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

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“Today, our country has lost a beacon of civil rights and a champion for equality. As a longtime friend to Reverend Jesse Jackson and his family the news of his passing is profoundly sad to me.

“Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson fearlessly advocated for the rights and dignity of working class communities, serving as a beacon of hope for millions.

“His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were transformational, not only for our brothers and sisters in the Black community, but for all Americans who believe in a more inclusive society. I was proud to be a Jackson Delegate at both Democratic conventions, representing Illinois. His speech in 1988 deeply inspired me to never surrender in our pursuit of justice.

“Reverend Jackson taught us many lessons, among them, that political participation is vital to improving community conditions.

“He inspired countless individuals, particularly in communities of color, to exercise their right to vote and dedicated his life to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.

“I have no doubt that his relentless pursuit of a multiracial alliance through the Rainbow Coalition played a crucial role in the election of our friend Harold Washington in 1983 as the first Black mayor of Chicago.

“Reverend Jackson’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice has left an indelible mark not only on Chicago’s history but also our nation’s history. My thoughts are with his wife Jackie, and his children Ashley, Jesse Jr., and my dear colleague Jonathan. Rest in power, my friend.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) joined Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Senator Adam Schiff (CA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen emergency preparedness for companion animals. 

During weather-related disasters, families are frequently forced to evacuate with minimal time. For pet owners, evacuation can mean an impossible choice: leave their pets behind or risk their own safety by staying home. Too often, families choose the latter—endangering themselves and complicating rescue efforts for first responders. The Los Angeles Times documented many of these stories in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

The Providing Essential Temporary Shelter for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act expands the allowable use of existing emergency management funds so states and local governments can better plan for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training, and specialized rescue equipment during disasters.

Under current law, many animal preparedness efforts are limited by high local cost-share requirements. The PETSAFE Act lowers that barrier by increasing the federal cost share for eligible companion animal preparedness activities from 50 percent to 90 percent, making it more affordable for communities to implement protective plans for people and pets.

“When the Eaton Fire tore through my district, so many families were forced into an impossible choice. As a result, many families delayed evacuating because they couldn’t bear to leave their pets behind. Thankfully, local shelters and community members across California stepped up to care for animals of all kinds that had to be relocated out of the fire’s path,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Disasters like these make it clear that emergency planning must also account for the safety and wellbeing of pets. That’s why I’m teaming up with Representative Brian Mast and Senator Adam Schiff to introduce the PETSAFE Act. Our bill would ensure that state and local governments can utilize FEMA grant money to purchase the resources they need to protect animals during disasters,” she added.

“When we plan better for animals, we save human lives too,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “This bill helps communities prepare smarter, respond faster, and keep families together when disaster strikes.”

“Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it’s important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren’t left behind. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brian Mast to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies,” said Senator Adam Schiff. 

“Protecting pets during disasters is not just compassionate, it is responsible. As an original supporter of the bipartisan PETSAFE Act, I am advancing a practical, lifesaving approach that helps families evacuate safely without leaving their furry friends behind,” said Rep. Dina Titus. 

“For millions of families, pets are part of the family and in disaster-prone states like Florida, families often won’t evacuate if they can’t bring them, putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “The PETSAFE Act improves preparedness and removes unnecessary cost barriers, so states and local governments have the flexibility they need to protect animals, families and first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Brian Mast in leading this commonsense, bipartisan effort.”

“The Eaton Fire showed us that disasters don’t just displace people—they endanger the animals who depend on us. Allowing FEMA funds to support local efforts to protect pets during emergencies helps keep families together and saves lives,” said Chris Ramon, President & CEO of Pasadena Humane.

“Americans consider their pets to be a part of the family, and many won’t evacuate during an emergency without them. Empowering communities to include animals in emergency response plans is critical to preventing further devastation and helps save the lives of animals, families, and first responders,” said Daniel Leonardini, director of federal legislation for the ASPCA.

During the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Humane alone took in more than 450 pets. The ASPCA responded to 112 service calls, helping 538 animals — including chickens, cats, goats, pigs, parakeets, and even a gecko and a tortoise, many of which were safely reunited with their families.

You can read the full bill here. 

Photo Caption: After the devastating Eaton Fire, Rep. Chu visited the more than 450 pets that Pasadena Humane took in as families rushed to evacuate their homes. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“For decades, Reverend Jackson served as the head of Operation Breadbasket – a program of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and later founded his own organization in Chicago, Operation Push, which later became The Rainbow Coalition. Rev. Jesse Jackson stood at the forefront of the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity. From the days of the Civil Rights Movement to his relentless advocacy for voting rights, economic opportunity, and peace, he never stopped pushing America to live up to its highest ideals. His faith was not quiet, it was active, courageous, and unwavering.

“In Kansas City, and across this nation, we felt the impact of his organizing, his preaching, and his belief that ordinary people could do extraordinary things when they stood together.

“On a personal level, I lost a friend, a mentor, and a brother in the movement. Our conversations about faith, justice, and the long arc of history strengthened me more than he knew. 

“His life was a testament to the power of hope and persistence. And while we mourn his passing, we honor him best by continuing the work. 

“May he rest in power.” 

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (NH) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to affordable child care for parents working nontraditional hours. The After Hours Child Care Act would help child care providers expand operating hours and build partnerships with businesses, so that parents can remain in the workforce and provide for their families while working outside of the traditional work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

“There are many successful child care models that could work for New Hampshire families, and we must expand affordable child care options to meet the needs of parents working all types of jobs and hours,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would expand existing programs and encourage the establishment of new ones, supporting working parents and strengthening our workforce and economy.” 

“At a time when many families are struggling with high costs, we need to do more to help parents find and afford child care so that they can work and support their families, including when their jobs require early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help families across New Hampshire and the country access affordable child care that works with their schedules.”  

In communities across America, major industries such as health care, advanced manufacturing, and logistics rely on workers for early morning or late-night shifts, as well as weekend availability. The After Hours Child Care Act would help fill these high-demand roles by removing barriers created by a lack of child care accessibility, especially in rural communities.

If enacted, the After Hours Child Care Act would:

• Expand capacity for an existing child care program to serve families working nontraditional hours
• Support efforts to establish an on-site child care program at a workplace
• Ensure that federal funds supplement current efforts by requiring a 25 percent match
• Require a report every two years on the bill’s effectiveness in improving child care availability

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

Latta Has Pay Withheld During Partial Government Shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) have introduced the Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act, legislation that would make permanent the historic $6,000 Social Security tax deduction for seniors established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.  The deduction – which provides up to $6,000 in tax relief for individuals over the age of 65 and $12,000 for married couples filing jointly – was signed into law in 2025, but is currently set to expire in 2028. This legislation eliminates the sunset provision and ensures that seniors can rely on this tax relief for years to come.

“As I travel throughout my district and speak with seniors, I hear firsthand how much they appreciate the new $6,000 tax deduction that was recently signed into law. It represents meaningful progress and real relief,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “However, many retirees living on fixed incomes continue to struggle to make ends meet, and we must do more. Social Security is not a government handout – it is a benefit earned through decades of hard work and payroll contributions. Seniors planned their retirements around these benefits, and they deserve to receive every dollar they were promised. Fully eliminating the federal tax on Social Security would strengthen financial stability for retirees, simplify the filing process, and provide lasting peace of mind to millions of older Americans. Our seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to our communities and strengthening our nation. They have earned these benefits, and they should be able to keep them in full. While I’m still pursuing legislation to achieve this goal, the Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act will make sure they keep this new $6,000 deduction.”

“After a lifetime of hard work, Iowa seniors deserve real peace of mind – not more tax season headaches,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “This deduction was a game-changer for older Americans living on fixed incomes. Our bill ensures those savings don’t expire, because seniors have earned the right to keep more of what they worked their whole lives for.”

The Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act builds on the success of the original tax relief by providing certainty and long-term stability for retirees who depend on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income.

Background:

• The Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the expiration date on the seniors deduction.
• The $6,000 individual and $12,000 joint deduction, when combined with the standard deduction and existing seniors tax credit, effectively eliminates federal taxes on Social Security benefits for the vast majority of older Americans.
• More than 88% of Social Security recipients will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits due to this provision.
• The measure provides meaningful financial breathing room, particularly for the 38% of seniors who remain in the workforce or are seeking employment because they cannot yet afford full retirement.

By permanently securing this tax relief, the legislation honors the promise made to America’s seniors – ensuring they can retire with dignity, stability, and the full benefit of what they have earned.

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

MEMPHIS — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement after learning of the passing of civil rights leader and presidential candidate Jesse Jackson:

“Jesse Jackson was a man in the arena for most of his life and was one of the prominent civil rights and human rights leaders in our nation’s history. He was a splendid orator and a courageous leader. I extend my profound condolences to his family, particularly his sons Jesse Jr. and Jonathan, friends with whom I have served in the House, and his many friends, supporters and admirers. Jesse Jackson made a difference and will be missed.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding documents and answers regarding the Trump administration’s decision to route Venezuela oil revenues into an offshore account in Qatar.

In the letter, Meeks questions the legal basis of the arrangement, and warned the offshore account could enable corruption, skirt accountability, and shield assets from legitimate creditors seeking legal recourse against the Maduro regime.

A PDF of the full letter can be found here.

“I am writing to express my grave concern that the administration is operating an offshore slush fund for Venezuelan oil revenues while systematically denying Congress the information required to fulfill our constitutional oversight duties. This is unacceptable.

“Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the President declared on X that Venezuela’s oil was our oil. That assertion is factually incorrect and legally indefensible. On January 9, the administration declared an international emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), apparently intended to shield Venezuelan oil-related foreign deposit funds from American individuals and businesses holding valid judgments against the Maduro-Rodriguez regime. Rather than clarifying the legal and policy basis for these actions, your testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) on January 28 further obscured the administration’s approach.

“While responding to questions about the administration’s plans for Venezuela’s oil revenues, you described a scheme under which profits from Venezuelan oil sales are routed through an offshore account in Qatar, with the State Department monitoring and approving disbursements. You described this arrangement as ‘novel’, ‘a short-term mechanism,’ and ‘the best we could come up with.’ You further stated that this short-term mechanism will remain in place until the administration develops a plan to convert the Qatar-based accounts to those controlled by the U.S. Treasury, without specifying a timeline to do so.” 

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing on Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“Today, I join the rest of the nation as we collectively mourn the passing of civil rights leader and international icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson. After growing up in the segregated south, he lived a life of service on the front line of the fight for civil rights. He showed what was possible for this nation as he inspired countless others to fight for a future in which America lived up to its foundational promises of equality and justice for all. Many of us continue in his footsteps as we push for equity in education and affordable health care for all, and as we continue to protect the rights of workers. 

“Rev. Jackson’s legacy is felt not only on the national and global stage, but also here in Virginia’s Third Congressional District. His family’s deep roots in Hampton and Newport News—through his in-laws—created a lasting and personal connection to our community. Those ties reflect the broader bond Rev. Jackson shared with the people of the Commonwealth, particularly with communities that have long been at the heart of the fight for civil rights and social progress. I offer my condolences to his wife, Jackie, as well as his children, his loved ones, and the countless Americans who were inspired by his extraordinary life of service.” 

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

LOWELL, MA  – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) released a new staff report titled Privacy, Trust, and Effective Government: A Bipartisan Blueprint for Modernizing the Privacy Act. The report was developed following extensive stakeholder input submitted in response to a Request for Information (RFI) Trahan circulated in 2025 examining potential updates to the Privacy Act of 1974.The report comes amid growing concerns about the federal government’s handling of Americans’ sensitive personal data, including recent incidents that have exposed weaknesses in existing privacy protections and oversight mechanisms.
 
“The Privacy Act was written for a world of file cabinets and mainframe computers, not one defined by cloud storage, data brokers, and AI,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Americans should be able to trust that their personal information is handled responsibly by their government. This report lays out practical, commonsense updates to strengthen privacy protections, restore public trust, and ensure the federal government can operate effectively in the digital age.”
 
The staff report outlines a bipartisan framework to modernize the Privacy Act of 1974, including recommendations to:
 

Strengthen limits on the collection, use, and sharing of Americans’ sensitive personal data.
Update definitions and safeguards to reflect modern systems, technologies, and practices.
Improve transparency so individuals can understand how their data is used by the federal government.
Enhance oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of personal information.
Bolster enforcement to ensure timely and meaningful redress when abuse occurs.
Right-size requirements to promote compliance while enabling effective government operations.

Enacted more than 50 years ago, the Privacy Act of 1974 has not kept pace with the scale, speed, or complexity of how the federal government now collects and uses personal data. As agencies increasingly rely on digital systems and third-party contractors, outdated protections leave Americans vulnerable to privacy abuses while hindering responsible data processing and eroding trust in government.
 
The report is intended to inform bipartisan, bicameral efforts to modernize federal privacy law and ensure that government data practices meet the expectations of the American people in the 21st century.
 
A copy of the report released today can be accessed HERE.
 
This report is the latest step in Trahan’s push for government privacy reform. Its release follows efforts Trahan has led regarding DOGE’s alleged mishandling of Americans’ sensitive data housed in the Treasury Department’s payment system and separately at the  National Labor Relations Board and Department of Interior. Trahan has similarly led House Democrats in investigating the Trump Administration’s data consolidation efforts at key benefits agencies. In March 2025, Trahan issued her RFI to  rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
 
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