MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery (ATR) Caucus, today joined in a training titled, Caring Communities: Guidance for Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss. The training — hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Capital Region NY Chapter in collaboration with the ATR Caucus and the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus — delivered information, resources, and practical guidance for attendees, including congressmembers and staff, on how to best support and interact with someone who has experienced a loss to suicide.

“I first became an advocate for mental health treatment during my time in the New York State Assembly, after meeting a bright, vibrant young man, Timothy O’Clair,” Congressman Tonko said. “Timothy suffered from significant mental health challenges and, due to a lack of mental health parity, lost his health care coverage. As a result of losing that coverage, he completed suicide. He was 12 years old. His spirit inspired me to write and advance Timothy’s Law in New York State, one of the first mental health parity laws in the nation.

Tonko continued, “Right now, every 11 minutes one person dies by suicide making suicide one of the top 8 leading causes of death for people aged 10 to 64 in 2023. Behind each statistic is a person. And behind each loss, a circle of loved ones, friends, and entire communities left to grieve.

“They deserve our compassion, care, and commitment, which is why today’s training is so important. I’m so grateful to our Capital Region NY Chapter of AFSP for bringing their expertise and resources so that we in Congress can provide the support our communities need and deserve.”

The training was led by Dan Egan, AFSP Board, and Loss and Healing Council Chair, and Ali Walker, AFSP National Chapter Leadership Council. Congressman Tonko is a longtime supporter of AFSP Capital Region NY, and earlier this year received their 2025 Joe Albert – Starfish Award.

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

December 02, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.), along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education.

In the House, this resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), James Moylan (R-Guam), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).

This resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

“Every child – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor –deserves the education they need to succeed,” said Rep. Huffman. “50 years ago, Congress passed IDEA to transform classrooms for kids with disabilities and finally make that happen. Now, we won’t stop pushing for full funding and fighting to ensure Congress delivers on this promise.”

“Since its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America. On IDEA’s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA – to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“All children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By empowering parents to partner in their child’s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.”

“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that every child with a disability has access to a high-quality education. IDEA opened classroom doors, expanded opportunities, and transformed education for millions of students with disabilities. Today, we celebrate half a century of inclusive education that provided every child the opportunity to thrive,” said Rep. Thompson.

“Since President Ford signed it into law 50 years ago, IDEA has opened doors for millions of children with disabilities,” said Rep. Scholten. “I represent the same West Michigan seat that President Ford once held, and as the proud daughter of a special education teacher, I have seen how this law has transformed classrooms and strengthened opportunity for every child. It has allowed students to learn alongside their peers, participate fully in their communities, and pursue futures that were once out of reach. As we mark this anniversary, we must recommit to President Ford’s vision of investing in special education and ensuring every student has what they need to learn and thrive.”

The resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.

“IDEA’s promise has always been about more than access – it’s about opportunity. It opened doors to possibility, respect, and belonging for millions of students who had long been denied access to public education. It transformed what families could expect and reshaped what our schools could provide. But opportunity demands resources. As we reflect on 50 years of IDEA, we thank members of Congress for recognizing this important milestone and urge them to put forward the resources so we can continue to implement the law with fidelity,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

“Fifty years ago, Public Law 94 142 ignited a culture shift that affirmed the inherent potential and rights of children with disabilities. CEC’s members have led the charge- opening school doors, designing curriculum and supports, and translating research into practice across the country. This week we honor that legacy and look forward with determination to building on that progress to improve education and outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities,” said Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children.

“Fifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is an incredibly important milestone and on behalf of the students, families, and educators we serve, I am privileged to remark on the tremendous progress that has been made in educating students with disabilities,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “We commend the bipartisan leadership in celebrating this anniversary and upholding the importance and significance of this federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education in the United States.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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

Washington (December 2, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Representative Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, held a press conference today to reintroduce their Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent companies from using biased and discriminatory AI-powered algorithms to help make critical decisions in Americans’ lives, ensure algorithms are tested before and after deployment, and increase transparency of complex algorithms used for critical decisions.

The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04).

“We must address AI-powered bias and discrimination in the AI age,” said Senator Markey. “Under the AI Civil Rights Act, America would show leadership in AI—not just technological leadership, but moral leadership. We cannot abandon our principles in reckless pursuit of technological superiority. Otherwise, we risk building a future where innovation races ahead, but justice falls behind. I am grateful for Congresswomen Clarke, Pressley, Jayapal, and Lee for their partnership on the AI Civil Rights Act. We will not allow for AI to stand for accelerating injustice.”

“The AI Civil Rights Act represents a bold new front in our ongoing battle to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of every American. From developers to deployers, this legislation will place strict, strong, and unambiguous guardrails on the creation and use of artificial intelligence. I am deeply grateful to Senator Ed Markey for his steadfast leadership in introducing this critical bill. Together, we are making it very clear that innovation must never come at the expense of civil rights or justice,” said Rep. Clarke.

“As AI innovation grows, it is incumbent on us all to prioritize the safety, rights, and opportunity of all people—especially the Black, brown, and marginalized communities who disproportionately bear the burden of biased and discriminatory systems,” said Rep. Pressley. “We cannot allow AI to be the latest chapter in America’s history of exploiting marginalized people. That is why the AI Civil Rights Act is necessary—to invest in an approach rooted in equity that safeguards all of our civil rights and liberties.”

“This legislation comes at an inflection point for our country. Artificial intelligence has become a part of our everyday lives and grown into a projected $244 billion industry. A major risk of this new technology is the biases and discrimination that are built into algorithms – denying people housing or jobs based on race or gender. Our bill would place critical guardrails to ensure that the technologies of the future do not harden the injustices of the past,” said Rep. Jayapal.

“I represent neighborhoods that know what it feels like to be overpoliced, underinvested, and overlooked. If artificial intelligence is shaping people’s lives, then we must mitigate the harm it causes. This legislation puts up the necessary guardrails in an age of disinformation and misinformation. I’m grateful to Representatives Yvette Clarke, Pramila Jayapal, and Ayanna Pressley for co-leading this effort and for Senator Ed Markey for his partnership on this bill. We can and should be innovative with our technology, but never at the cost of our civil rights,” said Rep. Lee.

“The Lawyers’ Committee is proud to work in partnership with Senator Markey, Representatives Yvette Clarke, Summer Lee, Ayanna Pressley, and Pramila Jayapal as they introduce the AI Civil Rights Act to help ensure that AI systems are fair and equitable, as they become a large part of our daily lives. Most AI tools are built using data that reflects generations of racial discrimination, redlining, and segregation. Algorithms built on information about a troubled past can create new models that replicate these traumas as if they should be the norm for the future. So, increased transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these technologies are critical steps for combating algorithmic bias. The Lawyers’ Committee has been on the front lines of this issue, litigating in the courts and leading policy debates focused on the impacts and opportunities of emerging technology for Black people and other communities of color. We all deserve technology that works for us, not against us.  Adopting appropriate human-centered guardrails is both logical and a critical need. We know that with fierce defenders of civil rights and democracy in Congress like the sponsors and co-sponsors of the AI Civil Rights Act, we can make that ambition a reality,” said Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

“Technologies, including AI systems, are only innovative if they help people. AI should be a tool that works for all of us, no matter where we come from, the color of our skin, our age, or how much money we have. But every day, qualified people are unjustly locked out of jobs, housing, education opportunities, and health care, or are wrongly jailed or imprisoned because of AI systems that discriminate. AI is powerful, so when it discriminates it can supercharge bias,” said Maya Wiley, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “The AI Civil Rights Act offers a way forward towards fairness and accountability by helping us see how AI is working, ensuring better accuracy, and holding companies that create and use AI accountable for protecting our rights. We are grateful for Senator Markey and Congresswoman Clarke’s commitment to creating a strong pro-civil rights federal standard that ensures we can all reap the benefits of the AI revolution.”

“With corporations increasingly using AI systems to hire, fire, surveil, and make disciplinary decisions, workers need common-sense civil rights protections. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act introduced by Senator Markey and Congresswoman Clarke will do just that. It establishes critical guardrails to prevent AI discrimination, requires transparency from corporations around how they use AI, and holds corporations accountable when their AI systems perpetuate bias. This bill will be helpful in the labor movement’s ongoing fight to make sure that AI benefits workers instead of harming their jobs, rights, and freedoms,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy at the AFL-CIO.

“The AI Civil Rights Act is the bold, innovative policy we need today to ensure a just tomorrow for us all. The premise is simple: the AI tools and systems used at the most critical decision points in our lives – mediating our access to homes, employment, healthcare, and opportunities –should be demonstrated to be accessible and fair before being unleashed on the American public. With this technologically sophisticated bill, anchored in enduring American commitments to freedom, Senator Markey ushers in a new day for civil rights and digital equity,” said Alondra Nelson, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, and former Acting Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“AI is shaping access to opportunity across the country. ‘Black box’ systems make decisions about who gets a loan, receives a job offer, or is eligible for parole, often with little understanding of how those decisions are made. The AI Civil Rights Act makes sure that AI systems are transparent and give everyone a fair chance to compete,” said Cody Venzke, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union.

“Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a part of everyday life, impacting all of our major decisions from housing and employment to education and healthcare. We thank Senators Markey and Booker, and Representative Clarke, for their proactive leadership in safeguarding our civil rights. The AI Civil Rights Act ensures that AI technologies do not reinforce existing inequalities, and instead contribute to a more just and equitable society,” said the National Urban League.

The AI Civil Rights Act is endorsed by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the AFL-CIO, National Urban League, Alondra Nelson, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress and former Acting Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Sam Levine, Former Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, A Better Balance, Access Now, ACLU MA, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for AI and Digital Policy, Center for Digital Democracy, Color of Change, Common Cause, Common Sense, Communications Workers of America, Deaf Equality, Demand Progress, Economic Policy Institute, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fight for the Future, Free Press Action, Hearing Loss Association of America, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, InnovateEDU, Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Investor Alliance for Human Rights, Japanese American Citizens League, Justice in Aging, NAACP, National Action Network, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Education Association, National Housing Law Project, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New America’s Open Technology Institute, Open MIC, Oxfam America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment, Sojourners, The National Alliance to End Homelessness, The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), The NYU Policing Project, The Trevor Project, The Value Alliance, UnidosUS, United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry, United Steelworkers, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Youth Power Project, Third Act , LGBT Tech, Consumer Federation of America, Movement Advancement Project , League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), The Loop Lab / The Hope Group, National Partnership for Women & Families, and Kapor Center Advocacy.

A full list of endorsement statements is available HERE.

Issues: Civil Rights

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

“Michigan can’t afford any more Trump-driven manufacturing setbacks.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a new report from the Institute for Supply Management showed that U.S. manufacturing has shrunk for the ninth month in a row, with nearly two-thirds of manufacturers now ‘managing head count’ as opposed to hiring.

In response to the ongoing Trump tariff chaos squeezing manufacturers, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Trump’s reckless tariffs are slamming Michigan manufacturers: driving up costs, slowing production, and making it harder for Michigan workers to get good-paying jobs. Michigan can’t afford any more Trump-driven manufacturing setbacks.

“We need real solutions that strengthen our manufacturing economy, lower costs, and protect our workers. I will keep working to keep Michigan at the center of American manufacturing and support hard-working families across our state.”

 

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

Stevens: “The integrity of college sports must not be sacrificed for short-term financial gain”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICYMI: Congresswoman Haley Stevens criticized the Big Ten’s consideration of a $2.4 billion deal with UC Investments – a move she warned would put corporate greed ahead of Michigan students, athletes, and long-held traditions.

In a letter sent to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti on November 25, Stevens warned the proposal would open the door to private equity firms buying their way into college sports, escalating realignment chaos, and undermining the mission of public universities.

Here’s what Michiganders are reading about the bill:

Michigan Advance: Stevens says Big Ten’s private equity deal marks ‘dangerous expansion’ of influence

By: Kyle Davidson

• Reports that the Big Ten Conference could sell a stake of its media rights to a private equity group have led Michigan U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) to send a letter to the conference’s commissioner stating her opposition to the deal and requesting additional information.
• Publicly reported details show the Big Ten would sell 10% of its media rights to UC Investments, a group affiliated with the University of California system pension fund, for $2.4 billion.
• In her letter to the conference commissioner Tony Petitti, Stevens warned the deal would be a “dangerous expansion of private equity influence over our nation’s universities, harming the quality of college sports and the integrity of university governance.”
• The influence of wealthy non-university interests has already created issues for college sports, Stevens said, pointing to the role of television networks in eliminating the regional nature of conferences through realignment.
• The deal would open the door for other conferences to seek investment from private enquiry groups, Stevens said, arguing it would further undermine regional cohesion. She also warned that giving private investment firms control of sports television revenue would create undue influence over university decisionmaking.
• Big Ten member universities should be focused on their mission to educate and prepare young people for fulfilling and productive lives instead of maximizing television revenue in partnership with wealthy financial institutions.
• Stevens requested Petitti respond with an answer to the following questions by Dec. 12.

Deadline Detroit: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Fires Off Letter to Commissioner Opposing Big 10 Private Equity Deal

By: Allan Lengel

• Michigan Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens fired off a letter Tuesday to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti warning against a proposed plan that calls for the conference to sell a 10 percent stake in its media rights to UC Investments for $2.4 billion.
• Stevens insists the deal would put corporate profits ahead of student-athletes, college sports, and university integrity.
• “Such an agreement would be a dangerous expansion of private equity influence over our nation’s universities, harming the quality of college sports and the integrity of university governance,” she wrote in the letter.
• “The influence of extremely wealthy, non-university interests has already created significant problems in college sports. Television networks’ quest for increasing market share of fan viewership has led to nonsensical conference realignment that destroyed the regional nature of college sports cherished by generations of fans.”
• “These race-to-the-bottom deals in search of more athletics media revenue will inevitably create future conference realignment, further undermining regional cohesion in college sports. There are already reports that legacy Big Ten member universities opposed to the deal are considering leaving the conference if it is adopted, further contributing to the revolving door of conference realignment.”

Crain’s Detroit Business: Pressure on Big Ten mounts as Michigan lawmaker questions $2.4B private equity deal

By: Jay Davis

• A Michigan Congresswoman has joined those questioning whether a proposed $2.4 billion deal with a California-based investment fund is good for the Big Ten.
• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens on Tuesday sent a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Pettiti saying the league’s reported proposal to sell a 10% stake of its media rights to the University of California’s investment arm risks putting profits ahead of student-athletes, college sports and university integrity.
• Stevens, D-Birmingham, in the letter criticized the proposal, calling it the latest step in a troubling pattern of corporate influence overwhelming college sports and leading to nonsensical conference realignment.
• “College sports are a uniquely American tradition that have provided valuable experience for generations of college athletes, students, and fans. Nowhere is that more true than in the Big Ten,” Stevens said in the letter.
• “As policymakers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the integrity of college sports, the Big Ten, and its member universities is preserved for future generations, not sacrificed for short-term financial gain.”
• Stevens in her letter demanded answers from Pettiti by Dec. 12 on three questions related to how the Big Ten would protect the independence and internal governance of its member schools from private equity influence; how the league would safeguard non-revenue and Title IX athletic programs in a TV revenue-driven environment; and how leadership would ensure that the financial interests of UC Investments or other potential PE investors do not supersede the public-serving mission of Big Ten schools.

WLNS:  University of Michigan ‘committed’ to Big Ten despite private equity deal

By Brad LaPlante

• The University of Michigan governing board declared its opposition to the possibility of giving up a stake in the Big Ten for $2.4 billion in private investment.
• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) said she sent a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Pettiti this week, saying, “The influence of extremely wealthy, non-university interests has already created significant problems in college sports.”
• “College sports are a uniquely American tradition that have provided valuable experience for generations of college athletes, students, and fans,” Stevens wrote.
• “Nowhere is that more true than in the Big Ten. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the integrity of college sports, the Big Ten, and its member universities is preserved for future generations, not sacrificed for short-term financial gain.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on House Republicans’ weakened child online safety legislation:

“Children and teenagers deserve safe online spaces that are free from manipulation and harm.  Last Congress, I was proud to co-lead bipartisan KOSA and COPPA 2.0 bills in the House. I was encouraged by the Senate’s reintroduction of the strong bipartisan versions of these bills this year as well. Unfortunately, House Republicans are offering weak, ineffectual versions of COPPA 2.0 and KOSA that would diminish protections for children online.

“KOSA is intended to give young people and parents meaningful content-neutral tools and transparency to keep young people safe online, while holding Big Tech accountable for addictive design features and predatory algorithms that push harmful and inappropriate content to our kids. The House version fails to do either. COPPA 2.0 should modernize and strengthen privacy protections for kids and teens in the digital age and not allow Big Tech companies and online predators to exploit America’s children. The House version of COPPA 2.0 is also riddled with loopholes that fail to protect kids and allow tech companies to avoid accountability.

“House Republicans need to strengthen the bills to protect kids in the modern age and to gain bipartisan support. I encourage House Republicans to spend more time listening to families who support a strong federal law and less time meeting with Big Tech executives who value profits over kids’ best interests.”

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed House Republicans’ historic work in the 119th Congress to bring down costs for working families, fix Democrats’ broken health care system, and rid American streets of violent criminals and dangerous illegal aliens.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here

On the Working Families Tax Cut:

We did so much of it in the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cut. There’s so much to talk about, it’s as if it just got brushed aside. But the component pieces of that are some of the most nation-shaping, productive, pro-growth policies that have ever occurred to help all Americans. And we look forward to all the provisions of that bill being implemented, beginning really in earnest in the first part of the year. The first quarter and second quarter will be a very different scenario. But we’re excited to go through that. We can’t fix everything overnight. And the Biden-Harris administration, as we said so many times, in four years, really destroyed almost every metric of public policy. We’re don’t get to flip a switch to do that. It takes some time. And we’ve been working earnestly and around the clock to do that, to work on solutions, to solve all those problems, and to make government more efficient, effective, and responsive.

Republicans have been delivering and working to bring down costs for American families, to fix the Democrats’ broken health care system, and to rid our streets of violent criminals and dangerous illegal aliens. All this has been our goal since January, and we’ve been delivering. And as the year comes to an end, we started to reflect upon what we’ve done in that first 10 months, and ultimately the first 12 months. And it’s really something. The Working Families Tax Cut. Let me just tell you some of the components of that, because people seem to have forgotten.

It was a permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts, which collectively is the biggest tax cut in US history. Had we not passed the big bill, we would’ve had a $5 trillion tax increase on all hardworking American families if that expired in December. It was a marquee achievement. We also included permanent estate tax relief extensions. We had landmark Medicaid program reforms, which the CBO has said is going to save $185 billion and reduce premiums on everybody for their health care. We expanded the SNAP work requirements to get ineligible recipients off, young, able-bodied men with no dependents or health problems. They shouldn’t be riding the wagon and they won’t anymore. In the bill, we increased border enforcement and funding and made generational investments in those things. And it’s worked because guess what? The border is sealed, and we don’t have all these illegals coming across the border anymore. We included no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, increased standard deduction for seniors, free tax savings accounts for every child born in America, which will be announcing at a White House, in an event this afternoon. Business tax provisions to incentivize investments and innovation. That’s all in the bill and much more.

On House Republicans’ legislative agenda so far:

We codified 67 of President Trump’s America First executive orders so far, and there are many more to come. We repealed by Biden-era regulations with 23 Congressional Review Act resolutions. Now, this is important too. We’ve been making history along the way over the last 10 months; in the entire time that CRA’s have been part of the law, only 20 had been signed into law since the inception of that instrument. This year alone, we have already passed 23 of those out of the House, and 16 of those have been signed into law. That’s a big thing. We’ve restored regular order to the appropriations process. And y’all know what a big thing that was – a goal of mine since I became Speaker a little over two years ago was to restore regular order.

Because instead of governing by an omnibus before Christmas, which is no way to do stewardship, we wanted to get back to 12 separate appropriations bills. And as you saw, when we reopened government, one of the things the President signed was three regular order appropriations bills signed into law. What a marquee achievement. We had Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-VA bill signed into law. And both chambers and the appropriators are working right now to put the next bills, get them prepared, and get them enacted and signed into law. Also, in the last 10 months, we defunded wasteful spending through rescissions, billions of dollars there. We passed and signed into a law, the GENIUS Act, the bipartisan landmark crypto legislation. We passed and signed into a law, the Laken Riley Act, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act. And the House has passed the SAVE Act, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, Protecting American Energy Production Act, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Fix Our Forests Act, the TICKET Act, Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, American Entrepreneurs First Act, Stop Illegal Entry Act, Made-in-American Defense Act. I could go on and on and on. Remember, these are just the top lines. The House has passed 331 pieces of legislation this year that will directly improve the quality of life for millions of American families.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, secured unanimous House passage of the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a critical program that drives development of new treatments for children with rare pediatric diseases. The bill cleared the full House of Representatives after unanimously passing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September.

“Every child confronting a rare disease deserves access to the most effective therapies available,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act will ensure continued access to the treatments that families depend on today and strengthen the pathway for new breakthroughs that will define tomorrow’s standard of care. By supporting continued innovation, reducing barriers for researchers, and giving parents confidence that lifesaving options will remain within reach, this legislation represents meaningful progress for families across the country.”

Children make up as much as half of patients living with rare diseases, yet treatment options designed specifically for pediatric needs remain limited. Many are still receiving therapies initially developed for adults, often resulting in long-term complications even after the underlying disease is treated. The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act addresses this by extending the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cost-neutral priority review voucher (PRV) program which incentivizes the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases by awarding vouchers that speed up FDA review for future products. Since its creation in 2011, the PRV program has helped drive progress by issuing 53 vouchers for therapies targeting 39 different rare pediatric diseases.

Following passage today, the bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Since joining the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2021, Trahan has spearheaded multiple bipartisan initiatives to improve pediatric health care. Last year, she secured House passage of her bipartisan Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which helps families of children with complex medical conditions access out-of-state care. She also authored the bipartisan Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, aimed at strengthening research and treatment development for pediatric brain tumors, and the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act, which passed the House and would ban the consumer sale of lethal concentrations of sodium nitrite.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Governor Maura Healey, and members of the Massachusetts’ congressional delegation announced that Massachusetts is receiving $105.78 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Low- or No-Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these competitive programs provide funding for transit agencies to reduce emissions and expand and improve public transit service by purchasing buses that use low- or no-emission propulsion technologies; constructing or upgrading bus-related facilities; and/or further developing the public transit workforce.

“There’s been no shortage of political divisiveness and chaos in Washington lately, but my focus remains where it’s always been – on delivering for the hardworking families I represent,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That means fighting for investments that make daily life more affordable and more efficient for folks across our entire district. With these federal investments, our families, workers, and students will have access to new LRTA and MEVA buses that will help reduce costs for riders, improve reliability, and make it easier for families to get where they need to go.”

“With these awards, communities from the Berkshires to Boston will be able to modernize their bus fleets and keep their infrastructure in a state of good repair so people can affordably and reliably get to work, school, medical appointments, and recreational opportunities,” said Senator Markey. “I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration, Senator Warren, our federal congressional delegation, and our RTAs and local partners for their work to make this funding a reality. We’re on the road to better and more reliable bus service.” 

“Low and no emission buses deliver smoother rides, lower costs and healthier air,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These funds will help transit authorities across the state purchase new buses and deliver the service that the people of Massachusetts deserve. I’m grateful for the team at MassDOT, the MBTA and our RTAs, as well as for Senators Warren and Markey and our Congressional delegation for their strong leadership to secure this funding.” 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made it a priority to pursue every dollar available and I’m proud of our collective teams across our Regional Transit Authorities and the MBTA for their collaboration and hard work to secure this $105.7 million in competitive grants that will enable us to modernize our bus fleets and facilities,” said Interim Transportation Secretary Phillip Eng. “I thank FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro for this award and with the support of our federal partners, Senator Warren, Senator Markey and the Congressional delegation, these investments will enhance service, safety and accessibility for all delivering cleaner new efficient buses that make it easier for people to choose transit and leave their car behind.”

“Reliable, affordable public transit is a lifeline for families in Central and Western Massachusetts,” said Congressman James P. McGovern. “This federal investment will help our regional transit authorities replace aging buses, cut harmful emissions, and keep riders safe and moving. It means better service for workers, students, and seniors who depend on public transportation every single day. I’m grateful to Senators Markey and Warren, Governor Healey, and all our partners who worked to secure these funds. Together, we’re delivering real improvements that strengthen our communities and support a cleaner, more sustainable future for our commonwealth.”

“Massachusetts is leading the way toward the healthier, more affordable future that working families deserve. This transformative investment in clean buses is the latest win in Democrats’ fight for faster, easier, and more sustainable commutes. I’m proud to be working alongside Governor Healey and our state leaders to strengthen the Commonwealth’s public transit, and I look forward to seeing these dollars put to work,” said House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.

“Massachusetts is leading the nation in building a cleaner and more reliable public transit system, and this investment will lead to more reliable service, lower emissions, and a transit system that connects more people to jobs, schools, and opportunity. I’ll continue to work to bring more federal resources to Massachusetts to deliver real progress for riders across Massachusetts,” said Congressman Seth Moulton.

“Transit justice is an economic, climate, and racial justice issue, and our policies and budgets must reflect that. These meaningful federal investments will help make our transportation infrastructure more safe and sustainable while connecting folks in the Massachusetts 7th and beyond to essential resources like jobs, schools, healthcare, and the grocery store,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “I’ll keep pushing to invest in public transit as the public good that it is.”
 
The awards to Massachusetts during this round of funding include:

FY25-26 Low- or No-Emission Program

Lowell Regional Transit Authority: $7,158,564 

Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority: $7,194,360 

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority: $5,381,341 

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority: $78,566,512 

FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority: $3,000,000 

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority: $4,475,955 

 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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