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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Newsmax’s Wake Up America to discuss Democrats’ tantrums and the shutdown’s escalating impact on federal workers and families in need. Leader Scalise contrasted President Trump’s record of keeping his promises and getting things done for the American people with Chuck Schumer’s refusal to reopen the government to placate his radical base.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview.
Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s interview:On Democrats holding Americans hostage over their hatred of President Trump:“There’s already a lot of problems that Democrats have caused by shutting the government down. The most immediate was that you have federal workers, including our men and women in uniform, that started working without pay. Some of them were getting partial pay, but not their full pay. Their bills were still due fully. They still had the rent and the car notes, and all of that was due. And so that was already disrupted. And then you saw even more problems, the SNAP benefits, the women, infant, and children payments that were not going out to those low-income families. These are millions. I’m talking over 42 million people that are put in a really, really horrible position just so that Democrats can have a tantrum because Donald Trump won the presidency. And whatever Chuck Schumer thinks the election Tuesday night had to do with anything. I mean, blue states voted blue. What’s the shocker there? New York elected a socialist as the leader of their party. And Chuck Schumer is in the fetal position, scared to death of Mamdani. That’s the real problem is that Schumer can’t make a move without clearing it now with the socialists in New York. And that’s what’s holding this government hostage. That’s what’s holding American families hostage, and I think people are sick by it.“And Democrats admit they’re causing suffering for families, and they can’t even tell you what they want. They’re just beating their chest because, gee-whiz, New York elected a Socialist mayor, and New Jersey elected a Democrat governor. What did you think was going to happen? That’s no victory.“You just saw it: a 10% reduction in air traffic right before Thanksgiving, when families are going to be going to see their relatives. Many of them are not going to be able to do that now because why? Chuck Schumer is afraid of the socialist wing of his party? Talk about a profile in courage for goodness’ sake.”On President Trump and Congressional Republicans delivering on their promises:“Well, I think the most important thing that we’ve been doing when we won the majority last year, House, Senate, and of course, President Trump in the White House, we ran on very specific things. We said that we would focus on getting the economy back on track, reversing the damage of Joe Biden, get energy prices under control. We’ve done that. We said we’d secure the border. That was the number one issue in America. President Trump, day one, went to work securing the border, and now it is secure. And that’s another issue that we’ve solved. We’ve worked with President Trump over and over again to deliver for American families, hardworking families. And what have Democrats done? They’ve obstructed every step of the way. They voted to raise taxes. They voted against border security. They voted against energy security. All they’re doing, and they shut the government down, a record 37 days. Is that something that they can go to the voters and brag about?”On Democrats’ acceptance of a politically violent candidate: “I think that was the most disappointing result of all is that this was an easy one where voters can just say, look, yeah, might be Republican, might be a Democrat, can we at least not elect the guy who said he wants to kill not just his political opposition, he wanted to kill the children of his political opponent. I mean, this guy should have been disqualified from office. Every law enforcement group in Virginia said he’s not fit for office. He’s going to be the attorney general. It’s sad that that’s the best the Democrats had to offer. Their party’s a rudderless ship right now. They really are void of alternatives and ideas. They don’t care about the American people. They’re proving it with the shutdown.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

“This is the center of Memphis and will continue to be the center of Memphis”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted against the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act.

The measure passed the House on a 222 to 209 vote. It now goes to the president to be signed into law. 

Congressman Cohen explained his vote in the following statement:

“I certainly want to see the federal government reopened. I want to see air traffic controllers and all other federal employees paid and SNAP benefits restored. But the Republican compromise reached this week did not include provisions for extending health care subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called health care a fundamental civil right. My father was a doctor and I was stricken with polio at the age of five, spent months in the hospital and more months on crutches. To this day, I have health problems related to polio. I understand how important health care is. As a county commissioner, I put together the coalition of votes to create the Regional Medical Center in Memphis which we used to call ‘The Med,’ now Regional One. One of my proudest votes in Congress was for passage of the ACA. Everyone should have affordable health care. Senate Democrats should have stood firm on extending ACA subsidies. By not extending the ACA subsidies, millions of Americans will not be able to afford health coverage. I will always fight for health care. That’s why I cast a ‘no’ vote on the Continuing Resolution tonight.

“There are other good reasons to oppose the bill we considered tonight, including a requirement that telecommunications companies alert senators if their data has been requested for any legal process. It allows the eight Republicans whose phone records were seized as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of the January 6 attack on the Capitol to receive at least $500,000 each of taxpayer money from legal challenges stemming from the probe, even though the substance of their calls was not sought by the subpoenas, only the parties to the calls on the day before, January 6, and the following day, a legitimate inquiry under the circumstances. Both of Tennessee’s senators could benefit from that provision.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) joined 125 Congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Gazan civilians. Nearly one month into the ceasefire agreement, there are still no details from the Trump administration on what aid is allowed into Gaza and what role the United States will play in aid delivery.

Congressman Cohen also joined more than 100 lawmakers in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that he immediately halt plans to demolish the West Bank village of Umm al-Kheir. 

“We are gravely concerned that any further actions by settlers, vigilantes or the government to destroy the village…will traumatize this peaceful community and jeopardize the prospect of long-term peace,” the letter states. See that letter HERE.

In the letter to Rubio, the lawmakers write:

“Two years after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7, we are encouraged by the ceasefire announced on October 8, 2025, and urge all parties to embrace this opportunity to create lasting peace and security in the region. While we welcome the news that humanitarian aid is entering Gaza after the October 8 ceasefire agreement, we seek clarity on your plan to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

“After over two years, there remains an insufficient supply of food, water, baby formula, medicine, and other essential humanitarian supplies needed to support life for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. People are dying of starvation, including over 100 children since the start of the war, with an additional 320,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition.

“We are encouraged that more aid is being delivered following the recent ceasefire agreement, and we urge that aid distribution to be conducted by reputable international institutions. We hope that amidst the challenges of maintaining the ceasefire, there remains a robust commitment to all parties involved to continuing the flow of aid into Gaza. However, several questions remain about the implementation of this ceasefire and the State Department’s plan to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza for civilians.

“How will the State Department ensure that there is not only a sufficient amount but also a proper combination of humanitarian aid, such as food, water, baby formula, medicine, and housing supplies, to meet the needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza?” 

Read the full text of the letter HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday’s November 11 national holiday. He made the following statement: 

“Every Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform and to thank them for their service. On this 107th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 on the 11^th day of the 11^th month of the year, we honor that tradition. We must also keep our promises to our veterans by providing the best medical care at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, including at the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, so they receive the state-of-the-art treatment and services they have earned and deserve. For those transitioning from the active-duty armed services to civilian life, we need to ensure they have good-paying jobs and meaningful educational opportunities. I am always proud to support funding the VA and legislation to improve veterans’ lives.

“Although we are not at war, we have thousands of sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines at home and abroad, including thousands serving in or near active conflict zones and off the coast of South America. For those who are deployed, I look forward to their safe return home to families, friends and colleagues.

“On this Veterans Day, I thank all who have served for their sacrifice. I hope everyone will take the opportunity the holiday affords to express appreciation to veterans and active-duty service members for the sacrifices that they and their families have made or are making.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement after learning that Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election:

“My first vote in Congress, in January 2007, was to elect Nancy Pelosi the first woman Speaker of the House, and it was one of the votes I’m most proud to have cast. Nancy called me the ‘conscience’ of my freshman class of lawmakers elected in 2006. She is the reason we have the Affordable Care Act, which I dubbed Pelosicare. I wish her well in retirement.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Today, Congresswoman Schrier released the following statement on today’s government shutdown vote.

“I know Washingtonians have felt the impacts of this shutdown each day it has gone on. I have wanted nothing more than for Congress to get back to work and pass a deal that reopens the government and addresses the needs of millions of Americans across the country. From my recent conversations with constituents, it is clear that they are deeply concerned about rising costs, particularly with regard to healthcare. 

“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how access to healthcare can quite literally be a life or death situation. That is why I’ve been fighting day in and day out for a solution that protects healthcare and brings down costs for my constituents. Unfortunately, the partisan spending bill we voted on today fails to meet the moment. As a result of Republicans’ refusal to negotiate a bipartisan path forward, millions of Americans are already seeing their health insurance costs skyrocket, and may be forced to drop coverage. I cannot vote for a bill that fails to address this healthcare crisis.

“I will keep fighting to expand access to affordable healthcare and lower costs for everyone in my district.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Last night, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government into the new year along with three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, Congresswoman Miller successfully secured funding for important West Virginia projects. This includes over $2.5 million for the Rivers Health Emergency Department Expansion Project and $1.75 million for the Minnie Hamilton Hospital Renovation Project.

These investments are significant victories for West Virginia and will strengthen vital healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that the state’s hardworking first responders and medical professionals have the resources they need to continue serving their communities.

“I am grateful that I was able to secure funding for the Rivers Health Emergency Department Expansion Project and the Minnie Hamilton Hospital Renovation Project through the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. These facilities are in critical need of updated infrastructure to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care and resources available. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump Administration to deliver the support West Virginians need and deserve every day,” said Rep. Carol Miller. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) voted in favor of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation includes a continuing resolution and three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Upon signage by President Donald Trump, the continuing resolution will reopen the government immediately by extending funding through January 30th. The resolution will also provide back pay to all federal workers. Congresswoman Miller released the following statement following the bill’s passage: 

“I was happy to join my House colleagues in ending the Democrats’ hostage takeover of the federal government leading to the longest shutdown in our nation’s history. For 43 days, our service members have gone without pay, thousands of federal workers were furloughed, and essential programs, such as SNAP, were left unfunded.

The American people deserve a government that works for them. Instead, Democrats used our citizens’ safety and security as a bargaining chip for their $1.5 trillion demands. This is disgraceful. House Republicans acted responsibly by passing the original Continuing Resolution in September and continue to put Americans first by passing this new funding bill today,” said Rep. Carol Miller.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), together with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation that eliminates the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment, restoring normal trade relations with key Central Asian partners.  

“It is essential we strengthen America’s trade relationships with Central Asian countries to ensure that all of our nations can thrive economically. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a relic of the Cold War that hinders our growing partnerships in the region. Granting Central Asian allies Permanent Normal Trade Relations reaffirms our commitment to building lasting economic agreements grounded in shared prosperity and a collective vision for a more stable and interconnected global economy. I look forward to continuing these conversations with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress,” said Rep. Miller.

“The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is an antiquated law that no longer applies to many countries, like Kazakhstan, that could be key to America’s economic and strategic interests in Central Asia. By rolling back this outdated policy, we could modernize our trade practices, promote greater economic cooperation, increase investment opportunities, and strengthen our relationships in the region. It’s long past time we got rid of Jackson-Vanik and brought U.S. trade partnerships in Central Asia into the 21st century,” said Rep. Panetta. 

“What was once a useful tool to coerce the Soviet Union into improving its treatment of Soviet Jews and minority groups, today the Jackson-Vanik amendment is an outdated policy that is holding back our partnerships with important countries in Central Asia. This bipartisan legislation is an opportunity to redefine our relationship with the region and advance America’s economic and national security interests,” said Sen. Murphy. 

“Central Asia is rich in natural resources and is a strategically critical region for the U.S. Unfortunately, Central Asia is still subject to outdated, Cold War-era trade restrictions that prevent any permanent investment and hinder American trade and prosperity. It’s past time that we get rid of these outdated restrictions and I’m proud to work with my colleagues on a bill that will repeal Jackson-Vanik and unleash the full potential of American relationships with Central Asia,” said Sen. Daines. 

“As a volatile Russia and an increasingly aggressive China pursue their own interests across the globe, the U.S. offers Central Asian nations the opportunity to work with an equal partner. Removing outdated Jackson-Vanik restrictions on our partners will pave the way for a new era of economic cooperation in Central Asia. I am proud to introduce this bill in support for President Trump’s efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for the U.S. and our C5+1 partners,” said Sen. Risch. 

“America’s partnerships with the strategically vital economies of Central Asia are strong and growing, but we also must incentivize long-term U.S. investments as China and Russia continue to pursue malign tactics and predatory programs. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to terminate trade restrictions that have long hindered America’s engagement in this region. I look forward to helping unlock the full potential of our collaboration with Central Asia,” said Sen. Shaheen. 

Background 

• The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, part of the 1974 Trade Act, is a Cold War–era policy that restricts normal trade relations with certain former nonmarket economies based on outdated emigration rules. Countries subjected to the Jackson-Vanik Amendment must be granted normal trade relations on an annual basis.
• Although Congress has repealed its application for most nations, it still applies to several Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, despite broad support for its removal. Since their liberation from the Soviet Union, Central Asian nations have made overhauling reforms to establish good governance and join the global economy.
• Central Asia is rich with natural resources that we currently largely source from China and Russia. Repealing Jackson-Vanik will give U.S. investors more certainty to forge robust partnerships with these nations to strengthen our supply chains and reiterate our commitment to forge healthy partnerships.

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