MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Fought to Protect Black History Against Trump’s Crusade to Whitewash Museums

Pressley, Tonko Demanded an Investigation into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian Museums

Resolution Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) led 52 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor Black history museums and cultural institutions in their telling of our accurate, shared American history and protect these institutions from erasure, whitewashing, and funding cuts.

“Without Black history, America has none—and this resolution honors and defends the museums that keep our shared history alive,” said Rep. Pressley. “As this wannabe dictator attempts to censor our history, ignore systemic impression of marginalized people, and attack our intellectual freedoms, it is imperative that we protect the institutions that commemorate the contributions, brilliance, and hardships of our Black ancestors. We refuse to yield to their revisionist narratives and a whitewashing of structural racism. Instead, we support and defend the institutions who do the essential truth-telling of our stories of resilience and radical joy.”

As 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month commemorations and the 250th anniversary of the United States, this resolution is introduced at a critical inflection point to affirm Black history is American history.

The resolution also:

• Recognizes Black history museums and cultural institutions are essential to fulfilling the United States’ founding promises and telling the full, accurate history of our nation;
• Encourages the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and affiliates to partner with Black history museums and cultural institutions in designing and implementing commemorative programming, exhibitions, and public education;
• Calls on relevant federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Park Service, to ensure strong support for Black museums and cultural institutions in their funding and partnership programs;
• Calls upon the people of the United States to—
  • Visit Black history museums and cultural institutions, engage with their educational resources, and support through membership, attendance, and philanthropy;
  • Confront efforts to erase or distort Black history and to uplift Black history museums and cultural institutions as trusted spaces for truth-telling, learning, dialogue, and healing;
  • Honor the nation’s 250th by participating in events at Black history museums and cultural institutions that honor both the struggles and joy that have expanded American freedom and democracy

Text of the resolution is available here.

This resolution is endorsed by: American Alliance of Museums, Association of African American Museums, Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), American Historical Association, Museum Hue, the National Action Network, and the American Library Association.

“As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, African American museums ensure our history is told in full by preserving stories of creativity, resilience, and civic progress that belong to all Americans,” said Marilyn Jackson, President & CEO of the American Alliance of Museums. “This resolution affirms their essential role in education, community memory, and our shared understanding of the past.”

“Supporting African American-focused museums and cultural institutions is not a niche investment as it is a national imperative.  African American history is American history.  These institutions safeguard the full, unvarnished story of our nation, ensuring that the voices, resilience, innovation, and contributions of African Americans remain central to our collective understanding of who we are. When we strengthen these museums, we strengthen the integrity of the American narrative itself.” — Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson President & CEO Association of African American Museums

“The Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket (MAAH), the oldest African American history museum in New England, supports Congresswoman Pressley’s resolution. Black history museums are created out of grassroots efforts and reflect the regional histories of Black communities across the country. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, MAAH stands as a testament of the long history of Black people in the Commonwealth who were active participants, both as free and enslaved people, in our country’s founding. Our country’s 250th anniversary is about more than the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, it reflects the rich roles all people have played in the creation of our great nation.” — Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO, Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket

“In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History and co-founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), established Negro History Week to ensure that Black History was integrated into schools and discussed everywhere from the barber shops to the pulpit. Dr. Woodson believed that history was made by the people and that it was their responsibility to learn it and to teach it. Since then, Negro History Week has evolved into Black History Month and is now celebrated worldwide. In 1976, during America’s Bicentennial Year, Black History Month was officially proclaimed by President Gerald Ford.  ASALH has continued to advance Dr. Woodson’s vision by promoting, preserving, and protecting Black History; setting the annual Black History Month theme; and providing resources for educators and parents.  On this centennial anniversary, ASALH supports Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s resolution recognizing Black History Month as a time to celebrate the lasting impact and contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history. We urge every American to learn about the stories and contributions of African Americans.”—Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)

“The Black history museums and cultural institutions supported by this resolution are essential to telling the full story of our nation’s past. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, we must acknowledge that Black historical experiences belong in all institutions where United States history is presented and interpreted—from our museums to our parks to our schools.”—Sarah Weicksel, Executive Director, American Historical Association

“Black history museums and cultural institutions are vital community anchors that preserve history, expand narratives, and reflect the lived experiences of Black communities too often marginalized in mainstream cultural spaces. Recognizing and celebrating their significance at the federal level affirms their essential role in educating the public, advancing equity, and ensuring a fuller and true understanding of America’s diverse history.” — Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham, Executive Director, Museum Hue

“National Action Network, representing 140 chapters nationwide, strongly supports Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s resolution celebrating Black history museums and cultural institutions. In the wake of the 2026 State of the Union, we must affirm what has always been true: Black history is American history. These institutions preserve the truth of our struggle, our resilience, and our contributions to this nation. At a time when our history is too often challenged or overlooked, Congress must act to recognize and protect the institutions that safeguard the full American story.” — Rev. Al Sharpton, President, National Action Network

Joining Rep. Pressley as original co-sponsors of the letter are: Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH‑03), Wesley Bell (MO‑01), Sanford Bishop (GA‑02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR‑01), Nikki Budzinski (IL‑13), André Carson (IN‑07), Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick (FL‑20), Yvette Clarke (NY‑09), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO‑05), Steve Cohen (TN‑09), Danny K. Davis (IL‑07), Madeleine Dean (PA‑04), Sarah Elfreth (MD‑03), Dwight Evans (PA‑03), Cleo Fields (LA‑06), Shomari Figures (AL‑02), Valerie Foushee (NC‑04), Sylvia Garcia (TX‑29), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL‑04), Dan Goldman (NY‑10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ‑07), Jonathan Jackson (IL‑01), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA‑04), Sydney Kamlager‑Dove (CA‑37), Robin Kelly (IL‑02), Timothy Kennedy (NY‑26), Summer Lee (PA‑12), Stephen Lynch (MA‑08), James McGovern (MA‑02), LaMonica McIver (NJ‑10), Seth Moulton (MA‑06), Jerry Nadler (NY‑12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC‑00), Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (NY‑14), Frank Pallone (NJ‑06), Mike Quigley (IL‑05), Delia Ramirez (IL‑03), Jamie Raskin (MD‑08), Andrea Salinas (OR‑06), Jan Schakowsky (IL‑09), David Scott (GA‑13), Terri Sewell (AL‑07), Lateefah Simon (CA‑12), Darren Soto (FL‑09), Eric Swalwell (CA‑14), Bennie G. Thompson (MS‑02), Dina Titus (NV‑01), Rashida Tlaib (MI‑12), Paul Tonko (NY‑20), Marc Veasey (TX‑33), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ‑12), Frederica S. Wilson (FL‑24).

Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in defending diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, protecting Black history, and pushing back against Republicans’ efforts to deny intellectual freedom—whether by banning books or threatening museums.

Rep. Pressley has also led on securing critical funding for museums, arts, and humanities.

In 2022, she secured $207 million in federal funding for both the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment of the Arts, which has supported communities, schools, and small businesses throughout the Massachusetts 7th Congressional district. She also secured $2,505,000 for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program in the National Parks Service Operations.

Rep. Pressley has advocated for support for museums across the country that are dedicated to archiving, researching, and preserving the African American experience, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In FY26, she secured $6 million for the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture—including $500,000 for Boston’s Museum of African American History—which will provide such museums the resources they need to build on their work and continue to make history more accessible to the public.

In August 2025, Rep. Pressley condemned Trump’s attempt to politicize, editorialize, and whitewash exhibits at Smithsonian museums—particularly museums and exhibits with diverse and factual presentations of American history

In May 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, led 69 of their colleagues on a letter to the Inspector General of the Smithsonian Institution demanding an investigation on the impact of Donald Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely, the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – attempting to erase histories of marginalized communities. A copy of the letter is available here.

In May 2025, Rep. Pressley convened a roundtable and press conference at the Museum of African American History in Boston to uplift the vital role of museums in preserving our shared history amid Donald Trump’s attack on cultural institutions and his attempts to erase the documented histories of marginalized communities.

In April 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Charlottesville, Va. – On Wednesday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi discussed the enduring power of public opinion and the “goodness of the American people” during forums at the University of Virginia, arguing that civic engagement remains the strongest safeguard of American democracy. Hosted in the historic Rotunda by the Karsh Institute of Democracy, Pelosi reflected with USA Today’s Susan Page on the nation’s founding ideals, the role of respectful disagreement in democratic life and the responsibility of Congress to respond to the will of the people.

Later that evening in a conversation with CBS News’ Robert Costa hosted by the UVA Center for Politics, Pelosi spoke to students, faculty, staff and community members about how public opinion is already shaping legislative outcomes, even in a polarized political moment. She also received the 2026 Defender of Democracy Award in recognition of her lifetime of principled leadership and service.

Read the full story below:

UVA Today: Public Opinion Is the Strongest Political Force, Pelosi Tells UVA Audience

[By Bryan McKenzie, 2/26/26]

Public opinion, from the local level to the state and national scene, is the most critical force in politics and can ensure the 250-year experiment of American democracy survives turbulent times, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi told an audience at the University of Virginia’s Rotunda Wednesday afternoon.

“The most important force in democracy is public opinion. Our Founding Fathers – and here we are, Mr. Jefferson’s University – believed that democracy could work because of the goodness of the American people,” Pelosi told the audience of community members, UVA students, faculty and staff.

Difference of opinion is about what a democracy is,” Pelosi said, noting that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had opposing views. “People can come together and have differences of opinion – that is a democracy – but to do so with respect and patriotism, love of our country.”

Pelosi, the House speaker emerita and one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington, made her comments at a forum sponsored by UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. Later Wednesday evening, the UVA Center for Politics honored her with its 2026 Defender of Democracy Award. Larry Sabato, the Robert Kent Gooch Professor of Politics and the center’s founder and director, presented the award.

Sabato said Pelosi received the award “for a lifetime of service guided by principle and courage – and for expanding the circle of participation and leadership in this nation.”

“In 2007, she became the first woman to serve as speaker of the House, breaking the ‘marble ceiling’ and expanding the realm of possibility for women across this nation,” Sabato said. “Over the years, she has shepherded and helped enact consequential laws on civil rights, economic recovery, climate action, the Affordable Care Act and more.”

Pelosi has served 20 terms in the House after first being elected in 1987 to represent California. She was the first woman to be named speaker of the House, serving from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.

But it was what Pelosi called the current Congress’ abdication of its authority in acquiescence to President Donald Trump that was on Pelosi’s mind at the Rotunda. She noted the Republican-controlled Congress has been reluctant to oppose Trump on most issues through his first year, but public opinion may be changing that dynamic.

“We had 17 (Republican) votes to support the authority and subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, six votes to overturn what the president did with tariffs in Canada, as well as a vote on jobs and apprenticeships that we won by five votes, and that was all just in recent weeks,” she said. “So, we see an indication of public opinion weighing in.”

Pelosi said she expects public opinion to shift as people better understand what is happening in government, and that change could influence how members of Congress view their roles and cast their votes.

“As I said earlier, our founders believed in the goodness of the American people, and that’s why they believed democracy could work,” she said. “So, you have to believe in the goodness and in hope.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Reps. Beyer (D-VA), Hoyer (D-MD), Chu (D-CA), Pocan (D-WI) and Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Coons (D-DE) led 160 lawmakers in both the House and Senate in introducing the Direct File Act. This legislation would provide millions of Americans with a free and easy tax filing option. 

In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File, a program that allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the IRS. Direct File saved families time and up to $160 each year by cutting out the middleman. And it was overwhelmingly popular with taxpayers— 94% of Direct File users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. 

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep giants like Intuit, hiking costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience more cumbersome.

The Direct File Act would reverse the Trump Administration’s decision and codify the Direct File program, building on the success of the Direct File pilot. In particular, the bill:

1. Prohibits the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.
2. Directs the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program.
3. Directs the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.
4. Directs the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.
5. Reduces tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to cross-check this information before issuing refunds.

“Americans spend too much time and money filing taxes and deserve a free and easy-to-use filing option,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “The Direct File Act builds on the success of the 2024 pilot program and provides a commonsense tax filing solution saving American families time and money.”

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.” 

“The senseless destruction of the IRS’ popular Direct File program last year was just another example of the Trump Administration going out of its way to make life more difficult for the American people,” said Representative Beyer. “The program allowed hundreds of thousands of Americans to file their taxes easily and for free directly with the IRS instead of being forced to go through middlemen. This legislation would codify this important program and prioritize ordinary Americans already struggling with high costs of living ahead of special interests.” 

“The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That’s why I helped lead Democrats’ efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. Trump may not care about lowering Americans’ costs, but Democrats still do,” said Representative Hoyer. “We will keep fighting to bring back Direct File and to expand it nationwide.” 

“Direct File worked. It saved everyday taxpayers over $5.5 million in tax preparation fees and it saved them time. But Trump and Republicans killed it, because making the tax filing process simple and free doesn’t benefit their billionaire donors and the giant tax prep companies that profit off of confusion and fees. That’s why I joined Representative Brad Sherman and Senator Elizabeth Warren to introduce the Direct File Act of 2026, which would restore and permanently codify the IRS’s free, government-run online tax filing program so more Americans can file their taxes quickly and at no cost. I am committed to ensuring we bring Direct File back and stop Trump from rigging the system against the people it’s intended to serve,” said Representative Chu. 

“Direct File is a popular program that allows Americans to file their taxes for free, cutting out the middleman. But big tax-prep companies like TurboTax and H&R Block pushed the Trump administration to kill it,” said Representative Pocan. “It’s time to bring back Direct File permanently nationwide, saving taxpayers time and money.” 

Direct File Act (119th Congress) cosponsors:

House (121) – Brad Sherman*, Don Beyer*, Steny Hoyer*, Judy Chu*, Mark Pocan*, Pete Aguilar, Gabe Amo, Alma Adams, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Andre Carson, Sean Casten, Kathy Castor, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Yvette D. Clarke, Steve Cohen, Herb Conaway, Lou Correa, Jim Costa, Danny K. Davis, Madeleine Dean, Diana DeGette, Rosa L. DeLauro, Suzan K. DelBene, Chris Deluzio, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Cleo Fields, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, John Garamendi, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Jesús “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jahana Hayes, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Chrissy Houlahan, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Robin Kelly, Timothy M. Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Greg Landsman, Rick Larsen, George Latimer, Summer L. Lee, Stephen F. Lynch, John Mannion, Doris Matsui, Sarah McBride, April McClain Delaney, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Jim McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Rob Menendez, Kweisi Mfume, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Johnny Olszewski, Ilhan Omar, Frank Pallone, Chellie Pingree, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia C. Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Mark DeSaulnier, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Kim Schrier, Bobby Scott, David Scott, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Suhas Subramanyam, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Lori Trahan, Tom Suozzi, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Marc Veasey, Nydia M. Velazquez, Eugene Vindman, James R. Walkinshaw, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams

Senate (40) – Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), 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 Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

Endorsing Organizations (115) – Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies – Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Arkansas Asset Builders, Brazilian Worker Center Inc, California Alliance of Caregivers, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Catalyst Miami, Center for New Revenue, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children’s HealthWatch, Church Women United in New York State, Coalition on Human Needs, Color Of Change, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Connecticut Voices for Children, Consumer Action, Courage California, Demand Progress, Elevate Idaho Families, End Child Poverty CA powered by GRACE, Fair Share America, Faith in Minnesota, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Golden State Opportunity, Grow Brooklyn, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks!, Housing Action Illinois, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, ISAIAH (MN), Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, LIFT-DC, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice, MakingChange, Inc, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Meals4Families, Minnesota Budget Project, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Mexico Voices for Children, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Northwest Progressive Institute, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oxfam America, Prepare + Prosper, Prosperity Indiana, Public Good Law Center, RAISE Texas, Responsible Wealth, RESULTS, RESULTS DC/MD, RESULTS.org-Massachusetts, Rise Up WV, RootsAction, San Diego for Every Child, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Texas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, United Way of Frederick County, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Upper West Side Action Group, Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

During Rare Disease Week, Bacon & Gottheimer Announce Bipartisan Endorsement from Problem Solvers Caucus for Cameron’s Law

Boosts Rare Disease Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed Cameron’s Law, his legislation to fully restore the Orphan Drug Tax Credit and strengthen investment in research and development for treatments targeting rare diseases.

Cameron’s Law would reverse cuts made under the 2017 Tax Hike Bill that reduced the Orphan Drug Tax Credit by half, a change that has slowed innovation and made treatments for rare diseases even harder to develop and access.

The legislation is named after 8-year-old Cameron Hyman of Wyckoff, New Jersey, who is diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that affects the central nervous system. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Despite scientific advances, more than 90% of rare diseases still do not have therapies or treatments. 

“Cameron’s Law will create incentives, through tax credits, for pharmaceutical companies to create drugs to treat these diseases and get them to patients as quickly and safely as possible. Rare diseases have hit close to home, as two of my staffers have been affected by rare diseases, but thankfully, drugs and treatments were available to them. It is my hope that like them, all those suffering from rare diseases will have increased access to lifesaving drugs,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “I’m glad to be a co-lead on Cameron’s Law. Many patients are desperately waiting for drugs, and this bill will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to continue development and trials so they can get these drugs to the people that need them.”

“Families like Cameron’s are counting on Congress to step up,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “By fully restoring this tax credit, Cameron’s Law will help drive critical investment into research for rare diseases — many of which still have no FDA-approved treatments. I’m proud that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus is backing my commonsense legislation to support innovation, deliver hope to families, and strengthen Jersey’s leadership in life sciences.”

“Cutting the Orphan Drug Tax Credit in half puts life-saving research for rare diseases at risk, slowing progress for patients and families who are counting on medical breakthroughs,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “With the formal endorsement of the Problem Solver’s Caucus, it’s clear that there is strong, bipartisan support behind Cameron’s Law to restore the full tax credit and help ensure that developing treatments for rare diseases remains a priority.  By doubling this credit, we can incentivize innovation, provide certainty for continued investment, and give hope to those who need it most.”

“Regardless of politics, no one wants to watch a loved one suffer, especially from a rare disease with no treatment in sight,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3). “Cameron’s Law is a bipartisan measure that rewards ingenuity, innovation, and compassion by incentivizing researchers to take on the enormous risk involved in developing a complex drug for a small number of patients. As Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressmen Gottheimer, Bacon, Panetta, Miller, and Fitzpatrick that puts values above politics, making sure we never leave our most vulnerable without hope.”

“More than 90 percent of rare diseases still have no FDA-approved treatment. That is unacceptable, and demands action. The Orphan Drug Tax Credit has long been a cornerstone of rare disease innovation, helping bridge the gap between discovery and delivery. Weakening it slowed progress in a space where urgency matters most.

Cameron’s Law restores the full 50 percent credit, strengthens incentives for early-stage research, and reaffirms our commitment to families facing the toughest diagnoses. We know this model works. Now we are restoring it—fully and responsibly—to accelerate breakthroughs and save lives,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

“I’m thankful for PSC’s endorsement of this commonsense legislation,” said Congressman Max Miller (OH-07). “By restoring the Orphan Drug Tax and accelerating the development of life-saving treatments, this bill could make a real difference, and it merits broad support.”  

“BioNJ applauds Representative Josh Gottheimer for his continued leadership in supporting the nation’s rare and orphan disease community. With more than 10,000 rare diseases identified — and only five percent having an FDA‑approved treatment — restoring the Orphan Drug Tax Credit to its pre‑2017 level is essential to accelerating innovation for Patients with few or no therapeutic options. Because life sciences R&D is complex, costly and especially high risk for orphan therapies, strong research incentives are critical to driving breakthroughs where unmet need is greatest. As the second largest biopharma hub in the U.S., including many companies focused on rare diseases, New Jersey is well-positioned to advance this work, and BioNJ urges the rest of the State’s congressional delegation to support this important legislation for Patients and families who cannot wait,” said a spokesperson for BioNJ.

“When Congress created the Orphan Drug Tax Credit (ODTC) as part of the landmark Orphan Drug Act in 1983, they recognized the importance of using every available tool to drive investment in treatments for the 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. However, cutting the credit in half in 2017 weakened one of those critical tools. It is time to restore the ODTC to its original 50% value. Protecting and strengthening this credit is essential to ensuring that patients are not left behind in the search for treatments and cures. The EveryLife Foundation is grateful to the Problem Solver’s Caucus for its endorsement of Cameron’s Law and what it signals about our nation’s commitment to the rare disease community and the urgent need to ensure that research and innovation continue to thrive,” said Jamie Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Policy at Every Life Foundation. 

“During Rare Disease Week, we are reminded that while the Orphan Drug Tax Credit has helped advance hundreds of rare disease treatments, most rare diseases still have no FDA-approved therapy,” said Stacey Frisk, Executive Director of the Rare Disease Company Coalition. “Cameron’s Law would restore a vital incentive and strengthen the fragile ecosystem that makes rare disease innovation possible. RDCC applauds the Problem Solvers Caucus for its bipartisan support and continued leadership on behalf of people living with a rare disease.”

By restoring the full Orphan Drug Tax Credit, Cameron’s Law will incentivize life sciences companies to accelerate research and development for orphan diseases. The bipartisan legislation will also help grow New Jersey’s talent pipeline for high-quality life sciences jobs through expanded training partnerships and apprenticeship programs, ensuring the state remains a national leader in biotechnology and medical innovation.

The bipartisan endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus underscores the broad support across the aisle for advancing solutions that improve public health, support American innovation, and help families battling rare diseases.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service (USPS), sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner raising serious concerns about reports that mail collection boxes across Illinois have been closed or made inaccessible in the lead-up to the March 17 primary election, potentially disrupting voters’ ability to return ballots on time.

“I write with grave concern regarding recent reports that numerous collection boxes throughout Illinois have been closed or rendered unavailable for public use across multiple locations in Illinois in the lead-up to the upcoming primary elections on March 17th,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. “Constituents and local election stakeholders have indicated that boxes in several communities are locked, removed, or otherwise inaccessible, raising concerns about whether voters who rely on timely mail service to return ballots will be able to do so without disruption.”

In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored the Postal Service’s longstanding responsibility to safeguard Election Mail and maintain public confidence in mail-in voting.

“For decades, the Postal Service has recognized the unique importance of Election Mail as a core public service,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. “Reliable access to mail collection is especially critical during an election period… Many Illinois voters — including seniors, families of servicemembers, and individuals with limited transportation — depend on nearby collection boxes to ensure that mail-in ballots are transmitted quickly and securely.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also warned that reduced access to mail collection infrastructure could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

“Any reduction in access points risks delaying the delivery of election mail and could undermine public confidence in the accessibility of the voting process,” Krishnamoorthi continued. “Ensuring that collection infrastructure is fully operational during this period is essential to supporting the opportunity to participate for every Illinois voter, regardless of circumstance.”

In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested documents and information from USPS by March 3, 2026, and posed the following questions:

1. The number and locations of any boxes currently closed or removed

2. The reasons for these closures and steps being taken to restore access where needed;

3. Data from the most recent two federal election cycles showing on-time delivery rates for ballots in Illinois and nationwide.

4. Assurance that Election Mail — including ballots — will continue to receive expedited handling and delivery consistent with the standards applied during the 2022 and 2024 elections.

5. The measures in place to ensure timely processing of election-related mail.

The full letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Calls on Vought to End “Gross Abuse” and Provide Full Accounting of Reallocated Funds

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

‘In our nation’s 250th anniversary year, Philadelphia continues to be at the heart of Black history in the United States’