House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Delivers Remarks During Floor Debate on Lebanon War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today delivered the following remarks on the floor, as prepared, during debate on H. Con. Res. 108, the War Powers Resolution to bar U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon.

I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 108. While I voted against a previous iteration of this resolution, I believe this updated version has corrected the flaws of H. Con. Res. 84. The updated text is an important legislative assertion of Congress’s Constitutional authority over matters of war and peace that will not infringe upon America’s national security interests in Lebanon, while ensuring we stay out of another forever war that is not in our interest.

We consider this resolution in the wake of the recently announced trilateral framework between Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. I welcome this agreement, which represents a critical step away from continued escalation and violence.

However, what comes next is most critical: ensuring a ceasefire is indeed observed by all, fully disarming Hezbollah, and preserving Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since the start of Trump’s illegal war of choice with Iran, civilians in both Lebanon and Israel have suffered the consequences of continued strikes by both Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

I strongly condemn violence against civilians in all forms and support efforts by both the Israeli and Lebanese governments to ensure the safety and security of their people.

Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself. However, this does not justify disproportionate airstrikes which have killed too many civilians, including medical workers and journalists, as well as destroyed civilian infrastructure throughout Lebanon.

As I continue to condemn Hezbollah’s drone and rocket fire into Israel, I note with deep concern the Israeli Defense Minister’s public pronouncement to destroy all homes in southern Lebanon border villages and, quote, “follow the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model in Gaza” where the Israeli military systemically destroyed thousands of Palestinian homes and civilian infrastructure. These are not the words of self-defense.  They are the language of collective punishment and they must be condemned.

As we look to efforts to de-escalate and move towards peace and stability for both Israelis and Lebanese, I will state for the record that, to my knowledge, U.S. forces are not currently engaged in active hostilities in Lebanon with the Israeli military. Nonetheless, this resolution ensures that does not change without Congressional authorization. We must not enter another illegal, reckless, and counterproductive war in the Middle East.

And while this resolution prohibits U.S. forces from engaging in hostilities in Lebanon, it makes clear it shall not prevent or in any way limit the important mission that U.S. armed forces ARE engaged in with Lebanon. That is, the long-standing training and support of the Lebanese Armed Forces which are critical to Lebanon’s stability and that of the region. In my many meetings with both Lebanese and Israeli leaders over the years, I deeply understand and appreciate the importance of supporting and building up Lebanon’s Armed Forces – a goal which successive administrations, both Republican and Democratic, have furthered. Protecting that mission, which has enjoyed bipartisan support across administrations, is precisely why this resolution is carefully drafted to preserve it. 

This resolution stands on the side of ending forever wars and ensuring U.S. forces are not drawn into hostilities in Lebanon. Any colleague who believes Congress must reassert its Constitutional authority over matters of war and peace should stand with us today. I support this resolution and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you, M. Speaker, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Reps. Barragán, Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sanchez Reintroduce Resolution to Recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 June 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán, Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sanchez Reintroduce Resolution to Recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Linda Sanchez (CA-39) reintroduced a resolution to recognize June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. This bipartisan resolution would reaffirm Congressional commitment to support the goals of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, encourage Americans’ education of Alzheimer’s disease, advocate for further research and support regarding access to care, and express support for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, their family members, and caretakers. 

Underserved populations, including Black, Latino, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, are often disproportionately affected by unequal access to treatments or knowledge integral to the care of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Older Latinos face 1.5 times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, Black Americans face nearly twice the risk, and AANHPI communities are at higher risk of under-detection. Furthermore, caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s have been reported to hold significant levels of emotional distress and/or depression. The resolution seeks to raise awareness of these health disparities and the need overall to improve health outcomes for the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. 

“As the primary caretaker for my mother who has Alzheimer’s, I know how tough the disease can be for both the loved one who has it and for the families who look after them,” said Rep. Barragán. “Alzheimer’s disease continues to devastate families and communities across our country. Far too many—especially in underserved communities—face barriers to early detection, treatment, and care. Strong federal funding for research and investments in support services for our families and caretakers mean that more communities will have access to the resources they need. Together, we can work toward a future where every individual has equitable access to care, and where breakthroughs in treatment and prevention bring hope to millions.” 

“As research continues to drive promising advancements in the prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, we know that early identification, timely diagnosis, and appropriate intervention offer the greatest opportunity to improve patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “That is why it is so important that we raise awareness of the warning signs, expand access to screening and assessment, and ensure families have the resources they need to navigate this devastating disease. My own family has lived with the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer’s for more than a decade, so I have witnessed firsthand the profound emotional, physical, and financial toll it takes on both patients and their loved ones. We owe it to the millions of Americans affected by this disease to build a healthcare system that prioritizes education, early detection, coordinated care, and continued investment in research so that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity and the best possible quality of life.”

“As someone who cared for a parent with this horrible disease, I believe that it is critical for Congress to recognize the impact that Alzheimer’s and dementia have on the millions of Americans diagnosed every year, as well as the caregivers who support them,” said Rep. Buchanan. “I also hope this resolution brings awareness to the need for congressional action to expand access to early detection opportunities to give people the chance to seek care sooner. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received for my Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act, and I call on my colleagues to pass this bill to ensure every American can benefit from life-saving innovations in early Alzheimer’s and dementia detection.”

“I lost both of my parents to Alzheimer’s, so I know firsthand how cruel this disease is for patients and the families caring for them. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today, and it disproportionately affects women, Latinos and Black Americans. Our resolution will help raise awareness of the early warning signs and support the research that will one day lead us to a cure,” said Rep. Sanchez. 

This resolution is endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM). 

“Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, yet too many Americans still don’t know the signs, the risks, or the resources available to them,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. “Thank you to Reps. Barragán, Buchanan, Bilirakis and Sánchez for raising awareness with this bipartisan recognition, and for your commitment to the millions of families counting on continued progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”

In addition to Representatives Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sánchez, the resolution is cosponsored by 32 original cosponsors: Don Bacon (NE-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Mike Carey (OH-15), André Carson (IN-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Julie Fedorchak (ND At-Large), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), William R. Keating (MA-09), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC At-Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

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Rep. Massie Introduces House Resolution to Honor the Crew of the USS Liberty

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced legislation to honor the men of the USS Liberty. The Massie resolution recognizes the fallen members of the USS Liberty’s crew by name and urges the President to declassify and publicly release all records related to Israel’s unprovoked attack on the ship.

“59 years ago, on June 8, 1967, Israel attacked the USS Liberty in international waters,” said Rep. Thomas Massie.“34 Americans were killed, and 174 were wounded by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during this unprovoked attack. It is long overdue for the House of Representatives to pass legislation recognizing the sacrifices made by the USS Liberty crew. I am asking the House to urge the President to declassify and publicly release all records related to Israel’s attack on the USS Liberty.”

Rep. Massie’s resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in honoring the men of the USS Liberty, urging the declassification of all records relating to the June 8, 1967, attack, and affirming that the lives and safety of United States citizens and servicemembers shall be paramount in the conduct of United States foreign policy.

Whereas, on June 8, 1967, the USS Liberty and her crew of 294 (including 3 civilians) was operating in international waters;

Whereas, an unprovoked attack by Israeli warplanes and torpedo boats resulted in the death of 34 Americans, including one civilian, and the wounding of 174 others;

Whereas, after sending out distress calls stating the ship was under attack and required immediate assistance, the attack continued for approximately 22 minutes involving 30 to 35 sorties, and following the air attack three Israeli motor torpedo boats fired five torpedoes, one of which struck the Liberty on the starboard side resulting in the deaths of twenty-five (25) of the thirty-four (34) men killed;

Whereas, the crew of the USS Liberty fought valiantly to overcome the battle damage that included severe structural damage and saved their ship, often placing themselves in extremely hazardous situations in total disregard for their personal safety, and ultimately succeeded in reaching port;

Whereas, due to the sensitive nature of the USS Liberty’s equipment and documents, crew members still reeling from the attack, with some having suffered wounds during the attack, were tasked with entering the severely damaged area and recovering the bodies and body parts of their fellow shipmates;

Whereas, having suffered through the attack and subsequent recovery, the crew was informed that under penalty of arrest, fines, and imprisonment, they were forbidden to speak about the incident which further compounded the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress;

Whereas, the USS Liberty is the most decorated Navy ship for a single engagement. To wit, Captain William McGonagle received the Medal of Honor, and the crew received 2 Navy Crosses (posthumously); 12 Silver Stars (3 posthumously); 26 Bronze Stars; 9 Navy Commendations; 208 Purple Hearts (34 killed in action); the Combat Action Ribbon; the Presidential Unit Citation;

Whereas, despite the valor displayed by the crew of the USS Liberty and the decorations awarded for their actions, many aspects of the attack and its aftermath remain shrouded in secrecy and controversy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes the gallant service and sacrifice of the officers and crew of the USS Liberty in defense of their ship and fellow sailors during the attack of June 8, 1967;

(2) honors the lives, service, and memories of William B. Allenbaugh of Baltimore, Maryland; Philip McCutcheon Armstrong, Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; Gary R. Blanchard of Wichita, Kansas; Allen M. Blue of Yakima, Washington; Francis Brown of Albany, New York; Ronnie J. Campbell of Sevierville, Tennessee; Jerry L. Converse of Puyallup, Washington; Robert B. Eisenberg of St. Paul, Minnesota; Jerry L. Goss of North Vernon, Indiana; Curtis A. Graves of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan; Lawrence P. Hayden of Houston, Texas; Warren E. Hersey of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Alan Higgins of Weymouth, Massachusetts; Carl L. Hoar of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Richard W. Keene, Jr. of Batavia, New York; James L. Lenau of Washington, Missouri; Raymond E. Linn of Adamsville, Ohio; James M. Lupton of Shreveport, Louisiana; Duane R. Marggraf of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; David W. Marlborough of Waterville, Maine; Anthony P. Mendle of Waterbury, Connecticut; Carl C. Nygren of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; James C. Pierce of Clinton, North Carolina; Jack L. Raper of Cedartown, Georgia; Edward E. Rehmeyer III of York, Pennsylvania; David Skolak of Gary, Indiana; John C. Smith, Jr. of Ithaca, New York; Melvin D. Smith of Alamance, North Carolina; John C. Spicher of Tarentum, Pennsylvania; Alexander N. Thompson, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Thomas R. Thornton of Springfield, Ohio; Philippe C. Tiedtke of Santa Cruz, California; Stephen S. Toth of San Diego, California; Frederick J. Walton of Niagara Falls, New York who died as a result of the attack;

(3) urges the President to declassify and make publicly available all records, documents, reports, memoranda, communications, photographs, recordings, transcripts, intelligence assessments, operational records, after-action reports, investigative files, briefing materials, diplomatic communications, and internal communications of the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and any other department or agency of the United States Government relating to the June 8, 1967, attack on the USS Liberty;

(4) affirms that the lives and safety of United States citizens and servicemembers shall be held paramount in the conduct of the foreign policy of the United States and shall not be subordinated to the interests of any foreign nation; and

(5) condemns Israel for its unprovoked attack on the USS Liberty and its crew, unarmed and non-combatant members of the United States Armed Forces at the time of the attack, resulting in the deaths of 34 Americans and the wounding of 174 others.

A copy of the resolution is available at this link.

Rep. Massie has previously delivered remarks on the House floor to honor the fallen members of the USS Liberty’s crew and to recognize survivors of the attack who were present in the House gallery. Video of Rep. Massie’s remarks is available at this link.

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Grothman Introduces Bill to Strengthen Identity Protections for Federal Health Care Enrollees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Marketplace Fraud Accountability (MFA) Act, legislation requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement multifactor authentication for enrollees in federal health care programs governed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to better protect Americans’ personal information and reduce fraud. 

“Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to exploit weak security systems, and the federal government shouldn’t make it easy for them,” said Grothman. “Multifactor authentication has become a standard security measure for everything from banking to email to fast food apps because it works. There’s no reason Americans should have stronger protections for their bank accounts than for their health care accounts. This is a commonsense anti-fraud measure that will make it harder for bad actors to manipulate federal health care account and exploit taxpayer-funded programs. By strengthening these basic security protections, we can better protect enrollees and save taxpayer funds by reducing fraud and improper payments. At the same time, this bill ensures individuals without reliable broadband or cellular service can continue accessing their health care accounts through alternative verification methods.” 

“Congressman Grothman has stepped forward as a true champion for both consumers and the professional agent community,” said B. Ronnell Nolan, President and CEO of Health Agents for America (HAFA). “The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act is about protecting Americans from fraud, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring licensed agents can continue serving their clients with integrity and accountability. This legislation is long overdue.” 

Background Information 

Multifactor authentication is a widely used security measure that verifies a user’s identity through two or more authentication factors, such as a password, security token, or biometric identifier. While Americans routinely use these protections for banking, email, and other online services, CMS does not currently require multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees. 

Watchdog organizations have raised concerns that the lack of basic identity protections leaves enrollees vulnerable to fraud, unauthorized account changes, and identity theft. According to the Paragon Institute, fraud and improper enrollment resulting from these vulnerabilities is conservatively estimated to cost taxpayers between $15 billion and $26 billion. Several state-based health care exchanges, including DC Health Link, already require multifactor authentication. 

The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act would require CMS to implement multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees within one year of enactment. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide alternative authentication methods on a case-by-case basis for individuals who lack reliable broadband or cellular service, ensuring they are not prevented from accessing their health care accounts. 

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bacon, Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, McCaul, Costa Introduce Bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to Increase Security Cooperation and Strengthen Defense Capabilities Between the United States and Ukraine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, McCaul, Costa Introduce Bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to Increase Security Cooperation and Strengthen Defense Capabilities Between the United States and Ukraine

Washington, DC – Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) today introduced the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine. Co-Leads of the legislation include Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). This bipartisan legislation will create a working group between the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other relevant stakeholders to enable the US to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly acquire cost-effective Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems such as drones and surface vehicles, as well as the capabilities to counter unmanned systems. Bicameral companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).

“Ukraine’s fight against Russia has shown the world that unmanned systems are changing the future of warfare,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. “The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act strengthens US-Ukraine defense cooperation by creating a working group to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly field cost-effective unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies. This partnership will help ensure the United States and our allies remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation while enhancing military readiness to meet evolving threats. I’m pleased to work with Rep. Kaptur and our bipartisan colleagues on this effort to strengthen defense cooperation and keep our forces ahead of emerging threats.”

“The innovative use of unmanned systems in Ukraine has permanently changed the face of warfare. By working with our Ukrainian allies we stand the best chance of protecting American servicemembers and the American homeland,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “We must never forget that when Iranian drones honed against Ukrainians targeted Americans in the Middle East, it was Ukraine that came to our defense and aid. By forging an ironclad pact with our Ukrainian allies, we can repay that debt, and create a manufacturing partnership that will benefit communities across America.”

“Ukraine’s defense has shown the world a defining reality of modern warfare: the nations that innovate, adapt, and produce at speed will hold the advantage. The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act advances that lesson in a practical and strategic way by enabling the United States to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Ukrainian partners to identify battlefield-tested unmanned and counter-unmanned capabilities, accelerate co-development and co-production, and strengthen our defense industrial base here at home,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “This is how we support Ukraine, improve American readiness, and ensure that peace through strength is matched by the capabilities required to sustain it.” 

“The United States is a key force in keeping Vladimir Putin from taking Ukraine and invading the rest of Eastern Europe. Ukraine has been able to fend off Russian attacks during this war because of our technology and our weapons,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The development and production of unmanned systems like drones and surface vehicles supported by this bill will help Ukraine protect themselves and safeguard democracy worldwide.” 

“Four years into the war that many predicted would end in four days, the Ukrainians continue to rapidly innovate and push the frontiers of modern warfare — operating as a laboratory for drones and other unmanned systems,” said Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to support this legislation to bolster defense cooperation between our nations and ensure the United States is prepared to build, deploy, and counter the drone technology that will define the future of warfare.”

“Ukrainians are some of the most innovative people in the world. They are testing modern warfare technologies on the battlefield in real time,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue. “We have the opportunity to apply lessons learned by the Ukrainians to benefit the US military to make our warfighters more effective. This bill would enhance US-Ukraine defense cooperation, benefiting both nations.”
 

Today’s introduction of the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act follows yesterday’s announcement of $1.1 Billion in Pentagon investment in American manufacturing of Ukrainian Drone Technology including $18.4 Million of investment in Northwest Ohio. You can read more about yesterday’s announcement by clicking here. A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.

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VIDEO: MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Calls for Action During Gun Violence Awareness Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

“Our work to protect our communities and our country will not stop until every American is safe from gun violence.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released a new video calling for renewed action on gun violence legislation as Gun Violence Awareness Month comes to a close.

In the wake of hate-fueled attacks at Temple Israel and memories of deadly shootings at Oxford High School, Rep. Stevens reinforced the importance of her legislation to block Trump’s attempt to let anyone mail handguns. Stevens is making it clear: the work to end gun violence isn’t over until every community is free of it.

Watch the video here

Key Excerpts:

  • Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teenagers.
  • From senseless shootings nearly every day to the cruel acts of violence we’ve seen in Oakland County at Oxford High School and at a West Bloomfield synagogue, enough is enough.
  • In 2022, I was proud to pass the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in nearly 30 years. But our work isn’t over. Now I’m fighting to stop a new Trump proposal that would allow handguns to be shipped in the mail.
  • Our work to protect our communities and our country will not stop until every American is safe from gun violence.

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REP LIEU VOTES IN FAVOR OF PREVENTING UNILATERAL MILITARY ACTION IN LEBANON

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon. 

“The Constitution clearly grants Congress the authority to declare war, but I don’t trust this administration to follow the Constitution. We’ve already seen the trump Administration take unconstitutional actions in Venezuela and Iran, and the President has continued to make broad threats against other countries. Americans do not want forever wars, and any case for entering into hostilities should be brought before Congress for an open debate and vote. These are some of the reasons why I voted for today’s War Powers Resolution as it pertains to Lebanon, and why I previously voted to stop U.S. military actions in Iran and Venezuela without congressional input.”

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Rep. Jimmy Gomez Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship

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

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and rejected Donald Trump’s attack on the 14th Amendment:

“Birthright citizenship isn’t a gift from a president. It’s a promise in the Constitution itself.

“Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed one of the clearest promises in the Constitution: if you were born in the United States, you are a citizen. That promise should never have been up for debate, and the fact that not every justice agreed should alarm every American.

“As the proud son of Mexican immigrants, this decision is deeply personal. My parents came to this country with little more than the belief that if they worked hard, their children would have opportunities they never did. My father was a bracero. My mother cleaned homes and cared for seniors. They sacrificed every day so my siblings and I could build a better future. Their story is the story of millions of families who have helped build this country.

When Donald Trump began attacking immigrant communities and trying to redefine who counts as an American, I didn’t wait to see what would happen. I led more than 200 House Democrats in urging the Supreme Court to reject his unconstitutional attack on birthright citizenship. 

When he tried to block members of Congress from inspecting ICE detention centers, I sued him and won, protecting Congress’ constitutional authority to expose abuses and hold this administration accountable. I stood up for Dreamers and TPS holders, fought to protect vulnerable immigrant children, and worked alongside community organizations in Los Angeles to defend families from intimidation and abuse. 

“While today’s ruling is a victory for the Constitution and for millions of Americans, this fight is not over. Donald Trump has made clear he will continue testing the limits of our Constitution and targeting immigrant communities. I’ve taken him on before, and I’ll continue defending the Constitution, protecting our neighbors, and holding accountable anyone who abuses their power or violates the law.”

Ranking Member Lofgren Demands Reversal of Changes Made to NSF Award Policies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to National Science Foundation (NSF) Acting Director Brian Stone demanding that NSF rescind its proposed amendments to its Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). On June 24, NSF posted a change to the PAPPG that would implement provisions of the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed rule that aims to make sweeping changes to how federal grants are awarded. This proposed rule was initially announced on May 29, and the comment period does not end until July 13. 

“NSF jumping the gun and issuing proposed PAPPG amendments before the OMB rule is finalized – let alone before the public comment period has concluded – is a clear sign that the Administration in general, and NSF specifically, have no interest in legitimately considering the input of the impacted community,” wrote Ranking Member Lofgren in the letter. “The only acceptable course of action at this point is to rescind the draft guidance from the Federal Register. Failing to do so would put NSF’s proposed draft guidance on dubious legal footing. Ultimately, the downfall of the proposed OMB rule would be a victory for American science, but an indictment of the Trump Administration’s competence and respect for the rule of law.”

Read the letter here. 

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Scalise: Republicans Fighting for Working Families While Democrats Drift Toward Socialism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) to highlight House Republicans’ work to put more money back into the pockets of working families, strengthen America’s national defense, protect children online, and celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Leader Scalise also warned that the Democrat Party is increasingly embracing a socialist agenda that is out of step with the American people.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On Republicans voting for working families, while Democrats vote for fraudsters:“I want to applaud Congresswoman Van Duyne for the hard work she did on the Ways and Means Committee and 11 different committees to bring the Working Families Tax Cut to life, to law. A year ago, July 4th, all of us were on the White House lawn standing with President Trump to celebrate the signing of what’s going to turn out to be one of the most historic bills we’ve seen in our lifetime, a bill that is ushering in more opportunity for families, more wage growth for families. You’re talking about— Congresswoman Van Duyne mentioned it, what’s happening right now. About 30 million Americans have taken advantage of no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. That’s more money in their pockets today that they didn’t have a year ago because of that legislation.“Keep in mind: Every single Democrat voted against that bill. They voted against it because they want Washington to have more of your money. They want to control and have more power here. And to do what with it? To use it for fraud.“We’ve seen it in states like Minnesota, ‘learing centers’ that we exposed because of the provisions, the anti-fraud provisions of that bill that we passed a year ago. None of that would have been exposed if we didn’t have that legislation in place that every Democrat voted against. So again, eliminating fraud in states like Minnesota so that working families, you know, a single mom working three jobs can have more money in her pocket. That’s what the Working Families Tax Cut represented. We’re going to bring a bill later this week to reflect on and celebrate the wins for American families that that bill reflected.”On protecting kids and empowering parents:“We’re going to be dealing with a number of other things too. We’ve got the National Defense Authorization Act, a really important bill to set the priorities for our nation’s defense. So of course, there are always a lot of amendments on that bill, but ultimately its final passage to make sure that we continue to reprioritize our men and women in uniform, give them the tools that they need to be successful, and continue rebuilding our nation’s defense, something that President Trump made a hallmark of this presidency.“We’re also bringing the bill to address the state and foreign operations budget. [Congressman] Mario Diaz-Balart’s appropriations bill, it’s another item on the agenda this week.”Last night, we passed a major bill to protect children online, the Kids Act. Huge bipartisan victory. I know they’re not common around this place, but it happened last night. Where Chairman Guthrie and the Energy and Commerce Committee worked for months to put together legislation to protect children online. You can see what that bill did to help protect children from pornography and other things that we’ve been trying to accomplish and were able to do. That bill is now going to go over to the Senate. “In addition to making sure our nation’s defense is prioritized, we’re also adding the SAVE America Act to the NDAA. So again, really, really important week. We’re having other meetings on things like Reconciliation 3.0.” On celebrating America’s founding and rejecting socialism:“But when you think about all of this and we reflect on what’s coming up this weekend, celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, it’s going to be a great day. You see this, this great fair on the mall with, you know, every state that wants to participate, being able to show off what’s great about their states and what’s great about our country. I come from the great state of Louisiana, where we celebrate the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that doubled the size of our nation and what it also allowed us to do in terms of gaining access to the Mississippi River so we could become a nation that exported our goods to the world. By the way, for the bargain price of $15 million, we doubled the size of the country. It was a pretty darn good real estate deal. And then you think of all of the other things that our state and every state contributes to the greatness of this country.”At a time when the Democrats are in a fight to go to the Bolshevik Revolution and see who can tear down America more, most Americans are celebrating what’s great about this country. We are celebrating what’s great about this country. Let the Democrat Party try to have a fight over seeing which candidate they can come up with that hates this country the most. It’s disgusting to watch on their side. But that’s their problem that they’re going to have to contend with. And they have not— they can’t confront the evils of some of the people that they’re nominating.”On Republicans ushering in a Golden Age for America:“This is a country that’s actually experiencing a golden age again. I mean, gas prices are down 50 cents from where they were just a few weeks ago and continuing to go down. Affordability is back again. And Democrats are upset about that. Because they wanted it as a talking point for November. But it shows you once again why this is going to be a contrast election in November. Common sense conservatives against far-left communist Marxist socialists in November. “Which direction of the country do the American people want to go? Do they want to keep experiencing this golden age that President Trump and Republicans are ushering in, or do they want to go back to the Bolshevik Revolution, which has failed every country it’s tried? This is not the country we’re going to try socialism. We will reject it. The voters will reject it in November.”