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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Chairman Harris and Maryland Freedom Caucus Call on Maryland Democrats to End Their Government Shutdown 

Washington, D.C.  — In response to Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Delegation’s press conference at BWI-Marshall this morning, Congressman Andy Harris and the Maryland Freedom Caucus called on Maryland’s Democrat delegation to end their government shutdown and to stop pretending to stand with federal workers while voting to keep them furloughed.

House Republicans passed a responsible plan to fund the government and protect hardworking taxpayers. Instead of working toward a reasonable agreement, Maryland Democrats chose to shut it down over unrelated policy demands.

Statement From Congressman Andy Harris:

“Despite the high number of federal workers in our state, I was the only member of our delegation to vote to keep the government open,” said Congressman Harris. “Governor Moore and Maryland Democrats talk about ‘supporting workers,’ but their actions tell a different story. Every Member of the Maryland Delegation voted to shut the government down and Maryland’s Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks have voted to shut down the government five times – and by all accounts will continue to do so. They could end this shutdown today if they truly cared about Maryland families.”

Statement From Maryland Freedom Caucus Members: 

“Governor Wes Moore runs to a microphone instead of leading. Federal workers need Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to vote to reopen the government, not demand taxpayer-funded health insurance for illegal immigrants. Marylanders deserve leadership, not political theater.”

 

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

WASHINGTON — This evening, after Senate Democrats rejected the clean, short-term, nonpartisan continuing resolution to fund the government for the sixth time, Speaker Johnson joined The Lead on CNN, Balance of Power on Bloomberg TV, and Hannity on Fox News to discuss the government shutdown’s harmful effects on everyday Americans. Speaker Johnson also addressed Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of President Trump’s historic peace plan. 

Watch Speaker Johnson on CNN, on Bloomberg TV, and on Fox News.  

On the harmful effects of the Democrat shutdown:

On October 15, troops begin to lose a real paycheck. And you’ve got TSA agents and border patrol agents and all these people sacrificing their own safety to protect everyone else, and they won’t be paid. You’ve got nutrition programs and health services and FEMA services, and all sorts of other things stalled. And half the civilian workforce of the federal government is now furloughed. This is dangerous stuff. Real people are being hurt. Air traffic controllers are falling back on the jobs because they don’t have enough personnel. This is serious stuff. And we need the Democrats to come to their senses and do the right thing.

On Republicans offering a clean, nonpartisan CR:

I am a good faith operator, I am a negotiator, I like to find common ground. Here’s the problem, because we were operating in good faith and doing the most basic simple thing – I mean, the bare minimum piece of legislation to keep the lights on – I literally don’t have anything to negotiate on the CR. I can’t go into that document then say, “Oh, let me pull off these Republican priorities and see if we can get some more Democrats to vote on it.” I don’t have anything to pull off of it. I sent over a clean continuing resolution. And by the very important, it continues Biden-era policies and spending, which we conservatives don’t like. We’re trying to change that, but we need the appropriations process to finish it. All we needed was seven more weeks on the clock to finish the process. And the Republicans and Democrats who are appropriators are the ones that decided that date and decided it should be clean and everything was going smoothly until Chuck Schumer decided to blow it up. Is he going to fold? I don’t know, but I’ll tell you what needs to happen. Some other Senate Democrats need to come to their senses and realize they should not be blamed for the pain that’s being inflicted on the people. Make it stop as soon as possible, do the right thing and join your Republican colleagues and open the government back up.

On President Trump’s historic peace plan between Israel and Palestine:

What stands out tonight is this stunning contrast of what we’re seeing. History is being made. Here’s President Trump showing peace through strength, using his power and position to bring peace to the Middle East. I mean, a truly massive historic foreign policy achievement, returning hostages, restoring security to Israel, setting a foundation for lasting peace and reducing taxes on hardworking Americans at the same time. And ending the border crisis, ending the crime crisis, and reducing fraud, waste and abuse in government, and now settling international conflicts all around the globe. And here’s the Democrats on Capitol Hill acting like a bunch of clowns. They’re trying to lie to the American people. They’re trying to play politics with government funding, and real Americans are being harmed. I think that there is such a stark contrast. I’m not sure there has ever been such a strong contrast between two political parties. The Republican Party is delivering for the American people, and the Democrats are trying to make a show out of this.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

Today, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced HR 5704, the Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013, to protect American audiences from the domestic dissemination of federally funded propaganda by the State Department, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and their component networks. 

“The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, legislation that ended a prohibition on the federal government exposing American audiences to its propaganda,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “I voted against that NDAA, and I offered an amendment to the 2026 NDAA to reinstate the original prohibition, but Speaker Johnson blocked a vote. The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act needs to be repealed. Taxpayer-funded fake news should not be used by the federal government to wage influence campaigns against the American people.”

The Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013:

• Repeals the 2013 Smith-Mundt Modernization Act to restore the longstanding firewall prohibiting federal domestic propaganda.
• Stops the domestic dissemination of propaganda by the State Department, United States Agency for Global Media, and their component networks.
• Creates a secure mechanism for oversight by allowing Members of Congress and accredited media to review propaganda materials sent overseas, without enabling those materials to be exploited against the American people.
• Prevents clandestine online influence operations by prohibiting the State Department and USAGM from creating covert social media accounts, websites, or podcasts to target Americans.
• Requires archiving of propaganda materials at the National Archives with 20 years of delayed public access and added disclaimers identifying both the U.S. government as the source of the materials and also the foreign audience for which the materials were intended.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) is an original cosponsor and co-lead of the Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013.  

The text of the Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013 is available at this link.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is calling on the State Department and the Trump administration to take immediate action to protect and secure the release of his constituent, Emily Wilder, a Los Angeles-based journalist detained by Israeli authorities after reporting aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.

“I write to urgently follow up on my previous letter, dated October 5th, urging immediate action by the State Department and the Trump administration to protect and free the detained crew and passengers of the Global Sumud Flotilla,” Gomez wrote. “My office has now confirmed that a second flotilla carrying vital humanitarian aid… has been intercepted, and nearly 145 passengers and crew detained. Among the detained is my constituent Emily Wilder, a member of the press, who was reporting on the flotilla’s attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

Gomez continued: “As the Representative of Emily Wilder in Congress, I must insist on an immediate update from your department on the efforts being made to secure her safe treatment and immediate release.”

In his letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Gomez reminded the administration of its “solemn legal and moral duty to advocate and protect the rights of detained Americans, and secure their speedy release from detention.”

He also warned that: “Failure to take immediate and comprehensive action to secure the release of Ms. Wilder and other detainees would implicate your department and the Trump administration in an unconscionable abandonment of basic American principles and a dangerous undermining of our diplomatic standing internationally.”

Gomez’s office is actively liaising with the U.S. State Department, the Israeli Embassy, and relevant counterparts to ensure Ms. Wilder’s safety, consular access, medical care, and eventual return home.

Gomez emphasized that the intercepted flotillas were humanitarian missions in international waters, and reiterated his calls for “overwhelming humanitarian relief to be delivered immediately, the safe return of the October 7th hostages, accountability through the dismantling of Hamas, an ironclad commitment to protect civilians, a swift end to military operations, and a permanent ceasefire.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement on the arrest made in connection with the ignition of the Palisades Fire:

“I commend the ATF for a careful investigation into the cause of the devastating Palisades fire. I have been urging them for some time to carry out a full and expeditious investigation.

Jonathan Rinderknecht should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Whether he envisioned the level of destruction that occurred, if he set the fire he is fully responsible for all the destruction. Of course, our judicial system requires the prosecutor to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

As the Member of Congress for the Pacific Palisades, I’ve been devastated by the hundreds of stories I’ve heard of people uprooted, and the lives and livelihoods lost. It is particularly devastating to see that the fire was apparently set deliberately.

We need to remember that in January the Los Angeles area faced a hundred fires whipped up by unprecedented 100 mph winds. Our firefighters extinguished 98 of those fires without major damage.

I will continue to fight for increased levels of federal grants and loans to those who lost so much in the Los Angeles fires, and will continue to work Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Judy Chu and the entire California delegation.”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Members of House Democratic Leadership where he emphasized that the American people are about to experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles because of Republicans’ refusal to fix their healthcare crisis and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re on day eight of the Republican healthcare crisis, a crisis that has been visited upon the American people for months and is causing great devastation to working-class America, rural America, suburban America, small-town America, the heartland of America, urban America and Black and brown communities all throughout America. House Democrats are here at the Capitol on duty and ready to reopen the government and enact a spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people, while at the same time addresses the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating the American people and is causing premiums, co-pays and deductibles to go up for tens of millions of Americans because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

We’re asking everyday Americans from all across the country to share your story about the premium increases that you are experiencing with your Member of Congress, with your United States Senator and certainly with any of us. If you’ve received a letter, or when you receive a letter in the next few weeks, we want you to reach out to us and share that letter with us. You can do it at DemocraticLeader.House.Gov/ShareYourStory. That’s DemocraticLeader.House.Gov/ShareYourStory. We are fighting for you. We know that because of the Republican healthcare crisis and their refusal to address the Affordable Care Act tax credits that are on the brink of expiring, that millions of Americans are about to see their healthcare costs double, triple or quadruple. And when you get that letter in the mail, share it with us. You can share it with us, as I indicated, and you can include a hashtag: #MyPremiumWent Up. My premium went up, and it’s going up because of the continued Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Chicago:

“I am appalled and disturbed by the wannabe king once again violating the law and sending the military into another American city. This is not about public safety — it’s about power. As Americans, we must all stand up and make clear that Trump is incorrect, our cities are not training grounds for the military.

“This is the fourth time that Trump has taken the extreme and dangerous move to send the military into an American city without the consent of state and local authorities. Once again, I remind Trump that our Constitution clearly sets up checks against exactly these types of excesses. Fearful of kings and occupying military forces, our Founders thought hard about how to ensure military forces were responsive to lawful, civilian control and not inappropriately used against their fellow citizens. For nearly 250 years, we’ve fought hard to make certain this remained true. It is disturbing that so many in power are allowing Trump to toss aside our country’s hard-earned protections.

“The Founders made clear the distinction between presidents and kings. Presidents do not get personal militaries, dictators do.

“If he or Secretary Hegseth had any respect for the men and women in uniform, they would not order them to march against their fellow Americans.

“These actions are unacceptable and contrary to the democratic values our nation was founded upon. The American people must not stay silent in the face of Trump’s unconstitutional actions. Our democracy depends on it.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

On Wednesday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree co-hosted a telephone town hall with AARP Maine on the importance of Social Security and Medicare. During the live event, Pingree addressed the many challenges and uncertainties Maine seniors are facing—from potential impacts of the current government shutdown to concerns about the programs’ long-term solvency—and how she is working in Congress to protect the financial and health care security of older Americans. 

“Since I was first elected, and long before that, I’ve understood what a critical program that Social Security is,” Pingree said. “A significant number of Mainers—about a third to a quarter of the state—benefits from Social Security in one way or another, either as retirees or [with] disability benefits. It’s just a huge part of their lifeline. Prior to Social Security, we had so many seniors who lived in poverty who didn’t have adequate retirement, and this has really been a critical part of the United States’ future going forward.”

“We are really worried about the disinformation, misinformation, flat out lies that come out of this administration [about Social Security and Medicare],” Pingree continued. “We spend a lot of time countering them. My goal is just to make sure everybody has the facts. I don’t mind working across the aisle with people who might have a different opinion of what should be done. We often come at this with very different views. By compromising and working together—that’s when we make the best policy.”

Background

The Social Security Act was signed into law 90 years ago, marking a watershed moment for our country by providing American workers with a foundation for their financial security and dignity in retirement.

Social Security is one of the most successful and popular initiatives in American history, helping generations of older Americans stay out of poverty and live with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. In Maine, more than one in four residents—369,221 individuals—receive Social Security payments, including 161,365 who rely on it for over 50% of their income. 

As we look ahead to the next 90 years of Social Security, it is critical that it remains strong for Mainers for years to come. In around 2033, Social Security will only have about 80% of the money it needs to make full payments.

Pingree has long fought to protect and expand Social Security. She is an original cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, bicameral legislation that would expand and protect essential Social Security benefits for millions of Americans.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) joined 24 of his California colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the release of the U.S. citizens – including California residents – who have been detained in Israel since the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli military on October 1st and 2nd.

Full text of the letter below:

Dear Secretary Rubio,

On October 1st and 2nd, the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying over 450 participants from more than 40 countries – including nearly two dozen U.S. citizens – was intercepted by the Israeli military. Twenty-one U.S. citizens remain in Israeli detention, including three individuals who reside in our state of California. We call on you to immediately do everything in your power to ensure the release of these U.S. citizens and to ensure their fair and safe treatment.

Among the U.S. citizens currently being detained is California resident, David Adler. David is the co-General Coordinator of Progressive International and a Jewish American. Additionally, Tommy Marcus who resides in California, Geraldine Ramirez of Cathedral City, and Logan Hollarsmith from San Francisco remain in custody. Like the other participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, David, Tommy, Geraldine, and Logan joined in this non-violent mission to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation is growing more dire by the day. 100% of the population, 1.98 million people, are currently food insecure. 92% of all housing units are either damaged or destroyed. 1.5 million people are in need of emergency shelter items. 49% of the population does not have access to a minimum standard of drinking water per day. We call for humanitarian aid to be sent to the people of Gaza.

The U.S. has an obligation to protect its citizens abroad and must act immediately. We understand most of the flotilla was in international waters when it was boarded, reportedly still seventy nautical miles from shore. We call on you to work for the immediate and safe release, including arranging the logistics of a plane to ensure their speedy recovery, of U.S. citizens who were on the flotilla and are still being held in Israeli prisons, including California residents.

Sincerely,

List of signers: Representatives Nanette Barragán, Judy Chu, Gilbert Cisneros, Jim Costa, Mark DeSaulnier, Laura Friedman, Jared Huffman, Robert Garcia, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ro Khanna, Sam Liccardo, Zoe Lofgren, Doris Matsui, Kevin Mullin, Nancy Pelosi, Scott Peters, Luz Rivas, Raul Ruiz, Lateefah Simon, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, and Derek Tran.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – On the eleventh annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), John Larson (CT-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and David Valadao (CA-22) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 8, 2025, as “National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day”. “Hydrogen is a critical tool in tackling the climate crisis,”said Congressman Costa. “This technology can create good-paying jobs, strengthen U.S. energy production and resiliency, and keep the U.S. on the path to cut emissions in half by 2035. I am honored to lead this resolution alongside my colleagues as we work together to strengthen America’s energy security.”    
“Connecticut continues to lead the nation in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. For years, I have advanced efforts to boost clean hydrogen production and invest millions in research to continue to grow our fuel cell economy. I am proud to join my colleagues to recognize National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. We must continue to work together on real solutions to lower costs, unleash the power of American-made clean energy, and take on the threat of climate change” said Congressman Larson. 
“When we support clean hydrogen, we support a stronger, healthier, more competitive nation,” Congressman Tonko said. “That’s why, throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to advance legislation that drives innovation and development in clean energy industries, and why I’m proud to join my fellow colleagues in the House to lead this bipartisan resolution.” 
“The best way to reduce energy prices for the Central Valley is to prioritize American energy independence and embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy for domestic production,” said Congressman Valadao. “Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technology is a sustainable, renewable, and affordable approach that can help power our communities, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral resolution on National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.” 
“As an industry, we are extremely grateful for the bipartisan support for the hydrogen and fuel cell sector in Congress and the leadership of Representative Costa and others in sponsoring this resolution officially recognizing National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day once again,” said Frank Wolak, President and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA).  “This support demonstrates a clear recognition of the importance role that hydrogen and fuel cell technologies must play in America’s energy future by driving economic growth, energy security, manufacturing opportunities, and global leadership.”  
BACKGROUND:  National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed annually on October 8, in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen – 1.008.  Hydrogen already serves as a vital fuel and feedstock across a wide range of sectors and industries. The day highlights the growth of the industry and raises awareness of how hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies reduce emissions and drive economic growth.   U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), John Larson (CT-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and David Valadao (CA-22) led the introduction of the  House Resolution with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joining as original co-sponsors.  Senators Lindsey Graham (SC) and Richard Blumenthal (CT) led the introduction of the Senate Resolution, with Senators Chris Murphy (CT) and Chris Coons (DE) joining as original co-sponsors.