MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Heard from Immigrant Small Businesses Owners Reeling from Fear, Impact on Livelihoods, Trump Anti-Immigrant Policies

As Immigrant Communities Have Been Under Siege by the Trump Admin., Pressley Has Been Leading Voice for Immigrant Rights & Small Businesses

Video (Facebook) | Photos (Dropbox)

BOSTON – Last week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) convened immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners, community advocates, and municipal leaders to hear of the essential role that immigrant-owned small businesses play in Massachusetts’ economy and communities. Following the roundtable convening, Rep. Pressley held a press conference to amplify their stories and sound the alarm on the harm immigrant small business owners are facing as a result of Donald Trump’s attacks on the immigrant community.

“Our immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners are indispensable, interwoven in the fabric of our Commonwealth and our country,” said Rep. Pressley. “The impact they have on our communities and economies reverberates far beyond the walls of their businesses—employing even one worker supports an entire family, engaging with local suppliers strengthens the state’s supply chain, and providing critical goods promotes the health, wealth, and wellness of our communities. I’m proud to support the innovation and contributions of our immigrant small business owners, and I will continue to defend their lives and livelihoods and push back against the blatant harm of this hostile White House.”

“Immigrant small business owners have invested their money, time, and energy into their work and are at risk of losing their ability to work if their Temporary Protective Status is terminated. It is sobering to hear from these entrepreneurs, who have uplifted their communities, provided employment, and supported their loved ones, express fear about what could happen. In Massachusetts, 91,400 immigrant entrepreneurs contribute more than $3.1 billion in business income annually.  These businesses power our main streets, employ workers who support families, and enrich our culture.  Ending temporary protected status will harm our economy, our workforce and the livelihoods of our neighbors.” – Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director, MIRA Coalition

“I am grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for bringing together an incredible group of talented immigrant business owners to remind us that this country was literally built on people like them. They employ people. They pay a lot of taxes. It is time to stand up now to the misguided policies of Donald Trump, who seems to unconscionably forget that he himself descends from recent immigrants.” – State Representative John Moran – 9^th Suffolk

“I’m writing as a business owner who’s invested heart, family, culture, and community into Suya Joint. Restaurants are the pulse of a neighborhood. When we disappear, the character drains out. Costs rise — payroll, food, rent, compliance — while responsibility grows. Unpredictability is exhausting. We create jobs, preserve culture, activate neighborhoods, host meals, partner locally. But does the system allow us to remain viable? Independent operators shape culture yet feel invisible in policy talks dominated by corporates. We need support — capital access, tax relief, regulatory clarity, protection for community businesses. When small restaurants close, it’s an ecosystem loss, hard to rebuild. Pride alone can’t offset imbalance. I’d welcome discussing policy to sustain small, immigrant-owned restaurants like Suya Joint. Thank you for standing with us.” – Cecelia, Owner, Suya Joint

“We applaud Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for hosting yesterday’s important listening session in Boston with TPS business owners and community stakeholders. The gathering created a vital space for the voices of immigrant entrepreneurs, many of whom have lived, worked, paid taxes, and contributed faithfully to Massachusetts’s economic and social fabric for decades, to be heard with dignity and respect. At a time when Haitian families and workers face uncertainty and fear, Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to justice, economic inclusion, and human dignity. By centering the experiences of TPS business owners, she affirmed what we already know in our communities: TPS immigrants are not a burden but a blessing; builders of small businesses, job creators, homeowners, parents, and active members of our churches and civic life.” – Pastor Dieufort “Keke” Fleurrisaint with True Alliance Center

“Across the country, TPS holders like me generate $21 billion for the U.S. economy each year, yet we live with constant uncertainty about our future. Bank financing is essential to my business, but it’s nearly impossible to secure loans when my legal status is unstable. I rely on financing to purchase properties and invest in repairs and upgrades. Without TPS, I would be forced to close my business. That would devastate my family and directly harm my local community. My employees would lose their jobs. Local vendors would lose a key source of income. The closure of my small business would cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic loss to my community.” – Jose Urias, Business Owner, Co-Coordinator of the Massachusetts TPS Committee, and a member of the National TPS Alliance

“Immigrant workers power our small business community, from healthcare to hospitality, and when fear and instability ripple through the workforce, local businesses and neighborhoods feel it too. Employers want to comply with the law and support their teams, and that means being prepared, getting I-9 compliance right, and understanding viable immigration options. At Pathway for Immigrant Workers, we work alongside small businesses to stabilize their workforce through lawful employment-based sponsorship and practical, solutions-focused guidance.” – Leslie Ditrani, Pathway for Immigrant Workers

Running a small business is already incredibly difficult. We heard from business owners who not only carry that burden but also live in fear for the safety and livelihood of their families. Their courage was overwhelming. I am deeply ashamed that people who fled unimaginable hardship are now experiencing that same fear here. We cannot stand idly by. Mass Restaurants United stands ready as a resource and is proud to partner with MIRA and other organizations to provide support and real solutions.” – Jen Ziskin, Executive Director, Massachusetts Restaurants United

“As the owner of a translation and interpretation business, everyone on my team knows someone who has been harmed by this regime’s attack on immigrants.  The communities we serve are living in fear.  A friend of mine, an asylum seeker who came to this country to have freedom, has been imprisoned by ICE since September, and they keep moving him when he has an asylum hearing just to delay his process.  We’re reliving the ugly history of what was done to Japanese Americans with the internment camps.  Thank you, Congresswoman Pressley, for standing up for us when we need it the most.” – Danyal Najmi, Rosetta Languages

“”Immigrant-owned businesses are foundational to the American economy. Yet, recent federal actions have created fear, instability, and uncertainty within immigrant communities—conditions that undermine business growth. When entrepreneurs are forced to navigate threats of deportation, restrictive visa policies, or shifting federal enforcement priorities, it affects hiring, expansion, and long-term investment decisions. The path forward requires federal leadership that recognizes immigrant-owned businesses as vital economic engines. The strength of the U.S. economy is tied directly to the ability of immigrant entrepreneurs to operate, hire, and grow.” – Q.J. Shi, Senior Director of ABEC, Asian Business Empowerment Council

One in five workers in Massachusetts is an immigrant. Immigrant workers play a vital role in sustaining key industries, including healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, hospitality, and science. Approximately 15% of TPS holders are self-employed, representing nearly 40,000 TPS entrepreneurs nationwide and an estimated 5,000 business owners in Massachusetts.

Immigrant business owners make significant contributions to the Commonwealth’s economy. Massachusetts is home to 91,400 immigrant entrepreneurs who collectively generate $3.1 billion in business income. These businesses include home health aide agencies, childcare centers, corner store grocers, construction companies, beauty salons, tailors, and more.

Beyond their economic contributions, immigrant-owned businesses serve as community anchors, strengthening neighborhood cohesion, expanding cultural diversity, and creating spaces for cultural expression and enrichment.

Joining Rep. Pressley for the roundtable conversation was Liz Sweet, Esq. with the MIRA Coalition, Leslie Ditrani, Esq. with Pathway for Immigrant Workers, Pastor Dieufort “Keke” Fleurrisaint with True Alliance Center, Jen Ziskin with MA Restaurants United, State Representative John Moran, Aliesha Porcena, City of Boston’s Director of the Small Business Department, Monique Nguyen, Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), and several immigrant small business owners.

Video of the press conference is available here and photos here.

Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in defense of immigrant communities under attack by the Trump administration.

In January 2026, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey held a field hearing with members of the Haitian community on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Testimony was documented in the Congressional Record.

Rep. Pressley also leads a discharge petition that could compel the House vote on a bill to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years. 

In February 2026, during Oversight Democrats’ bicameral shadow hearing on the use of violence by ICE, Rep. Pressley demanded Congress end qualified immunity to ensure federal law enforcement officers are held accountable for breaking the law and murdering civilians. Rep. Pressley called on her colleagues not to settle for bare minimum reforms in funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security, instead urging them to fight to rebalance power and restore accountability.

In January 2026, at the invitation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Pressley went to Minneapolis to meet with organizers and community members impacted by ICE’s violent operation in Minnesota, where they have murdered bystanders, terrorized schools and small businesses, and abducted children and parents.

Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026, which builds on the lawmakers’ prior work by granting victims the right to sue federal law enforcement officers—not just state and local—for civil rights violations and abolishing the defense of qualified immunity in these suits. The expanded legislation would help deliver accountability for families abused by law enforcement, including ICE agents.

Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech on the need to end qualified immunity for federal law enforcement, including immigration officers. Watch the floor speech here.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley condemned the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minnesota and motioned to subpoena all records and footage related to the shooting, but Republicans obstructed it. Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to subpoena is here.

In December 2025, Rep. Pressley convened and welcomed home the workers and families impacted by the cruel and unlawful ICE raid at an Allston car wash in November. Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor condemning the Allston ICE raid and defended the vibrant immigrant communities who are being maliciously stolen from their homes, ripped from their families, and unlawfully detained and deported by the Trump Administration and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In June 2025, Congresswoman Pressley convened immigrant justice advocates, local leaders, and impacted families to tell Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Hands off our immigrant neighbors. 

Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. After weeks of advocacy and Congressional oversight, including a visit to detention centers in Louisiana, Rep. Pressley and Senator Ed Markey welcomed Ms. Öztürk to Massachusetts following her arrival from ICE detention in Louisiana.

Rep. Pressley has also spoken out against reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Legislation Would Allow Medical Wigs Be Covered Under Medicare

Bill Text

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reintroduced the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, which helps individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy access a wig without incurring significant costs.

Many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata—but Medicare does not. This bill would allow cranial prosthetics (wigs) to be covered under the Medicare program, ensuring people of all economic backgrounds have access to this important treatment option.

“For many impacted by medical hair loss, unaffordable and inaccessible wigs can deepen an already significant mental and physical burden,” said Rep. Pressley. “As someone living with Alopecia, I know what it feels like to endure a vulnerable transformation not of my choosing. Those experiencing medical hair loss deserve to step into their own beauty and power, and I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman McGovern and Senator Blumenthal to expand coverage for wigs, relieve financial barriers, and support dignity for all.”

“For people impacted by Alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make a major difference—providing them with the confidence and courage to live as normally as possible during a challenging time,” said Rep. McGovern. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, Medicare doesn’t currently cover them. That needs to change. This bill is about making sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of their economic situation.”

“Our measure ensures patients struggling with hair loss can live their lives with dignity and confidence,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Medicare recipients who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with Alopecia, or suffering from other forms of traumatic hair loss shouldn’t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to look and feel their best. By expanding coverage for medical wigs, our legislation removes the financial burden patients impacted by hair loss face and gives them the self-assurance and comfort they deserve.”

With no known cause or cure, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata utilize wigs as there are currently few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost from $100 to several thousand dollars for individuals with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often want cranial prosthetics for attending school.

Information on the bill can be found here.

Since revealing her alopecia diagnosis, Rep. Pressley has become a leading voice fighting to raise awareness and support for the alopecia community across the nation.

Rep. Pressley is a lead sponsor of the CROWN Act, legislation she led with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. She delivered a passionate floor speech in support of the CROWN Act prior to its passage in the House in March 2022.

In May 2023, Reps. Pressley, Bonne Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), led their colleagues in introducing the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act of 2023.

In September 2021, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) led their colleagues in re-introducing the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, legislation to help individuals affected by Alopecia Areata and patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy by allowing medical wigs and other head coverings to be covered under the Medicare program.

In 2020, the House passed an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Pressley to provide $5 million dollars for the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to fund research on the causes, impacts, and possible treatments of Alopecia areata.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Today, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, announced that his guest to Tuesday’s Presidential State of the Union address will be Marcus Stone. As a leading advocate for community health centers (CHCs), Mr. Stone is the CEO of Connect Health + Wellness, which serves Virginia communities in Henry and Patrick Counties as well as Martinsville City.

“It is my great pleasure to have Marcus Stone as my guest for this year’s State of the Union address,” said Griffith. “Mr. Stone is a steadfast believer in improving rural patient access to health care. As the representative of a Congressional district with 61 CHCs, I hope to highlight the importance of CHCs and our work together to strengthen rural health care.”

“It is an honor to represent Connect Health + Wellness and the patients we serve in rural Virginia at this year’s State of the Union,” said Stone. “As one of Virginia’s Community Health Centers, we are proud to be part of a statewide network committed to ensuring every family—regardless of income, background, or geography—has access to high‑quality, affordable primary care. Connect Health + Wellness is on the front lines of rural healthcare, serving as a lifeline for families across Henry County, Patrick County, and the City of Martinsville. As the CEO of Connect Health + Wellness, I am grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside Congressman Griffith to underscore how critical sustained federal support for Community Health Centers is to ensuring families can continue receiving comprehensive, affordable primary and dental care close to home.” 

BACKGROUND

Connect Health + Wellness operates multiple CHCs to serve rural patients. They have locations in Bassett, Virginia, and Ridgeway, Virginia, in Henry County, as well as in Patrick Springs, Virginia, in Patrick County.

Further, Connect Health + Wellness runs a separate dental clinic in Martinsville, Virginia.

In the summer of 2025, Congressman Griffith toured the Martinsville, Virginia, dental facility.

In a recent e-newsletter, Congressman Griffith detailed health extenders passed by Congress that include funding for CHCs.

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in continuing to push Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to address the serious concerns raised by local Merrimack officials regarding ICE’s effort to build a new detention facility in the town. 

The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation wrote to Secretary Noem transmitting a letter from New Hampshire State Representative Bill Boyd outlining his opposition and concerns regarding ICE’s proposed Merrimack facility. Despite widespread public concern in Merrimack about the project, local Merrimack officials say they have still not been contacted by DHS or ICE about the project. 

“The accompanying letter details the potential negative impact this facility may have on the community’s economic development, as well as the potential strain such a facility would place upon the local economy, infrastructure, and public safety,” wrote New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation in their push on Kristi Noem to respond. “We share the local concerns expressed about the project, and these concerns must be addressed.”  

“We…request that you expeditiously engage with local leadership, including law enforcement and emergency services, regarding the proposed plan. We look forward to your prompt outreach to local officials, law enforcement, and emergency services,” concluded the Congressional Delegation.  

In January, Pappas led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in demanding that Secretary Noem swiftly acknowledge and address concerns raised by the Merrimack Town Council about reports that ICE plans to establish a new processing center in the town. In a letter earlier this month, Pappas also urged Appropriations Committee leaders to include language in any DHS funding to protect states’ and localities’ ability to make decisions about what is best for their communities.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Florence, Ala. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that his office, in partnership with the New Orleans Passport Agency, will host a Passport Fair on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the University of North Alabama Guillot University Center in Florence.

The Passport Fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to residents of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District by appointment only.

“This Passport Fair is an opportunity to make the passport application or renewal process more convenient for North Alabama families,” said Rep. Aderholt. “Whether you are planning a mission trip, family vacation, study abroad program, or business travel, my office is pleased to help connect constituents directly with passport officials to ensure they are prepared for international travel.”

“I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff of the New Orleans Passport Agency and to Secretary of State Marco Rubio for working with our office to make this event possible. Their partnership helps us better serve the people of Alabama’s Fourth District.”

The event will be held at:
University of North Alabama
Guillot University Center
131 Shelby Way
Florence, Alabama

Appointments are required and may be scheduled online at:
https://forms.office.com/g/DWhQiheGBT

Applicants must bring the following items:

• Unsigned Passport Application (available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
• Passport photo (2×2 inches, U.S. standard size; photos can typically be taken at most chain drug stores or photo centers)
• Government-issued ID or driver’s license
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship)
• For renewals: previous passport
• Payment (Credit or Debit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay accepted)

For additional information, constituents may contact Pam Abernathy at (256) 546-0201.

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

Last week, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) traveled across San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties as part of his “Central Coast Affordability Tour” to hear directly from students, small business owners, families, and more on how the cost-of-living crisis is personally impacting them. 

Download photos here.

“Last week, I visited colleges, small businesses, childcare providers, and more throughout the Central Coast,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I heard firsthand that the economy is simply not working for everyone. With the rising cost of housing, groceries, health insurance, and other necessities, families are in a crisis right now. The Trump administration has done nothing to fix this. In fact, their policies have made the affordability crisis worse. The tariffs are one of the broadest tax increases on families and businesses in American history. The ‘Big Ugly Bill’ will cause millions of people to lose their health insurance or see higher premiums. That’s why I worked with my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to release an Affordability Agenda — a commonsense plan to help make life more affordable for the Central Coast by focusing on lowering five core costs that are too high for hardworking people: health care, housing, energy, family care, and household essentials like groceries. I’ll keep working to stand up for the Central Coast and keep fighting to lower costs.”

In San Luis Obispo county, Carbajal stopped by:

• City Farm SLO to hear how federal SNAP cuts and tariffs are hurting small farmers, increasing food insecurity, and tripling farming equipment costs.
• Cuesta College to discuss the impact of the cost-of-living crisis with students. The Congressman heard directly from Cuesta students regarding how the increased cost of living is impacting them and their ability to plan for the future.
• SLO Noor Foundation for a discussion on the “Big Ugly Bill” and its role in raising health insurance costs. 

In Ventura county, Carbajal stopped by:

• Ventura College to meet with students and staff to hear how the cost of living crisis is impacting college students.
• Spice-Topia, a small business in downtown Ventura, to speak with their owner about the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on their operations. Spice-Topia specializes in organic and Fair Trade–certified spices, teas, coffees, salts, and sugars, as well as kitchen tools. 

In Santa Barbara county, Carbajal stopped by:

• CommUnify’s Storyteller Children’s Center to meet with caregivers and discuss the ongoing child care crisis.
• Los Agaves Restaurant to speak with the owners about how tariffs and other policy changes are impacting their business.

Recent federal policy changes have worsened the cost-of-living crisis in America: Trump’s tariff taxes are crushing American consumers, costing the average family an extra $1,600 in 2025. Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill” ripped healthcare coverage from 15 million Americans and doubled or tripled monthly insurance bills for 22 million more – all to cut taxes for the richest Americans. 

As Vice Chair for Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition, Carbajal co-led the creation of the Affordability Agenda to offer a better path forward to lowering everyday costs in the short- and long-term by rolling back harmful policies pushed by Republicans in Washington, promoting competition and supporting small businesses to boost consumer choice, and breaking down regulatory barriers across the government to meet the needs of everyday Americans.

Affordability Agenda Summary:

Groceries & Household Essentials

• Restore certainty by rolling back Trump’s tariffs and advancing smarter, durable trade policies.
• Support small producers and crack down on price-gouging corporations to increase competition in the food marketplace.
• Lower internet bills by restarting the Affordable Connectivity Program.
• Increase the minimum wage and ensure workers have a seat at the table.

Health Care

• Reduce monthly costs by extending ACA tax credits and expanding access to prescription price caps.
• Protect patients from surprise medical bills and aggressive debt collection.
• Expand access to care by fully funding Medicaid and strengthening Medicare’s guaranteed benefits.
• Increase competition and transparency while cracking down on fraud and abuse.

Housing

• Cut red tape and update permitting and zoning to build four million homes in the next decade.
• Level the playing field by eliminating unfair tax breaks to private equity and large investors.
• Utilize innovative construction technologies to accelerate home production.
• Build more affordable homes by increasing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations and community benefits.

Energy

• Reform permitting rules to make it faster and cheaper to build energy transmission and generation infrastructure.
• Ensure energy is available and abundant by establishing a level playing field for all forms of energy.
• Reallocate electric grid costs to protect consumers from price hikes due to manufacturing and data center development.
• Invest in energy efficiency and home heating & cooling to lower residential energy costs.

Families

• Create a national paid family and medical leave program that covers all Americans.
• Support working families with expanded access to tax cuts and universal pre-K.
• Leverage federal resources and foster public-private partnerships to enhance care options and paid leave access.
• Invest in the home health and long-term care workforce to care for aging Americans.

You can read the full Affordability Agenda here.

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

The new rule announced by DHS is one of the cruelest changes to our immigration policies that I’ve seen during my time in Congress. It will have devastating consequences for thousands of Mainers and millions of people across the country. This isn’t about ‘restoring integrity’ to our asylum system. It’s about punishing asylum seekers, making it impossible to build lives and families here, and creating the conditions to detain and deport as many people as possible.

The overwhelming majority of asylum seekers living in the U.S. have fled truly horrific conditions in their home countries, including targeted violence, persecution, and political oppression. To suggest that they are frauds, or somehow gaming the system, is both grossly inaccurate and deeply insulting. These are human beings. They’re our neighbors and coworkers. They show up to work, send their kids to school, volunteer in their communities, and contribute to our economy every single day. Treating people as disposable political targets denies their humanity—and diminishes us all.

If DHS was serious about reducing backlogs, it would use a fraction of the hundreds of billions of dollars currently at its disposal to invest in more asylum officers. Instead, they’re using a bureaucratic logjam as an excuse to target millions of people for eventual deportation—all to meet some made-up quota from Stephen Miller. 

This rule change will make our immigration system less humane, more dysfunctional, and further undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection. It won’t make us safer, it won’t make us stronger, and it sure as hell won’t do anything to reverse the profound economic damage that this Administration is doing to our economy. This is about one thing: making our country whiter. Because people like Donald Trump and Stephen Miller believe that’s what will ‘Make America Great Again.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, announced that several of the nation’s leading pro-growth and small business organizations have endorsed their legislation to quadruple the amount of start-up costs small business owners can deduct in their first year of operations.

They also announced support from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), member of the Senate Finance Committee, who intends to lead the Senate companion legislation.

The American Innovation Act (H.R. 1778) would increase the deduction allowance from $5,000 to $20,000 and raise the phase-out threshold from $50,000 to $120,000. The bill also allows partnerships and S corporations to be eligible for the deduction.

“The American Innovation Act allows for investments in research and development to help small businesses grow and allow entrepreneurs to take that next step in their American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly. “This pro-growth tax policy will kickstart Main Street businesses, and it make it easier for these businesses to create jobs, support families and grow our local economies.”

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream,” said Rep. Buchanan. “During National Entrepreneurship Week, we should be focused on removing barriers for the job creators who drive the American economy. My American Innovation Act cuts taxes on start-up costs so small businesses can reinvest in their companies, hire workers and strengthen their local communities.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” said Blackburn. “The American Innovation Act would promote new business innovation by expanding tax incentives and putting more money back in the pockets of Tennesseans who are working to get their startups off the ground.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Ron Estes (R-Kan.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.).

According to the Small Business Administration, from 1994-2021, over 50 percent of new small businesses established during that period failed within five years. A U.S. Census Bureau report also found that 46 percent of businesses began with less than $25,000, underscoring the need to support small businesses with increased access to capital at the early stages of business creation.

The American Innovation Act has been endorsed by the S Corporation Association, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the National Association of Wholesalers, the National Venture Capital Association, the Angel Capital Association, National Taxpayers Union, the Center for a Free Economy and Americans for Prosperity.

“Nearly all job creation in the US comes from start-ups. Without them, millions of Americans would struggle to find work. The American Innovation Act encourages entrepreneurship and job creation by reducing the costs of starting a business. It’s an essential part of our economy, and the S Corporation Association supports it,” said Brian Reardon, President, S Corporation Association.

“NECA thanks Representative Buchanan for his commitment to the small business community and urges the swift passage of H.R. 1778. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this measure and fully unlock America’s infrastructure and energy potential,” said Marco A. Giamberardino, MPA, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Small businesses incur significant startup costs in their first year of operations, yet they can deduct only a small fraction of these costs from their taxable income. The American Innovation Act helps address this issue by increasing the deductible amount to $20,000, raising the phase-out threshold of the deduction to $120,000, and making partnerships and S corporations eligible to claim the deduction. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Alex Hendrie, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

“Representative Buchanan’s American Innovation Act would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by modernizing and expanding the startup cost deduction, giving founders greater flexibility to invest in their teams, operations, and local communities from day one. Venture capital is committed to backing founders who turn innovative ideas into high-growth companies, and NVCA is proud to support legislation that expands access to capital and reduces early-stage barriers so more founders can build and scale next generation companies in every corner of the country,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO, National Venture Capital Association.

“The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional association representing over 14,000 accredited individual investors, angel groups, funds and family offices providing critical early stage capital to entrepreneurs. ACA commends Congressman Buchanan and Congressman Kelly for their reintroduction of the American Innovation Act. Expanding the ability for early stage small businesses to deduct their start-up costs will provide entrepreneurs with a much needed capital boost. The American Innovation Act provides help for start-up companies at their most critical early stage time. As Congress continues to look for ways to support fast-growing USA based innovative companies, this legislation is an important part of the equation,” said Pat Gouhin, CEO, Angel Capital Association. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of Main Street America, and smart, pro-growth tax policy remains one of the most effective ways to help them succeed. The American Innovation Act builds on the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act by providing additional, targeted tax relief to entrepreneurs and job creators as they launch and expand their businesses. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Thomas Aiello, Senior Director of Government Affairs, National Taxpayers Union.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)