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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Rep. Carter Backs President Trump: End the Filibuster NOW

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement supporting President Donald J. Trump’s call to eliminate the Senate filibuster:

“President Trump is exactly right. The filibuster is killing our country. Democrats have turned it into a weapon to block America First policies, shut down our government, and stop progress for the American people. Enough is enough. It’s time to end the obstruction, end the excuses, and end the filibuster.”

Carter said Republicans must stop playing by the old rules while Democrats use every trick to advance their radical agenda:

“The American people don’t care about career politicians’ outdated swamp traditions. They want results. When President Trump fights, he wins. When Republicans fight with him, America wins. The Senate should act now: eliminate the filibuster, let us deliver on the President’s agenda, and put our people first again.”

Carter also backed President Trump’s call to end the outdated “blue slip” tradition that lets liberal senators block his nominees:

“Blue slips are just another swamp trick and a courtesy Democrats never return. President Trump deserves his team in place to clean up this mess, prosecute corruption, and restore law and order. It’s time to end blue slips and let him get the job done.”

Carter called on Republicans to find their backbone and stand with the President:

“Once again, President Trump is right. He’s leading, showing real courage, and fighting for the PEOPLE while politicians make excuses. It’s time for Republicans to do what they were elected to do, to stand with him, and to finish the job.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today at a press conference to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown on our aviation system and the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay.

Chairman Graves took the opportunity to praise air traffic controllers for continuing to do their job despite the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck: “They’re showing up for work, they’re doing the job, and they’re making sure that our skies stay safe.” Speaking about the shutdown and Senator Chuck Schumer, Graves said, “It’s unfortunate that he’s weaponizing the air traffic controllers,” and stressed that neither controllers nor their families should be used as political bargaining chips. 

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed reports that air traffic controllers are taking on second jobs to make ends meet during the government shutdown: “Air traffic controllers, some people call the policemen of our skies, they have been showing up at work without pay. And, news reports have suggested that these men and women are seeking outside employment just to keep their families afloat.”

Secretary Duffy assured the public that it is still safe to fly and that the Administration’s efforts to modernize the air traffic control system, for which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee provided a down payment of $12.5 billion in H.R. 1, is still progressing during the shutdown. However, he noted that the shutdown has the potential to negatively impact the recruitment of new air traffic controllers, as recruits are witnessing controllers go without pay. Hiring new air traffic controllers has been a priority for the Trump Administration as they work to address the current controller shortage. Secretary Duffy spoke about effects of the shutdown on new recruits saying, “They’re thinking about leaving the [FAA] Academy, smart young men and women, because they don’t want to work for a system that won’t pay them.”

Chairman Graves joined Secretary Duffy and House Republican Leadership in urging liberals in the Senate to pass a clear continuing resolution – which the House did weeks ago – and vote to reopen the government. 

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

The program would provide Plant-Based Entrées in schools nationwide.

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

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led 35 Members of Congress in demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the Trump Administration’s reported plan to extend approximately $20 billion in support to Argentina through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF).
 
The lawmakers warn that the ESF is being used to provide extraordinary financial assistance to President Javier Milei’s government for political ends, rather than to serve U.S. economic interests.
 
“At a time when tariffs, rising prices and cuts to essential domestic programs are straining American families and businesses, it is troubling that U.S. taxpayer-backed funds are being deployed to stabilize a foreign government’s currency, seemingly to advance partisan objectives, rather than to meet urgent needs at home,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Milei Administration’s extreme austerity program has caused spending on utilities to rise from 6 to 15 percent of the average salary, while failing to achieve its purported goal of macroeconomic stabilization. The recent provincial election results in Argentina underscore widespread dissatisfaction with these policies and the severe social costs of Milei’s experiment.”
 
The lawmakers also question the transparency and legality of the Administration’s actions. Historically, interventions through the ESF were guided by a defined policy framework. These actions typically included repayment schedules and required congressional notifications to ensure accountability and protect U.S. taxpayers. In this instance, the Administration’s decision to proceed without comparable safeguards or transparency raises serious concerns regarding the rationale, legality, and fiscal responsibility of its actions.
 
“Significant American investment of this nature demands consultation and oversight from Congress.  Historically, deployment of the ESF—like for Mexico in 1995— has come with substantial consultation and collaboration with Congress and transparency into the ESF’s operations,” continued the lawmakers. “We expect the Treasury Department to provide Congress and the American people with information concerning the actions taken through ESF to strengthen the Argentinian peso and stabilize Argentina’s economy.”
 
Reports indicate that major U.S. investment firms—including Fidelity, Pimco, and Discovery Capital Management—stand to profit directly from this intervention due to their exposure to Argentine bonds. This suggests the Administration may be using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to advance the interests of Wall Street investors at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.
The letter also raises concerns about Argentina’s ability to repay the loan. The government’s practice of draining billions in reserves to defend an overvalued currency is unsustainable regardless of how much it borrows from the United States or international lenders. The lawmakers write that the Treasury Department owes the American people a clear explanation of what actions have been taken to protect the ESF and U.S. taxpayers from potential losses.
 
“Treasury must explain what reforms or collateral are in place to protect the ESF and U.S. taxpayers from loss,” concluded the lawmakers. “Given the magnitude and precedent of this action, we request that Treasury suspend any disbursement or implementation of the proposed swap or credit line to Argentina until these issues are fully addressed.”
 
In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Jim Himes (D-CT), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA).  
 
Find the full letter here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Tom Kean (R-NJ), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced the REPO Implementation Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation builds off the REPO law of last Congress by repurposing a sizeable subset of the frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine on a regular, set, timetable. REPO 2.0 jumpstarts the process of transferring assets to Ukraine, providing a way forward for allies to finally implement this common sense measure to make Russia pay for its war.

     “War criminal Putin chose to invade Ukraine. Despite losing his war, he continues mass murder and destruction while abducting and erasing identities of Ukrainian children. I was grateful to be among the first supporters of the original REPO Act, and I am grateful to sponsor the REPO Implementation Act of 2025 to ensure that Putin’s own money is used to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression,” said Rep. Wilson. 

     “Last year, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act to ensure that Russia alone is held responsible for the death and destruction that Dictator Putin has forced upon the free people of Ukraine,” said Rep. Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “While that step was an essential one, which we took along with our other allies for Liberty, more can be done. Today, Congress follows through on the promise of the REPO Act and ups the pressure on Putin’s Russia to come to the table for peace with the introduction of this new bipartisan legislation. Together, we will push Russia’s bloody incursion back across their own borders and rebuild Ukraine so that it can take its long-sought place among the free democratic nations in Europe.”

     “Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict tremendous suffering on the Ukrainian people. By repurposing frozen Russian sovereign assets in the United States, we can ensure that Russia bears the cost of Putin’s aggression. The REPO Implementation Act establishes a clear framework to provide Ukraine with consistent investments from the United States and encourages our G7 allies to do the same. Together, these efforts will help Ukraine sustain its defense and sovereignty, rebuild what Putin’s forces have destroyed, and strengthen Europe’s collective security,” said Rep. Kean. 

     “Vladimir Putin put his corrupt money in the United States and Europe, and we froze it. The REPO for Ukrainians Act was a major accomplishment last year, and we must continue this progress with the REPO Implementation Act. This bill ensures that this blood money will now be put to good use supporting the Ukrainians who Putin has attacked. This is a matter of basic justice—the aggressor must pay for his aggression,” said Rep. Cohen. 

     A copy of the full text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, D.C. – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans issued the following statement: 

     “As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, we join millions around the world in celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

     Since its establishment in 1923, Türkiye has played a pivotal role as a bridge between continents, cultures, and global alliances. We fondly remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Türkiye, and one of the great leaders of the 20^th century. The United States and Türkiye have long shared a relationship grounded in mutual strategic interests, robust economic ties, and a shared commitment to regional security and prosperity. Türkiye’s contributions to the Gaza peace plan and progress in Syria are the most recent examples of its role in advancing regional stability. As NATO allies, our cooperation remains essential to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today — from counterterrorism and energy security to trade and global stability.

     Equally important are the strong people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The vibrant and successful Turkish American community continues to enrich the fabric of American society, contributing in countless ways to our economy, culture, science, and public life. Their achievements exemplify the enduring friendship between our countries and the promise of our continued partnership. 

     On this Republic Day, we honor Türkiye’s progress over the past 102 years and reaffirm our commitment to continue to work on strengthening the political, strategic, and economic dimensions of the U.S.-Turkish relationship. We extend our warmest congratulations to the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans across the United States as they celebrate this historic milestone.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Political Prisoners, will introduce on Friday a House resolution supporting the designation of October 30 – today – as the International Day of Political Prisoners.  

“The resolution reads:

“Whereas there are an estimated 1,000,000 political prisoners across the world, including cases of journalists, academics, political opposition activists, dissidents, antiwar campaigners, and human rights defenders being detained, arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and otherwise punished for political motives without connection to any credible offense;

“Whereas authoritarian and repressive regimes around the world, including the Republic of Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of the Union of Burma, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, have engaged in systematic imprisonment of independent voices;

“Whereas, in 2024 and 2025, the United States Government, through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, secured the release of several dozen political prisoners from the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;

“Whereas, on October 30, 1974, Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Gulag initiated the tradition of marking the annual Day of Political Prisoners in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to draw public attention to the plight of those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs and to express solidarity with them; and

“Whereas, in subsequent years, the Day of Political Prisoners on October 30 was marked by hunger strikes by prisoners inside the Soviet Gulag and by public demonstrations of solidarity in cities across the USSR: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

deplores all forms of political repression and imprisonment and conveys its unwavering solidarity with all those imprisoned around the world for peacefully expressing their political or religious beliefs; 

supports efforts by the United States Government to condemn political imprisonment, hold accountable those regimes responsible for persecuting and imprisoning dissenters, raise international awareness of political prisoners, and secure their release through bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other states, and urges it to continue such efforts in the future; and supports the designation of an ‘International Day of Political Prisoners’ in the United States.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu met with leaders from Meals on Wheels West to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts to anti-hunger programs and to speak with Meals on Wheels volunteers and beneficiaries. Congressman Lieu joined Meals on Wheels West Board Member Anastasia Foster and Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins to talk about how funding cuts implemented by the Big, Ugly Bill and the current freezing of hunger assistance will impact Meals on Wheels West’s efforts to help the homebound, disabled, and elderly community members in the areas it serves. 

“I was deeply moved visiting Meals on Wheels this week to see firsthand what they do to help vulnerable people in our community,” Rep. Lieu said. “It is unconscionable that Republican leaders would allow these vital programs to lose critical funding while okaying things like a $40 billion bailout of Argentina and a $1 billion private jet remodel for Trump.”

“The landscape of food security is shifting fast,” Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins said. “As SNAP benefits remain uncertain, we’re already feeling the impact here at Meals on Wheels West – with more neighbors reaching out for help. Our team is doing everything we can to meet the growing demand, but limited resources are beginning to stretch our capacity. The need is real, and it’s growing.”

 “Most Americans may not consider that a tax cut for the very wealthy may directly translate to food being taken out of the mouths of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Meals on Wheels West Board Member Anastasia Foster. “Those who are aging in place, often on fixed incomes, cannot absorb the chaotic changes in programs they rely on.”

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made cutting anti-hunger programs a key part of their agenda and the consequences are dire.” Rep Lieu added. “Programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals and support to homebound, disabled, and elderly people in our community and around the country. Meals on Wheels relies on the kind of federal funding that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans cut to fund billionaire tax breaks and Trump’s pet projects. To compound the suffering, Trump has refused to use all the money available to fund SNAP this month, stretching programs like Meals on Wheels even thinner as they try to help hungry community members. It’s simply immoral.”

About Meals on Wheels West: Meals on Wheels West (MOWW) is a Meals on Wheels organization serving Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu with community-based services enriching the lives of the homebound, disabled, and elderly since 1974. Meals on Wheels West specializes in providing nutritious meals, friendly calls and visits, and referrals to other services. The organization is one of nearly thousands nationwide within the Meals on Wheels Association of America supporting homebound communities with such efforts.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

Dear neighbor,

On November 1, the Trump Administration is planning to stop SNAP benefits.

SNAP provides food assistance to low-income kids, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. 42 MILLION Americans rely on SNAP to get nutritious food, including about 1 in 4 children in America. 

This is a choice – Republicans can fully fund SNAP in November through legally available funds, but they are choosing to instead weaponize hunger during a Republican government shutdown. As a reminder, Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House. They already cut SNAP by $182 billion in their Big Ugly Bill. Now, they’re withholding food assistance as Americans continue to see their grocery costs get higher and higher.

While my Democratic colleagues and I were in Washington this week, House Republicans were still on vacation. Democrats are showing up for the American people. I support efforts to protect SNAP benefits and urge the Trump Administration to fund SNAP in November. Republicans need to come back from their vacations, and we need to put an end to this harmful Republican shutdown.

SHUTDOWN ASSISTANCE: LA County is supporting residents during the ongoing government shutdown. LA County Parks offer free meals at park sites across the county. Visit here for more info and locations. For those worried the shutdown may impact their housing, you can call 2-1-1 or visit here for access to tenant protection and foreclosure prevention services. 

CONVERSATIONS WITH VETERANS: Join me for a virtual community forum between local veterans and the friends and neighbors for whom they served. Register here to join us on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3-4:30 PM ET via Zoom webinar.

SPRING INTERNSHIPS: Applications for my LA and DC offices’ spring 2026 internships have been extended until November 7. To apply, visit this page.

Despite the Republican shutdown, my offices are still working for you. Responses from federal agencies may take longer than usual, but my team is still taking casework requests on our webpage here or you can call my LA office at (323) 651-1040.

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s recent social media post suggesting he would not comply with the orders of two U.S. District Courts to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. “President Trump’s recent social media post regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding defies court orders and hurts Americans who rely on this lifeline to put food on the table. It’s wrong and unacceptable,”said Congressman Costa. “With nearly thirty percent of households in California’s 21st Congressional District relying on SNAP, including veterans, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities, it is an urgent matter that these funds are provided for those in need. The Trump Administration must legally comply with recent court orders to fund SNAP in November. As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am doing everything possible to ensure that the court order is enforced and in compliance with the judge’s decision. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to negotiate on a bipartisan agreement to reopen government.”