Reps. David Scott and Lucy McBath Introduce a Bill to Cut State Costs and Ensure Children Don’t Go Hungry During Summer

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Read Bill Text

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) introduced the Bridge the Summer Nutrition Act, a bill to protect children from hunger, strengthen states’ fiscal stability, and fight back against the President Trump’s and Congressional Republicans’ attacks on our nation’s nutrition program.

The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act directly responds to the damage caused by the Big Ugly Bill, the Republican reconciliation bill that slashed $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and dramatically increased the financial burden placed on states. Under the Big Ugly Bill, states are now required to cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs and part of SNAP benefits costs while continuing to pay 50% of Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) administrative costs. This is a sharp increase that has caused uncertainty as to whether states can continue participating in crucial child nutrition programs.

“In Georgia, more than 1.1 million children would automatically be enrolled in Summer EBT if Governor Brian Kemp opts the state into the program,” said Congressman David Scott. “Unfortunately, he has repeatedly ignored Georgia Democrats’ calls for him to participate in the program. At the same time, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration continue their attacks on safety net programs, discouraging states from participating in nutrition programs and walking away from hungry children. This bill chooses the opposite by lowering state costs, expanding access, and making sure kids don’t pay the price for partisan ideology.”

“Children living in Georgia and the other 12 states that refuse to participate in federal nutrition programs are at risk of going hungry during the summer break,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “For years, Georgia Democrats have encouraged Governor Kemp to reverse his decision to opt out of the Summer EBT program that automatically provides an additional $120 dollars in nutrition benefits per child to families in need. There is no reason why any child should wonder where their next meal is going to come from when their state leaders are turning down federal dollars.”

“Over the last two years, 21 million children across 37 states have benefited from Summer EBT, said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). This proven program ensures children have access to the nutrition they need to thrive, and return to school ready to learn, while generating local economic activity. The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act helps to recognize states that are actively working to decrease childhood hunger and incentivizes all states to opt in to the Summer EBT program. This bill is a win-win for families and for our communities. FRAC urges Members of Congress to co-sponsor this bill.”

“The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act of 2025 is a smart, practical step forward in strengthening access to nutrition for children when school is out,” said Ashanti Lewis, Director of Federal Government Relations at FoodCorps. “By increasing federal support for state administrative costs, this bill helps states operate Summer EBT more efficiently and reach more families who rely on these benefits. At FoodCorps, we see firsthand how consistent access to healthy food supports learning, well-being, and long-term health. We applaud Representative David Scott for introducing legislation that reduces barriers, improves implementation, and helps ensure no child falls through the cracks during the summer months.”

“Feeding hungry kids over the summer while boosting local food retailers is the ultimate win-win,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America. “We laud Congressman Scott for leading on this vital issue.”

Summer EBT is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides $40 per month, per child during the summer months–$120 total–for children in households that qualify for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other safety net programs as well as children who receive free or reduced-price school meals. However, states must opt into Summer EBT. Currently, 13 states, including Georgia, do not participate, preventing over 10 million children from accessing the program, including 1.1 million children in Georgia.

Specifically, the Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act of 2025 would:

·         Incentivize state participation in Summer EBT by reducing a state’s administrative cost-share for both SNAP and Summer EBT to 10% for any fiscal year in which the states opt into the program.

·         Maintain current cost-share requirements for nonparticipating states, keeping SNAP administrative costs at 75% for states that choose not to participate in Summer EBT.

·         Reduce overall state spending on nutrition program administration, allowing states to reprioritize millions of dollars to other state programs.

·         Strengthen continuity of nutrition assistance during summer months when school meals are unavailable, ensuring children do not lose access to food when school is out.

List of Endorsing Organizations: Coalition on Human Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), FoodCorps, Hunger Free America, the National Education Association (NEA), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and Share Our Strength.

Full text of the bill can be accessed HERE.

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Higgins Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced Rubi Johnson, a student at Elton High School, as the overall winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana’s 3rd District.

Rubi’s project, “Help Out,” is a game that teaches personal responsibility in a fun and engaging way. Players complete challenges inspired by everyday responsibilities such as cleaning, cooking, or homework. Watch the student demonstrate her app here.

“Congratulations to Rubi Johnson,” said Congressman Higgins. “It’s rewarding to see her use her skills to help other students learn the value of personal responsibility. Rubi is helping to make that happen, and I’m proud to see her dedication.”

About the Congressional App Challenge

The U.S. House of Representatives launched the Congressional App Challenge in 2015 to help encourage middle school and high school students to learn to code and inspire them to pursue careers in computer science. The Challenge is a nationwide initiative that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams divided by congressional district compete against each other, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.

Tonko, Blumenthal Reintroduce Bill to Go After Cyber Grinch Bots Snatching Up Toys this Holiday Season

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today reintroduced their Stopping Grinch Bots Act, legislation which cracks down on cyber Grinches using bot technology to buy up entire inventories of popular goods only to resell them at exorbitant prices. These third-party sellers use bots to bypass security measures and manipulate online sales systems to buy toys, leading to some toys being almost impossible to buy online or in stores at retail prices.

Based on data from cybersecurity firm Imperva in its 2024 Bad Bot Reportbot-related hits on retail sites hit a record high last year, with almost 50 percent of internet traffic coming from non-human sources. These bots are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, using residential IP addresses and even AI to slip past security tools like CAPTCHAs, making this legislation more vital than ever.

“This holiday shopping season, Americans across the country are scouring stores, sites, and shelves for the perfect gift for their kids and loved ones,” Congressman Tonko said. “With prices already surging, the last thing parents, families, and small businesses need is cyber bot technology seizing the most popular items to sell them at outrageous costs. That’s where our Stopping Grinch Bots Act comes in. Our bill levels the playing field to prevent scalpers from sucking hardworking parents dry this holiday season. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this bill and help ensure Americans can spend their time this holiday season with their loved ones, not competing against Grinches.”

“Grinch bots are squeezing holiday shoppers—automatically snapping up online inventory to resell popular products at predatory prices,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Our measure blocks these bullying bots and gives parents a fair chance to buy gifts for loved ones at reasonable prices. By putting an end to bots’ holiday hijinks, our commonsense legislation will protect consumers, families, and small businesses from the cyber Grinches trying to steal Christmas.”

Bots are software programs that can automatically spot and snap up inventory on sale online. In a matter of seconds, third-party vendors can purchase hundreds of items, squeezing out parents and children. In 2016, Tonko, Blumenthal, and Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer’s (D-NY) Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) was signed into law to ban “ticket bots” that intentionally bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to unfairly outprice individual fans. This new legislation would apply the mechanism of the BOTS Act to e-commerce sites to ban bots bypassing security measures on online retail sites.

A fact-sheet of the bill can be found HERE.

Casten Demands BLS Ensure High-Quality, Non-Partisan Economic Data

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

December 17, 2025

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 23 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) William Wiatrowski, criticizing President Trump’s politically-motivated attacks on government statistics and urging BLS to protect the credibility, quality, and independence of U.S. economic data.

“We are concerned that recent developments, in addition to persistent data collection challenges and budgetary shortfalls, could affect access to information critical for understanding and responding to this Administration’s failed economic policies,” the lawmakers wrote. “BLS, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, plays an important role by publishing statistics that provide a complete and factual picture of the rapidly changing U.S. economy. Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) all rely on timely, accurate, and granular economic data to make informed decisions that impact every corner of the country.”

The Trump Administration has taken multiple steps to cast doubt on the jobs and inflation data released by BLS, including by firing BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over the release of weak job numbers that were reflective of the harmful impact of the Administration’s tariff and immigration policies. Furthermore, due to the government shutdown, certain information will be permanently missing from the October 2025 Jobs Report, presenting a partial blind spot for policymakers, the private sector, and the general public on the state of the U.S. economy.

The lawmakers further urged BLS to work to improve the quality of its data.

“BLS can take steps to modernize its existing systems and data collection practices…BLS can invest in innovation, incorporate digitized information into its statistical programs, and consider the use of large language models (LLMs) to make it easier for people to report their industries, occupations, and activities,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge the Administration to grant BLS leadership flexibility to spend congressionally-appropriated funds in ways that prioritize these upgrades, partnerships, and its ability to hire, retain, and train talent.”

In addition to Rep Casten, the letter was signed by Reps. Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Emanuel Cleaver, Cleo Fields, Bill Foster, Sylvia Garcia, Vicente Gonzalez, Josh Gottheimer, Al Green, Jim Himes, Sam Liccardo, Stephen Lynch, Dave Min, Gregory Meeks, Brittany Pettersen, Ayanna Pressley, David Scott, Brad Sherman, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velázquez, and Nikema Williams.

A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.

Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Acting Commissioner Wiatrowski:

We write to seek information about the quality and quantity of core economic data prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which could be at risk following the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and given President Trump’s unfounded attacks on the integrity of federal statistical agencies. We are concerned that recent developments, in addition to persistent data collection challenges and budgetary shortfalls, could affect access to information critical for understanding and responding to this Administration’s failed economic policies.

BLS, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, plays an important role by publishing statistics that provide a complete and factual picture of the rapidly changing U.S. economy. Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) all rely on timely, accurate, and granular economic data to make informed decisions that impact every corner of the country. Specifically, the Fed utilizes BLS data daily to monitor inflation measures, examine job growth trends, and analyze the U.S. economy. The Fed leans on this data when setting interest rates and taking other actions consistent with its dual mandate. In addition, the private sector relies on BLS data to make investment, hiring, and pay decisions and as a benchmark for their own data. Lastly, in order to maintain a robust U.S. Treasury market and the U.S. dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency, it is essential that the rest of the world views U.S. economic statistics as intellectually robust and free from political influence.

Due to disruptions from the Republican-manufactured government shutdown, BLS confirmed that it will not publish the unemployment rate for October, marking the first omission in 77 years. This data gap leaves policymakers, businesses, homeowners, and the general public in the dark on the current state of the labor market and broader economy.

Furthermore, the level of participation in BLS’ voluntary surveys has declined in recent years, partly due to difficulties reaching people and businesses via phone or in-person visits to collect this data. For example, response rates for BLS’ employment establishment survey, which collects data from businesses and is a key component of the agency’s monthly jobs report, averaged around 60% between 2009 and 2019, but have since declined to less than 45%. Furthermore, response rates for two BLS surveys of retail businesses and households, which form the basis for calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key indicator of inflation for consumer prices, have dropped significantly since 2014. Some have also attributed declining survey rates to an eroding trust in institutions and government. President Trump’s baseless removal of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer further threatens to undermine the credibility of federal economic statistics, according to two former BLS commissioners appointed by presidents of both parties. More broadly, this trend means that incoming data may have become less accurate and subject to larger revisions, which can make it more difficult for policymakers to assess current economic conditions, according to Fed researchers.

Under this Administration, declining response rates, increased data collection costs, and budget concerns have forced difficult decisions regarding survey sample sizes and the metrics that are gathered. In May, BLS announced that it will stop calculating and publishing 350 indexes, including those related to specific industries, that contribute to the Producer Price Index (PPI), a key indicator of inflation for producers of consumer goods. Then, in July, BLS announced that it had stopped gathering CPI data in three metro areas and reduced the sample size by 15% in the 72 other surveyed areas because current resources are insufficient. We are concerned that BLS is losing granularity in its inflation measures, which could make it more difficult to assess tariff-driven price increases across the country.

To address these issues, BLS can take steps to modernize its existing systems and data collection practices. For example, the Census Bureau, in collaboration with BLS, is currently testing the use of online self-response data collection for the Current Population Survey (CPS), which serves as the primary source of labor statistics. BLS can also directly focus on hard-to-reach cases in its surveys, which could help improve response rates and reduce bias. In addition, BLS can invest in innovation, incorporate digitized information into its statistical programs, and consider the use of large language models (LLMs) to make it easier for people to report their industries, occupations, and activities. Lastly, a bipartisan group of around 90 economists have suggested that BLS deepen its partnerships with the private sector and evaluate how private sector and administrative data can complement public statistics, while still preserving data integrity and privacy. We urge the Administration to grant BLS leadership flexibility to spend congressionally-appropriated funds in ways that prioritize these upgrades, partnerships, and its ability to hire, retain, and train talent.

We recognize the importance of ensuring the nonpartisan integrity of BLS. We have the shared goal of ensuring that U.S. economic data is accurate, credible, and—like the U.S. economy itself—remains the best in the world. To that end, we request that you respond to the following questions by no later than January 6, 2026.

  1. When will the BLS publish the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October?

  2. Due to President Trump’s attacks, BLS has lost 12 of its 35 senior leaders in recent months. How does the Labor Department plan to address this loss of critical expertise and institutional knowledge?

  3. At current budgetary levels, does BLS expect to scale back any existing programs over the next few months? Are any BLS programs being considered for elimination? If so, please list the affected programs.

  4. Please provide an update on the timeline for the modernization of the Current Population Survey (CPS). Has BLS experienced any challenges in implementing these efforts?

  5. Is BLS considering increasing or expanding existing programs by blending survey data with administrative data, including by leveraging information-sharing agreements with other state or federal agencies?

    1. Are there any statutory limitations to improving coordination with other federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

  6. In 2022, BLS replaced the collection of new-vehicle prices with transaction data from private sector sources, though it took two years for staff to ensure it provided a reliable measure and to implement the change. Is BLS considering the use of private sector data for any other metrics?

    1. If so, please provide information related to the specific BLS programs that would use these private sector data. How is BLS ensuring that BLS products remain accurate and nationally representative after incorporating private sector data?

    2. Are there limitations on how economic data available from private sources can be adapted by BLS?

  7. Is BLS taking steps to leverage automation and digitalization technologies to potentially improve how economic data are produced and shared?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Rep. Kelly Thanks Departing Chief of Staff, Announces Successor

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the departure of Kevin Dawson, who has served as Kelly’s Chief of Staff since 2023 and previously spent five years as a Legislative Aide to Kelly, will depart Capitol Hill to begin a new role in the private sector. Quinn Ritchie, Kelly’s current Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, will be promoted to Chief of Staff.

“Kevin Dawson has been an exceptional leader whose dedication and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District have strengthened our entire operation. I am deeply grateful for his years of service and the professionalism he brought to every challenge. While we will miss him greatly, I couldn’t be more excited for Kevin as he embarks on his next adventure,” said Rep. Kelly. “I am proud to announce Quinn Ritchie as our new Chief of Staff. Quinn brings proven leadership, strategic insight, and a strong understanding of the issues that matter most to our constituents. I have the utmost confidence in Quinn’s ability to lead our team with integrity and drive, and I look forward to the great work we will accomplish together in the coming years.”

Above: Kevin Dawson with Rep. Kelly.

Above: Quinn Ritchie with Rep. Kelly.

In addition to Dawson’s seven years with Kelly, he also spent two years in the U.S. Senate on the Senate Budget Committee and in the office of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

Ritchie first began his career on Capitol Hill as Kelly’s staff assistant and legislative correspondent in Kelly’s office in 2021. He also served Rep. Kelly as a professional staff member during Kelly’s chairmanship of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump in 2024.

Speaker Johnson on Squawk Box: Democrats Want Health Care Premiums as a Political Issue; House Republicans Are Fixing the Problem

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act — House Republicans’ bill to lower premium costs for all Americans, increase health care access, expand health care choices, and bring greater transparency to America’s health care system.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full interview here

On the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

What we’re going to do today is the first of multiple steps to help not just 7% of Americans, but 100% of Americans actually reduce their premiums, not subsidize insurance companies to raise the premiums but reduce them. And the first of those votes is today. The Lower Premiums for All Americans Act, we’re going to have on the floor, and it’s going to actually achieve, if it’s signed into law, exactly what we’re saying.

It has many components, among them are the cost sharing reduction programs, which will reduce all premiums across the board by at least 11%. And by the way, save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. We have the association health plans that’ll be a part of this today, which will give more flexibility to small businesses and others and insurers in the marketplace. You’ve got PBM transparency as a part of this and the choice accounts. So, there’ll be a lot more flexibility in the system. Consumers will be able to have more choices, and their costs will go down. We’ll also increase access to care through these reforms. Again, this is just the first of many. We’re going to do more of this in the first quarter of next year. Republicans are the ones who will fix health care. It is the Democrats who broke it. Remember, when they passed Obamacare, the Unaffordable Care Act, it was 15 years ago now. They promised us that it would enhance care and that premiums would go down for everyone and you’d have more choices. None of that was true. So, we have to fix it. Republicans are the ones with the ideas to do it.

On Democrats lying about health care subsidies and their own broken system:

First of all, the subsidies are not going away. Again, this is an enhanced subsidy on top of the subsidy that everyone already has. And again, even if it had been extended for three years as Hakeem Jeffries proposed with no reforms, these same people who are achieving that and having that enhanced subsidy would only get 5.7% of savings. The point is, everyone’s premiums are going up because the Democrats broke the system. The very people who are trying to continue to subsidize it and put more taxpayer dollars on a broken system are the ones that created the mess. We are coming into the middle of that to reform the system, to look at the root causes, the root problems of why everyone’s premiums are going up. And yes, that takes a lot of hard work.

It takes a lot of consensus building here, especially at a time when we have razor thin margins and no one on the Democrat side wants to do anything to actually help the problem. They don’t want a solution to this. They want an issue for the upcoming election, and they have put all their chips on one slice in the roulette wheel, and their whole game is to try to blame health care costs on Republicans, which is comical when you look at the facts. They are the ones who broke it. They’re the ones that continue to add to it. And that’s what we’re trying to address.

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Newhouse Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement announcing he will not run for reelection in 2026.  

“I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving the Fourth District of Washington has been the honor of my life, and this decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress. 

After over 25 years of public service, including more than a decade in the House, I am grateful to the Washingtonians who put their faith in me, as well as the colleagues I have served with on both sides of the aisle. 

Public service takes many forms. As I look forward to this new chapter and ways I can continue to serve my community and this great Nation, I do so with confidence that there are now qualified and serious people expressing interest in this office. Central Washington will have a strong, capable leader to whom I can pass the torch. 

I thank my family for their steadfast love and support which allowed me this opportunity to serve. I am truly humbled by this uniquely American journey that took a farm boy from Sunnyside, Washington clear across the country to represent his friends and neighbors in the ‘other’ Washington. I will continue to serve my district with energy and enthusiasm until the end of my term.   

God bless America and God bless the people of the Fourth District of Washington.” 

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MENG, GOLDMAN LEAD HOUSE BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE FOR COMBATING ANTISEMITISM MEMBERS IN LETTER TO AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE FOLLOWING THE DEADLY ANTISEMITIC BONDI BEACH ATTACK

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Bipartisan letter reaffirms unwavering support for Australian Jewish community and calls on Australia to implement measures to combat rising antisemitism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Chris Smith (R-NJ), members of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirming their unwavering solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and calling on Australia to implement critical measures to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

On the first night of Hanukkah, gunmen opened fire on a peaceful celebration, killing at least 15 people and wounding many others, including two police officers. The attack could have been deadlier had it not been for the courageous heroism of Ahmed al Ahmed, an Arab Muslim civilian who disarmed one of the attackers and was shot twice as a result.

In the letter, the task force members write, “This act of antisemitic terrorism strikes at the heart of our shared democratic values and our mutual commitment to protecting religious freedom and keeping our citizens safe. Our deepest condolences are with the families of those murdered, and our prayers are with all those wounded and traumatized by this unconscionable violence.”’

This tragedy comes in the wake of rising antisemitism in Australia. Earlier this year, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, released a comprehensive Plan to Combat Antisemitism in July 2025, containing 49 key actions designed to address this growing threat. The plan addresses antisemitism across multiple sectors, including education, universities, the Department of Home Affairs, media, online platforms, and public institutions. The letter urges the Australian government to utilize these recommendations and take steps to counter malign foreign influence from actors like Iran.

The Congressmembers continue, “Given the horrific events that unfolded at Bondi Beach, we respectfully ask what concrete steps has your government taken to implement the recommendations in the Special Envoy’s Plan since it was released? Additionally, in the immediate aftermath of this attack, how will you protect the Jewish community from further violence?” 

Australia has joined the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, a declaration of principles led by the United States. Launched in July 2024 and signed by representatives from more than 42 countries and international organizations, the guidelines include policies to monitor and combat antisemitism.

“The fatal massacre in Australia comes after repeated warnings, including from the Australian Jewish community itself. When American Jewish Committee was in Australia in September, we echoed those warnings: allowing antisemitic rhetoric and demonstrations to go unchecked can—and does—lead to violence and death. At this moment, we need leaders across the globe to stand up and say this can no longer be tolerated. We need the Australian Government to utilize the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, to fully adopt, act on without delay, and be held accountable for implementing the recommendations outlined in their Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism, and to investigate foreign-backed antisemitic activity targeting their Jewish community. I am grateful to the co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism for echoing these calls and encouraging the Prime Minister of Australia to keep Australia’s Jewish citizens safe,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here. It was led by Meng and Goldman.

MENG AND MORELLE INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO FIGHT HUNGER

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced legislation to reduce food insecurity for families across the nation. The Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act would increase funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Hunger Clearinghouse Hotline and help improve access to food assistance, nutrition, and social services information for families in need.

“As grocery prices continue to rise, and food assistance programs dwindle, millions of Americans are experiencing food insecurity. In the richest country in the world, no one should go hungry,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “The Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act will make it easier for people to find food resources they need and increase critical federal funding to address hunger prevention and education. I’m proud to join Congressman Morelle and Senator Gillibrand to introduce this important legislation and for their shared commitment to addressing the hunger crisis.”

“In the richest and most advanced nation in human history, it’s insulting that families are still worried about putting food on the table. We have a responsibility to confront this crisis head-on—and I refuse to stand idly by as Donald Trump continues to use hunger as a weapon against our families,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This legislation strengthens access to nutrition assistance and helps ensure families have the support they need to stay afloat. I’m grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Meng for their partnership as we work to protect Americans.”

Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, said: “Call volume to the Hotline in 2020-2025 continued to be literally three times higher than before the pandemic, yet federal funding for the Hotline has remained exactly the same, at a paltry $250,000 per year, which covers less than half of the Hotline expenses.  Big thanks to Congressman Morelle for fighting to increase funding for this vital service, which aids tens of thousands of the most vulnerable Americans per year.”

Roughly 14% of U.S. households reported food insecurity on average between January and October 2025, up from 12.5% in 2024. For many of these individuals, food insecurity is the result of limited financial resources and limited access to available options. any of these households are unaware of the food assistance programs that exist and could benefit them. Increasing funding for the USDA’s National Hunger Clearinghouse hotline is a solution to address this problem.

The USDA’s National Hunger Clearinghouse helps low-income individuals or communities by providing food assistance and other nutrition and social services information, serving as an important tool in combating hunger and promoting economic mobility.

Specifically, the Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act would:

  • Increase the National Hunger Clearinghouse’s authorization level from $250,000 to $750,000 to better assist families navigate the best options and resources.
  • Provide resources to assist and educate families on ways to prevent hunger.
  • Implement training for suitable volunteers willing to provide their support to address the staff shortage this program faces.

The full text of the Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act is available here. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has introduced the Senate companion bill.

For information on USDA’s Hunger Clearinghouse, visit the USDA webpage here.

LaMalfa Bill to Transfer Land to Pit River Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, the House passedCongressman LaMalfa’s (R-Richvale) legislation, H.R. 2400, the Pit River Land Transfer Act. The bill transfers approximately 580 acres of federally owned land known locally as the “Four Corners” to the Pit River Tribe.

The “Four Corners” is located between Burney, California and Fall River Mills in Northeastern California. The land represents a physical and spiritual landmark for the Pit River Tribe, central to their identity and ability to thrive and grow on their ancestral lands. The Pit River Tribe has ancestral ties to this land that span over 10,000 years, with the Four Corners holding deep spiritual and historical value to the tribe.

“For decades, the Pit River Tribe has pursued every legal and administrative avenue to acquire this land, facing endless bureaucratic delays,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Transferring the Four Corners to them will allow the tribe to build an interpretive center, educate the public on their history, and honor their ancestral past. I am pleased to see the House pass this legislation as a step towards strengthening stewardship, land management, and tribal self-determination.”

“H.R. 2400 is an important step in recognizing the rights and history of the Pit River Tribe,” said Natural Resources Chairman Westerman. “This bill restores tribal homelands and enhances both tribal sovereignty and local stewardship.  I applaud Representative LaMalfa for advancing this bill and look forward to seeing this meaningful tribal land settlement move toward final enactment.”

“For countless generations, the Pit River people have lived in relationship with these lands—caring for them, guided by the teachings of our ancestors. The return of these homelands is not merely about acres and boundaries; it is about restoring a sacred trust that has endured through hardship and dispossession,” said Yatch Bamford, Chairman of the Pit River Tribe. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman LaMalfa for championing this legislation and for his steadfast dedication to seeing the Pit River Land Transfer Act advance through the House. His leadership honors our sovereignty and supports justice long overdue for our people. This moment renews our hope and strengthens our ability to preserve our culture and traditions for generations to come.”

You can view Congressman LaMalfa’s remarks in debate here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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