Velázquez Statement on the Federal Government Shutdown

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

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the shutdown of the federal government:
 
“Republicans have shut down the federal government, walking away from their duty to the American people to advance a cruel agenda. Instead of staying in Washington to negotiate, they left town, taking a vacation while millions of Americans face the prospect of soaring health care costs from expiring ACA tax credits. Because of their inaction, millions of families are now paying the price with frozen paychecks, higher premiums, and vital services grinding to a halt.
 
“The Republican ‘Big Ugly Bill’ delivered the largest cut to Medicaid in our nation’s history while handing out massive tax breaks to billionaires. Now, unless ACA tax credits are extended, millions of Americans, including thousands of families across Brooklyn and Queens, will see their health care costs skyrocket.
 
“Democrats have been united in our efforts to protect health care, lower costs, and keep the government open. We will not rubber-stamp a budget that strips coverage from working families and raises costs in service of more giveaways to the wealthy. My fight is, and will always be, for the nurses, teachers, parents, and small businesses who deserve a government that works for them.
 
“Republicans must come to the table to address the health care crisis they have created. Until then, they are on their own.”
 

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Velázquez Leads Resolution to Recognize World Contraception Day

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

WASHINGTON – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced a House resolution to recognize September 26, 2025, as World Contraception Day.

“World Contraception Day is an effort to recommit building a future where every person has access to the resources, education, and healthcare they need to make informed choices,” said Velázquez. “Ensuring reproductive freedom is about equality, dignity, and opportunity. That is the vision I will continue to fight for, both at home and abroad.”

Globally, more than 270 million people lack access to modern family planning methods. Research shows that communities of color often face barriers to receiving accurate, high-quality information about effective contraception. Access to reliable contraceptive care is to safeguard physical and reproductive health. It is also linked to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.

The Trump administration has consistently prioritized rolling back access to contraception and reproductive health services, both at home and abroad. Through regulatory changes, funding cuts, and even the destruction of $10 million dollars’ worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives, these efforts have made it harder for individuals to obtain the resources they need for family planning and reproductive freedom.

Expanding access to contraception has proven benefits beyond health outcomes. It strengthens economic stability by increasing workforce participation and supporting long-term prosperity. At the same time, denying young people access contraceptives increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and exposes teens to preventable sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. 

“Too many people — especially people of color, those in rural areas, and those with lower incomes — still face barriers to getting the birth control they need,” said by Rachel Fey, Vice President, Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Power to Decide. “Some of the same policymakers working to ban abortion are also working to limit access to birth control. We know that birth control is basic health care, and it should be accessible, affordable, and available to anyone who wants it, without shame or stigma. We thank Representative Velázquez and congressional champions for this resolution amplifying World Contraception Day and affirming the need for true access to contraception for all. Access to contraception changes lives, and everyone deserves the power to decide their own future.”

“Access to contraception is fundamental to reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and gender equity,” said by Darcy Hirsh, Senior Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women’s. “At National Council of Jewish Women, we are guided by the value of kavod ha’briyot — respect for individual dignity — which includes the right to choose if, when, and how to start or grow a family. We commend Congresswoman Velázquez for introducing this resolution affirming the essential role of contraception for public health and human rights, and we urge Congress to continue protecting and expanding access to this vital care.”

“At Upstream, we believe that contraceptive care is basic healthcare,” said Jessica Foster, President and Chief Operating Officer, Upstream USA. “On World Contraception Day and every day, we stand tall in our belief that everyone deserves patient-centered contraceptive care that is easy to access when and where it is convenient for them. We are grateful to Rep. Velázquez for her work to introduce the World Contraception Day Resolution.”

“At a time when attacks on contraceptive access in the United States continue to escalate, policies that advance affordable, equitable access to contraceptive care are more important than ever,” said Kelly Blanchard, President, Ibis Reproductive Health. “Everyone should be able to access the contraceptive method they want free from barriers or stigma, no matter who they are or where they live. This World Contraception Day, Ibis is glad to endorse this resolution and highlight the urgent need to break down barriers to contraceptive access across the country.” 

This resolution is also co-sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

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Velázquez, Ocasio-Cortez, and Torres Support Legal Challenge to Safeguard PREPA’s Debt Restructuring

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

WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit filed by members of Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board challenging their unlawful removal by President Trump:

“Last month, the Trump administration fired six of the seven members of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB), marking an unprecedented move in the Board’s 10-year history. Overnight, these members, who receive zero compensation for their service, were removed without cause, despite the fact that the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) only allows board members to be removed for cause.

“This arbitrary action occurred in the midst of litigation to restructure the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) debt obligations, which will affect the energy rates of the island’s 1.5 million customers. As a result, proceedings have been suspended, obstructing a viable debt restructuring. Meanwhile, bad actors have seized the opportunity to push for the unlawful dissolution of the Board. Rather than seeking justice, they aim to dismantle the only governmental entity preventing the use of the island’s critical cash reserves to satisfy the demands of bondholders.

“On Thursday, September 18th, three Fiscal Board members challenged Trump’s decision to terminate their work. In a lawsuit against President Trump and Sergio Gor, Director of the Presidential Personnel Office, former bankruptcy judge Arthur J. González, prominent educator Betty A. Rosa, and former commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Andrew Biggs asked the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico to nullify this illegal determination and protect other jurisdictions, such as D.C., from the arbitrary removal of territorial officials.

“We are living in a moment of unchecked abuses by the Executive Branch, and with Trump’s decision on the Oversight Board, Puerto Ricans have become the latest victims of his campaign against independent institutions. We fully support the lawsuit filed by these members, because we believe in the work they have done to stop the vulture funds that threaten Puerto Rico’s energy future. We trust that justice will prevail and show that, like many of President Trump’s actions, this decision was senseless and illegal.

“While there are legitimate concerns regarding the Board, this was never the way to address them. These members must be reinstated without delay so that PREPA can finally move forward with its restructuring and obtain a viable plan that secures affordable energy in the long term for every Puerto Rican home and business.”

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Velázquez Introduces Disaster Resilience Package to Protect Puerto Rico and New York as Hurricane Season Intensifies

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

WASHINGTON– As hurricane season intensifies and communities in Puerto Rico and New York brace for heavy rains and flooding, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) unveiled a package of five bills to strengthen disaster response, reform flood insurance, and protect people from price gouging during emergencies.

“The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters that ruin lives and devastate our communities,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “The federal government must meet the moment and deliver the support Americans need to recover when disaster strikes. These bills will help ensure families are not left stranded, overcharged, or underserved in times of crisis our communities know the devastation that flooding and hurricanes can bring,”

The legislative package includes:

  • Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act – Requires the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to identify and address specific capability gaps and challenges that the U.S. territories (government entities, NGOs, and other grant recipients) experience while conducting recovery activities after a major disaster.
  • Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act –The legislation would require federal agencies providing recovery grants for Puerto Rico to report on the critical data gaps they face while administering these grants and indicate the federal statistical products to which Puerto Rico should be integrated into.
  • Flood Insurance Tax Credit Act of 2025 – Creates a refundable tax credit covering 33% of flood insurance premiums for families under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making coverage more affordable for working households.
  • National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2025 – Strengthens oversight, transparency, and fairness within the NFIP by giving homeowners the option for enhanced coverage, cracking down on fraud, requiring faster claim decisions, and improving communication with policyholders.
  • AirFAIR Act – Protects consumers from airline price-gouging during declared disasters by capping fare increases at 30% and granting the Department of Transportation authority to lower the cap when needed.

“Whether it’s families in New York City who see their basements flood after just two inches of rain, or Puerto Ricans facing the devastation of another hurricane, our people deserve fair treatment, affordable protections, and responsive government when disaster strikes,” said CongresswomanVelázquez.

 
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PHOTOS: Smith Hosts Ag Trade Under Secretary, Visits with Producers about USMCA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg during a visit to Nebraska. The officials toured the Preferred Popcorn headquarters in Chapman, NE, the Mars Petcare production facility in Aurora, and held a listening session on the 2026 Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement with local agriculture producers and manufacturers at Central Valley Ag in York.

The officials released the following statements.

“Mexico and Canada are Nebraska’s most significant agriculture export markets, and USMCA plays a vital role, ensuring our farmers and ranchers have a level playing field,” said Rep. Smith. “As the Trump administration gathers stakeholder feedback, input from our producers is critical to ensure a successful review process. I thank Under Secretary Lindberg, who has been a fierce advocate for American agriculture both at home and abroad, for taking the time to hear from Nebraskans.”

“Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse, and their products are in high demand around the world,” said Under Sec. Lindberg. “I’d like to thank Chairman Smith, Governor Pillen, and Director Vinton for hosting me today and showcasing some of the incredible agricultural products being made, grown, and raised in Nebraska and delivered around the globe.”

To access high-resolution photos click here.

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Smith Statement on Government Shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Senate Democrats refused to support legislation to prevent a lapse in federal appropriations leading to a government shutdown.

“This unfortunate shutdown was avoidable. Earlier in September, House Republicans passed a bill to provide time to responsibly address spending. The fact Democrats don’t want our country to move forward while they make ideological demands is unfortunate for veterans and others who are served by federal agencies, for our servicemembers who are now at risk of going without pay for a time, and for the American people.”

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Smith Statement on Confirmation of Barloon as Ambassador to WTO

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Joseph Barloon as United States Deputy Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“Congratulations to Joseph Barloon on his confirmation as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador to the WTO. U.S. leadership on trade remains crucial to leveling the playing field for hardworking Americans, and his experience will complement the Trump administration’s vigorous approach on trade issues. Unfortunately, the previous administration abdicated American leadership on trade. The U.S. must be a leader in setting global trade rules which protect innovation, provide a level playing field, and counter the influence of non-market economies. This is why a strong presence at the WTO is vitally important. I look forward to working with Amb. Barloon and continuing to work with the Trump administration to advance a trade agenda which champions American workers, producers, and businesses.”

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Smith, Colleagues Urge Governors to Opt in to Federal School Choice Initiative

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – This week, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Burgess Owens (R-UT), Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tim Scott (R-SC), and House Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), sent letters to the governors of all 50 U.S. states and the mayor of the District of Columbia. In the letters, the members called upon the governors to opt in to a new federal scholarship tax credit initiative, allowing students, parents, and scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) in their state to participate.

Key excerpts of the letter include:

This innovative credit will unlock billions of private dollars to fund scholarships for K-12 students across the country, including in your state.

Importantly, this tax credit complements existing state-level education programs. It will 
not impact federal or state education funding or diminish public schools. Instead, it gives families more options—whether in public or private, religious or non-religious settings—and allows students to either pursue new opportunities or enrich their current education.

While the tax credit officially launches on January 1, 2027, it is important for states to opt in early to provide certainty to students and SGOs.

Read the full letter here.

BACKGROUND:

On July 4, 2025, a provision included in the working families tax cuts package based on Smith, Cassidy, Owens, and Scott’s Educational Choice for Children Act became the first federal school choice program enacted into law.

Due to a questionable determination made by the Senate parliamentarian shortly before the legislation’s passage in the Senate, governors are required annually to designate participating SGOs in order to make scholarship opportunities available to students in their state.

On September 29, Smith joined Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen for a press conference as Nebraska became the first state to formally announce its intent to opt in.

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Evans Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation, Demands Administration Follow Law On Back Pay For Furloughed Federal Workers

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

WASHINGTON (October 15, 2025) – Today, Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-03) joined a bipartisan, bicameral delegation in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought urging OMB to follow the law—which President Donald Trump signed in 2019—that requires furloughed federal employees to receive back pay during a government shutdown. The letter was led by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05). The members underscore that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which was passed and signed into law during the last shutdown under President Trump, is clear that all federal employees, whether they are excepted or furloughed, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends.

“During the 2018-2019 shutdown, we worked with President Trump to enact the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019, the intent of which is clear – federal employees are entitled to retroactive pay in the event of a government shutdown. We applauded President Trump for signing this bipartisan bill into law,” the members wrote.

“The law is clear: all impacted government employees, regardless of excepted or furloughed status, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, which is consistent with the guidance currently provided by federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),” the members wrote. “OPM’s shutdown guidance from September 2025 still states that furloughed federal workers will be provided back pay once the government reopens.”

The members continued, “The decision by OMB to remove critical guidance on federal employee back pay is causing unnecessary stress for the federal workforce comprised of nearly 2.2 million employees.”

“We request you immediately clarify and update the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations Document and other relevant materials to affirm that furloughed employees will receive back pay, as is required by law,” the members concluded.

The letters is also cosigned by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), André Carson (D-IN-07), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jesús García (D-IL-04), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Pablo Hernández (D-PR-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Val Hoyle (D-OR-4), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Bill Keating (D-MA-09), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James McGovern (D-MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-08), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05),  Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Director Vought:

The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) recent update to the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations document implies that furloughed federal workers are not entitled to back pay. Additionally, a draft OMB memo stated the administration would deny back pay to furloughed federal workers for the current government shutdown. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, we worked with President Trump to enact the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019, the intent of which is clear – federal employees are entitled to retroactive pay in the event of a government shutdown. We applauded President Trump for signing this bipartisan bill into law. 

On January 16, 2019, the Senate unanimously passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act to guarantee back pay for all impacted federal workers once a government shutdown ends. This law was enacted during the longest government shutdown which lasted 35 days at the end of 2018, and into the beginning of 2019. Prior to the law’s passage, Congress had to pass specific legislation after each shutdown to ensure furloughed workers received back pay. 

Explicitly, the law guarantees back pay for all federal employees in the event of a government shutdown. “Each employee of the United States Government or of a District of Columbia public employer furloughed as a result of a covered lapse in appropriations shall be paid for the period of the lapse in appropriations, and each excepted employee who is required to perform work during a covered lapse in appropriations shall be paid for such work, at the employee’s standard rate of pay, at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates, and subject to the enactment of appropriations Acts ending the lapse.” The law requires that retroactive pay be required in the event of any government shutdown after December 22, 2018.

The law is clear: all impacted government employees, regardless of excepted or furloughed status, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, which is consistent with the guidance currently provided by federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM’s shutdown guidance from September 2025 still states that furloughed federal workers will be provided back pay once the government reopens. The decision by OMB to remove critical guidance on federal employee back pay is causing unnecessary stress for the federal workforce comprised of nearly 2.2 million employees.

Thus, we request you immediately clarify and update the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations Document and other relevant materials to affirm that furloughed employees will receive back pay, as is required by law.

ICYMI: Reps. Beatty, De La Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Effort to Expand Housing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced the bipartisan HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act alongside Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Vice Chair Monica De La Cruz (TX-15). The legislation encourages intergovernmental coordination by requiring the Secretaries of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate across agencies to maximize their housing programs.

“Solving the housing crisis in America necessitates a whole-of-government, collaborative approach. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation requires that HUD, USDA, and the VA share housing-related data to accelerate affordable housing solutions across the United States. Improving coordination across the federal government will go a long way towards effectively increasing the supply of housing and lowering costs for families.” – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty

“South Texans are facing limited access to affordable and accessible housing. By ensuring federal agencies are working in lockstep, we can take a critical first step toward expanding access to homeownership for all Americans. As the Vice Chair of Housing and Insurance, I will continue to find solutions to address shortages, reduce costs, and expand housing opportunities for all Americans.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a memorandum of understanding and share relevant housing-related research and market data across agencies. Under this legislation, the agencies will also be required to submit a report to Congress on recommendations for further collaboration to improve existing housing programs.

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