MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Co-Chair of the House Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas: 

“Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for this incredible achievement that is the first step towards peace in the Middle East! This is a huge victory that will pave the way towards lasting stability and prosperity in the region. After months of hard work and tough diplomacy, innocent hostages will at last return to their families and countless lives will be saved.

“The past two years of war were a direct result of Hamas’s unprovoked, brutal attack on Israel. The Hamas terrorist network has been utterly eviscerated, a necessary action that has opened the door to lasting peace. A deradicalized Gaza is necessary for this war to end, and I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Abraham Accords Caucus to help lay the groundwork and fully implement the President’s peace plan so that Israel can look forward to a future of sustained peace, prosperity, and friendship with its Arab neighbors.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON–Today, Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) re-introduced the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act, legislation to ensure that federal employees who are furloughed or required to work without pay during the ongoing lapse in federal funding are eligible to be reimbursed for childcare expenses incurred during the shutdown.

The bill recognizes the strain that government shutdowns place on working families, especially parents who must continue paying for childcare without receiving their paychecks. Under the legislation, any federal employee impacted by the lapse in funding beginning on or about October 1, 2025, and who continues to pay for childcare, would be eligible for reimbursement. Eligible workers would provide documentation, such as receipts from licensed childcare providers, to the General Services Administration (GSA) to receive compensation once funds to GSA are appropriated. 

“As a working parent, I know how expensive and stressful childcare can be,” said Rep. Omar. “For federal workers going without pay, that cost can be crushing. They’re still showing up, still caring for their families, and still serving their country, even as this administration continues to turn its back on them. The Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act is about restoring a measure of fairness. If we truly value the people who keep our government running, we have to make sure they can care for their children while they do it.”

The Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act is cosponsored by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Don Beyer (VA-08),  André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09) Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raúl Ruiz (CA-25), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

You can view the full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement following the government shutdown.

“Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. This shutdown—and the devastating consequences that come with it—are entirely on them. With the passage of the ‘Big Ugly’ law,  Republicans made their priorities clear: billionaires and corporations over the health and well-being of the American people. Now, the American people are faced with a catastrophic, manufactured health care crisis. If we don’t seize this moment to counteract their cruelty, premiums will skyrocket 75 percent next year for over 20 million Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act credits. Over 4 million Americans will lose health coverage. We simply cannot allow millions of Americans to lose their health care. Too much is at stake. Children could lose access to life-saving medications. Seniors may be forced to skip doctor visits. Cancer patients could be forced to forgo their chemotherapy treatment. This is the real cost of Republican cruelty. I hope my Democratic colleagues in the Senate see the urgency of this moment and hold the line because we simply cannot allow the American people to suffer. This is our opportunity to stand up and fight to defend the fundamental right to health care. Let’s seize it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) reintroduced their No Shame at School Act, a bill aimed at ending lunch shaming practices in schools nationwide.

The No Shame at School Act would prohibit school districts from publicly identifying and shaming students who are unable to pay for school meals and hiring debt collectors to recover unpaid school meal debt. This bill would also require schools to attempt to directly certify children with unpaid meal debt for free or reduced-price meals and allows schools to be retroactively reimbursed for meals served to these children.

“No child should fear being shamed over an unpaid lunch bill,” said Rep. Omar, a member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. “In Minnesota, our state has implemented universal school meals and effectively canceled future school meal debt. I’m proud to partner with Senator Tina Smith to end arcane and inhumane school lunch shaming nationwide.”

“At a moment when the Trump administration pushed through the largest cut to food assistance for hungry children in history, we need to be making sure kids who can’t afford school lunch aren’t shamed and stigmatized,” said Senator Smith. “I’m so proud of the work Minnesota has done to address this issue through universal school lunches, but there are too many places around the country where we still see children humiliated at school for an unpaid lunch bill. Everyone knows you can’t learn or perform well when you are hungry, and making sure kids get the school lunches they need without being made to feel ashamed or embarrassed is an important part of setting them up for success.”

At a time when the Trump Administration is actively hiding hunger statistics and gutting nutrition assistance, it is more important than ever to bring the issue of child hunger to the forefront. By addressing the issue of school meal debt, the No Shame at School Act aims to alleviate that financial pressure on families while ensuring that all students have equal access to nutritious meals during the school day.

Current co-sponsors in the House include Nanette Barragan, Sanford Bishop, Julia Brownley, Andre Carson, Troy Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Yvette D. Clarke, J. Lou Correa, Danny K. Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Robert Garcia, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, James McGovern, Gwen Moore, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Scott Peters, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Delia Ramirez, Andrea Salinas, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Melanie Stansbury, Mark Takano, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Nydia Velazquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Frederica Wilson.

You can find the full text of the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) introduced a War Powers Resolution to terminate unauthorized U.S military hostilities against Venezuela and transnational criminal organizations that the Trump administration has unilaterally designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The resolution follows the administration’s repeated strikes on vessels in the southern Caribbean carried out without congressional authorization or clear legal justification. 

Omar, who serves as Deputy Chair of the Progressive Caucus and Chair of its Peace & Security Taskforce, was joined by CPC Chair Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35) and CPC Whip Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04). CPC Member and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) joined as an original cosponsor.  

“There was no legal justification for the Trump Administration’s military escalation in the Caribbean,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar, Deputy Chair of the Progressive Caucus. “It was not self-defense or authorized by Congress. That is why I am introducing a resolution to terminate hostilities against Venezuela, and against the transnational criminal organizations that the Administration has designated as terrorists this year. All of us should agree that the separation of powers is crucial to our democracy, and that only Congress has the power to declare war.”

“Donald Trump cannot be allowed to drag the United States into another endless war with his reckless actions,” said Rep. Greg Casar, Chair of the Progressive Caucus. “It is illegal for the president to take the country to war without consulting the people’s representatives, and Congress must vote now to stop Trump from putting us at further risk.”

“The extrajudicial strike against a vessel in the Caribbean Sea is only the most recent of Trump’s reckless, deadly, and illegal military actions. Now, he’s lawlessly threatening a region already profoundly impacted by the destabilization of U.S. actions,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, the Whip of the Progressive Caucus. “With this War Powers Resolution, we emphasize the total illegality of his action, and—consistent with overwhelming public opposition to forever war—reclaim Congress’ sole power to authorize military action.”

“The people that I represent are sick and tired of this country being dragged into one endless war after another,” said Rep. Jim McGovern. “Trump’s reckless, unlawful, and extrajudicial strikes were in flagrant violation of both international and U.S. law. And his military escalation in the Caribbean—a region already destabilized by decades of U.S. intervention—threatens to release even more chaos and violence at our doorstep. Only Congress has the power to declare war, and we must stand up for the constitutional separation of powers before it is too late.”

The War Powers Resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Venezuela and against transnational criminal organizations unless explicitly authorized by Congress. It makes clear that the President retains the ability to respond to sudden attacks or imminent threats, but stresses that the trafficking of illegal drugs does not itself constitute an armed attack.

For decades, successive administrations of both parties have expanded presidential war powers while Congress has abdicated its constitutional role. Rep. Omar’s resolution reasserts Article I authority, making clear that neither the 2001 nor the 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force provide legal cover for new conflicts in Latin America. It underscores that a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation, as defined by U.S. law, does not authorize the use of military force, contrary to recent claims from the Trump Administration and some Members of Congress.

“The Trump administration has appointed itself judge, jury, and executioner, in a series of blatantly illegal strikes,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War. “People struggling through the overdose crisis need healthcare, not warfare. We’re proud to support Representative Omar’s resolution to stop these strikes and we urge her colleagues to join her.”

“We abhor the recent unlawful strikes on Venezuelan boats, which have killed more than a dozen people,” said Lauren Brownlee, the Friends Committee on National Legislation’s Deputy General Secretary. “As Quakers, we share the conviction that all creation has worth and dignity. Those suspected of crimes deserve due process, not summary execution. We are proud to support Congresswoman Omar’s War Powers Resolution to end these horrific attacks.”  

“It could not be more clear that Americans across the political spectrum do not want to fight and fund another war,” said Dylan Williams, Vice President of Center for International Policy Advocacy. “Trump’s illegal, extra-judicial killings off the coast of Venezuela are an unauthorized and unconstitutional use of military force that put our servicemembers at risk. Lawmakers have a duty to stand up for their voters and their prerogatives to prevent another unnecessary and costly war of choice.” 

“The President is claiming the authority to kill people outside of armed conflict and without due process,” said Annie Shiel, US Director for the Center for Civilians in Conflict. “The recent airstrikes in the Caribbean are unlawful executions during peacetime, not war. Rep. Omar’s leadership in forcing an end to these unlawful strikes is sorely needed. Everyone else in the House should join her.”

“The Trump administration appears intent on dragging the United States into war with Venezuela. Between the extrajudicial killings of Venezuelan citizens, the threat of drone strikes on Venezuelan soil, and the amassing of military equipment in the region, Trump has given lie to his claims of being ‘anti-war’ and aligned himself decisively with the neoconservative camp,” said Alex Main, Director of International Policy at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “This follows years of efforts to enact regime change in Venezuela by other means, including through broad economic sanctions that have devastated the Venezuelan economy and fueled a humanitarian crisis, triggering the migration of millions of Venezuelans. We must be clear: a war with Venezuela would be catastrophic for both the people of Venezuela and the United States, while doing nothing to solve the drug crisis in our nation.”

“The American people, across the political spectrum, don’t want their tax dollars funding unauthorized regime change wars overseas,” said Erik Sperling, executive director of Just Foreign Policy. “Americans are grateful to Rep. Omar and others in Congress who insist on upholding the Constitution — war must be authorized by Congress after a debate and vote, not unilaterally dictated by the same neocon zealots responsible for peddling one disastrous regime change after another.”

Read the resolution here.

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

The latest attempt from Trump and his OMB Director to maximize the pain of the government shutdown on Democratic-led states, halting billions of dollars already appropriated by the Congress.

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

Washington, D.C. — As President Trump drives America closer to a government shutdown, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to underscore the stakes should Congressional Republicans decide to continue down this reckless path.

JONATHAN LEMIRE, MSNBC HOST: Let’s bring in Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado. Congressman, thank you so much for joining us. We have a lot to get to with you, including this government shutdown now just a few hours away. But first, is your reactions to what you heard there for the President of the United States regarding this meeting with military leadership and the situation in the Middle East? 

REP. JOE NEGUSE: Well, good morning. It’s great to be with you. First and foremost, I would challenge anyone to make sense of the rantings and the ravings that you just heard from the President of the United States on the front lawn of the White House. These are not serious people tweeting out, you know, offensive videos last night on Truth Social. Nonsensical statements that he’s making from the front lawn of the White House, literally, as he and Republicans bring the government towards the brink of a government shutdown. It is absurd and laughable and unfortunately has profound and tragic consequences for the country. And I just think that it’s important for all of us to kind of acknowledge what we see with our own eyes. This is absurd activity from the President of the United States, and House Democrats certainly aren’t going to tolerate it. 

LEMIRE: Yeah. Congressman, there were a few words there we had to look up. Let’s shift now to the shutdown. Now, just a few hours, you know, a few hours away, talks with Democratic Leaders at the White House last tonight seemed to go nowhere. Let’s start with, if the government shuts down, what would be the real world impacts? It’s so easy to get trapped in the politics of this. Let’s talk about the real world impacts it would be for people in the country, including in your home state. 

NEGUSE: It would be devastating. We have a number of federal workers, hundreds of thousands of federal workers in my state of Colorado at our federal laboratories, our land management agencies. You know, incredible, talented civil servants who are working on behalf of the American people each and every day, whose, you know, lives would be very much put, you know, their livelihood and their economic activity at risk. And obviously, government services coming to a standstill across the country. But this is a decision that Republicans are making very consciously. The House Republicans, Senate Republicans and the President are making a decision to shut the government down. I think that that decision is regrettable. I think it’s terrible. And, ultimately, they’re going to be held to account electorally for the decision that they’re making. 

LEMIRE: And Congressman, we saw the President of the United States put out an AI deepfake video of Leaders Jeffries and Schumer afterwards, offensive, to say the least. Feel free to weigh in on that, but also react to what he just said there, which is sort of giving up the game in terms of if the government does shut down, traditionally workers are furloughed and then when the government reopens, they come back and they get paid. The president is suggesting, well, actually, we may just permanently fire a lot of them.

And I also just think this discussion, this debate that we’re having can’t be considered in a vacuum. You have to consider the context of what the President of the United States has been doing to the federal government for the last nine months. He has dismantled agencies by executive fiat, he’s purging the federal government of civil servants at land management agencies like the Forest Service and elsewhere, ignoring congressional appropriations, pursuing his political enemies, politicizing the Department of Justice, indicting them. It’s ridiculous. And, at the end of the day, to expect that Democrats would endorse this kind of activity and support a Republican budget bill that exacerbates the cost of living crisis that they have created, in which they have made everything more expensive for Americans and for Coloradans that I represent is ridiculous, that is not, there’s no credible argument that could be made. They know that, as I said, these are not serious people. 

So, you know, they control the Congress, they have a majority in the House and the Senate. They have the presidency. They have an obligation to fund the government. Their inability to do so is gross incompetence. And I think the American people, you see this in empirical data that you all have talked about just this morning, I think the American people will make clear that they blame the Republicans for being incapable of funding the government. 

LEMIRE: Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado. Congressman, thank you as always.

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

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced $12,422,814 in federal funding for community projects to reduce wildfire risk across Colorado’s 2nd District. These investments were made possible by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program, which was launched thanks to funding Neguse worked to secure as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“With fires raging across the West year-round, it’s more important than ever that we invest in wildfire mitigation projects throughout our communities. I’m proud to see that the resources that we fought to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund critical projects across Colorado,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“In the last few years, Colorado has faced increasingly devastating threats from the largest wildfires in our state’s history,” said Senator Bennet. “Investing in wildfire mitigation and preparedness is critical to safeguarding our communities, public lands, and way of life for future generations. I’m glad the investments we fought to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to benefit Colorado and support important wildfire preparedness efforts across the state.”

“Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is all about giving communities the tools to tackle 21st-century challenges,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “These local projects will help communities in Colorado and the West prepare for severe wildfires and address local risks. They’re the bipartisan solutions that Congress should deliver frequently.”

A total of eight projects across the state were granted more than $26 million in funding — three of them in Colorado’s 2nd District, partnering with the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management, the Grand County Wildfire Council, and The Ember Alliance.

“The Larimer County Commissioners are grateful for this Community Wildfire Defense Grant that will further enhance the work to protect watersheds and forests and to support our mountain communities to be stronger and more resilient,” said John Kefalas, Larimer County Commissioner.

“I am incredibly thrilled and deeply thankful for this USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant. As a Larimer Commissioner, I work monthly with our staff and valued partners and have followed this Gateway to the Rockies project from the beginning. This grant will bring critically needed resources to fund a collaborative and tremendously impactful project driven by our community partners. Thank you to Congressman Neguse for his leadership in wildfire matters and protecting our essential watersheds,” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner.

“We are thrilled to be awarded these USDA dollars that will help us protect our residents and keep our mountain communities safe from destructive wildfires. The mitigation work outlined in the grant is critical for the health of our forests and the rivers that provide water for many people along the Front Range,” said Kristin Stephens, Larimer County Commissioner.

“Mitigation is our best line of defense against catastrophic wildfires in Larimer County. This grant will allow us to continue our landscape-scale mitigation efforts and is a reflection of the great collaboration between Larimer County and all of our partners to reduce risk to our communities,” said Lori Hodges, Larimer County Director of Emergency Management. 

“GCWC is very excited to accept this funding to extend previously completed fuel breaks in the Fraser Valley, connect to planned federal projects, and eventually tie into the East Troublesome burn scar. This is an important part of a network of projects that will reduce fire risk and lead to better forest and watershed health for Grand County and for those who rely on the Colorado River watershed. When combined with property owners’ vegetation reduction work, this will create solid community protective measures. Thank you to our federal partners for this opportunity,” said Jessica Rahn, Grand County Wildfire Council Executive Director. 

The Community Wildfire Defense Program provides at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations, and state forestry agencies, with funding to plan for and mitigate wildfire risks. Details on the projects in Colorado’s 2nd District are outlined in the table below. 

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

Washington, D.C. — This month, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), as well as Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Summer Lee (PA-12) to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would overturn Citizens United v. FEC and limit corporate influence and spending in American politics. This measure, dubbed the “Citizens Over Corporations Amendment,” would ensure Congress and states can set reasonable limitations on political spending and influence by corporations on U.S. elections. 

Rep. Neguse has been a vocal proponent of fixing America’s broken campaign finance system since first being elected to Congress in 2018, repeatedly championing legislation, like Congressional Democrats’ For The People Act, to push back against the influence of big money in American politics. Most recently, he convened a group of next-generation reformers in the House to introduce the End Corruption Now agenda, which proposes seven bills designed to put power back in the hands of the people and effectively stop the selling of access and influence in Washington, D.C. 

“The time to confront political corruption and clean up government is now,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “The Citizens Over Corporations Amendment works to renew people’s faith in our democracy by ensuring transparency through campaign finance reform and preventing unrestrained spending and dark money in elections.” 

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United opened the door for corporations to pour billions of dollars of dark money into elections. This anonymous and unrestricted spending cripples transparency in the political process and weakens our democracy. Our amendment will keep big money out of politics and restore power where it should belong — with the American people,” said Senator Schiff.  

“Elon Musk poured millions into electing Donald Trump and then used the influence he bought to fire federal workers, dismantle USAID, and strip health care from millions,” said Congressman McGovern. “Citizens United gives billionaires like Musk even more power to rig the system for the well-off and well-connected. That’s not a democracy—it’s an auction. I’m proud to support the Citizens Over Corporations Amendment, which will overturn Citizens United, get big money out of politics, and put power back where it belongs—in the hands of the people.” 

“Some say the beginning of the collapse of our democracy was when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Citizens United, giving the green light to corporations and billionaires to pour hundreds of millions into our elections and drown out the voices of everyday people. At the root of why we cannot make progress on so many urgent policies is a system where money speaks louder than people. The Citizens Over Corporations Amendment is about changing that. It is about putting power back where it belongs, with the people, so we can build a government that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few and their corporate interests,” said Congresswoman Lee. 

The Citizens Over Corporations Amendment will: 

• Make clear the Constitution does not restrict the ability of Congress or states to set reasonable, viewpoint-neutral limitations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections 
• Distinguishes between natural persons, corporations, or other artificial entities, including by allowing Congress or the State to prohibit such entities from spending money to influence elections
• Allow public financing of campaigns when states choose to enact such laws, which can restrict the influence of corporate or private wealth
• Take further steps to protect the freedom of the press in the case of future campaign finance-related legislation. 

It is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Democracy Defenders Action, Public Citizen, End Citizens United, People for the American Way, and Free Speech For People.  

“Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v FEC 15 years ago, unlimited and untraceable money has flowed from the pockets of corporations and the ultra-wealthy into political campaigns”, said Stuart McPhail, Director of Campaign Finance Litigation, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “In the 2024 federal election cycle alone, over $2.7 billion was funneled through super PACs to various political campaigns. This dark money corrodes our democracy by allowing corporations and billionaires to hide their identities while greatly influencing elections and policy. CREW is proud to endorse the constitutional amendment introduced by Senator Schiff and Representatives Neguse, McGovern, and Lee to overturn Citizens United and ensure that the voices of average citizens are not drowned out by moneyed interests.” 

“Democracy Defenders Action wholeheartedly endorses Sen. Adam Schiff and Reps. Joe Neguse, Jim McGovern, and Summer Lee’s constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United,” said Virginia Canter, Ethics and Anticorruption Chief Counsel and Director, Democracy Defenders Action. “This crucial step will ensure that all Americans, not just the super-rich and corporations, have an equal voice in our elections–and true representation in our democracy.” 

“Citizens United has turned our democracy into a government that serves the ultra-wealthy. Political spending by billionaires has surged an astonishing 160-fold since the 2010 Supreme Court decision, and working families are paying the price like never before as self-enriching politicians bankroll tax breaks for their biggest donors. Senator Schiff’s amendment is a bold and commonsense step to reclaim government for the people. We applaud his leadership to challenge the billionaire class, fight corruption in Washington, and get Big Money out of politics,” said Tiffany Muller, President, End Citizens United.  

“Citizens United destroyed our nation’s safeguards against the undue influence of money in politics. For 15 years now, dark money has flowed freely, allowing the rich and powerful even more influence over our elections. This amendment is essential to preventing that continuing assault on the integrity of our elections. People For the American Way is proud to support this amendment as we work toward building a democracy truly of, by, and for the people,” said Svante Myrick, President, People For the American Way. 

“The vast majority of Americans want the real voices of real people to matter more than the money that corporations and the super-rich funnel into our political system. The devastating Citizens United decision 15 years ago dramatically altered the landscape of our politics—unleashing a flood of cash and deepening the outrage that regular people feel at the inequities baked into our democracy. We must overturn this decision. Senator Schiff, and Reps. Joe Neguse, Jim McGovern, and Summer Lee have remained focused and continue pushing for a constitutional amendment to do just that. Public Citizen strongly supports their efforts,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen.

A fact sheet on the legislation can be found HERE.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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

Washington, D.C. —Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse joined Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), as well as Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR), to reintroduce the Wildfire Smoke Relief Act. This bill provides federal emergency assistance to people in Colorado and nationwide who are harmed by unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke. 

“I’m proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce the Wildfire Smoke Relief Act, which ensures that folks most at risk from wildfire smoke are sufficiently prepared,” said Congressman Neguse. “Now that there are fires raging almost year-round, this bill will go a long way towards preparing our communities for the health impacts of toxic wildfire smoke.”

“The smoke from wildfires that fills the lungs of Oregonians is a health hazard–plain and simple,” Senator Wyden said. “As these fires become bigger, more dangerous, and more destructive each year, it’s critical that we ensure communities getting crushed by worsening air quality get the same treatment as other disaster victims. We must ensure underserved communities have clean air to breathe and other vital resources to be prepared for next season’s infernos across the West.”  

“Oregonians know all too well how wildfires wreak havoc on our communities,” said Congresswoman Dexter. “Wildfire doesn’t just make us cough—it causes lung and heart disease, cancer, and shortens lives. As a pulmonologist, I know we need to provide better protection for those most susceptible to climate change. This bill is a much needed and long-overdue step in the right direction.”

“When the devastating Labor Day fires broke out five years ago, I drove over 600 miles across Oregon and never once broke out of the thick layer of smoke that had blanketed the state,” Senator Merkley said. “When wildfire smoke envelops our communities, it’s dangerous for public health and dampens everyday life for those under the hazardous plumes. I’m fully committed to securing the resources we need to address the root causes of megafires, and also to helping Oregonians cope with — and recover from — increasingly extreme hot weather conditions and the dangerous smoke that many of these wildfires produce.”

The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide individuals most at risk from the impacts of wildfire smoke – including children, elderly people, pregnant women, and low-income families – with low-cost home improvements and smoke inhalation prevention equipment. This protective equipment, like masks and air filters, would be provided when wildfire smoke causes unhealthy air quality levels for three consecutive days. In extreme circumstances, when preventative measures are inadequate for health and safety, the legislation would authorize FEMA to provide transitional sheltering assistance for those most at risk from wildfire smoke. 

Read the bill text HERE. 

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse has been a longtime advocate for protecting Coloradans and communities nationwide from the devastating impacts of wildfires. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands and Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, he’s been successful in advancing efforts to bolster federal wildfire prevention, mitigation, and suppression programs, as well as ensuring support for individuals recovering from climate-induced natural disasters. 

Neguse has also fought tirelessly to make sure federal wildland firefighters receive the compensation and benefits they deserve. Most recently, he was successful in securing an agreement from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to provide protective N95 masks for wildland firefighters, reversing a decades-long ban that prevented use of this equipment even on a voluntary basis—despite an increasing number of firefighters getting sick from smoke exposure while in the line of duty. 

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