Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is calling for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) billion-dollar detention center contracts with private corporations.
“ICE plans to more than double its detention capacity by the end of this year. (…) This includes a $1.2 billion contract for a large up to 5,000 detention facility on the Fort Bliss Army base called ‘Camp East Montana.’ This contract was awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a small business that has no listed experience running a correction facility and had never won a federal contract worth more than $16 million,” wrote Jayapal. “ICE has also reportedly given a $2.25 million no bid contract to a Republican donor with a history of fraud.”
Since Trump returned to office, 17 detained people have died while being held by ICE. In addition to these deaths, there has been consistent reporting of substandard conditions: overcrowding leading to unsanitary environments — including reports of people left without food, water, or toilets for extended periods of time, significant delays in medical care, and the inability to contact attorneys. Worsening conditions have led to an increase in suicide attempts and people expressing suicidal thoughts in detention. This is all as the Trump Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has violated federal law, which requires Members of Congress to be allowed to conduct unannounced oversight of facilities.
As detention expands and contracts are being offered to for-profit corporations, some with no experience managing immigration detention, Jayapal is demanding that the GAO step in to investigate these contracts.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)
Today, Reps. Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS-AL), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) reintroduced the Veteran Service Recognition Act. In the Senate, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is introducing companion legislation.
The Veteran Service Recognition Act would allow noncitizen servicemembers to apply for naturalization during basic training, establish a review process for those who are in removal proceedings, and provide an opportunity for noncitizen veterans who have been removed or ordered removed, and who have not been convicted of a serious crime, to obtain legal permanent residence.
“The men and women who risk their lives to serve our country should not have to worry about their immigration status when they get home,” said Rep. Nadler. “No matter where they were born, our veterans deserve the utmost respect and should be honored for their bravery and sacrifice, and that includes providing them a path to citizenship. I am proud to join Representative Takano in reintroducing the Veteran Service Recognition Act.”
“If you are willing to raise your right hand, put on the uniform, and defend this country, you should have a clear path to citizenship,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “The Veteran Service Recognition Act makes good on that promise, and it gives us a way to bring home veterans who served honorably but were deported. Standing up for our veterans has always been bipartisan, and this bill carries that tradition forward.”
“Immigrants have valiantly served in our nation’s military since its founding,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Those who put their life on the line for our country should not be facing the possibility of deportation. I’m proud to be re-introducing the bipartisan Veteran Service Recognition Act with my colleagues, so that Congress rights these wrongs and ensures that noncitizen veterans are protected and can access the care and benefits that they’ve earned.”
“If you put your life on the line for our country, you deserve the right to stay in our country,” said Rep. Ruiz. “That’s why the Veteran Service Recognition Act works to stop the deportation of noncitizen servicemembers and ensures they have due process here in America and a fair chance at citizenship. With today’s introduction of the Veteran Service Recognition Act, we are one step closer to making sure noncitizen veterans are never treated as second-class veterans.”
“Our nation’s veterans served with honor, and they should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of immigration status,” said Rep. Vargas. “The Veteran Service Recognition Act is an important step towards giving noncitizen veterans a pathway to citizenship in the country they put their lives on the line for, and I’m honored to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.”
“Veterans put their lives on the line to protect our nation and the ideals it represents,” said Rep. Correa. “This legislation honors that service by making it easier for active duty servicemembers to become citizens and creating a pathway to legal resident status for U.S. Veterans. Fighting for the United States is the ultimate act of patriotism—let’s deliver our vets the justice and equality they deserve.”
“Thank you to our many U.S. Service Members who volunteer from our closest allies and Freely Associated States,” said Rep. Radewagen. “After their service, it is common sense and good policy for these Veterans to be able to remain as permanent residents or pursue citizenship if they choose. They strengthened our military and strengthened the country. All our veterans showed commitment to the country through service, in turn we as a nation have a commitment to support our veterans. Thank you Congressman Takano for leading this effort.”
“All members of our Armed Forces deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Rep. Salazar. “Noncitizen veterans, just like their American peers, make the ultimate sacrifice in service of the United States. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Congressman Takano, to streamline the naturalization process for noncitizen veterans and provide due process for those who were wrongfully deported.”
Endorsements: The American Legion, VoteVets, LULAC, AFL-CIO, UnidosUS, ACLU.
You can find the bill text here and a one pager here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)
Miami, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) will host his 18th annual Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. atU.S. Southern Command.
On this day, representatives from the U.S. Naval, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine, and U.S. Coast Guard Academies will meet with and inform prospective students about educational and career opportunities at the service academies.
Event Details:
RSVPis required due to security restrictions. A valid government ID and media credentials must be presented at the checkpoint for admittance. Please RSVP to Andrea Morales.
WHAT:
Service Academy Day
WHO:
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26)
Representatives from the United States Service Academies
“The FY26 Labor and Health funding bill prioritizes Americans’ healthcare access, expands school choice, and devotes resources for life-saving services and research, all while cutting wasteful spending.
“I am proud to have successfully secured critical funding that directly benefits families in Collier and Miami-Dade counties. This funding will support Community Health Centers, expand Alcee Hastings Advanced Cancer screenings, advance groundbreaking research at Florida International University, and support pediatric care by funding graduate medical education. This legislation ensures families have access to life-saving treatments and prepares the next generation of healthcare providers.
“I thank Chairman Tom Cole and Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt for their leadership in advancing legislation that puts Americans’ health first.”
Funding Higlights for FL-26
Community Health
Maintains critical funding for Community Health Centers, which serve as the primary point of care for underserved and vulnerable communities in Collier and Miami-Dade
Maintains robust funding forAlcee L. Hastings Advanced Cancerscreeningsamong vulnerable, medically underserved communities, including those in Collier and Miami-Dade
Providing $100 million for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, which will allow the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to invest in prevention and innovation programs for rural communities, telehealth resources for chronic care, and nutrition services.
Family Empowerment and Care
Increases$60 million in funding to Charter schools, expanding School Choice options for parents and families.
Maintains critical funding for Magnet schools.
Maintains critical funding to support students with financial need who receive Pell Grants, renamed Trump Pell Grants.
Maintains the longstandingHyde Amendment, ensuring no federal funding can be used for abortion on demand.
Increases$5 million in funding for children’s hospitals’ graduate medical education, which trains and equips the next generation of future of pediatric healthcare providers.
Increases$10 million in funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance, which reduces the burden of energy costs for vulnerable families, including in Collier and Miami-Dade counties.
Expresses crucial support for revolutionary approaches in functional precision medicine and groundbreaking research for adult and pediatric cancer patients, such as the ones being conducted atFlorida International Universityby Dr. Diana Azzam.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Providing increased funding for youth and young adult suicide prevention, mental health treatment, and substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
StrengtheningTribal communitiesby supporting mental health and substance abuse treatment, elder care, and child and family services, while promoting accountability and self-sufficiency.
Focusing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on communicable diseases rather than social engineering.
Reducing funding by 19% and streamlining 35 duplicative and controversial programs while increasing funding to combat emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases.
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
Providing $48 billion in funding to support biomedical research, a necessary counter to China’s growing threat in basic science research.
Strengthening America’s biodefense and countering global health security threats by providing more than $3 billion for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
Prohibiting the purchase of supplies from China for the Strategic National Stockpile, which supports American manufacturers by expanding the domestic industrial base for these items.
Prioritizing the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children under custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement through improved sponsor vetting, interagency data sharing, welfare checks, and reporting requirements.
Securing the nation’s food security by rolling back the Biden Administration’s burdensome one-size-fits-all regulations leading to the closure of small family farms.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the committee approved theFiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS)Appropriations bill earlier this month:
“As our community prepares to host some of the world’s largest global events, such as the G-20 Summit in Doral and as one of the U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup – it is more crucial than ever that we ensure the safety of both Americans and visitors to the United States. That’s why I’m proud to have secured over$11 millionin the FY26 CJS funding bill to ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools and resources to respond to the immense security and logistical challenges that will result ahead of these major events and keep our communities safe.
“I thank Chairman Tom Cole and the Dean of the House, Congressman Hal Rogers, for crafting a bill that prioritizes safety for law enforcement, Americans, and international visitors, all while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”
Funding Highlights for FL-26
Supporting Law Enforcement
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office: $1.05 million for mobile operations command center upgrades.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office: $4.2 million for global public safety and equipment expansion.
Miccosukee Tribe Police Department: $350,000 for marked police patrol vehicles.
City of Miami Springs Police Department: $500,000 for marked fleet modernization.
City of Hialeah Gardens: $2.04 million for high-priority marked police patrol vehicles.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office: $2.5 million for marked vehicle expansion project.
Village of Virginia Gardens’ Law Enforcement: $405,000 for technology upgrades.
Bolstering National Security
Bill Language for technical corrections for LIBERTAD Title III claimants.
This language clarifies that a claimant who is eligible to sue under Title III of theLIBERTAD Act of 1996, and who subsequently acquired a claim through inheritance or as a successor-in-interest after March 1996, may successfully bring suit against a person who traffics in the claimant’s confiscated property.
Bill Language prohibiting the use of funds made available by this Act to license exports to any officer of the Cuban military or intelligence service, or an immediate family member thereof.
Report Languagereiterating the passage of the No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act.
Report Languageon Small Business Contracting, as Hialeah is home to a small business apparel and textile sector manufacturer of U.S. military uniforms for the armed forces, many similar businesses have been driven out of business or are exiting the country due to a preference for Federal Prison Industries contracts with the Department of Defense.
$6 millionfor INTERPOL Washington, to support the International Child Sexual Exploitation Database and INTERPOL’s victim identification efforts globally.
Strengthening School Safety
STOP School Violence Grant Program: $135 million
Police Act Grants: $12 million for active shooter training for police officers.
VALOR Initiative: $13 million for police officer safety and wellness programs
Mental Health/Peer Mentoring: $10 million for mental health awareness training
Report Languageon the challenges that urban and rural school districts encounter when applying for federal funding for school safety-related grants, and requires a detailed explanation of grant denials
Report Languagedirecting the Department of Justice to report on a plan to improve the timing and duration of the grant period to enable the improved quality of applications and increased participation in the application process.
Report Languagedirecting the Department of Justice to work with other Federal agencies to notify States, localities, Tribes, and school districts of the availability of funding announced by the STOP solicitation upon release, and to provide microgrants for school districts, including rural, Tribal, and low-resourced schools.
Championing Conservative Priorities, Countering Communist China, and Maintaining America’s Competitive Edge
Continuing the long-standing Hyde-like prohibition that prevents the use of Department of Justice funds to pay for abortion.
Upholding prohibitions on funding for COVID vaccine and mask mandates.
Investing in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, and advanced manufacturing.
Providing funding for DEA above the FY25 enacted level to curb the flow of China’s illicit export of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors into America.
University of Miami: $3.1 million for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Research & Innovation Hub Equipment Expansion Project
$56 millionfor the Integrated Ocean Observing System to improve weather, flooding, and harmful algal bloom forecasting.
Supporting the critical Artemis program to advance American leadership in space and countering China’s malign ambitions to steal American research.
Report Languageon Space Infrastructure as the United States’ commercial spaceflight industry has grown exponentially over the past decade, withKennedy Space Centeralone supporting over 72 launches from both NASA and Space Force property in 2023.
That growth has stretched to capacity much of the Kennedy Space Center’s spaceport infrastructure, which was only sized to support NASA’s requirements. Additional investments are urgently needed to upgrade capabilities and expand capacity to meet projected needs for both governmental and commercial missions.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Last Word and made clear that while Donald Trump and Republicans are leading us toward a reckless government shutdown, Democrats will continue to fight to protect the healthcare of the American people.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our coverage tonight is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you very much for joining us tonight, Mr. Leader.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: How do you do it? We’re all out here wondering, how can you possibly negotiate with Donald Trump, who some newspapers are now calling ‘deranged’ in headlines?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, here’s the thing. We’ve made clear that we’re ready, we’re willing, we’re able to sit down with anyone, at any time, any place, including the President, to have a discussion about avoiding a painful and catastrophic Republican-caused government shutdown. But at the same period of time, we’ve also been very clear we do not support this partisan Republican spending bill because it continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. We want no part of that. We’ve seen a massive attack on the healthcare of everyday Americans. Largest cut to Medicaid in American history. We’ve seen hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health clinics close all across America because of the One Big Ugly Bill. They refused to extend the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, which is going to result in at least 20 million Americans experiencing incredibly skyrocketing premiums, co-pays and deductibles. There’s actually a $536 billion cut to Medicare that may occur because of what Republicans have done in the One Big Ugly Bill if Congress doesn’t act over the next few months. And we know, Lawrence, that they’ve also shut down medical research and in large measure vaccine availability in the United States of America. This is like immoral stuff that Republicans have done. And so we’re going to try to find a bipartisan resolution here, but there’s a clear line in the sand that we’ve drawn around the healthcare of the American people.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Just to—diversion from the budget issue for a moment. Do you now see in the House of Representatives enough votes on the discharge petition to get the Epstein files?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes. When Adelita Grijalva, who won yesterday, is sworn in to Congress, and that needs to happen as early as next week. It should happen. In fact, we have a pro forma session of the House of Representatives on Friday, and this has happened before, with Republicans being sworn in this year in the immediate aftermath of the Florida special elections during a so-called pro forma session. And so the question, Lawrence, is whether Republicans are going to play games here because they know that Representative-elect Grijalva is the 218th vote to force the Trump administration to release the Epstein fines, which they clearly have been hiding from the American people, apparently because they’re afraid of what is in them.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: So the Speaker has the power to delay her swearing in?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, it’s largely at the discretion of the Speaker and the majority to try to delay the swearing in of a new Member until the election results were formally certified. But we know that Representative Grijalva won decisively and overwhelmingly. It was not close. And so there is no dispute as it relates to her joining the House of Representatives and following in her father’s footsteps. She’s going to be a tremendous progressive advocate for issues like lowering the high cost of living and fixing our broken healthcare system, while at the same time fighting for transparency in connection with the Epstein files. So we hope and expect that Republicans will do the right thing. And if they don’t, we’re going to make clear to the American people why they are playing games as it relates to the swearing in of Rep.-elect Grijalva.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: So Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are now demanding the release of the Homan files, what may include an FBI undercover video recording of FBI undercover agents handing Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, last year $50,000 in cash. Might that have to also get to a discharge petition?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to use every means available to us. And led by Jamie Raskin, who’s doing a great job leading the House Judiciary Committee on the Democratic side, and certainly Robert Garcia and Members like Summer Lee, Ayanna Pressley and others on the Oversight Committee who pressed hard to force Republicans to actually press the Trump administration through the execution of subpoenas to get the birthday note, for instance, or birthday book for Epstein, which had some new information in it. We’re going to continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal. We believe that the American people just simply deserve the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the whole truth with respect to all of the things. And we can do that. We continue to press our case as it relates to transparency, while at the same time also making clear that we’re in this fight to stop this government shutdown and to protect the healthcare of the American people for a simple reason. We just need Republicans to understand they should cancel the cuts, lower the cost and save healthcare because the unprecedented assault that has been launched on the healthcare of the American people is unconscionable and un-American, and Democrats are standing up to push back and do something about it.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: So you just said cancel the cuts, lower the costs and save healthcare. Are those your three negotiating points with Donald Trump?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah. Our view has been we will not continue to participate in an effort to gut the healthcare of the American people. That’s why we opposed the One Big Ugly Bill. Every single Democrat in the House, partnering with Leader Schumer and every single Democrat in the Senate, pushed back against their effort to enact the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, which is extraordinary. I mean, they’re setting in motion hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health clinics closing all across the country, including in rural America. And they knew this was going to happen. We warned them that this was going to happen and they could care less. And people are going to die as a result of what Republicans have done in terms of this assault on the healthcare in rural America, urban America, small town America, the heartland of America, Black and Brown communities all across America. And so we’re saying that we’ve got the cuts that have to be dealt with. We have the need to lower healthcare costs, and the fact that premiums, co-pays and deductibles are about to explode for millions of Americans all across the country, in part related to their refusal to extend the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. And overall, it’s been such an unprecedented attack on the healthcare of everyday Americans that saving healthcare is what we are trying to do for the American people.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Donald Trump says in his statement about why he’s refusing to meet with you that you want to keep dead people on the Social Security rolls, that you want to keep dead people on the Medicaid rolls and that you want to cut funding for rural hospitals. Are any of those things true? I don’t hear those things when you listed your demands.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, not a single one of those things are true. And just to make it simple for Donald Trump, it’s eight words. Cancel the cuts, lower the cost, save healthcare. And let’s have this debate before the American people. Donald Trump agreed to meet in the White House and then backed away from it in an unhinged rant and is running scared. And this is on top of the fact that the House Republicans canceled votes that were scheduled to take place next Monday and Tuesday in advance of government funding running out. And John Thune has basically said, ‘I’ve got nothing to talk to Democrats about.’ Really? You don’t? Let’s start with the healthcare of the American people and the fact that Republicans are marching us toward a painful government shutdown. And we are ready to have that conversation anytime, any place. It’s the responsible thing to do. Like the notion that Republicans expect Democrats just to fall in line and vote for their partisan spending bill that hurts the American people without actually engaging in a discussion and a negotiation to arrive at a bipartisan spending bill that actually meets the needs of everyday Americans in terms of their health, public safety and economic well-being—the notion that we’re just supposed to fall in line and bend the knee—they’re sadly confused about who we are. That’s what Republicans have been doing, serving as a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. We want no part of that.
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for starting off our conversations tonight.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) urged United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to prioritize market access for U.S. blueberries in trade discussions with critical partners in Asia.
“The U.S. is the world’s top blueberry producing nation and increasing exports to markets in the Asia-Pacific region supports producers in our districts and states, creating good agriculture jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.
In addition, the bipartisan letter highlights specific opportunities to support the U.S. blueberry industry in trade discussions with Japan, Vietnam and Korea.
“Blueberry farmers across the state are eager to grow by selling delicious, nutritious Washington blueberries to consumers worldwide,” said Rep. Larsen. “Congress and the administration must continue to work together to create jobs by breaking down barriers that prevent U.S. blueberries from competing in important global markets. Working with Rep. Newhouse to support this critical industry helps all of Washington state.”
“The best blueberries in the nation are grown in Washington state, and as the administration continues to negotiate trade agreements, it is critical that we address both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers for our blueberry producers,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Expanding market access for American products remains a top priority of mine in Congress, and that includes making sure our blueberries can be enjoyed around the world. I thank Rep. Larsen for joining this effort as we continue to advocate for producers across Washington state.”
To read the lawmakers’ full letter to USTR Greer and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, click HERE.
What American Blueberry Farmers and Producers are Saying:
“As a third-generation Washington farmer, I’m proud to continue my family’s legacy of supplying high-quality blueberries to consumers worldwide, including Japan, where my family heritage lies. U.S. blueberries are among the best in the world, and I am optimistic that longstanding barriers in markets like Japan, Korea and Vietnam can finally be addressed. Doing so will open new opportunities for growers, strengthen the farm economy and help reduce our agricultural trade deficit. I thank Rep. Larsen for his steadfast support of Washington blueberries and farm families like mine.” – Bryan Sakuma, Sakuma Bros. Farms, Burlington, WA
“As a Washington blueberry grower, I strongly support the administration’s engagement on export priorities for our industry. Our state is one of the nation’s leading blueberry producers, and access to strong export markets is critical to maintaining healthy prices and sustaining family farms. Addressing Japan’s tariff on frozen blueberries, securing access for fresh blueberries into Korea and lowering Vietnam’s high tariff rates are all essential steps to ensure Washington fruit remains competitive against global suppliers. These actions will not only strengthen farmgate returns for growers but also support rural jobs and highlight the premium quality and reliability of Washington blueberries to consumers around the world.” – Chad Don, Oasis Farms and NABC Board Member., Grandview, WA
“Blueberry growers have a powerful and positive impact on the U.S. economy, generating $9.1 billion in total economic activity and supporting more than 61,000 jobs each year. We strongly support the bipartisan congressional letter urging the administration to address longstanding trade barriers in key markets like Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers will expand opportunities for family farmers, strengthen the agricultural economy and ensure the U.S. blueberry industry can thrive globally. We thank Reps. Larsen and Newhouse for their steadfast support – not only for Washington growers, but for blueberry growers across the nation who benefit from fair access to export markets and a vibrant blueberry industry.” – Kasey Cronquist, President, North American Blueberry Council
Blueberries: Bipartisan, Bicameral
Joining Representatives Larsen and Newhouse in signing the letter were Rep. Jack Bergman, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Vince Fong, Rep. Val Hoyle, Rep. Bill Huizenga, Sen. Andy Kim, Sen. Angus King, Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, Rep. John Moolenaar, Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Austin Scott, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, Sen. Raphael G. Warnock, Rep. Rudy Yakym.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF LABOR LEADER AND FRIEND FREDERICK “FREDDIE” JOSEPH
U.S. Virgin Islands, September 24, 2025
For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps
September 24, 2025 202-813-2793
PRESS RELEASE
CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF LABOR LEADER AND FRIEND FREDERICK “FREDDIE” JOSEPH
U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Frederick Joseph, longtime labor leader and advocate for the Virgin Islands:
“The Virgin Islands has lost a giant with the passing of Mr. Frederick Joseph, affectionately known as “Freddie.” My first encounters with Freddie were in the course of negotiations for collective bargaining agreements for various unions within the Government of the Virgin Islands. He was fierce, passionate, and meticulous in his understanding of his people’s rights. I enjoyed being jointly affectionately challenged, badgered, and harassed by him and Tito Morales—may his memory be for a blessing. As can happen in the practice of law, when you find worthy competitors, it breeds mutual respect and oftentimes friendships.
“Freddie went on to encourage me to run for Congress and then offered advice as I went about the people’s business. Even in retirement, he had opinions and passion for his home and our world. His dedication to working families never wavered, and his voice for justice never quieted.
“I am grateful for his friendship, and my deepest sympathies go to his family—his wife, daughter, and so many others, especially his swimming group. The Virgin Islands is stronger because of leaders like Freddie Joseph, who fought tirelessly for the rights and dignity of working people. We’ve lost a great one, but his legacy of advocacy and unwavering commitment to our community will endure.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon, Bell, Carbajal, Introduce Bipartisan Baltic Security Assessment Act to Strengthen National Security and Support NATO Allies
Washington – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Wesley Bell (MO-01), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24), introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from hostile actors, including Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea.
Under the legislation, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, will be required to deliver a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations. The report will also identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region.
“The Baltic nations have witnessed firsthand the reality of Soviet oppression and today stand as beacons of democracy in the face of increasing threats from Russia and its allies. I’m grateful to co-lead the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, which strengthens our commitment to our steadfast allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania,” said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. “This bipartisan legislation will improve our understanding of emerging military, cyber, and hybrid threats to the Baltic states through a comprehensive assessment, while reaffirming America’s unwavering support for these vital NATO partners.”
“Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine is a stark reminder that our Baltic allies are on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy,” said Rep. Bell. “The Baltic Security Assessment Act will give the United States a clear picture of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and strengthen our ability to support them. This bipartisan bill reinforces NATO’s collective defense and ensures we stand united against those who seek to undermine freedom.”
“Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine has underscored the urgent need to stand firmly with our Baltic allies,” said Rep. Carbajal, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. “The Baltic Security Assessment Act reinforces our Baltic alliances, bolsters regional stability, and advances our shared security goals.”
Last week, three Russian military jets violated Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes, the latest in a series of military actions by Russia that have provoked NATO members. This follows the 20 Russian drones fired into Poland’s airspace during the evening of September 9.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have been NATO members since 2004 and have played an active role in the alliance’s collective defense. The Baltic nations have been on the frontlines of countering Russian aggression, particularly since Moscow’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The bill underscores the United States’ commitment to ensuring these allies have the resources, intelligence, and cooperation needed to defend themselves and the transatlantic alliance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
September 17, 2025
Download his remarks and photos HERE. Watch his remarksHERE.
Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), joined lawmakers from the House and Senate to highlight the harmful impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempted rollback of the Endangerment Finding and other climate policies aimed at protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
“I led a letter with virtually the entire California delegation, House and Senate…We got everybody signed up in California to say to Administrator Zeldin, ‘Don’t do this.’ Californians don’t want to see this happen,” said Rep. Levin. “I represent so many Republicans that don’t want to see the smog alerts come back, don’t want to see the polluted air come back. We’ve got to stand up for clean air, we’ve got to stand up for a strong economy, and we’ve got to lead the future.”
Earlier today, Rep. Levin led 44 members of California’s Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to maintain the Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gases and warning of the impacts of repealing the bedrock policy that enables the agency to fight climate change.
Read the full transcript of his remarks below:
Levin:Well, like Senator Padilla, I grew up in Southern California in the 1980s and I actually want to direct my comments to you guys back here. So when I was your age, we had smog alerts all the time that would keep us inside. Teachers would say, “You’re not allowed to go out to play. We have to stay inside today because the air quality is bad, because of the particulate matter, or the ozone or whatever it may be.” I also remember running around the track. I went to high school near downtown Los Angeles, and you’d run one lap around the track, and your lungs would burn from all the stuff in the air.
But California got very aggressive, we got very smart, and we worked with our federal partners. We worked with the EPA, and we were able to do a tremendous amount. We were able to reduce ozone pollution by around 70%, and at the same time, California grew its economy 300%. So the notion that you can’t clean up the environment and grow the economy at the same time is just flat out false. We’ve done it in California, the fourth largest economy in the world.
At the same time, what I see today from Lee Zeldin, somebody that I know. I’ve known Lee Zeldin, we served together here in Congress. What I see today really doesn’t resemble the Lee Zeldin that served in Congress, to be honest with you. I see an EPA that has lost its way. The EPA was created, let’s not forget, when Richard Nixon was President, the Clean Air Act had overwhelming bipartisan consensus, just a handful of people voted against. Same with the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, all the bedrock environmental laws that, growing up as a new environmental attorney, I have to admit to you, I thought would be around for the rest of my life. I never expected that we would see the entire framework of environmental law challenged all at once, and what we’re seeing right now through the actions of the EPA threatens the future health of our young people. When you are my age and when you have kids and grandkids of your own, you want clean air to breathe, you want clean water to drink.
Just the same, I think it endangers the future of our economy, because what is going to happen is, we’re going to cede our global leadership to China and other countries on the clean energy jobs of the future and the clean transportation jobs of the future.
And, on top of it all, it’s going to mean higher energy prices for consumers, because clean energy is cheap energy, and cheap energy is clean energy. That’s why Sean and I are going to be rolling out a bill called the Cheap Energy Act, all about renewables and transmission and all the other things that we think will lead to a better and cleaner future.
So I would just say this: I led a letter with virtually the entire California delegation, House and Senate, just as Ed did in Massachusetts and Lloyd tried to do in Texas. We got everybody signed up in California to say to Administrator Zeldin, “Don’t do this.” Californians don’t want to see this happen. I represent so many Republicans that don’t want to see the smog alerts come back, don’t want to see the polluted air come back. We’ve got to stand up for clean air, we’ve got to stand up for a strong economy, and we’ve got to lead the future.
And so with that, I just encourage the young people, stay involved, stay involved. And I’m so grateful that you’re all here. I’m grateful to all the organizations that are here.