MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — On Day 15 of the Democrat Government Shutdown, Speaker Johnson held a press conference alongside House GOP Leadership, Main Street Caucus Chairman Mike Flood, Main Street Caucus Vice Chairwoman Laurel Lee, Rep. Nick LaLota, Rep. Zach Nunn, and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Speaker Johnson highlighted the pro-shutdown Senate Democrats who represent states with the largest military populations and thanked President Trump for redirecting unspent funds to ensure troops are paid.

“And here are the indisputable facts of this shutdown. Republicans want to pay the troops, and we have shown that with our actions and our votes now nine times,” Speaker Johnson said. “And the Democrats want to use them as hostages to extort $1.5 trillion in new unserious partisan spending that we just won’t go along with.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On Senate Democrats denying U.S. troops a paycheck:

The depressing irony of this on this subject among all others, is that the most pro-shutdown Democrats actually represent the most active-duty service members back home, whom they have taken hostage in this insidious political game. And I want to give you a couple of examples. And this is the actual statistic; of the 10 states with the largest military populations, six are represented each by two Democrats in the Senate who are withholding the paychecks. Here’s the list.

In California, it’s home to 157,000 active-duty personnel, the most in the country. Those stationed at Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Pendleton and Edwards Air Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force Base and others, will all miss a paycheck at the end of the month if Democrat obstruction continues. Now, this is worthy of note. Both California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla are gleeful about this government shutdown. They agree with Chuck Schumer when he said very candidly, just a few days ago, “Every day of the shutdown gets better for us.” Who’s the us? He’s talking about Democrats. He thinks this is assisting their party and giving him political cover, so he doesn’t attract a Marxist challenger in his next Senate reelect. That’s what this is about. He thinks the government shutdown is allowing him to show a fight against President Trump and Republicans, and he is happy about that. And so are Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, while service members are going without paychecks.

Virginia. Virginia’s home to 119,000 active-duty personnel, the second most in the country. Those stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Quantico, and Fort AP Hill and others will miss paychecks at the end of this month if this is not resolved. Both Virginia Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, are playing political games with the paychecks of 119,000 service members.

Georgia. Georgia’s home to 65,000 active-duty personnel. It’s the sixth most in the country. Those stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Stewart Moody Air Force Base, and others will miss paychecks. And just last week, this is so aggravating to us, it’s so frustrating to us, it’s so wrong. We saw service members waiting hours in lines wrapped around the block at Georgia food pantries. And meanwhile, you’ve got both Georgia Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have now voted eight times against paying those heroes.

Washington. The state of Washington is home to 57,000 active-duty personnel. It is the seventh most in the country. And those stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Base Kitsap, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and others will miss paychecks. Both Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have repeatedly voted against pay for service members in the Evergreen State.

Hawaii. Hawaii is home to 43,000 active-duty personnel. It is the eighth most in the country. Those stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Schofield Barracks and others will miss paychecks. And both Hawaii Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz have voted against paying soldiers stationed in Hawaii. And by the way, many of them are thousands of miles away from their families.

Colorado is home to 35,000 active-duty personnel, the 10th most in the country. And those stationed at Fort Carson, Buckley Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Space, and others will miss paychecks. And you guessed it, both Democrat Senators from Colorado, John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, have voted against paying those troops in their state.

And I just want mention New York, it gets honorable mention, it isn’t in the top 10, but the Empire State is home to 17,000 active-duty personnel, the 17th most in the country. Those stationed at Fort Drum and Fort Hamilton and others will miss paychecks. And sadly, both New York Senators Kiersten Gillibrand and the architect of the shutdown himself, Chuck Schumer, can barely hide their delight that the government is closed and troops are not being paid.

On House Democrats embarrassing theatrics:

Today, if it weren’t for the bold leadership of President Trump helping us to protect our military, everyone needs to understand that 1.3 million active-duty service members would be missing a paycheck. They’ll get their check thankfully, because President Trump has shown strong leadership and under his direction, the Department of War has now redirected unspent funds to ensure that our troops are taken care of. And this is while Democrats are playing political games.

Last night they played some games. They stormed my office. Maybe you saw some of the video online that they themselves shared, or someone did. They berated a Capitol Police officer, screamed at him. He was just merely standing his post. It shows again their disdain for law enforcement as we see all around the country; the Democrats and everyone in that party screaming, assaulting the ICE officers. They did it right here in the Capitol last night. A few members of Congress went into the little foyer of my office and tore down a sign that it had up and just engaged in all sorts of political stunts and antics. They’ve been doing that every day now, and it shows their desperation. It also shows a very strong contrast between the party that is working for the people and trying to keep the government open and do the right thing, and the party that is engaging in all this nonsense. But they’ve shown by their actions and now their votes multiple times now. Nine times the Democrats have voted, counting the House and the Senate Democrats, they have voted to not pay the troops.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) led 13 of their colleagues in demanding that Energy Secretary Chris Wright reverse the harmful decision to cancel $1 billion in federal funding for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub.

“We write to denounce the Department of Energy (DOE)’s unacceptable and unlawful termination of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen (PNWH2) Hub. The PNWH2 Hub was one of the largest of 223 projects across primarily blue states that DOE announced would lose funding. With this political ploy, you create severe economic losses for our region, risking thousands of good-paying jobs, billions of dollars in investment, and the setback of the United States’ position on energy independence,” the letter states. 

The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub was the direct result of years of bipartisan advocacy and was set to bolster the region’s economy and domestic energy production. The Hydrogen Hub would create more than 10,000 high-quality jobs, bring in over $4 million in training programs, and attract approximately $5 billion in private investment. The decision to cancel this funding, rooted in political retribution, is gambling away economic opportunity for constituents and businesses. This will lead to higher costs and hurt American energy production and competitiveness in global energy markets, ceding ground to international competitors like China. 

The letter continues, “With these stakes, it is in the best interests of the region’s grid reliability, economy, and families for DOE to reverse this illegal decision to terminate the PNWH2 Hub. We demand that you take corrective action to lower rising energy costs, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and restore these domestic manufacturing jobs while adhering to the rule of law.”

The full text of the letter can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, 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) led their colleagues in sending a bipartisan 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 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.

In addition to Kaine, Murkowski, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Warner, Beyer, and Hoyer, the letter is 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). It is also cosigned 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), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), 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.

Sincerely,

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

October 15, 2025 | In The NewsWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led a group of Florida lawmakers in a letter to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.From the Washington Examiner:“A bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers is pressing Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department personnel to coordinate more efficiently between themselves and with commercial groups to protect the Sunshine State as a leading partner in aerospace advancements.”This letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford calls for the creation of an Airspace Coordination Team (ACT) composed of government and industry partners. It also requests clarification from the DOT and FAA on their strategies for improving efficiency and tackling problems related to the fragmentation of responsibilities within their respective agencies. Finally, the letter spells out how the ACT may be established and seeks an update on certifying the Space Data Integrator (SDI) capability.“From Cape Canaveral to the Suncoast, Florida is the cornerstone of America’s vibrant aerospace sector,” said Rep. Steube. “As the world continues to push past the boundaries of earth, it is critical that we preserve Florida’s leadership role in the global space race. I am honored to join the Florida delegation in calling for Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bedford to improve the efficiency and security of air and space travel by modernizing their respective agencies.” Rep. Steube is joined by fellow Florida lawmakers Sen. Ashley Moody and representatives Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Mario Díaz-Balart, Byron Donalds, Neal Dunn, Randy Fine, Scott Franklin, Carlos A. Gimenez, Mike Haridopolos, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna, Brian Mast, Cory Mills, Jared Moskowitz, Jimmy Patronis, John Rutherford, María Elvira Salazar, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Daniel Webster.“Florida is home to America’s space industry,” said Rep. Webster. “As home to the world’s premiere spaceport, it is critical that we strengthen the systems that support it. By modernizing our airspace infrastructure and establishing a coordinated framework, we can ensure the second space race to the Moon and beyond launches first from Florida and not China.”“Florida’s Space Coast is the heart of America’s space and aerospace industry,” said Rep. Haridopolos. “To sustain that success, we must modernize our systems and strengthen coordination to protect our airspace. As launches grow more frequent, our technology and infrastructure must evolve to meet the pace. Creating an Airspace Coordination Team will make Florida’s skies safer, our launches more efficient, and our economy stronger. Florida should lead the world in how we manage airspace, streamline operations, and ensure safety.”“Florida is America’s gateway to space, and Cape Canaveral stands at the forefront of our nation’s next great era of exploration. With the growing number of commercial and military launches, it’s critical that we streamline communication and coordination among all stakeholders to keep our skies safe and efficient,” said Rep. Gimenez. “Establishing an Airspace Coordination Team and modernizing our radar and air traffic control systems will strengthen Florida’s leadership in aerospace innovation and ensure the United States maintains its global edge in space.”The letter is supported by a bipartisan group of members of the Florida House of Representatives comprised of Speaker-Designate Mike Redondo, Yvette Benarroch, Omar Blanco, Bill Conerly, Anne Gerwig, Sam Greco, Kim Kendall, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Monique Miller, Danny Nix, Vanessa Oliver, Michael Owen, Bill Partington, Judson Sapp, and Meg Weinberger. “It was an honor to lead 15 of our freshman House legislators to Washington, D.C., to advocate for expanding Florida’s aerospace footprint,” said State Rep. Kim Kendall (HD-18). “As a former FAA air traffic controller who worked rocket launch packages and military missions, this is truly my passion. We were grateful for the strong interest and support from our federal delegation. At the state level, we’re moving full steam ahead—focused on growing our aerospace sector across the board, from space and military operations to commercial flight, drones, urban air mobility, workforce housing, and education. This is not only vital to our state’s economy but also to our national defense.”
Read the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Americans are witnessing a remarkable split screen: on one side, President Trump and Congressional Republicans delivering peace and prosperity; while on the other, Democrats in Washington have accomplished just one thing — a government shutdown.

THE REPUBLICAN SIDE OF THE SPLIT SCREEN

While Democrats focus on political theater and shutting down the government, Republicans are producing real results across every front — at home and abroad.

LOWER TAXES, LOWER COSTS, STRONGER FAMILIES

The Working Families Tax Cut bill is delivering direct relief to middle-class families — cutting taxes, lowering premiums, and restoring accountability in federal health care programs.

Republicans are fueling economic growth by restoring fiscal discipline and rebuilding American industry after years of Democrat waste and inflation.

• The U.S. inflation rate stands at 2.9% — down sharply from a 9% peak under Democrat leadership.
• The U.S. has collected nearly $200 billion in tariff revenue since ‘Liberation Day’ in April.

PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

• President Trump brokered a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas — ending years of violence, securing the release of hostages, and restoring stability in the Middle East.
• Obliterated Iran’s nuclear sites.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House this week at President Trump’s invitation.
• The U.S. military is seeing record-high recruitment numbers under President Trump’s leadership.

SECURING THE BORDER AND PROTECTING COMMUNITIES

THE DEMOCRAT SIDE OF THE SPLIT SCREEN

• Shut down the United States government.
• Voted NINE times to keep it closed — blocking the same “clean” continuing resolution they once supported.
• Left millions of Americans without pay or basic services while demanding $1.5 TRILLION in new spending — including taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens.
• Voted for a record tax increase on the American people.
• Achieved RECORD-HIGH disapproval from the American people.

BOTTOM LINE

On one side of the screen, Democrats have shut down the government, driven up costs, and lost the trust of the country.

On the other side of the screen, President Trump and Republicans are governing — restoring peace abroad, rebuilding prosperity at home, and re-establishing law and order.

###

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

Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Last Word, where he highlighted that Democrats will continue to fight to end the Trump-Republican government shutdown and the healthcare crisis that is causing pain for everyday Americans all across the country.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our coverage tonight is House Democratic Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Thank you very much for joining us tonight. We heard your counterpart, the Republican counterpart, the Speaker of the House, say today literally, ‘I have no strategy.’ Do you have a strategy?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening, Lawrence, great to be with you. You know, our strategy from the very beginning has been clear. We’ll sit down anytime, anyplace, with anyone, either on Capitol Hill or back at the White House, in order to reopen the government, to find bipartisan common ground in order to enact a spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people. But it actually has to make life better for everyday Americans, as opposed to what Republicans have done throughout this year, which is to enact legislation such as their One Big Ugly Bill that rewards their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks and hurts everyday Americans. And, of course, our view and our position has been very clear that we need to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating people all across the country, whether that’s working-class America, rural America, urban America, small-town America, the heartland of America and Black and brown communities throughout America.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Donald Trump is giving $20 billion to Argentina. What would a Democratic Congress do with that $20 billion?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that $20 billion can actually be used to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for more than 20 million Americans who are going to otherwise confront dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles that are about to skyrocket because of the unwillingness of Republicans to extend those Affordable Care Act tax credits that benefit everyday Americans. You know, this is a real extraordinary thing, Lawrence, and I’m so thankful that you’re covering it. This isn’t an America first act. This is an Argentina first act. And if Donald Trump can find $20 billion to bail out his right-wing dictator friend in Argentina, it’s extraordinary to me that Republicans are unwilling to even have a discussion about how we address the healthcare crisis that they’ve created, which of course includes the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country, including in Mike Johnson’s home state of Louisiana, because of their One Big Ugly Bill. And now they’re refusing to deal with the Affordable Care Act tax credit issue. It’s a shame, but they can find money—$20 billion—for Argentina.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: The legislative work that we’ve just been discussing is the primary purpose of the House of Representatives. But there’s also an investigative function. What would a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives do if a member of the administration, Democrat or Republican administration, was recorded on FBI video taking $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents?

LEADER JEFFRIES: That person would be hauled up to Capitol Hill immediately and be held accountable in front of the American people for what clearly appears to be engaging in the crime of bribery. And then beyond the bribery that appears to have taken place, there clearly seems to be a cover-up amongst some of the people within the Trump administration who have no interest in holding this extreme individual accountable. You know, our general view in terms of what we as Democrats want to do and will continue to do for the American people is as follows. We need to lower the high cost of living. We need fix our broken healthcare system. And we need to clean up corruption that exists in the Congress, within the Supreme Court and certainly in the administration, which I think the likes of which we’ve just not seen ever in American history. And the administration, by the way, in real time, is running the largest pay-to-play scheme in the country’s history. And this all needs to be brought to light. I think it was Brandeis who made the observation, sunlight is the best of disinfectants. And there’s a lot that needs to be disinfected within this corrupt administration.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: In MSNBC’s reporting, breaking that story about Tom Homan taking the $50,000 in cash, the purpose in that discussion with the undercover FBI agents was apparently that Homan would help them—they were posing as business operatives—help them obtain government contracts, which is exactly the position that Tom Homan is in tonight. He’s in a position to help deliver massive government contracts that Donald Trump has embarked on in just—on the new immigration enforcement infrastructure.

LEADER JEFFRIES: I am confident that all of their corrupt scheming is going to come to light, and we certainly are going to make sure that they’re held accountable for the misuse of taxpayer dollars in ways that are inconsistent with what any administration should be doing, particularly in an environment where this administration and the Republicans have failed the American people. You know, their core promise last year, over and over and over again, was that Republicans were going to lower the high cost of living on day one. But we know costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Inflation is out of control. The Trump tariffs are making life more expensive. Grocery costs are too high. Housing costs too high. Electricity bills skyrocketing. And now, these Republicans have zero interest in extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which is going to result in these healthcare costs skyrocketing through the roof. So we’ve got a failed presidential administration and failed Republican policies actively making life worse for the American people. And then, you know, this pay-to-play scheme that’s being run out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with all of the Trump sycophants and minions eagerly participating as if they’re never going to be held accountable—they are going to held accountable, certainly. That process will begin when Democrats take back control of the House, but it will continue thereafter. And I remind all of these corrupt individuals, these sycophants, the statute of limitations is five years. The American people want accountability, deserve accountability and will get accountability.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for starting off our coverage tonight.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

---

---

Previous Article

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

---

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a nationwide leader in the fight to end hunger and improve nutrition, introduced legislation permanently increasing the federal reimbursement level for school meals to help address funding challenges, enhance nutrition, increase access to locally grown food, invest in our school food professionals, and support expanded services like afterschool snacks and breakfast in the classroom.

**Full Text of Bill Here (PDF)**

The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act permanently increases the federal reimbursement level for all free, reduced-price, and paid-rate school meals by 45 cents for every lunch served and 28 cents for every breakfast served, with a yearly adjustment. 

“Donald Trump’s economy has sent food prices through the roof, and school nutrition programs are struggling to keep up as they work to feed our kids nutritious meals every day,” said Congressman McGovern. “Current reimbursement rates do not adequately cover food and labor costs for meal programs, which can lead to more processed, pre-packaged food. The next generation of Americans—our future doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, mechanics, and leaders in every field across the country—all need us to step up and improve the quality of food in our schools. It will be a win-win for our economy, our farmers, our school nutrition workforce, and our students.”

“High costs and insufficient funds are hampering efforts to expand scratch cooking and reduce added sugar and sodium in school meals,” said School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. “School meal programs desperately need increased reimbursements to invest in staff and training, upgrade kitchen equipment, and purchase more fresh and local produce. The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will ensure school nutrition professionals have the necessary resources to fuel student success and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.”

“Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals at school isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an investment in our future,” said Jason Gromley, senior director for Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry campaign. “Increasing the reimbursement rate for school meals will help districts meet the rising costs of food and labor, provide high-quality meals, and ensure every child is fueled for success in the classroom and beyond. We’re grateful for Rep. McGovern’s continued leadership in ending childhood hunger and urge Congress to join us in this fight.”

“The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act is a critical investment in our children’s health and education and opens the doorway for more scratch cooking in schools and invests in the dedicated school food professionals who make it possible,” said Chef Ann Foundation CEO Mara Fleishman. “School nutrition programs are stretched to the breaking point, and rising costs have made it difficult to serve the freshly prepared, minimally processed meals our students deserve. This isn’t just about feeding kids. It’s about fueling their potential, building healthier futures, and supporting the catalyst for change in this movement: An adequately compensated and valued school food workforce.”

“Nutritious school meals are more than just fuel for the classroom—they’re a foundation for lifelong health. By increasing reimbursement rates, the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act gives schools the support they need to serve meals that help prevent chronic conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease. We applaud Representative McGovern for championing this critical investment in our children’s future, ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow up healthy and ready to thrive,” said Mark Schoeberl, EVP of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.

“School meals are essential for students’ health and learning. At a time when too many children face growing rates of food insecurity and schools face rising meal and labor costs, the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act would provide critical additional resources to support school meals. We applaud Rep. McGovern for reintroducing this legislation and urge members of Congress to co-sponsor this bill,” said Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center.

The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act is endorsed by leading policy and advocacy organizations including the School Nutrition Association, Share Our Strength, American Heart Association, Chef Ann Foundation, and the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). 

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

Congresswoman has been a Consistent Advocate for Immigrant Families Unlawfully Targeted by ICE, Spoken Out Against Criminalization of Children

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley issued the following statement condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) arrest of a 13-year-old boy from Everett and his transfer to a detention center in Virginia. Congresswoman Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for immigrant families unlawfully targeted by ICE and has spoken out against policies that criminalize children instead of investing in community-based supports that keep people safe.

“It is absolutely alarming that the Trump Administration and its rogue ICE agents would abduct a 13-year-old child, transport him to a facility over 500 miles away without his family, lawyer or a court knowing, and reportedly subject him to harrowing, inhumane conditions, including inadequate nutrition and sleeping on a concrete floor with an aluminum blanket while still healing from a broken foot.

“He is a 7th-grader who should have been met with compassion and care, not criminalized and sent to an adult prison.

“The Trump Administration must stop violating the constitutional rights of our constituents. I join the chorus of community voices demanding basic adherence to due process, preservation of this child’s constitutional rights, and his immediate return to his family.”

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Pressley traveled to a detention center in Louisiana to meet with her constituent Rümeysa Öztürk, who was being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for her protected speech.

Last month, Congresswoman Pressley spoke out against a Republican-led bill that would authorize children as young as 14 to be tried as adults in the criminal legal system and instead urged Republicans to support community-based, trauma-informed public safety solutions. She later slammed Trump and Republicans for pushing punitive, fear-based policies instead of investing in community violence intervention programs.

Congresswoman Pressley has also championed the People’s Justice Guarantee, her comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system, including banning the prosecution of children under the age of 18 in adult courts and ensuring juveniles are not housed in adult prisons but in community- or home-based rehabilitation programs.

###