Rep. Neguse Shares Story of Colorado Small Business Owner Facing 300% Health Care Premium Hike

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

“It’s immoral. Plain and simple.”

Lafayette, CO — In case you missed it, during House Democrat’s Steering and Policy Committee Meeting on Health Care Cost Increases, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse underscored the devastating impacts of the Republican-manufactured healthcare crisis by sharing the story of a small business owner in Gunbarrel named Leslie.

Right now, Leslie and her husband pay around $600 per month for health care through the small business exchange. But, if Republicans allow Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to lapse, their insurance provider notified them that they should expect monthly premiums for 2026 to increase to approximately $1,900 — three times the current rate.

“Republicans in Washington are pushing health care out of reach for Americans across the country, and sadly folks right here in Colorado are not exempt. Leslie and her husband are just one story out of the many small business owners and families in our state whose monthly bills are set to double — or even triple — unless Congress acts. It shocks the conscience that our neighbors — including those battling cancer, facing serious health challenges, and otherwise — will no longer be able to afford what could be lifesaving care. This isn’t politics. This is life and death. And I would implore my colleagues across the aisle to get serious about working with Democrats to address the healthcare crisis they created,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

Watch Rep. Neguse’s full remarks in the Steering and Policy Committee Meeting HERE
View a video clip regarding Leslie’s story HERE.

How Did We Get Here? 

In July 2025, Congressional Republicans, under the direction of the Trump administration, enacted the Big Ugly Law, triggering $536 billion in Medicare cuts and stripping support for rural hospitals like those located throughout Colorado’s Western Slope communities. Now, rather than working with Democrats to address the health care crisis they created and ensure an extension for ACA tax credits small businesses and families rely on, Republicans have shut down the federal government with Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to even call the House back into session.

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Rep. Neguse: “It’s time Donald Trump and Republicans finally see the writing on the wall and work with Democrats to reopen the government and address the healthcare crisis.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — On day 15 of President Trump’s government shutdown, Republican leadership continues to refuse to call the House back into session. Meanwhile, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and his Democratic  colleagues are in Washington, D.C. ready to negotiate an agreement that reopens the government. Rep. Neguse joined Morning Joe and All In with Chris Hayes on MSNBC to emphasize these efforts, see below for key highlights from each interview. 

NEGUSE: I’m here in Washington with my Democratic colleagues. Republicans are now on week four of their paid vacation. Speaker Johnson has unilaterally decided to refuse to reopen the House, notwithstanding that the government has now been shut down for 15 days. We are continuing to build pressure, and my, I just, I guess I would caution folks, you know, this goes back to a point that Joe [Scarborough] was referencing a bit earlier. At the end of the day, part of what Donald Trump and his administration are attempting to do is to create this perception that he has all the power and that ultimately, sort of in some ways, create a sense of hopelessness or helplessness in the American public. We’ve got to resist the temptation on that front.

[…]

NEGUSE: Some of the Republicans are beginning to break ranks. And not just some Republicans, MAGA stalwarts. Marjorie Taylor Greene, publicly saying that costs are going up across the board and criticizing the Speaker’s procedural strategy in terms of keeping the House closed for four weeks and the substantive strategy in terms of these ACA credits expiring and health care costs ballooning across the country for everyday Americans. That, I think, is sending shock waves through the MAGA ecosystem…Let’s also be clear, Republicans here in Washington, D.C. work for one person and one person only — and that is Donald Trump. So, insofar as Donald Trump refuses to negotiate in good faith with democrats, I don’t see this ending here soon. But one hopes that he would finally see the writing on the wall and work with Democrats to reopen the government and address the healthcare crisis. 

Watch the full interview HERE

HAYES: Congressman, it is notable I think this is the only person I’m hearing break with the party on this, at least in the House. Some Senators seem open to it. What do you make of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s endorsement of extending the credits?

NEGUSE: Well, it’s good to be with you, Chris. I would hesitate to proffer, you know, any guesses as to her motivations. But I think, my sense is…It’s not rocket science. I suspect that [Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene] has seen what everyone else has seen, which is that her constituents are being completely left behind by President Trump. Costs are going up across the board. Everything is getting more expensive in Donald Trump’s America, and that includes health care, which, of course, is exacerbated by the decisions that Republicans made earlier this year to cut Medicaid, to close rural hospitals, and now, of course, their failure to extend these ACA tax credits.  

So, I suspect that [Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene] is seeing the same thing that so many of my colleagues are seeing. And I do think there are more members on the Republican side of the aisle, who are both privately and publicly signaling deep disagreement with respect to the Speaker’s strategy, which, by the way, Chris, just for the record, and I think it’s important, perhaps can’t be overstated is just completely baseless. 

I’m here at the Capitol, as you know, the House is now on week four of a paid vacation. The Speaker refuses to open up the House. We’re now on day 14 of a government shutdown. It is absurd that the Speaker has not brought Republicans back to Washington. My Democratic colleagues, we’re all here ready to get to work, to negotiate and reopen the government. But I just don’t think that this position that he has taken is sustainable or tenable. 

Watch the full interview HERE

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Congressman Neguse Announces El Comité de Longmont as Winner of 2025 Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Service Award In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Rep. Neguse launched the award in 2020 to honor committed service to Latino communities in the 2nd District.

Lafayette, CO —Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and his staff announced that El Comité de Longmont has been named the winner of his annual Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Service Award. He made note of the organization’s decades of service to Colorado’s Latino community. For 45 years, El Comité de Longmont has offered reliable and compassionate support by providing low cost or free services including ESL classes, one-on-one case management, immigration attorney consultations, and much more. 

“Amid challenging times, El Comité de Longmont has been an anchor for our Latino community. And no group is more deserving of this year’s Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Service Award than their dedicated Board of Directors and staff,” said Congressman Neguse. “El Comité de Longmont sets the bar high for community-based service through their unwavering commitment to human rights, dignity, and justice. We are truly grateful for all they do.”

“This award is a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our community. We are honored to have walked alongside generations of families, working together to build a more equitable and inclusive future.” said Edwina Salazar, President of El Comité de Longmont. 

” The staff and board of El Comité are honor to have been recognized by the Congresssman and members of our community who served on the committee. We will strive to exemplify Sen. BACA’s ideals and leadership as we continue to develop the organization and our programs to better meet community needs.” said Lisa Moreno, Executive Director of El Comité de Longmont.

Each year, the Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Service Award honors individuals who represent the qualities of service to others and the uplifting of the Latino community that former State Senator Polly Baca embodies. Congressman Neguse established the award in 2020 to recognize an exemplary leader in the 2nd Congressional District who best exhibits commitment to the service of others. El Comité de Longmont is the first organization to receive the recognition; previous winners include individuals from across Northern Colorado. 

About El Comité de Longmont: 

El Comité de Longmont has devoted more than four decades of service to the families and communities of Boulder County. Their commitment to service has ensured over 3,000 people per year are helped since their establishment — 93% of whom qualify as very low-income with the majority of whom only speak Spanish. Their role in providing low cost or free services including citizenship and English-Second Language classes, case management, immigration attorney consultations, and more has played a critical role in resiliency in the Longmont community and Colorado as a whole.

El Comité de Longmont’s staff is led by Lisa Moreno, who has more than 20 years of experience in public policy, community development, and social work. She is joined by Edwina Salazar who leads the Board of Directors and works tirelessly for the organization as well. The 13 staff along with the 11-member Board of Directors work tirelessly for human rights, dignity, and justice.

The organization was founded in 1980, after two young Latino men were shot by two Longmont Police Officers. Born from outrage from the community, and demands for justice, El Comité de Longmont was formed by Longmont’s Latino community and became incorporated as a non-profit on November 26, 1980.

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Rep. Neguse Issues Statement on Fire at Caribou Village in Nederland

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement on the fire at the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland: 

“In the early morning hours, a fire broke out at the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland, a beloved hub for our community and home to some of the area’s most cherished small businesses. We are incredibly grateful to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the brave first responders for their efforts to contain the devastation. My team and I are closely monitoring the aftermath of this tragedy and stand ready to assist affected residents as they begin their road to recovery—together, every step of the way.”

 Recent news reports indicate that at least 19 businesses were affected, in addition to the destruction of a Boulder County sheriff’s substation.  

Nederland residents impacted by the fire should reach out to the Office of Congressman Neguse for resources and assistance. You can contact a member of our staff by calling our office in Boulder at (303) 335-1045, Fort Collins at (970) 372-3971, and in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-2161. 

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Rep. Neguse Issues Statement on Gaza Agreement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement on the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to an initial ceasefire agreement:

“I am closely monitoring developments concerning the first phase of a peace plan for the Middle East, and am deeply grateful and encouraged by the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which is a very welcome development. I am hopeful the agreement will be fully implemented without delay, including the release of the hostages held by Hamas, a sustained surge of humanitarian relief into Gaza, and an end to the war. And I’ll continue to support diplomatic efforts to achieve a path toward establishing a lasting and just peace in the region.”

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House Values Action Team Chairman Robert Aderholt and Members’ Statement on FDA Approval of Chemical Abortion Pill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

House Values Action Team Chairman Robert Aderholt and Members released the following statements after the FDA’s approval of a new generic abortion drug:

“The FDA’s approval of a new generic version of the abortion pill, mifepristone, endangers women’s health and disregards the value of life. Previously approved versions of this drug demonstrated dangerous side effects including life-threatening sepsis, infection and hemorrhaging. The FDA’s own fact sheet on mifepristone shows troubling rates of adverse events including hospitalization, blood transfusions, and even death following use of this dangerous drug,” said House Values Action Team Chairman Robert Aderholt. “Even more troubling, a recent large-scale study shows significant under-reporting of these adverse events. I urge HHS to quickly expedite its thorough investigation into the harmful effects and adverse events associated with mifepristone, as already promised by Secretary Kennedy. We must protect women from the dangers and serious risks of chemical abortion.”

“By approving another generic iteration of this pill while a safety review is ongoing, the FDA risks undermining women’s health and safety across the United States. The agency must stay true to its mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of drugs,” Congressman Aderholt added. “As always, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and across the government to better protect the lives of women and the unborn from these dangerous drugs.”

“The FDA’s approval of another version of the abortion pill, mifepristone, raises serious concerns. This drug has well-documented risks to women’s health and is responsible for ending the lives of innocent unborn children. I urge the agency to carefully reconsider this decision and remain committed to its mission to protect public health, uphold the sanctity of life, and ensure the safety of all approved medications,” said House VAT Co-Chair Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15).

“The FDA’s recent approval of the generic version of mifepristone, the abortion pill, is completely unacceptable. Abortion is one of the defining evils of our time, and we must acknowledge that it is murder in every form.  HHS must take accountability for this approval and thoroughly look into the negative effects of mifepristone, and its generic counterpart, not only on the children it murders but on the women who take it. Despite being labeled as ‘safe,’ 1 in 10 women who take the abortion pill face serious complications, at a rate 22x higher than initially reported by the FDA. How can anyone consider this safe?” said House VAT Co-Chair Rep. Josh Brecheen (OK-04).

“Chemical abortion is not health care, and the Biden–Harris policy that stripped essential safety standards must be reversed. By expanding mifepristone access without in-person medical oversight and by permitting mail-order and retail pharmacy dispensing, their administration put women and unborn children at unnecessary risk. HHS should act immediately to reinstate these protections and complete its review so the public has the full picture of risks and outcomes. That is why I have introduced legislation in each of the last two Congresses to nullify the Biden-Harris administration’s dangerous mifepristone policy changes and restore common-sense safeguards for mothers and their babies,” said VAT Executive Committee Member Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.

“The approval of a generic abortion pill is a grim development for the most vulnerable members of our society, the unborn, and the mothers who take it,” said VAT Executive Committee Member Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-02). “Chemical abortion drugs now account for a majority of abortions in the United States and are proven to come with significant medical risks and dangerous side effects. More should be done to protect the sanctity of life, help women through pregnancy with resources to have healthy babies, and stop dangerous drugs that could hurt them from coming into the market.”

“Every heartbeat is a miracle that deserves protection,” said VAT Executive Committee Member Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04). “The FDA’s approval of yet another chemical abortion drug is a heartbreaking step in the wrong direction. We believe in life-affirming care for the mother and the child that God is growing inside of her. Instead of promoting dangerous drugs that end life, we should be supporting women with compassion, resources, and hope. A nation that values life at every stage is a nation that values its future, and I will never stop fighting to defend it.”

“As a Christian and father of two boys, I am deeply saddened by this decision and I urge the FDA to reconsider,” VAT Executive Committee Member  Congressman John Rose (TN-06) said. “Chemical abortion pills not only deny the unborn the chance to live, but they can also result in life-threatening side effects on mothers.”

“As a medical provider, I find the FDA’s approval of another abortion pill is reckless and politically driven. Mifepristone has a well-documented record of dangerous side effects, yet unelected bureaucrats continue to push it forward,” said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (SC-03). “I’m committed to reining in the swamp and restoring accountability to protect women and the unborn.”

“I urge HHS to move quickly and keep its word by conducting a full and transparent investigation into the harmful effects and adverse events linked to mifepristone, as Secretary Kennedy has already promised. This dangerous drug has been marketed as ‘safe,’ yet it has left a trail of pain, complications, and even death. Beyond the physical risks, we must also remember what’s at stake spiritually and morally. Every dose of mifepristone is designed to end an innocent human life, a life made in the image of God. As a nation, we cannot turn a blind eye to both the harm done to mothers and the tragic loss of children. I will continue to fight for the truth, for accountability, and most importantly, for the sanctity of life,” said Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01).

“The approval of yet another abortion pill not only endangers women’s health but shows blatant disregard for human life. Instead of rushing dangerous chemical abortions to market, federal agencies should be focused on protecting women and safeguarding the unborn,” said Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05).

“The FDA’s approval of a new generic version of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone puts both women’s health and the right to life in danger,” said Congressman Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Our nation’s health agencies have a responsibility to protect life, not expand the reach of drugs that end it while placing women’s health at risk. I join my colleagues in calling on HHS to expedite its investigation into the harmful effects of chemical abortion drugs. Life is our most precious gift, and I will not waiver in my defense of the sanctity of life.”

“Life begins at conception. Chemical abortion kills unborn children and harms mothers,” said Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) in response to the FDA’s approval of a new generic version of mifepristone. “By approving this generic drug while actively reviewing the mounting evidence that mifepristone should never have been approved in the first place, the FDA is recklessly endangering women’s health and dismissing the sanctity of human life. I urge the FDA and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse course immediately and halt the distribution of this life-ending drug.”

“Thomas Jefferson wisely said, ‘The first duty of government is the protection of life, not its destruction. Abandon that, and you have abandoned all.’ Approving new generic versions of mifepristone fails the government’s duty to protect innocent life, a principle I will never abandon,” said Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14). “As a member of the House Values Action Team, I join those urging Secretary Kennedy to expedite the review of the effects linked to mifepristone use. These serious effects carry dangerous consequences for mothers and children – their safety must be at the forefront as this review moves forward.”

“The approval of the generic version of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone is deeply concerning. This new version was approved under the same weakened standards the previous administration applied to mifepristone, which removed critical safeguards designed to protect women’s health and safety,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). “Mifepristone has a well-documented record of serious medical complications, with countless women suffering severe health consequences or even losing their lives. Compounding these risks, some abusers and human traffickers have taken advantage of these lowered standards and mail-order access to obtain the pills without medical oversight or verification, in some cases giving them to women without their knowledge or consent. Approving this generic version under these same reckless standards only expands these dangers and puts more women and their unborn children at risk. I remain committed to protecting life, defending women’s health and safety, and ensuring Secretary Kennedy remains committed to restoring safeguards on these dangerous abortion drugs.”

“Chemical abortion is becoming more common throughout the United States. In addition to taking the lives of unborn children, the dangerous nature of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone creates a serious risk to the lives of women. The lack of oversight surrounding mail-order abortion pills has the potential to create very serious side effects for women. I appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s attention to this issue and his continuing to ensure the safety of women by keeping them informed of the harmful nature of mifepristone,” said Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03).

“The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of a generic version of mifepristone—a lethal abortion drug currently under review by the agency—is reprehensible and should be reversed immediately. Mifepristone is used in over 60% of U.S. abortions and has a track record of severe complications, including life-threatening risks to women and the guaranteed loss of unborn lives. Expanding access to a drug linked to countless tragedies is indefensible. In order to prioritize safety and the sanctity of life, the FDA should pull all versions of mifepristone from the market immediately, not flood our mailboxes with it,” said Congressman Keith Self (TX-03).

“The FDA’s rush to approve another version of mifepristone endangers women’s health and disregards the value of life. This drug has a well-documented history of serious complications,” said Congressman Bob Onder (M0-03). “The FDA should be protecting women and the unborn, not rushing to expand access to dangerous chemical abortions.” 

“Mifepristone kills and endangers women’s health. It is alarming that a new variation of this life-terminating drug was approved while a safety review of its dangerous health implications is under review,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “All life is precious, and I will continue to do everything I can in Congress to protect both expecting mothers and the unborn.”

“The FDA’s approval of yet another generic abortion pill is reckless and deeply troubling. These drugs aren’t safe, and no amount of political spin can change that. Studies from the Charlotte Lozier Institute show that chemical abortions, now the most prevalent form of abortion, dramatically increase the risk of an emergency room visit. We’ve seen tragic cases of severe complications, hemorrhaging, infections, and even death. I will never apologize for standing up for life—both the life of the unborn child and the well-being of the mother. The FDA should be protecting women and babies, not putting them in harm’s way,” said Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36).

“Now that the FDA has approved a new generic abortion pill, it is imperative that the review of the dangers surrounding Mifepristone be completed as soon as possible. I implore the FDA to consider the complications involved in the unsupervised use of the abortion pill and consider requiring in-person dispensing of any drug such as this that has a record of causing severe adverse effects for the receiver,” said Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08).

“Every life is a gift from God and must be protected. The approval of another generic version of mifepristone while a safety review is being conducted will put the health and lives of women and girls at risk across the country and undercuts the goal of saving every life possible. I urge the FDA to complete its review, and to do all possible protect the well-being of women and the unborn,” said Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01).

“The FDA’s decision to approve yet another version of mifepristone, a dangerous abortion drug, is deeply troubling,” said Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06). “This decision not only puts women’s health at risk but further normalizes a culture that devalues human life. Instead of expanding access to chemical abortions, the FDA should be focused on protecting public health and promoting real support for mothers and families. Every life, born and unborn, deserves dignity and care.”

“I am proud that Arkansas has already decided to protect life from the moment of conception and protect women from dangerous abortion pills. Sadly, unscrupulous actors from other states dump abortion pills into Arkansas, with no regard to our duly enacted laws or the well-being of unborn children and vulnerable women. Unfortunately, the FDA’s approval of this generic abortion drug will only make this problem worse,” said Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01).  I stand with Values Action Team Chairman Aderholt and urge HHS to expedite its safety review of the dangerous effects of Mifepristone and encourage the administration to continue its strong enforcement of pro-life policies, including the Hyde Amendment and the Mexico City Policy.”

“Whether over-the-counter or at the clinic, aborting a child is a soulless, demonic act,” said Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03). “My heart aches for the children who will now face death because the FDA decided our country needed a more efficient route to extinguish the lives of our most vulnerable. I pray that this decision is swiftly reversed.”

“The FDA has abandoned both science and morality. Lab coats can rebrand death all they want, but evil doesn’t lose its sting just because it comes in a cheaper bottle. Life begins at conception, and no bureaucracy has the authority to redefine that truth,” said Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07). 
 

Congressman Aderholt Announces $249,750 ARC Grant for Sewer Package Plant Rehabilitation in Guin

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a grant of $249,750 to the City of Guin for the Sewer Package Plant Rehabilitation Project.

“I’m proud to announce this important investment in Guin’s infrastructure,” said Aderholt. “Reliable sewer systems are critical to protecting public health, supporting economic development, and ensuring that our communities can continue to grow. This project will help modernize an aging facility, prevent future system failures, and ensure that Guin’s residents and businesses have dependable wastewater services for years to come.”

The project will rehabilitate an existing sewer package plant to maintain wastewater service, ensure regulatory compliance, and support future development. Planned work includes installation of a temporary processing plant, removal of outdated components, drainage, cleaning, sandblasting, and painting, as well as the installation of new pumps, blowers, air piping, diffusers, control boxes, and related equipment. The temporary processing plant will be removed once the updated facility becomes operational.

ARC funds will specifically replace approximately 150 linear feet of liquid piping and 250 linear feet of hot air piping, improving reliability for two local businesses served by the rehabilitated plant.

In addition to the federal ARC funds, the City of Guin will contribute $249,750 in local matching funds, bringing the total project cost to $499,500.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission continues to be a great partner in improving infrastructure across Alabama’s Fourth District,” Aderholt added. “These investments help small towns like Guin strengthen their communities, create opportunities, and lay the foundation for future growth.”

Congressman Aderholt Statement on Democrat-Initiated Government Shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Aderholt released the following statement after Democrats shut down the government at 12:01, eastern daylight time.

“It is now just past midnight on the east coast of the United States and the United States Government is shut down. Let’s be completely clear, this has happened because Democrats rejected a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would have kept the government running for another two months. All summer, Democrats said they would support a CR if it was clean and had no “poison pills.” House leadership took this input from Democrats and delivered just that, a clean CR. In what has become typical fashion, Democrats moved the goalposts and demanded a trillion dollars in government spending in order to keep the government open.

“Some have claimed that because Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House, this is a so-called ‘Republican shutdown.’ What that ignores is the fact that Senate Democrats are refusing to allow a vote. If they would simply allow the measure to come to the floor, the continuing resolution would pass and the government would remain open. 

“I do not support holding the government of the United States, and therefore the people of the United States, hostage in order to force more reckless spending that we do not have the money to pay for. Democrats say they want to negotiate and that’s fine. I support that. But why do they think government services must be stopped? A two-month CR would serve both purposes – giving us time to work out spending for next year, while still allowing government services to stay up and running while also continuing to ensure that government employees like our military members get paid on time. 

Aderholt Introduces Bill to Mint $2.50 Coin for America’s 250th Birthday

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt introduced the bicameral, bipartisan $2.50 for America’s 250th Act in partnership with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) alongside fellow America 250 Commissioners Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Dwight Evans (D-PA). Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced companion legislation in the Senate with Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) as cosponsors. This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue two types of $2.50 coins: a collectible ‘anniversary’ silver coin and a circulating coin, both featuring the historical design originally issued for America’ 150th anniversary.

“The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a turning point in the history of the United States and the world, one that warrants national recognition,” said Rep. Aderholt. “I am honored to introduce a bill that recognizes this importance through a meaningful coin that links our nation’s past to its present and future.”

This legislation will carry on the precedent set by the 68th Congress that celebrated our nation’s 150th anniversary by authorizing the United States Mint to commemorate the 150th anniversary of American independence with two coins: a half dollar and a $2.50 gold piece. As America marks its 250th anniversary, this coin will honor the same ideas and values recognized at the sesquicentennial.

“Every citizen deserves the opportunity to acquire such a coin as a means to connect to the founding principles of liberty, democracy, and self-governance,” Rep. Aderholt added. “This coin provides an accessible opportunity for the American people to engage with and take personal ownership of their national heritage through a tangible and lasting tribute.”

“As a member of the America 250 Commission and co-chair of the America250 Caucus, I’m proud to co-lead this bill to celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary with a commemorative coin. This coin will memorialize our moment in American history and celebrate our great mutual history. I’m grateful for the partnership with Rep. Aderholt and my House colleagues. It’s a privilege to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis as we prepare the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” said Rep. Watson Coleman.

The $2.50 anniversary coin for the 250th anniversary connects Americans today with a legacy of national celebration through coinage. In addition to the congressionally authorized activities already planned by the Mint, this new anniversary coin will serve not only as a lasting tribute to the founding generation and the ideals we share with them to this day, but also as a unifying and educational gesture on the occasion of the semiquincentennial.
 

Service During the Shutdown

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

Providing timely, effective assistance to the folks across the Fourth District of Arkansas dealing with federal agencies is a central duty of serving as a representative in Congress. Although the federal government may be shut down, my offices in Washington, DC, and across Arkansas remain open and ready to assist. 

While a lapse in appropriations creates issues for federal agencies, core programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the VA, and passport services are operational. This is why, spanning the Fourth District from the River Valley to the southwest corner of the Delta, we are staffed with the best caseworkers in the state, ready and able to assist with any problems you may be facing. No matter what your federal issue may be, these caseworkers are experts in their area, and all constituents are encouraged to seek them out for assistance.

Although sometimes the outcome may not be as favorable as originally hoped, having a friendly hand to help navigate is always appreciated. Federal issues can certainly be tedious, but when we are fortunate to receive the good news that your issue has been resolved, our staff is eager to celebrate right alongside you.  

Just this week, our office received exciting news from a constituent in Redfield who said, “After being laid off, I discovered my severance had been miscalculated – short nearly $70,000. After multiple weeks of frustration trying to get help through the FDA, I finally reached out to [my Representative]. Congressman Bruce Westerman’s office jumped on it immediately. Thanks to his team’s persistence, the error was corrected, and today I got the email from FDA I’d been waiting for.”

Stories like these are an encouraging reminder that at the heart of Team Westerman and the office of the Fourth Congressional District is service, first and foremost. It is a blessing to have fantastic caseworkers who not only jump at the opportunity to help their friends and neighbors, but continue walking through the issues with each constituent until the very end – hopefully getting the opportunity to celebrate each win and positive outcome.

If you find that you are facing challenges with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my Hot Springs office at (501) 609-9796 or Pine Bluff office at (870) 536-8178. It cannot be expressed enough how much of an honor it is to represent the Fourth District of Arkansas. Taking care of constituents is a responsibility not taken lightly, and it is encouraging to know that our office is well-equipped to serve and assist in any way possible.