary Kennedy of the Department of Health and Human Services said something families across the country already know too well: that America is facing a caregiver crisis.

But Mr. Speaker, if we were to deport Haitians, we would lose even more nurses, aides and caregivers that we desperately need. Those jobs can’t be replaced by AI.

So the solution is clear. I urge my colleagues to vote yes to extend TPS because it’s the economic thing to do, it’s the strategic thing to do, it’s the humane thing to do. But most of all, it is the right thing to do.

I yield back the balance of my time and move the previous question on the resolution.

—

Last month, Rep. Pressley’s discharge petition successfully met the 218-signature threshold to move forward with bipartisan support.

Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country. She has stood in vigorous defense for Haitian communities and all immigrant neighbors amid Trump and ICE’s attacks against immigrant communities.

Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress pushing back against Trump’s threats to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

This week, Rep. Pressley, alongside Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Senators Ed Markey and Chris Van Hollen, led 26 Senators and 157 Representatives in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in Miot v. Trump, a consolidated case challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of Haiti and Syria Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

On March 28, 2026, Rep. Pressley’s discharge petition to force a House vote on extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti successfully met the 218-signature threshold to move forward with bipartisan support.

In March 2026, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian faith leaders and advocates to urge the Supreme Court to affirm the lower courts’ rulings that deemed Trump’s push to terminate Haiti TPS unlawful.

In February 2026, Rep. Pressley applauded a federal judge’s ruling to temporarily block Trump’s move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Ending TPS for Haitians would leave over 350,000 Haitian nationals at risk of deportation, many of whom reside in the Massachusetts 7th congressional district.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley, alongside Senator Markey, held a field hearing on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. She documented this testimony in the legislative record. Footage from the hearing is available here and photos here.

In January 2026, Rep. Pressley also organized a press conference in D.C. in January to sound the alarm on the harm of terminating TPS for Haiti on seniors and the U.S. care economy.

• On June 28, 2025, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s abominable termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti effective September 2nd, 2025.
• On June 5, 2025, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order that bans citizens of 12 countries, including Haiti, from traveling to the United States, and places partial restrictions on citizens of seven more nations.
• On March 18, 2025,  Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 62 of their colleagues in the House and 23 of their colleagues in the Senate in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding the Trump Administration redesignate and extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, which the administration recently canceled on questionable legal authority:
• On February 20, 2025, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-12), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
• On April 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley, alongside Co-Chairs Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), led a group of 50 lawmakers urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations back to Haiti, extend humanitarian parole to any Haitians currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention centers, end detention of Haitian migrants intercepted at sea, and provide additional humanitarian assistance for Haiti.
• On April 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter to House Ways and Means Committee leadership emphasizing support for the early renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, commonly known as HOPE/HELP.
• On April 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian-led activists, organizations, and a directly impacted person in Haiti for a press call urging federal action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
• On March 27, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and her colleagues on the Massachusetts congressional delegation in urging the Biden Administration to expedite visa processing for Haitians, particularly  for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
• On March 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Cherfilus McCormick and Yvette Clarke issued a statement on the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
• On March 6, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the recent jailbreak and State of Emergency in Haiti.
• On December 8, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke urged the U.S. Department of State to withdraw U.S. support for an armed foreign intervention in Haiti and encourage negotiations for a Haitian-led democratic political transition.
• On December 6, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
• On December 1, 2022, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Mondaire Jones led 14 of their colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department to extend and redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
• On August 17, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings, Yvette Clarke, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), called on President Biden to appoint a new Special Envoy to Haiti, a position that has remained unfilled since September 2021.
• On May 31, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Reverend Dieufort Fleurissaint, chair of Haitian Americans United, published an op-ed in the Bay State Banner in which they called on the Biden administration to withdraw support for de facto ruler of Haiti, Ariel Henry, and instead support an inclusive, civil society-led process to restore stability and democracy on the island. 
• On May 26, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), led a letter to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Power urging her to act to ensure food security in Haiti.
• In February 2022, Reps. Pressley, Judy Chu (CA-27), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to CDC Director Walensky demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more. Days later, Rep. Pressley once again called on the Biden Administration to reverse the Title 42 Order and other anti-Black immigration policies.
• On March 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Mondaire Jones called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky to fully end Title 42, cease deportations of people to Haiti and affirm their legal and fundamental human right to seek asylum.
• On February 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 100 House and Senate colleagues in urging President Biden to reverse inhumane immigration policies – such as Title 42, originally introduced under the Trump Administration – that continue to disproportionately harm Black migrants.
• On February 14, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more.
• In April 2022, she joined her colleagues at a press conference reaffirming her support for President Biden’s decision to end Title 42. Full video of her remarks at the press conference is available here. Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden Administration’s end of Title 42 in a statement in April 2022.
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Velázquez led 54 of their colleagues on a letter calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and provide humanitarian parole protections for those seeking asylum. The lawmakers’ letter followed the Administration’s resumption of deportation flights to Haiti as thousands of Haitian migrants continue to await an opportunity to make an asylum claim at the border. 
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues on the House Oversight Committee in demanding answers regarding the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback and pushing to Biden Administration to end the ongoing use and weaponization of Title 42.
• On July 7, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Andy Levin (MI-09), Val Demings (FL-10) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
• On November 21, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led the Massachusetts congressional delegation on a letter to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) calling on them to coordinate with the government agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist newly arrived families from Haiti. 
• On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley, and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Andy Levin (MI-09) issued a statement following the kidnapping of American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti.
• On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the civil rights complaint filed by Haitian families demanding a federal investigation into the heinous actions perpetrated by federal officials at the border.
• On October 22, 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), sent a letter to Troy A. Miller, the Acting Administrator of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanding a briefing and answers regarding press reports of the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback. 
• On September 17, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) led 52 of their colleagues calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and take urgent action to address the concerns of the Haitian Diaspora after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti.
• On August 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) released a statement regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.
• On July 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling on him to take a series of steps to support the Haitian diaspora amid ongoing political turmoil in Haiti.
• In July 2021, the Reps. Pressley, Clarke, Demings and Levin issued a statement condemning the assassination of President Moïse and calling for swift and decisive action to bring political stability and peace to Haiti and the Haitian people.
• In May 2021, on Haitian Flag Day, Reps. Pressley, Levin, Clarke and Demings announced the formation of the House Haiti Caucus, a Congressional caucus dedicated to pursuing a just foreign policy that puts the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people first.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), André Carson (IN-07), Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Judy Chu (CA-28), CAPAC Chair Emerita, are introducing legislation recognizing five years since a tragic mass shooting took the lives of eight employees at a FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility’s workforce was nearly 90 percent of Sikh descent.

“I got my start in organizing in the wake of 9/11, standing up for our Sikh, Muslim, Arab, and South Asian neighbors who were experiencing increased racism and hate,” said Jayapal. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump’s return to power stoked these all too familiar flames of hatred. In 2021, at the height of this wave, eight workers, half of whom were members of the Sikh community, were killed in Indiana. Today we remember and honor their lives, and recommit ourselves to a world that is more just and safe for all communities.”

“Indianapolis cannot forget the violent attack against our community on April 15, 2021,” said Carson. “Eight Hoosiers were murdered at their jobs, including four members of the Sikh community.  I am honored to co-lead this resolution to commemorate these eight lives, and to fight against the hate and prejudice that caused this senseless loss of life.  No one should be targeted for violence or hateful harassment because of who they are — their race, their ethnicity, their faith or where they’re from.  As our community continues to heal, I urge all my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution and pass it in the House.”

“Five years ago today, a gunman murdered eight innocent people, including four members of the Sikh community, at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis. This horrific tragedy shocked our nation and remains a painful reminder of the hate and violence that Sikhs continue to experience to this day. As we mourn those we lost, we must honor their memories by taking action to protect South Asian communities and end gun violence. That includes enacting commonsense gun safety legislation and standing up to the Trump administration’s actions to defund hate crime prevention services,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

“The April 2021 mass shooting in Indianapolis was a striking act of violence, deeply affecting Sikhs and the broader AANHPI community,” said Rep. Judy Chu, Chair Emerita of CAPAC. “On this anniversary, and especially in the face of rising racial targeting in our country, it is critical that we strengthen our commitment to ensuring all immigrants receive protection against discrimination and bigotry. This includes continued federal investment in the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act programs to ensure that local communities have the resources they need to combat hate and violence. We can honor the victims’ memories by taking action to ensure that such an act of violence never happens again.”

Matthew Alexander, Samaria Blackwell, Amarjeet Johal, Jasvinder Kaur, Amarjit Sekhon, Jaswinder Singh, Karli Smith, and John Weisert were killed, and seven other workers in the facility were injured.  

This resolution marks the fifth anniversary of the April 15, 2021, tragedy by:

• Condemning the heinous act of gun violence on that day;
• Honoring the memory of the eight victims and offering heartfelt condolences to their loved ones; 
• Condemning acts of discrimination and bigotry, white supremacist rhetoric, and the Trump Administration’s crackdown on immigrant communities; 
• Calling for the restoration and expansion of hate crime prevention programs in the Department of Justice; 
• Calling on the Trump Administration to reverse its anti-immigrant policies; and
• Reaffirming the commitment of the federal government to protect civil and human rights.  

U.S.-based Sikhs have often been stigmatized and targeted because of their visible articles of faith and other aspects of their intersectional identities. Sikh immigrant truck drivers have been scapegoated for “stealing” American jobs and posing a risk to road safety despite a lack of evidence for such claims.

“Five years ago today, a gunman attacked a FedEx facility in Indianapolis and killed eight individuals, four of whom were members of the local Sikh community. There was a complex and frustrating aftermath for this tragedy; local and federal law enforcement officials investigated the shooting, but ultimately declined to categorize it as a hate crime. While this question of motive still remains unsettled for many in the local and national Sikh community, the importance of commemoration remains. We remain grateful to all those who stand with the Indianapolis sangat on this day, and to all those who work to prevent acts of mass violence against any community,” said Harman Singh, Executive Director, The Sikh Coalition. 

“We thank Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for introducing this resolution honoring the memory of the victims of the Indianapolis FedEx mass shooting on April 15, 2021—Jasvinder Kaur, Jaswinder Singh, Amarjit Sekhon, Amarjeet Johal, Karli Smith, John Weisert, Samaria Blackwell, and Matthew Alexander—and for condemning the heinous act of gun violence that took these eight precious lives. We deeply appreciate her recognition of the profound impact this tragedy had on the Indianapolis community, as well as on the Sikh American community both locally and nationally,” Kiran Kaur Gil, Executive Director, SALDEF. 

“This resolution is about remembrance, dignity, and accountability. When people use political rhetoric to target immigrants and Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities, the harm becomes real—it shows up in violence, in policy, in daily fear. Honoring those we lost means standing against the forces that continue to endanger our communities today,” said Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Director of Anti-Hate Program, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC.

“Five years ago, a horrific shooting in Indianapolis claimed the lives of eight people, including four Sikh Americans. On this painful anniversary, Stop AAPI Hate stands with their families and surrounding communities to honor their memory. And we extend our gratitude to Rep. Jayapal and other leaders for  their leadership on this resolution and on the fight against anti-Asian hate. Today, the rising tide of racist rhetoric and anti-immigrant policies continues to target Sikh and South Asian communities. Our research shows that South Asian people are pulling back from social and civic life — and even making plans to leave the United States — out of fear for their safety. In this context, the anniversary of the Indianapolis shooting is not just a moment of remembrance but a call to action to keep standing up for civil rights and public safety. Because AAPI communities deserve nothing less,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, co-director and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate.

The resolution is also sponsored by Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Mike Thompson (CA-04). 

It is endorsed by Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Sikh Coalition, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Law Alliance, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Indian American Impact, Indian American Muslim Council, Jakara Movement, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), and South Asian Impact Foundation, South Asian Network.

Issues: Civil Rights, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

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

Today, on Tax Day, U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced their Millionaires Surtax Act, legislation to address the growing income inequality gap between wealthy and working Americans and raise significant revenue to support everyday families and grow our economy.

This surtax would implement an additional 10-point tax to incomes above $2 million for married couples or above $1 million for individuals – applying equally to wages and salaries as well as to capital gains and other investment income. This is a simple, straightforward reform that avoids common loopholes that the wealthy often try to exploit to game the tax code. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates that this proposal would raise $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. This legislation is endorsed by a wide array of over 40 economic, labor, and nonprofit organizations.

A similar millionaire surtax framework is also a core component of Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer’s Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act, which fully offsets the cost of providing tax relief for millions of Americans who are struggling to afford the cost of living.

“The Millionaires Surtax is an urgently needed plan to restore fairness to the tax code, fight accelerating inequality, and fund important priorities for the American people,” said Congressman Beyer. “The Republican tax cuts in the first and now the second Trump term, as we feared, have led to enormous benefits for the wealthy. The unprecedented accumulation of wealth within a tiny class of people has distorted our politics, harmed the economy, and left unchecked, will eventually tear the country apart. Our legislation would help stop this trend by requiring the wealthiest to start paying their fair share. It would also benefit working people by providing revenue to help offset the cost of necessary investments in education, healthcare, childcare, and infrastructure.”  

“Our federal tax code is stacked in favor of the wealthy, especially those who make their money off of money – while disfavoring working Americans who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I’m fighting for a fairer system that ensures those who are stretching to make ends meet can keep more of what they earn, while asking the well-off to pitch in more. Our millionaires’ surtax proposal is a simple way to raise new revenue that can be used to promote greater opportunity and shared prosperity for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

This concept earns broad support from voters across the political spectrum. A recent poll of likely 2026 voters in battleground districts found that 58 percent supported a millionaires surtax. Additionally, a survey from early 2026 found that over seven in ten midterm voters are in favor of increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals, including over half of those who voted for Donald Trump in 2024. 

The Millionaires Surtax Act would:

• Raise substantial revenue for critical needs from the richest 1 percent. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates the surtax would raise $1.5 trillion over 10 years, even though it would be paid by only the nation’s richest 1 percent of taxpayers. The surtax does not raise taxes for 99 percent of taxpayers.

• Apply to all forms of income over $2 million, both from work and wealth. It applies to salaries, wages, and private business profits currently taxed at a 37 percent rate; and returns on all investments, such as long-term capital gains and dividends, currently taxed at 20 percent. This universal application is key to effectively taxing the rich, who derive most of their income from wealth rather than work.

• Help close the wealth gap. The Millionaires Surtax would begin to address the nation’s widening wealth and income gaps that destabilize our economy and threaten our democracy.

Text of the bill can be viewed here.

This bill has been endorsed by: 198 Methods, Activist Evenings Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Americans for Financial Reform, Americans For Tax Fairness, Caring Across Generations, Citizen Action/Illinois, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Change Action, Demos, Families Over Billionaires, Family Values @ Work Action, Freedom Writers Collaborative, Friends of the Earth Action, Groundwork Action, Income Movement, Institute for Policy Studies – Inequality Program, Institute for Policy Studies-Program on Inequality, May Day Strong, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Organization for Women, Oxfam, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People’s Action Institute, Popular Democracy, Popular Democracy in Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Public Citizen, Rights & Democracy NH, Rights & Democracy Vermont, Safer Country, Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Center, State Revenue Alliance, Strong Economy For All Coalition, Take On Wall Street, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a New Economy, United for Respect, and Voices for Progress.

“While millionaires and billionaires have more wealth than ever before, workers and families are being asked to go without health care, food, and more, all to maintain a tax system that favors the wealthy at everyone else’s expense,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “The only way we will be able to tackle the affordability crisis is to stop giving away trillions of dollars on tax cuts for the rich, and raise the revenue necessary to make key investments to bring down costs. We enthusiastically support Senator Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer for their leadership in introducing the Millionaires Surtax Act to adjust our tax code to make the wealthy pay their fair share.”

“Having run the successful ballot initiative for the millionaire’s surtax in Massachusetts, I can tell you this policy is a no brainer. The Millionaires Surtax is a clear, straightforward way to restore fairness to our tax system by making sure billionaires finally pay their fair share,” said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires. “It’s a proven approach that’s already delivering real results in Massachusetts — raising billions that are going straight into schools, transportation, and the things that make life more affordable, with no wealth flight or negative impact on the economy. This bill is what fairness looks like, and it’s long overdue.”

“Congressman Don Beyer and Senator Chris Van Hollen are answering the call of the 77 percent of Americans urging policymakers to rein in concentrated wealth and shift economic and political power to working families,” said Igor Volsky, Campaign Director for Tax the Greedy Billionaires. “The millionaire surtax is essential for chipping away at the extreme wealth that enables a small cohort of very wealthy individuals to manipulate our economy and democracy for their own benefit.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Viktor Orban overwhelmingly defeated after vice president campaigns for anti-democratic dictator

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, millions of Americans are marking Tax Day 2026 with increased tax benefits and savings thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts Act passed by Republicans in Congress and signed into law by President Trump last year. According to the White House, more than 53 million filers have claimed at least one of the new tax cuts from the legislation, and the average refund has put 11 percent more money than the previous year back into the pockets of hardworking Americans.

Arizonans have benefited greatly from the historic tax cuts bills. Thanks to this legislation, many Arizonans have seen a substantial increase in wages, and 133,000 jobs have been protected. Well over a million Arizona seniors stand to benefit from the no-tax-on-Social Security provision. Approximately two-thirds of workers across the state are likely employed in overtime-eligible occupations, which could allow them to take advantage of the no-tax-on-overtime provision. Three percent of Arizona laborers could be eligible for the provision that exempts tips from taxes.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have been pleased to vote on two major tax cut laws that return money to where it belongs: the American people,”said Congressman Biggs. “The Working Family Tax Cuts Act was historic legislation that provided benefits to Americans where they needed it most – an expanded standard deduction, a larger Child Tax Credit, the elimination of taxes on overtime and tips, and a new bonus deduction for Social Security recipients. Republicans are taking action to protect the interests and future of Americans, as we seek to expand opportunities and savings for all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) issued the following statement, signed by its 21 members, following the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel:

“The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, former Congressman Eliot Engel. Serving 44 years, Eliot was a senior Jewish Member of this body and a dedicated public servant who represented New York’s Bronx, Rockland, and Westchester counties with distinction. Eliot was a steadfast voice for our Jewish community and a champion of bipartisan efforts to combat antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

“As a Caucus, we are committed to representing the unique perspectives and lived experiences of Jewish Members of Congress. Eliot always appreciated how important our shared history, culture, and values were. He is among the pantheon of champions of our people who have served with distinction in the halls of Congress.

“Throughout his long career, including as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot worked tirelessly to defend and support the Jewish community in the United States and around the world, and to ensure that the diverse voices and perspectives of Jewish Americans were heard in our nation’s capital. His leadership and commitment left an indelible mark on the House and on the lives of countless members of our community.

“The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, Patricia, his family, his friends, his former staff, and all those whose lives were touched by his service. We stand in solidarity with everyone mourning his loss.

“We must continue the work he so passionately championed—opposing antisemitism, strengthening the Jewish community, and building bridges across divides. Eliot’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry these efforts forward.

“May his memory be a blessing.”

The Congressional Jewish Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Brad Schneider (IL-10). Members include Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Greg Landsman (OH-1), Mike Levin (CA-49), Seth Magaziner (RI-2), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Kim Schrier (WA-8), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Eugene Vindman (VA-07) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Elizabethtown, KY – In case you missed it, this week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted a roundtable discussion with Kentucky workers about how the Congressional Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts have improved their financial well-being ahead of Tax, April 15th. During the event, Congressman Guthrie heard from local servers and law enforcement officers about how these historic tax cuts have enabled them to keep more of their hard-earned money.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts are a tremendous win for workers across the nation, especially right here in Kentucky. From law enforcement officers who work extra hours to keep our communities safe, to servers who rely on tips to pay their bills, to factory workers who work long hours to build p
roducts in the USA – Republicans’ tax policies have put the American worker first,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This Spring, Kentuckians from all walks of life are seeing lower tax bills and higher returns thanks to commonsense legislation that keeps more of your money in your pocket. This is responsible, conservative governance in action.”

Pictures of this roundtable can be found here. 

Short testimony videos with Elizabethtown law enforcement can be found here. 

Short testimony from a tipped worker and college student can be found here. 

B-Roll footage can be found here. 

Background:

No Tax on Tips:
– The Working Families Tax Cuts established a new deduction for qualified tips received by an individual who works in a profession that traditionally and customarily receives tips in a given taxable year, such as servers, delivery/rideshare drivers, hairdressers, baristas, and more. 

– Qualifying individuals may deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their total taxable income as long as they have a modified adjusted income below $150,000 for individuals or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. 

– Tips must be paid voluntarily, not subject to negotiation, and must be determined by the payor.

No Tax on Overtime:
– This legislation established a new tax deduction for overtime premium payments, which is the amount paid in excess of the regular rate at which an individual is paid.

– This deduction enables qualifying individuals to subtract up to $12,500 of overtime revenue for individuals and $25,000 of overtime revenue for joint returns made through overtime from their adjusted gross income.
– To qualify, individuals must have a modified adjusted gross income below $150,000 or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Certain restrictions apply to employees who are employed with contracts that exempt them from the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act regulations.

Additional Tax Provisions Included in the Working Families Tax Cuts:
– Extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reductions, that if not extended would have resulted in a 25% tax increase on Kentucky families. 
– Makes permanent the Enhanced Child Tax Credit, established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill also increased this tax credit by $200, to $2,200, per child in 2025, and contains provisions to adjust the Child Tax Credit for inflation. 
– Permanently increases the standard deduction for individuals and married couples to $16,100 and $32,200, respectively. This is an increase of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families.
– Establishes Trump Accounts for children under 18, creating additional savings opportunities for children. For children born between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, the federal government will contribute a $1,000 deposit into the child’s account. Parents can invest up to $5,000 annually, and may invest the balance in a mutual fund or an ETF.  Employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

April 15, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.) introduced today the Optimizing Participant Tax Incentives through Optional Noncash Selections or OPTIONS Act. This bill would clarify existing gaps in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) rules governing employer contributions to employee benefit plans. 
“American workers deserve more freedom and true financial security when it comes to their benefits,” said Rep. Steube. “Unfortunately, ongoing confusion and inconsistencies with IRS rules governing employer contributions to benefit plans have shortchanged millions of Americans of potential savings. That is why I am introducing the OPTIONS Act to ensure workers have more choices and better benefits at the workplace.” 
“Workers want more flexibility in their financial planning, but employer contributions are mostly limited to retirement accounts currently. With many employees wanting to prioritize student loans and health care bills, this legislation would let them direct their employer contributions to these needs. This commonsense bipartisan bill would give workers more options while ensuring those focused on retirement can continue to save,” said Rep. DelBene.
“American workers don’t all face the same financial challenges, so their benefits shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all,” said American Retirement Association (ARA) CEO Brian Graff. “The OPTIONS Act is a smart, forward-looking solution that empowers employees to direct employer contributions where they need them most, whether that’s retirement savings, healthcare, or paying down student debt. ARA applauds Representatives Steube and DelBene for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation, which strengthens financial security while preserving the integrity of our employer-sponsored system.”
Background: In May of 2024, the IRS issued Private Letter Ruling (PLR) 20243400. This permitted a single employer to implement a flexible benefits program allocating contributions to employee retirement accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and educational assistance programs. While this ruling was a positive step, the fact it granted unique permission for one specific employer has created uncertainty for other employers interested in adopting a similar flexible benefit package for their employees. The OPTIONS Act resolves this extending the flexible benefits model in PLR 20243400 to all employers. 
Read the full bill text here.