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Carbajal Slams Republicans’ Partisan Spending Bill to Raise Costs on Working Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following House passage of the Republican spending bill proposal that will leave millions of Americans with higher healthcare costs. The bill comes on the heels of President Trump and House Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill”, which includes severe cuts to healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans, all to give over $5 trillion in tax cuts to our wealthiest citizens. The Republican spending bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. Today’s vote shows they would rather shut down the government than work with Democrats to protect healthcare for the American people. Democrats put forward an alternative proposal that would address the Republican-led healthcare crisis, lower costs for families, and protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse. But instead of working with us on a bipartisan solution, Republicans are forcing through a partisan bill that will make matters worse. I won’t rubber-stamp this extreme bill that will rip healthcare away from millions of people. I urge our Senate colleagues to reject this harmful bill and join us in demanding Republicans come to the table to negotiate,” said Rep. Carbajal.

Democrats in both the House and Senate have argued that any stopgap funding bill needs to protect the expanded tax credit subsidies for health insurance purchased through Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges. Those tax credits and the eligibility for them were expanded by Democrats in 2021 under then-President Biden and are scheduled to expire at the end of December. If the tax credits are not protected in the stopgap bill, millions of Americans could lose their health insurance.

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Norton Introduces Resolution Designating September as ‘Peace Month,’ Inspired by D.C. Second Graders

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, ahead of International Day of Peace on September 21, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of September 2025 as national “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace, at home and abroad. The idea for the resolution came from the Helpful Potato Bugs, a class of second-grade students at Horace Mann Elementary School in the District of Columbia. Seven years ago, the students sent Norton a handwritten note, adorned with peace signs, expressing their desire to “help make the world a peaceful place” and for “all Americans to be nice, have no conflicts, and be very peaceful.” Norton has introduced an annual resolution supporting the designation of September as Peace Month since then.

“It brings joy to my heart to reintroduce this resolution ahead of the International Day of Peace, a day that urges nations around the world to lay down their arms and focus on peacemaking and diplomacy,” Norton said. “Some of the best ideas for bills come directly from constituents, which is why I am grateful to the second graders who wrote to me in 2018, stressing the importance of a more peaceful America and world. Congress should take note that even our youngest constituents are watching, adding to our responsibility to encourage action to help achieve peace around the world.”

Norton’s resolution follows.

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace.

Whereas the United Nations designated September 21 “International Day of Peace”, otherwise known as Peace Day;

Whereas the United Nations General Assembly declared Peace Day as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples”;

Whereas all United Nations member states, organizations, regional and nongovernmental organizations, and individuals are encouraged to celebrate and recognize global peace efforts on Peace Day;

Whereas Peace Day represents shared hopes of an end to conflict in all forms;

Whereas the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global cease fire on Peace Day;

Whereas this year’s Peace Day theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”;

Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone development in contemporary human history promoting peace and well-being worldwide;

Whereas global peace promotion efforts improve the lives of Americans and all peoples;

Whereas the United States has a long history of promoting peace and human rights at home and abroad; and

Whereas September would be an appropriate month to designate as Peace Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the designation of “Peace Month”; and

(2) calls on Congress to promote peace, both at home and abroad.

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Norton to Use Oversight D.C. Hearing to Make the Case for Statehood for 700,000+ D.C. Residents

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks, as prepared for delivery, in advance of today’s House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb will testify. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and can be viewed on the Oversight Committee’s website.

“This hearing shouldn’t be happening. More than 700,000 D.C. residents should never have been denied the full rights and protections that residents of the states enjoy, including the ability to enact their own local laws and policies without interference from members of Congress who are not accountable to the District,” Norton said. “However, since Republicans are determined to use the committee’s valuable time to question and disparage D.C.’s democratically enacted policy choices, I’ll use today’s hearing as a platform to highlight this injustice and make the case for ending the centuries-long denial of statehood for the residents of the District.”

Norton’s remarks follow, as prepared for delivery.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Hearing on “Oversight of the District of Columbia”

September 18, 2025

District of Columbia residents have all the obligations of American citizenship, including paying federal taxes, serving on juries and registering with the Selective Service, yet Congress denies them full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  The only solution to this undemocratic treatment is to grant D.C. statehood.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from leading constitutional scholars explaining why the D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, is constitutional.

The Admissions Clause of the Constitution gives Congress authority to admit new states.  All 37 new states were admitted by Congress.  The District Clause of the Constitution gives Congress authority to reduce the size of the federal district, which Congress did by 30% in 1846.

H.R. 51 reduces the size of the federal district from 68 square miles to 2 square miles, consisting of the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the National Mall and remaining under the control of Congress.  The new state consists of the residential and commercial areas of D.C. 

The Admissions Clause does not establish any prerequisites for the admission of new states, but Congress generally has considered three factors: support for statehood, commitment to democracy, and resources and population.  86% of D.C. residents voted for statehood in twenty sixteen.  D.C. residents have demanded democratic rights for more than 220 years.  D.C. has a larger gross domestic product than 16 states and a higher per capita gross domestic product than any state.  D.C. has a higher per capita personal income than any state.  D.C. has a larger population than 2 states. 

Republicans do not like that D.C. votes for Democrats, so they deny it statehood. 

Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson and Attorney General Schwalb, my question for each of you is: Why should D.C. be a state?

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After Passage of Two Anti-D.C. Home Rule Bills, Norton Vows to Fight Advancement in the Senate

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

“These outrageous anti-D.C. home rule bills are being introduced and passed by members of Congress who do not represent D.C., who are not accountable to D.C. residents, and have no mandate to substitute their own policy judgments for laws that were democratically enacted by the District.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the House passed the second set of two anti-D.C. home rule bills it voted on this week to change D.C. laws today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) vowed to fight their advancement in the Senate.

The first bill, the D.C. Judicial Nominations Reform Act, was introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and would eliminate the Judicial Nomination Commission, a panel of seven D.C. residents who screen, select and recommend candidates to be judges in local D.C. courts. The president must make a nomination from a list of candidates recommended by the Commission. Every other U.S. state and territory appoints its own judges with no role for the federal government. The second bill, the D.C. Policing Protection Act, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and would significantly weaken D.C.’s limitations on vehicular pursuits by police officers.

“These outrageous anti-D.C. home rule bills are being introduced and passed by members of Congress who do not represent D.C., who are not accountable to D.C. residents, and have no mandate to substitute their own policy judgments for laws that were democratically enacted by the District,” Norton said.

“Rep. Sessions’ alarming bill would eliminate the already small role D.C. is allowed to play in the selection of its own local judges and hand that power entirely to President Trump. Most crimes in D.C. are already prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney, who is nominated by the president. This bill would mean President Trump, who has extensive experience as a criminal defendant, would take an even larger portion of D.C.’s justice system from the people of D.C. It’s an offensive and unacceptable proposition.

“Rep. Higgins’ bill would impose his personal views about vehicular pursuits, presumably formed during his time as a law enforcement officer in Lafayette, Louisiana, on D.C. Vehicular pursuits by police officers are inherently dangerous for officers, suspects, and bystanders, and alternatives often exist to capture a suspect. D.C. law allows vehicular pursuits in some circumstances, unlike 2% of local police departments which prohibit them altogether. Rep. Higgins thinks he knows better than D.C. how to strike the proper balance in D.C., but the nation’s capital is a very different place than Lafayette.

“Regardless of the substantive problems with these specific bills, D.C. residents are capable of governing themselves on all local matters without assistance from House Republicans. I will fight advancement of these bills in the Senate. D.C. residents need home rule, and we deserve statehood.”

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After Passage of Two Anti-D.C. Home Rule Bills, Norton Says House Republican Cycle of “Disingenuous Partisanship” Towards D.C. Must End

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

“This is about denying D.C. residents the basic right of self-government that every American deserves and treating the nation’s capital as Republicans’ own fiefdom, democracy be damned.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the House passed two anti-D.C. home rule bills to change D.C.’s criminal laws today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said the cycle of disingenuous partisanship, in which Republicans in Congress claim to be concerned about D.C. while decreasing D.C.’s ability to make its own decisions, must end. The first bill, the D.C. CRIMES Act, was introduced by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and would amend D.C.’s Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act, changing the age at which a court is allowed discretion to impose alternative sentences on a person, other than for certain offenses, and to seal the individual’s records, from 24 to 18. The second bill, introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), would lower the age minors can be tried as adults in D.C. to 14 years old.

“Today’s vote is yet another shameful assault on the democratic rights of more than 700,000 taxpaying D.C. residents. House Republicans, none of whom represent D.C. or are accountable to its people, are once again engaging in disingenuous partisanship to impose their preferred policies on D.C. This cycle is counterproductive, and it must end,” Norton said.

“This cycle of interference is not about good governance, since D.C. officials, not Republicans in Congress, are best positioned to decide what policies are beneficial for the District. It is about denying D.C. residents the basic right of self-government that every American deserves and treating the nation’s capital as Republicans’ own fiefdom, democracy be damned. Until D.C. achieves full autonomy and statehood, I will not stop fighting these undemocratic attacks.”

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Norton Announces Continuing Resolution Includes Longstanding Provision to Allow D.C. to Spend its Own Local Funds at Locally Enacted Levels

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement after the text of the House Republican’s proposed continuing resolution (CR) included language allowing D.C. to spend under its current (fiscal year 2026) local budget for the duration of the CR. The text of the CR was released yesterday. 

“While I will not weigh in on the merits of the proposed CR itself, I am pleased it includes the longstanding provision allowing D.C. to spend its own local funds at current fiscal year 2026 levels,” Norton said. “This is a significant improvement over the previous CR, which, in a radical departure from decades of congressional practice, blocked D.C. from using $1 billion of its locally approved budget and forced the District to revert to 2024 spending levels midway through the year. 

“This harmful cut underscored, yet again, why D.C. needs statehood.”

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Rutherford Statement on the Clean, Short-Term CR

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, member of the House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), released the following statement on the House passage of the short-term Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026:

“Today, House Republicans passed a clean, short-term continuing resolution to fully fund the core functions of the federal government, so that President Trump and his administration can continue to identify waste, fraud, and abuse of American taxpayer dollars, protect our borders, and support Americans, including our veterans, military families, first responders, and seniors. Most importantly, by passing this stopgap bill, we are ensuring that a costly government shutdown does not fall on the American people.

“It is the constitutional obligation of Congress to fund the federal government, and House Republicans are fulfilling that duty. The House Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member, has passed all twelve Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills out of committee. This short-term continuing resolution today gives Congress time to approve the twelve appropriations bills through regular order and keep our country open for the American people.

“I remain committed to funding our government, avoiding a shutdown, continuing the FY26 appropriations process, allowing the Trump Administration to continue to put America First, and protecting Americans.”

The bill includes Rutherford’s priorities to:

  • Prevent uncertainty and keep a costly government shutdown from falling upon the American people
  • Extend government funding until November 21 through a clean, straightforward CR that is free of poison pills
  • Keep the federal government open and working to advance the House Appropriations Committee’s FY26 conference committee negotiations to move funding bills forward under regular order and restore a transparent, orderly approach to the process of funding the federal government not otherwise seen since Fiscal Year 2019
  • Continue President Trump’s America First agenda
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Schakowsky, Barragán Introduce Legislation to Halt Fossil Fuel Expansion and Combat Climate Change

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) reintroduced the Future Generations Protection Act. This bill would help ensure a rapid shift away from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy.

“After one of the hottest summers on record, the evidence is clear: decisive climate action is more important than ever. That’s why I am proud to introduce the Future Generations Protection Act with Rep. Barragán, legislation that targets major polluters by banning greenhouse gas emissions for all new power plants, crude oil and natural gas exports, and hydraulic fracking,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Time is running out to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Nearly 100,000 Americans die every year from air pollution Fossil fuels that endanger our health and safety have no place in a clean energy future. Our children do not deserve to suffer the consequences of our inaction, and this legislation is a step towards a more habitable planet for generations to come.”

“I’m proud to join Rep. Schakowsky in reintroducing the Future Generations Protection Act, because the stakes for our planet and our communities are even higher today under the Trump Administration.  While Trump continues his attacks on climate action and doubles down on fossil fuel expansion, our bill makes clear that America must move in the opposite direction — toward clean energy, healthier communities, and a livable planet. We cannot allow the climate rollbacks by the Trump Administration to erase the progress we’ve made. This bill is about protecting families today and safeguarding a livable future for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán.

The Future Generations Protection Act would:

  • Ban greenhouse gas emissions from all new power plants.
  • Stop hydraulic fracking.
  • Ban crude oil and natural gas exports.
  • Prohibit the Federal Energy Resources Commission from approving new liquified natural gas terminal siting or construction, unless doing so would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Future Generations Protection Act is supported by leading environmental organizations.

“We applaud the leadership of Rep Schakowsky in reintroducing the Future Generations Protection Act to limit dangerous, emissions-intensive fossil fuel exports that drive up domestic energy prices. This bill is especially important now in the midst of the Trump Administration’s attacks on renewable, affordable energy,” said Claire Dorner, Associate Director of Legislative and Administrative Advocacy at the Sierra Club. “Climate change is an existential threat fueled by the fossil fuel industry’s incessant need to rake in massive profits while making our lives more expensive and unhealthy. This legislation is an essential step in the right direction towards challenging the industry’s life-threatening greed and making room for both clean energy and our communities to thrive”

“In a moment when American leadership on the clean energy transition has been deliberately dismantled by the Trump administration, Rep. Schakowsky and the cosponsors of the Future Generations Protection Act are stepping up to deliver the leadership our country needs,” said Camden Weber, climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “To secure a livable climate for our children and grandchildren, we must bring an end to carbon-emitting industries once and for all. This bill takes that critical step with justice at its core.”

“Sadly, our country’s environment and public health have been disregarded for the sake of corporate profits — especially those of polluting fossil fuel companies. Decades of foolish policy has left our country and our planet in a dangerous, unhealthy place. The Future Generations Protection Act is an important step in fighting back against the assault of the fossil fuel industry,” said Drew Guillory, policy analyst at Food and Water Watch.

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, and Barragán, this bill is cosponsored by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velazquez (NY-07).

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Jayapal Statement on Charlie Kirk Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding her vote against the resolution honoring Charlie Kirk:

“Charlie Kirk’s death is a tragedy, as is any death in this country due to political violence or gun violence. His murder should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and his wife, children, and supporters deserve justice. Every one of us, as elected officials, has the responsibility to condemn all political violence from wherever it comes. Congress should have been voting on a unifying resolution to do just that — condemning the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, without lionizing his highly controversial speech or actions.

“Unfortunately, this Republican resolution was designed as a political ‘gotcha’ — trying to force every member of Congress to lift up the views of Charlie Kirk rather than simply condemning his assassination. I cannot do that. This resolution does nothing to send a unified message to the country, to prevent further violence, or to turn down the temperature.

“Every one of us should clearly and constantly condemn his assassination and any political violence when it happens. That should not be controversial. But voting for this resolution puts words in my mouth that I endorse Charlie Kirk’s views, when I wholly and fundamentally in my bones am in strong opposition to most of his views.

“I am deeply worried for our country as Republicans are now trying to strip free speech from anyone who criticizes the views he espoused, pushing to pull licenses from TV stations because comedians make jokes, even if some consider them tasteless or disagreeable. The First Amendment gives every person the right to free speech, full stop.

“I would have gladly voted for a resolution that simply condemned his assassination just as I condemned the assassination of Minnesota State Senator Melissa Hortman. Democrats have introduced exactly such a resolution, and I hope we can bring that to the floor, so I can enthusiastically cast a YES vote to condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk.”

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Pappas Helps Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Guarantee Military Pay During Government Shutdowns

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped reintroduce the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation ensures that members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Coast Guard, continue to receive pay and benefits in the event of a government shutdown.

“Members of the armed forces defend our nation and our way of life every day, and we owe it to them to ensure they and their families never experience hardship as a result of political dysfunction in Washington,” said Congressman Pappas. “House Republicans continue to engage in a partisan process that is driving us towards a shutdown that threatens the well-being of thousands of New Hampshire active duty and reserve personnel who would be forced to work without pay in the event of a government shutdown. This legislation guarantees that those who serve and defend our nation never miss a paycheck, no matter what happens in Washington.”

In the 118th Congress, the Pay Our Troops Act earned the support of more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors, including members of the House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. With the possibility of future shutdowns, the legislation reaffirms a simple principle: those who serve our nation in uniform should never be caught in the middle of Washington’s political stalemates.

The National Military Family Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, United Steelworkers, Blue Star Families, and the Military Officers Association of America support this legislation.

“Our servicemembers should never have to question whether they will receive a paycheck for standing guard over our nation. The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 is a common-sense, bipartisan measure that ensures those in uniform, as well as the civilians and contractors who support them, are protected from the political uncertainty of government shutdowns. At IAVA, we strongly support this legislation because it reaffirms a simple truth: when our troops uphold their promise to serve, our nation must uphold its promise to pay them,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). 

“Our military is willing to do their job for the country, which often puts their lives at risk. We just ask that Congress do their job to keep the government running and get us paid,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families.

“The Pay Our Troops Act ensures our servicemembers are paid on time, even if government funding stalls,” said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), President and CEO of MOAA. “As they continue to stand watch and defend our nation, they should never have to wonder whether their paychecks will arrive. This legislation provides the financial certainty military families deserve, protecting them from the instability of government shutdowns while they protect us.”

“Financial stability shouldn’t be on the line while military families must continue to serve. Military families deserve the paychecks, benefits, and the safety nets they rely on to make ends meet and service possible. We urge Congress to pass the Pay Our Troops Act immediately and show our service members and their families their sacrifice is worth it,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association.