MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Range of fees intentionally hidden from customers causing prices to skyrocket

Harder pushing FTC to crack down on price gouging 
 

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack down on online retailers charging hidden fees on everyday customers. The FTC currently bans these fees in live ticketing and short-term lodging, but still allows for companies like Grubhub, Doxo, Anthropologie, and more to charge service fees, return fees, and cost recovery charges. Harder sent a letter to FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson calling for an expanded rule that applies to more online retailers.

Hidden price-gouging couldn’t come at a worse time:

• Prices are up across the board, including by nearly 3% over the past year.

• Worse still, household incomes are struggling to keep up with rising costs, stretching families’ budgets even thinner.

• This all comes as corporate profits hit record highs earlier this year.

“Why does a $15 food order end up costing $30? Why is returning a t-shirt almost as expensive as buying it in the first place? Hidden fees are out of control, and it’s past time that we curbed this unacceptable price gouging,” said Rep. Harder. “I’m calling on the Federal Trade Commission to close this loophole and prevent companies from nickel-and-diming Valley families with bogus service fees, return fees, and cost recovery charges.”

In his letter, Harder called on the FTC to:

• Close the loophole by expanding existing rulemaking to include more online retailers, rather than the current narrow scope of live ticketing and short-term lodging.
• Prioritize transparency by making it easier for consumers to know what they’re paying for.
• Protect consumers from greedy companies that are trying to take advantage of rising costs.  

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

Democrats Denounce Military-Style Tactics—From Tear-Gassing Civilians to Shooting a Pastor in the Head With a Pepper Bullet—That Have Endangered and Outraged Residents

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court hearing arguments in the Louisiana v. Callais case, which could undercut the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

“The district I represent was the Midwest’s first Latino-majority district, protected by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The Supreme Court already gutted Section 5 of this landmark civil rights legislation in 2013, and today’s arguments suggest that the right-wing majority is prepared to further weaken the Voting Rights Act and restrict the representation of minority communities in Congress. I am not surprised; this is all part of a broader, dangerous effort led by Trump and Republican lawmakers to suppress the political power of Black and Brown communities across the country.  

“The Supreme Court must rule in favor of Black voters in Louisiana, ensuring every American receives the fair and equal representation they deserve, and Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would update and restore critical safeguards of the Voting Rights Act. With Trump and his cronies doubling down on authoritarianism, the stakes could not be higher.” 

 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas:

“I am relieved by the signing of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has already led to the release of the 20 remaining living Israeli hostages and more than 1,900 Palestinian detainees. It is with cautious optimism that I hope it ends the immediate horrors of Israel’s genocidal assault on the Gaza Strip and de-escalates regional tensions.

“However, as we celebrate the release of the hostages and the potential for a more durable peace, we must recognize that the current situation is fragile and will require our vigilance far beyond these first steps to meet Gaza’s enormous humanitarian needs and begin a political and rebuilding process through which Palestinians can achieve self-determination.

“We also cannot lose sight of the need for accountability. Every day for the past two years, my constituents have called not only to denounce the horrors of Israel’s war in Gaza but also to express their outrage at the U.S. providing most of the weapons that enabled them. It is essential that we both support the conditions necessary for a more peaceful future and pursue accountability for clear breaches of U.S. and international law.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture Angie Craig called on President Trump to roll back his unconstitutional, country-specific “Liberation Day” tariffs and provide relief to soybean farmers in Minnesota and across the country.

In a letter to the President, Rep. Craig and her colleagues pointed to the negative impacts his trade policies have had on soybean farmers and the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. She also called out the Trump Administration’s recent announcement of an estimated $40 billion – largely taxpayer-funded – bailout to Argentina, one of the United States’ leading soybean export competitors.

“Soybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, contributing over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 crop year,” the Members wrote. “In 2024, China purchased more than half of all U.S. soybean exports, amounting to $12.6 billion. However, in response to the tariffs you imposed earlier this year, China levied retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports and has halted all U.S. soybean purchases since May. As a result, American farmers are at risk of becoming collateral damage in your trade war.”

In the letter, the Members also addressed the Administration’s insufficient efforts to support soybean farmers through the crisis the President’s trade policies created.

“Your September 25, 2025, announcement of tariff-funded relief to farmers through cash payments is a short-term proposal to address financial harm caused by your Administration’s policies, but market assistance does not solve the long-term challenges facing U.S. agriculture,” the Members continued. “Your tariffs are expected to continue rippling across the farm economy, shrinking key export markets, squeezing our farmers’ revenue, and driving up consumer prices.”

Finally, the Members asserted that while targeted tariffs can be effective, the unconstitutional “Liberation Day” tariffs that have swept the agricultural economy have done much more harm than good.

“Lost soybean sales are only the beginning: this trade war threatens the entire U.S. agriculture sector,” the Members concluded. “While we support tariffs when they are grounded in rigorous research and clear economic data, your unilateral approach has had significant negative consequences.”

You can read the full text of the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, Representative Sharice Davids met with federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown, including several who have been furloughed without pay. The discussion centered on how the shutdown is straining Kansas families, disrupting local economies, and threatening essential public services. Davids shared her urgency to find a bipartisan solution to open the government as soon as possible.

“My mom, an Army veteran, raised my brothers and me on her own. If she had missed even one paycheck, it could’ve meant choosing between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table,” said Davids. “That’s the reality so many federal workers in the Kansas City area are facing right now — and they shouldn’t be caught in the crossfire of D.C. politics. These workers keep our communities running, from processing veterans’ benefits to keeping our skies safe. I’m committed to working across the aisle to reopen the government and protect the livelihoods of Kansas families.”

Furloughed federal workers who participated in the conversation included employees from Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Labor, each sharing how the shutdown has affected their families and workplaces. Representatives from National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) also participated. 

Earlier this year, Davids convened a discussion with federal workers who were laid off due to the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, led by Elon Musk. The conversation shed light on the personal and community impacts of the substantial federal workforce reductions currently underway.

“The shutdown has added anxiety and fear to a year that has already been full of those two things,” said Kevin McCarthy, Legislative and Political Coordinator, AFGE Local 3960. “Between the fork email, the Deferred Resignation Program, and the constant threat of layoffs and budgetary cuts, it has been a stressful year to say the least. I’ve had to take a deep look at my finances during this shutdown and cut back on some things. It has also been stressful for myself and my wife because there seems to be no clear end in sight.”

“Hard-working public servants are struggling every day with anxiety and uncertainty as we feel like we are being declared enemies of the people, and we are facing unprecedented threats to our well-being,” said Daniel Scharpenburg, 1st Vice President, NTEU Chapter 66.

Kansas City, a major hub for federal employment, has been experiencing widespread impacts from federal layoffs for months. The federal government is the Kansas City metropolitan area’s largest employer, with approximately 30,000 federal workers. These furloughs affect Kansas City families, local economies, and the critical services federal employees provide to the public.

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from the consequences of partisan gridlock in D.C. She recently announced her support for two bills: one to guarantee pay for aviation workers and another to ensure active-duty service members continue receiving their paychecks. Kansas is home to more than 25,000 federal employees and more than 21,000 active-duty service members.

While Davids works to reopen the government, Kansans impacted by the shutdown can visit davids.house.gov/shutdown for resources that may help during this time. Impacted federal workers can also utilize Davids’ Job Seekers Guide, which provides valuable resources for finding new employment and support during periods of unemployment.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids issued a statement following the release of Israeli hostages and the start of the ceasefire in Gaza secured through last week’s agreement:

 

“The ceasefire agreement and hostage exchange are welcome and long-overdue steps toward ending this devastating conflict in the Middle East. I sincerely hope this peace and cooperation holds. I also want to commend President Trump in helping see this deal through.

 

“Now, the hard work begins — protecting Israel’s right to self-defense, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches people in Gaza, and supporting rebuilding efforts that give all families hope for the future.

 

“Lasting peace and security in the region can only come through a two-state solution that ensures Israel’s safety and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The United States must remain committed to that goal and continue working with regional partners like Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, to make it a reality.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids released a statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement that it would begin firing federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. While many legal scholars are questioning the legality of this decision, Davids is highlighting the reckless disregard for hardworking federal employees and the communities that depend on them.

“Federal workers are not political pawns,” said Davids. “In Kansas, where federal jobs are a vital part of our economy, these cuts will not only uproot the lives of dedicated civil servants but also threaten public trust and safety. We should be coming together to find a solution to end this government shutdown, not tearing down the very people who keep our country running.”

Earlier this year, Davids convened a discussion with federal workers who were laid off due to the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, led by Elon Musk. The conversation shed light on the personal and community impacts of the substantial federal workforce reductions currently underway.

Kansas City, a major hub for federal employment, has been experiencing widespread impacts from federal layoffs for months. The federal government is the metro’s largest employer, with approximately 30,000 federal workers. These cuts affect Kansas City families, local economies, and the critical services federal employees provide to the public.

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from the consequences of partisan gridlock in D.C. She recently announced her support for two bills: one to guarantee pay for aviation workers and another to ensure active-duty service members continue receiving their paychecks. Kansas is home to more than 25,000 federal employees and more than 21,000 active-duty service members.

While Davids works to reopen the government, Kansans impacted by the shutdown can visit davids.house.gov/shutdown for resources that may help during this time. Impacted federal workers can also utilize Davids’ Job Seekers Guide, which provides valuable resources for finding new employment and support during periods of unemployment.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

We’ve all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” but those spring showers can sometimes turn into severe weather that brings devastating impacts to our communities, homes, and infrastructure. This spring, just about every corner of the Natural State was impacted by tornadoes and severe storms. The compounding damage from these natural disasters brought an abundance of devastation – lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and businesses were impacted, resulting in an estimated total damage of $8.8 million for every county in Arkansas affected.

As a lifelong Arkansan, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my friends and neighbors who agree that our current disaster relief efforts, most notably the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are not working the way they should for our communities. As lawmakers from across the country arrived in Washington after a productive district work period, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hit the ground running by holding a full committee markup of the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025.

In this markup, we discussed the FEMA Act legislation and provided amendments to strengthen and streamline our federal government’s disaster and recovery programs. Additionally, this bill makes FEMA a cabinet-level agency that is held directly accountable to the President. This will ensure a more effective and efficient response for our communities that protects taxpayers and cuts burdensome federal red tape.

As several of our neighboring states prepare for hurricane season, states in the west battle wildfires, and winter weather peeks around the corner, it is vital that Congress acts swiftly to strengthen our federal recovery programs and create greater transparency around the emergency management process.

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

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the President’s threats to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco:

“San Francisco does not want or need Donald Trump’s chaos. Our City takes great pride in the steps we’ve taken to significantly increase public safety and reduce crime in partnership with community and state officials — without the interference of a President seeking headlines.

“In San Francisco, we will continue to work together staying in close contact with all relevant parties to keep Californians safe and ensure that our community remains secure amid threats of unwelcome and unnecessary federal intervention.”