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Congressman García’s Statement on Revelations About Cesar Chavez

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on accusations against Cesar Chavez:

“I am deeply troubled by the facts uncovered by the New York Times about Cesar Chavez. I believe the survivors who have come forward to talk about Chavez’s abusing girls, teenagers and women showed a tremendous amount of courage by telling their stories and I stand with them. 

“It’s difficult and painful to see someone you respected and trusted as a leader revealed in this way. It feels like a betrayal, and abusers, at any level, should be held accountable. At the same time, no single person defines the movement for justice for farmworkers. This movement is bigger and more powerful than any one individual. Right now, our priority must be supporting the survivors and making sure they are heard.”

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Carbajal, Bacon Reintroduce Bill to Expand Benefits for Veteran Survivors of Sexual Assault

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to expand benefits for veterans who experienced sexual trauma during their service.

The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act would change the effective date of a veteran’s claim to allow veterans who experience sexual trauma during their service to receive retroactive disability benefits, starting from the date after their discharge from service rather than the claim file date.

“Sexual assault in our military is a grave injustice, and it is long past time for the VA to expand benefits for those who carried this trauma back home,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act was inspired by a Central Coast veteran who faced the same inexcusable hurdles that far too many survivors encounter when seeking help from the VA. I’m proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Congressman Bacon, in introducing this bill to close the gaps in our system and finally deliver the justice our veterans deserve.”

“One sexual assault in the military is one too many. Sexual assault in the military leaves behind a wake of trauma, anxiety, and depression,” said Rep. Bacon. “As Wing Commander at Ramstein, I established the best sexual assault prevention program in the Air Force because I recognize the importance of keeping our service members safe from this kind of violence. For those service members who do, tragically, experience sexual assault, we should ensure that they receive payment for treatments to help them recover. Changing the effective date from when veterans receive payments is the right thing to do.”

Currently, most benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are calculated using the day the claim was filed.

But with survivors of military sexual traumas (including unwanted sexual contact or advances), there is a historical trend of stigma and underreporting, meaning veterans may wait years before filing a VA claim.

Congressman Carbajal and his team worked with one such case: a female veteran from the Central Coast of California who was granted benefits related to PTSD caused by a sexual trauma during her service but filed a claim more than 25 years after the injury, diminishing the total benefit that she qualified to receive.

The bill has earned the endorsement of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the largest and oldest war veterans service organization in the U.S.

The VA estimates that 1 in 3 female veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans experienced sexual trauma in some form during their service.

In certain cases, like exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic chemicals, the VA has granted retroactive benefits. But no such retroactivity exists for claims related to sexual trauma, despite the enduring effects these injuries can have on a veteran.

The full text of the Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act can be found here.

Congressman Carbajal served eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, including active duty service during the Gulf War in 1992, where he was mobilized to Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Congressman Bacon served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Brigadier General in 2014.

The two lawmakers are part of the For Country Caucus, a non-partisan group of military veterans serving in Congress who are dedicated to working together in a nonpartisan way to create a more productive government.

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Rep. Barragán’s Statement on Cesar Chavez

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

March 18, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán’s Statement on Cesar Chavez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement:  

“I am heartbroken, outraged, and sick to my stomach. Heartbroken for the young girls and women who suffered abuse and violations by a man who was lifted up as an icon. I’m outraged that someone could abuse their power and stature to take advantage of young girls and women. Bottom line is, I am sick to my stomach.

I applaud the brave women who have come forward to tell their story. Your story and courage are empowering for women and survivors everywhere. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I offer my support and help, in any way I can.

The farmworker movement is about fighting for better working conditions and immigrant justice. That movement was built by a collective effort of countless workers, organizers, and advocates committed to challenging exploitation and advancing dignity for all. Today, we are reminded of the need to continue that work and to hold people accountable, no matter their title or history. We cannot look away.”

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Rep. Loudermilk: The House Should Go To Conference for Affordable Housing Legislation – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement on the need for bicameral housing legislation:

“Last month, the House passed The Housing for the 21st Century Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. My colleagues and I are seeking tangible, quality reforms to reduce the regulatory burdens on new construction, modernize HUD capabilities, and allow banks more freedom to lend.

“The ability for Americans to own homes should be an attainable goal, and I believe our legislation is the superior product needed to address the ongoing housing crisis in this country. The Senate’s housing legislation is rife with non-conservative policy that would ultimately fail to achieve the goal of making housing affordable for Americans. It is my hope that Speaker Johnson will go to conference to ensure a final product emerges that benefits the American people.”

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Latta Introduces STOP Nitazenes Act to Combat Rising Synthetic Opioid Deaths

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous (STOP) Nitazenes Act, a bill to permanently schedule 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, commonly known as nitazenes, as Schedule I controlled substances. Fatal overdoses continue to rise across the United States, and nitazenes, a dangerous class of illicit synthetic opioids, are increasingly contributing to overdose deaths nationwide. 

“Families in Ohio and across the nation have already felt the devastating impact of the ongoing fentanyl crisis. With the rise in nitazene use, the opioid epidemic is becoming even more dangerous. That’s why I introduced the Stop Nitazenes Act, to permanently classify nitazenes as a Schedule 1 drug, the most restrictive category, and to help curb the use of illegal opioids in our country. We must act now to stay ahead of the growing number of lives affected by this deadly drug,” said Latta.

Background:  

Depending on the chemical formulation, some nitazenes can be up to 800 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more potent than fentanyl. Like other illegal street drugs that are often laced with fentanyl, substances may also contain nitazenes without the user’s knowledge. According to Medical Discovery News, up to 2,000 people have died from nitazene-related overdoses since 2019. Without greater awareness and education about these substances, that number is expected to grow. 

Latta has also championed the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law on July 16, 2025. The law permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. 

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Hoyer: We Do Not Recognize the Real Problems of Why We Are So Deeply in Debt

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks on the House Floor during debate on H. J. RES. 139, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
 

“I thank the Chairman for yielding – the Ranking Member for yielding. The American people are, obviously, got to be so confused about this debate because one side claims they are bringing us an amendment, a balanced budget amendment, and their history has been – and I’ve been here for some time – Ronald Reagan increased the budget by 189%. Why do I say Ronald Reagan did it? Because he could have vetoed any spending bill and we would not have overridden that veto. In 2001, we cut taxes, and we were told by our Republican colleagues it would raise additional monies. It did not. Then some of those, particularly who are claiming, ‘Well, we made a deal and we’re keeping it. We’re getting this constitutional amendment on the Floor,’ what was the deal for? The deal was to vote for the Big, Bad Bill, which created $4.7 trillion of additional deficit, Mr. and Mrs. America. That’s a tough way to want to balance the budget.

“We have a ‘paying for’ problem. That’s the discipline, a ‘paying for’ problem, not a spending or revenue problem. What we have is a paying problem. If we would pay for things, which presumably this constitutional amendment would seek, then we would not have this continuing deficit. But you and I both know we’re not going to do that, and you haven’t done it. We haven’t done it. Jodey Arrington is right to that extent. This is a problem where we do not recognize the real problems of why we are so deeply in debt, and we pretend cutting nickels and dimes will make a difference. Now, they are big nickels and dimes, I get that. But the fact of the matter is, it is dishonest, in my view, for me or anybody else, to come to the Floor and say, ‘I want to balance the budget,’ and then vote for the largest creation of debt ever on this Floor. Defeat this amendment. Defeat this suspension bill. I yield back the balance of my time.”

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Congressman Cohen Defends Public Education for Migrant Children

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

Supports sensible 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent

Supports sensible 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government hearing titled “Immigration Policy by Court Order: The Adverse Effects of Plyler v. Doe.”  The U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe ruled in 1982 that states cannot discriminate against undocumented immigrant children in K-12 public education.

Congressman Cohen began his questioning taking exception to one witness’ claim that undocumented immigrants engage in crime at higher rates than native-born American citizens, citing a U.S. Justice Department study. Congressman Cohen was also able to clarify through witness testimony that the vast majority of non-citizens in the United States are not “undocumented” but have legal status, including non-English-speakers with lawful permanent residency, and are eligible for free public education.

See Congressman Cohen’s exchange with the witnesses here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

  • Matt O’Brien, Deputy Executive Director, Federation for Immigration Reform
  • Mandy Drogin, Senior Fellow, Government Reform & Oversight Coalition, Texas Public Policy Foundation
  • James Rogers, Senior Counselor, America First Legal Foundation
  • Thomas A. Saenz, President & General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

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Congressman Baird Introduces Legislation to Support Bioindustrial Technologies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the U.S. Secretary of Energy to establish at least two bioindustrial scale-up facilities in the United States. These facilities would accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, including coordinating with other relevant facilities and federal agencies. Congressman Baird was joined by Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) in introducing this legislation.

“As a farmer and scientist, I know how important biotechnology is to strengthening our world-class agriculture industry,” said Congressman Baird. “To ensure our country continues to lead the world in biotechnology, we must promote opportunities to develop new products and move them to market. I am pleased to introduce this important legislation to ensure the Department of Energy has the tools to accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, strengthen U.S. biotechnology competitiveness, secure our supply chains, and unlock new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.”

“The U.S. is by far the leader in biotech innovation, but we lack the infrastructure to keep up with the demand despite having all the necessary elements to biomanufacture American innovations,” said National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Chairman Senator Todd Young. “The Department of Energy has the expertise and facilities to meet the sector’s needs, particularly for innovations that will strengthen our defense and energy capabilities. I’m glad to support my colleagues in the House on this legislation that will expand biomanufacturing capacity and create jobs for Hoosiers and innovators all across America.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act with Rep. Baird,” said Representative Stephanie Bice. “This legislation will help accelerate emerging bioindustrial technologies, including through coordination with relevant facilities such as the Department of Defense, to strengthen our supply chains and energy resiliency.”

“Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to world-class universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving the next generation of biotechnology innovation,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “But too often, promising ideas never make it out of the lab because businesses lack the infrastructure needed to prove their technologies can work at commercial scale—while countries like China are rapidly investing in the facilities needed to commercialize these breakthroughs. I’m grateful to partner with Congressman Baird on this bipartisan effort to help ensure that the biotechnology solutions developed in communities like mine can be manufactured here in the United States, strengthening our supply chains, economy, and energy security.”

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Norton Statement After Committee Passage of Bill to Repeal Local D.C. Traffic Laws

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

Today’s markup was the third this Congress to repeal D.C.’s use of automated traffic enforcement measures and its law limiting right turn on red.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (COGR) marked up and passed a bill introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) to repeal two D.C. traffic laws, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) highlighted the hypocrisy of Rep. Perry’s five year long quest to end D.C.’s use of the same traffic safety measures his home state uses extensively and vowed to fight to prevent the bill from advancing further. 

“Today the Oversight Committee, for the second time this Congress, advanced a paternalistic, undemocratic, and frankly petty bill to overturn two traffic safety laws enacted by D.C.,” Norton said. “The hypocrisy behind this legislation is astounding. The bill’s sponsor represents a district in Pennsylvania, a state that uses automated traffic enforcement extensively to improve roadway safety for its own residents. Yet he has spent years attempting to deny the District the same tool his own constituents benefit from.

“D.C.’s elected officials enacted these measures to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in our city. If D.C. residents disagree with those decisions, they can vote their local leaders out of office. That is how democracy works. What is undemocratic is members of Congress from distant states repeatedly trying to override local D.C. laws.

“Congress should focus on the many pressing challenges facing the nation, not continue this pattern of unnecessary and unjustified interference in the District’s local affairs. I’ll work to stop this bill from advancing further.”

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Amata Highlights US Embassy and Consulate Staff Needs in the Pacific Islands

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Highlights US Embassy and Consulate Staff Needs in the Pacific Islands

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part in a Wednesday hearing of the full House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), making remarks leading to her questions, directed to Under Secretary of State for Management Jason S. Evans, and highlighting the U.S. Foreign Service needs in the Pacific Islands and elsewhere. 

The HFAC hearing room from the Member’s view.

“I’m going to focus my questions on the staffing of our embassies and consulates. Other colleagues have echoed this concern, but I’m concerned about the Pacific,” said Congresswoman Amata in the hearing. “China is out-competing us in almost every single country in the Pacific. In neighboring independent Samoa, we have only 12 diplomatic staff – if that! While the Chinese have a three-story building filled to the brim with staff. And that repeats itself over the entirety of the Pacific. We don’t even have a diplomatic presence in Kiribati – how are we supposed to show the Pacific that we’re committed, when we’re not even present? I also hear from Pacific communities on the lack of consular services in the Pacific.”

Congresswoman Amata in the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. 

She inquired where the most acute staffing needs are for the Foreign Service, and how that need for Foreign Service officers is undermining U.S. influence or strategic interests in these places.

Congresswoman Amata in the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. 

Under Secretary Evans testified that the U.S. has recently stood up new embassies and is working hard to fill them, noting current difficulty for parts of Africa, saying, “We do have people that are willing to go out to the Pacific Islands and serve in those posts.”

He continued, “We do have some staffing gaps in some of our missions, but I feel like we’re able to get enough people out on the filed with the right skill sets and with the right support from Washington to manage the situation.”

Video of Congresswoman Amata’s comments and the Under Secretary’s complete testimony in his own words are available HERE, along with the photos and captions.

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