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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the House voted to pass a continuing resolution that does not renew desperately-needed health care tax credits:
 
“Today, Republicans denied tens of millions of Americans the right to live a healthy life. They have created an unprecedented health care crisis. By refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, Republicans are putting affordable coverage out of reach for more than 20 million Americans, forcing families to pay an average of 75 percent more for their health insurance.
 
“They are creating a reality where only those with high incomes can access quality care, while working families are left to choose between going to the doctor or putting food on the table.
 
“The deal passed today does nothing to stop these premium hikes or to protect families from losing their coverage. More than 5 million New Yorkers rely on ACA coverage, and in New York’s 7th District alone, more than 8,000 families could see their health care premiums rise if these tax credits are allowed to expire.
 
“They have created a ticking time bomb that will send health care costs soaring on New Year’s Day. The bill passed today does nothing to address this. It ignores the pain families are facing, and that is why I did not support it.
 
“Those who voted in favor bent the knee to the President as he works to destroy the ACA and our nation’s health care system. In the new year, they will have to face their constituents when asked how they allowed this to happen, and they will have no good answer.
 
“In the face of that betrayal, Democrats will not stay silent. We will keep fighting to extend these critical tax credits and protect access to affordable health care for every American.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced increased economic cooperation with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung.

“Months of diligent work by President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer are bringing about mutual prosperity and investment with our East Asian allies. I am particularly encouraged to see increased cooperation in innovation and technology advancements, including Japan’s assurances digital regulations will be implemented in a nondiscriminatory manner. As we work to strengthen our alliances with Japan and South Korea, this week’s progress marks significant progress for shared economic growth and regional security.”

BACKGROUND:

On October 24, Smith led 20 House Republicans in sending a letter urging President Trump to address fair treatment of American digital companies under Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) during his visit to Japan.

On July 1st Smith and Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) led 41 of their colleagues in sending a letter commending the Trump administration for its efforts in trade negotiations and urging it to address barriers imposed by the South Korean government unfairly targeting American service providers and innovators in digital industries.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Vice President Richard Cheney.

“Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Vice President Richard Cheney was a patriot who dedicated his life to service. From the Capitol, to the Pentagon, to the White House, he left an indelible mark on history, overseeing consequential action to defend American prerogatives and promote democracy around the globe. His leadership across five Presidential administrations was critical in addressing our nation’s starkest challenges.

“Andrea and I send our condolences to the Cheney family and we will hold them in our prayers.”
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement upon publication of a Department of the Treasury report on suspending and replacing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File tax filing program. 

“IRS Direct File was an expensive, duplicative program which was never authorized or funded by Congress, and I want to express my appreciation to President Trump, Secretary Bessent, and CEO Bisignano for bringing this chapter to a close. 

“American families and family businesses by-and-large pay their taxes accurately and on time. The Biden administration and congressional Democrats’ vision of a supercharged IRS monitoring Americans’ bank accounts, assessing tax, and targeting anyone who disagrees, especially farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, for audits, is inconsistent with our longstanding voluntary compliance system and with basic standards of fairness. 

“As part of today’s report, the Department of Treasury has correctly identified the need to improve access to new and existing free file options for basic family tax returns, and I look forward to working with the Trump administration and my congressional colleagues to ensure it happens.”

BACKGROUND: 

In January 2023, Reps. Adrian Smith and Michelle Steel’s (R-CA) bill to repeal the Biden Administration’s $80 billion IRS expansion, the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, became the first bill passed by the House in the 118th Congress. This bill would have also repealed the IRS’s controversial initial study of providing direct file services.

In 2024 and 2025, Smith led his Ways and Means Committee colleagues in writing to the House Appropriations Committee asking them to defund the Direct File program. In June 2024, Smith led Ways and Means colleagues in sending a letter to Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Daniel Werfel raising concerns about IRS’ announced expansion of the Direct File program and asking Commissioner Werfel to respond to questions regarding statutory authority and the origin of funds allocated for development and advertisement of the program.

Smith, along with Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), introduced legislation in July 2024 to terminate the IRS’s unauthorized Direct File program. In December, Smith and Edwards led a letter asking President Trump to end the Direct File pilot program upon taking office in January. 

In January 2025, Smith, Edwards, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced updated legislation, which became the basis for language requiring the discontinuation of Direct File which was enacted as part of July’s Working Family Tax Cuts package.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

Bill fails to prevent looming price spike for 24 million Americans’ health insurance

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) — Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) issued the following statement:

“Every day this Republican shutdown drags on, the harm to Pennsylvania families grows deeper. We urge our 10 Republican House colleagues from Pennsylvania to join us in calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back to Washington. We stand ready to work together on a bipartisan solution that reopens the government and protects affordable health care for Pennsylvanians in all 17 congressional districts who now face skyrocketing premiums or the loss of coverage altogether.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik details threats to endangered species, habitat, and Moore County’s long-term water security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) called on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to stop the proposed removal of the High Falls Dam in Moore County.  In a letter sent October 23 to USFWS Director Brian Nesvik, Rep. Hudson warned that dismantling the historic structure would devastate one of the most ecologically unique sections of the Deep River and ignore the will of the local community. 

“The High Falls Dam has played a vital role in the Moore County community for hundreds of years, and its impending removal poses a significant threat to countless local species of fish and wildlife. Removal of the dam would unleash years of accumulated sediment downstream, suffocating spawning grounds and permanently destroying what remains of their limited habitat.”

Hudson also emphasized that the reservoir supports a “rich community of migratory and semi-aquatic species — including Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Hooded Merganser, River Otter, and American Beaver — all of which rely on the High Falls impoundment for food, nesting, and denning.” 

He warned that “by removing the dam, we would be replacing a stable, thriving habitat with an unpredictable, degraded ecosystem where these species cannot survive.”

Hudson’s letter further notes the plan is “heavily backed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which has a long track record of ignoring science and the negative impact dam removals have on local species of fish and wildlife.” 

He continued, “They are an outside organization with no ties to the local area, and in a short period of time will begin deconstruction on the dam despite universal condemnation from the local community. To put it simply, this plan comes at the direct expense of local fish and wildlife, public safety, water security, and the expressed will of the local community.”

More than 2,200 residents have signed a petition opposing the dam’s removal. Hudson wrote that “local leaders from both parties have unanimously voiced their opposition to the plan, and the community is united in its desire to preserve this historic structure.”

“For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to prevent the current dam removal,” Hudson concluded. “Protecting the High Falls ecosystem means protecting one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin.”

Background:

In July, Rep. Hudson visited the High Falls Dam with Moore County Commissioner Jim VonCannon to review the site and meet with local stakeholders. The dam has served Moore County families for more than two centuries as a vital piece of local infrastructure and habitat.

Next steps:

In the letter, Rep. Hudson urges Director Nesvik along with Secretary Burgum to prevent deconstruction from moving forward and to protect one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin.

Read the full letter here:

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Tonight, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement on the Senate’s budget vote that fails to protect health care for millions of Americans:

“Throughout this historic Republican shutdown, House Democrats have stood unwavering in our fight to protect health care for millions of Americans.
And I will continue to stand strong for the people.

“This Senate vote betrays that fight and the people who depend on it. As Americans lose access to affordable care and face skyrocketing costs right now, that suffering falls squarely on Republicans in power who have failed the nation they swore to serve.

“Republicans have one job: to govern. They control the House, the Senate, and the White House, yet they continue to sow chaos, break promises, and fail the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus introduced two resolutions ahead of Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s Black veterans, past and present.  The first resolution, H.Res.862, calls for a commemorative postage stamp recognizing the “Buffalo Soldiers,” the all-Black regiments of formerly enslaved people, freedmen, and Civil War soldiers who helped rebuild the nation and served with distinction for nearly 90 years. Beatty was joined by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) in a second resolution, H.Con.Res.59, honoring all Black veterans across American history, acknowledging the discrimination many faced upon returning home, and urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue closing racial gaps in health care and benefits. 

As the Trump administration continues to tear down, attack, and destroy Black history, Congresswoman Beatty is holding ground, and honoring the distinguished, valiant, Black veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 

For nearly 90 years — almost a century — the Buffalo Soldiers served with distinction in nearly every major American conflict, including the Plains Wars, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, until the units were disbanded in 1951. Named after their regular encounters with Native American tribes, their name came to symbolize the respect Native Americans had for their bravery and valor.  

A testament to their bravery and persistence, despite the racial discrimination they faced at home, over 30 of the “Buffalo Soldiers” earned the medal of honor for their distinguished service. 

“Even after serving our country, these valiant servicemembers faced racial discrimination at home as they carried our country through various conflicts defending our rights, liberties, and freedom,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “This recognition is long overdue and will help preserve their legacy for generations to come.”

 

The second resolution, H.Con.Res.59, recognizes Black veterans across American history, honors their heroic military sacrifices, acknowledges the unique challenges they encounter upon their arrival home, and calls for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue seeking solutions to mend the health and benefit disparities for minority veterans. 

 

“Our Black servicemembers have played a vital role in defending our nation, even while experiencing brutal racial discrimination at home. Many put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, then returned to a society that afforded them fewer rights than their fellow white servicemembers,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Though the civil rights era has ended, racial disparities have not. In the past year, the current administration has repeatedly attacked the legacy and history of African Americans — at our military bases, in our classrooms, and in every corner of our society. These resolutions are not only a statement of recognition; they are a clarion call to my Republican colleagues that our nation’s commitment to honoring Black veterans must never waver. Every servicemember deserves dignity, respect, and the care they have earned.”

“Generations of Black veterans have served in our Armed Forces with honor and distinction but came home to a nation that did not grant them the same rights as their peers,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “As some seek to erase our history, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and I are standing united to introduce a resolution to honor America’s Black veterans and recommit to supporting them when they return home. Let us remember their sacrifice and service to our nation as we commemorate Veterans Day.”

 

This effort builds on Congresswoman Beatty’s longstanding leadership in honoring Black veterans and engaging all veterans of Ohio’s Third District. In September, she joined congressional leaders in awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, a segregated African American unit celebrated for its bravery and service in World War I. Denied the chance to fight under American command because of discrimination, the Harlem Hellfighters were placed with French forces, where they spent 191 days on the front lines without losing a foot of ground or a man to capture. Their heroism earned them France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre.  

 

Earlier this year, she hosted a roundtable discussion in Columbus to hear directly from local veterans about their experiences accessing benefits and health care. Their stories and insights continue to guide her work in Washington to ensure that every veteran—especially those who have faced systemic barriers—receives the recognition, care, and benefits they have earned.

 

H.Res.862 recognizing the Buffalo Soldiers is cosponsored by Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06), Rep. Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33)

 

H.Con.Res.59 recognizing the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home is cosponsored by Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06), Rep. Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)

 

Click below to read the full text of both resolutions:

H.Res. 862 – Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers

H.Con.Res.59 – Recognizing the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

 

“As the first African American woman elected to represent New Jersey in Congress, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has blazed the path forward for women across her state and the U.S. House of Representatives. She has served the people of New Jersey’s Twelfth District with passion, dedication, and tenacity—fearlessly advocating on behalf of the most marginalized and underrepresented communities in New Jersey and across America.”

 

“Through her work on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, she has fought to deliver federal investments in education, community development, and programs that expand economic opportunity. As co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls—the first of its kind—she has helped ensure that the voices and experiences of Black women and girls are centered in policymaking. And through landmark bills such as the Healthy MOM Act, the End For-Profit Prisons Act, and the SHADE Act, she has championed equity, justice, and environmental resilience for generations to come.”

 

“It has been a great privilege and honor to serve alongside her in the United States House of Representatives. She is a skilled legislator, a dedicated public servant, and one of my dearest friends in Congress. Her leadership and guidance continue to make a lasting impact, and I am grateful that we will benefit from her brilliance a little while longer. I wish her and her family all the best as she prepares for this next chapter.”

 

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