Bipartisan Trahan Bill to Advance Rare Disease Treatments for Kids Clears House Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) secured unanimous passage in the House Energy and Commerce Committee of the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a critical program that drives development of new treatments for children with rare pediatric diseases.

“No family should ever have to wonder whether their child can access the treatments they need while fighting a rare disease like cancer,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to keep lifesaving therapies available and speed the development of even better ones. I’m committed to getting this across the finish line with my colleagues in the House and Senate.”

Treatment options for children are extremely limited, despite them making up as much as half of the patients living with rare diseases. Children are currently receiving the same treatments as adults, leaving them with life-altering complications even after their disease is cured. The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act addresses this head on by reauthorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cost-neutral priority review voucher (PRV) program, which incentivizes the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Since 2011, 53 PRVs have been awarded for 39 different rare pediatric diseases.

Trahan’s bill was advanced with unanimous support today in the Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a larger health care package titled the Give Kids a Chance Act. It now moves to the House floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Since joining the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2021, Trahan has spearheaded multiple bipartisan initiatives to improve pediatric health care. Last year, she secured House passage of her bipartisan Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which helps families of children with complex medical conditions access out-of-state care. She also authored the bipartisan Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, aimed at strengthening research and treatment development for pediatric brain tumors, and the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act, which passed the House and would ban the consumer sale of lethal concentrations of sodium nitrite.

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Reps. Gomez & Menendez Lead Effort to Expand Access to Diaper Changing Stations

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, during  National  Diaper  Need  Awareness  Week, Congressmen Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and Rob Menendez (D-NJ), joined by Representatives Ryan  Mackenzie  (R-PA), and Brittany  Pettersen (D-CO), introduced the bipartisan Family-Friendly Facilities Tax Credit Act, which incentivizes small businesses nationwide to install diaper changing stations in family restrooms.

Too often, families with young children are unable to access diaper changing stations during family outings. While small businesses want to provide family-friendly accommodations for all members of their communities, renovating public restrooms or building an additional family restroom can be cost prohibitive.

“As the father of a toddler, I’ve changed enough diapers to know how essential it is to have access to safe diaper-changing stations when the time calls for it,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “Too often, parents are forced to improvise in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. I founded the Dads Caucus to push for policies like this one, which offers an incentive for small businesses to install diaper-changing stations, giving businesses the tools to help better serve families in their communities.”

“Every parent and caregiver deserves the basic dignity of being able to care for their child in a safe and clean space, no matter where they are,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “As the father of two young kids and a member of the Dads Caucus, I’m grateful to work with my  colleagues  to solve this challenge for parents and families and support small businesses nationwide. This is about more than just having a place to change a diaper — it’s about accessibility and equity, too.”

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult and anxiety-inducing it can be when you’re at work or out grocery shopping and you can’t find a convenient, safe spot to change your baby. Every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can care for their child’s most basic needs no matter where they are,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “I’m grateful to join my fellow parents in Congress to find ways to encourage small businesses to install diaper-changing equipment so that our communities are a welcoming, safe place for all families.”

“As a husband and father to a one-year-old, with another on the way, I understand the challenge of finding safe and accessible changing facilities when my family is on the go,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Families deserve these accommodations, but many small businesses may struggle with the costs of materials and installation. That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation, which will help both families and small businesses in our communities.”

The  legislation  amends  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  to  create  a  tax  credit  for  small  businesses  to install a diaper changing station in their family restrooms, covering up to 70% of the expenses paid or  incurred  by  the  business  through  the  credit.  Small  businesses  with  annual  revenues  under  $5 million can claim up to $10,000 per location through the credit. The bill is supported by the National Diaper Bank Network and Small Business Majority.

For full bill text, click here.

Two Bilirakis Bills Advance Out of Committee, Headed to House Floor for Vote

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven pieces of legislation, including two key bipartisan initiatives led by U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). Both measures are now poised for a vote on the House floor.

One of the measures, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, underscores the importance of AM radio as a critical tool for emergency communication. For decades, AM radio has served as a vital source of news, entertainment, sports, and music for tens of millions of Americans—particularly while on the road.  The bipartisan bill directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new motor vehicles, ensuring universal access to AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

To maximize public safety and ensure access to every available communication channel, we must maintain a strong and widely accessible emergency alert system,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Every hurricane season, Floridians depend on timely information to make potentially life-saving decisions—whether to evacuate, shelter in place, or seek help. AM radio remains a trusted and far-reaching resource, especially in rural and underserved areas where alternative forms of communication may be limited. With most radio listening taking place in vehicles, it’s essential we preserve this accessible and reliable medium for all Americans.”

The second Bilirakis-led initiative to pass out of committee is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at accelerating the development of pediatric cancer treatments and expanding access to life-saving therapies for children with rare diseases.  The bill combines multiple pieces of legislation that Bilirakis has long supported.  The package will strengthen incentives for pediatric drug development, improve patient outcomes, and address long-standing gaps in research for rare childhood diseases.

The Give Kids a Chance Act builds on successful efforts to deliver new treatments for children facing cancer and other devastating rare conditions,” said Bilirakis. “The FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program has already helped bring 53 new treatment options to market. Unfortunately, the FDA’s authority to issue these vouchers has expired. As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, restoring this vital program is one of my top priorities.”  

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month- a stark reminder that more than 1500 kids die from cancer in America each year.  Additionally, the package codifies the practice of awarding orphan drug exclusivity based on a product’s FDA-approved indication rather than the broader disease category. 

These changes continue to drive innovation and investment in therapies for smaller patient populations. While we’ve made important progress, far too many children are still lost to rare diseases and cancer. I’m proud to help lead the charge to give families more hope and better outcomes,” Bilirakis added.  

Hoyer, Maryland Delegation Members Urge EPA Not to Abandon Efforts to Combat Climate Change, Pointing to Threats Facing Maryland Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain its greenhouse gas emissions “endangerment finding,” a 2009 landmark determination that climate pollution endangers public health and welfare. This determination – which has stood for over 15 years – provides the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. In their letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the lawmakers called on the agency to preserve the endangerment finding in order to protect Marylanders from the increasing risks, costs, and chaos caused by climate change, pointing to the many related threats currently facing Maryland communities.

“We are deeply concerned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for Maryland and our constituents’ health and safety. The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are heating our planet and endangering us all,” the lawmakers began.

“The Endangerment Finding is based on settled science: decades of peer-reviewed scientific research have proven that rising global temperatures fuel stronger hurricanes, sea level rise, increased flooding, record-breaking heat waves, and other forms of extreme weather. The threats have never been more dire to communities across the country, including our constituents in Maryland,” they wrote.

The lawmakers went on to highlight threats to Maryland communities, pointing out, “Coastal communities in the Chesapeake Bay region are especially vulnerable to rising sea levels; in this region, seas have already risen one foot over the past century, twice as fast as the worldwide average, and are projected to rise nearly 3 more feet by 2100. More than 100 Maryland communities are at risk of ‘nuisance flooding’ from sea level rise. Almost a third of those communities are socioeconomically disadvantaged and do not have the resources to adapt to or mitigate the local impacts. Annapolis and Baltimore are experiencing some of the most frequent nuisance flooding events in the country, which have increased more than 920 percent since 1960. Further, Maryland farmers are expected to lose between $39 million and $107 million annually in crop yields due to saltwater intrusion.”

“Dangerous flooding also threatens Maryland communities further inland as heavy precipitation and severe storms have become more common. As of August 1st, Maryland has already recorded the most flash flood warnings in 2025 since 2020. Two years after Ellicott City was hit by a 1-in-1000 year catastrophic flash flood in 2016, which took the lives of two Marylanders, damaged over 100 businesses and 107 homes costing over $22 million in repairs, and reduced economic activity by $67.2 million, another flash flood once again destroyed the city’s Main Street and led to the death of one person. Recent flooding in the Mid-Atlantic led to the death of a child swept away by flood waters and over 200 children and students being evacuated from an elementary school in motorized boats in Western Maryland. The flood damaged drinking water systems and roads, highlighting the dangers facing all Marylanders as extreme weather wreaks havoc on the state’s infrastructure and local economies,” they continued.

“We urge you to put the welfare of people over that of polluters and maintain the Endangerment Finding. Marylanders and communities across the country should not be left to foot the bill for the climate chaos caused by polluters,” they concluded.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We are deeply concerned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for Maryland and our constituents’ health and safety.

The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are heating our planet and endangering us all.

The Endangerment Finding is based on settled science: decades of peer-reviewed scientific research have proven that rising global temperatures fuel stronger hurricanes, sea level rise, increased flooding, record-breaking heat waves, and other forms of extreme weather. The threats have never been more dire to communities across the country, including our constituents in Maryland.

Coastal communities in the Chesapeake Bay region are especially vulnerable to rising sea levels; in this region, seas have already risen one foot over the past century, twice as fast as the worldwide average, and are projected to rise nearly 3 more feet by 2100. More than 100 Maryland communities are at risk of ‘nuisance flooding’ from sea level rise. Almost a third of those communities are socioeconomically disadvantaged and do not have the resources to adapt to or mitigate the local impacts. Annapolis and Baltimore are experiencing some of the most frequent nuisance flooding events in the country, which have increased more than 920 percent since 1960. Further, Maryland farmers are expected to lose between $39 million and $107 million annually in crop yields due to saltwater intrusion.

Dangerous flooding also threatens Maryland communities further inland as heavy precipitation and severe storms have become more common. As of August 1st, Maryland has already recorded the most flash flood warnings in 2025 since 2020. Two years after Ellicott City was hit by a 1-in-1000 year catastrophic flash flood in 2016, which took the lives of two Marylanders, damaged over 100 businesses and 107 homes costing over $22 million in repairs, and reduced economic activity by $67.2 million, another flash flood once again destroyed the city’s Main Street and led to the death of one person. Recent flooding in the Mid-Atlantic led to the death of a child swept away by flood waters and over 200 children and students being evacuated from an elementary school in motorized boats in Western Maryland. The flood damaged drinking water systems and roads, highlighting the dangers facing all Marylanders as extreme weather wreaks havoc on the state’s infrastructure and local economies.

As temperatures continue to rise, Marylanders, along with much of the rest of the nation, are threatened by heat waves of ever greater length and magnitude. Since 1900, average temperatures in Maryland have risen by roughly 2.5 ℉. During the 2024 heat season, there were 1,255 heat-related medical visits in Maryland – a 53% increase from the previous year – and 26 heat-related deaths. During the ongoing 2025 heat season, one heat wave alone in late June caused 472 people to go to urgent care or the emergency room, and resulted in 7 tragic deaths. In 2025, Maryland has already had more heat deaths than in the past 13 years, having reached 29 lives lost in mid-August. A failure to seriously curtail greenhouse gas emissions will lead to hotter average temperatures and more frequent days in which the heat index crosses 105 ℉, threatening to increase heat-related illness and death even further.

The EPA is tasked with protecting the public from air pollution that endangers health and welfare, and this politically motivated attempt to eliminate the Endangerment Finding flies in the face of that core mission. As you know, eliminating the Endangerment Finding will undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. This amounts to giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families in Maryland and across the country. It means our constituents will face more climate chaos and more pollution, more health harms, and higher costs – just so the corporations responsible for the climate crisis can continue to rake in record-breaking profit.

We urge you to put the welfare of people over that of polluters and maintain the Endangerment Finding. Marylanders and communities across the country should not be left to foot the bill for the climate chaos caused by polluters.

WATCH: Pressley in Hearing: GOP Attacks on EPA Risking Lives in Boston and Beyond

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

“This is a matter of lives being cut short and futures stolen.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) discussed how Republicans’ attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rollbacks of environmental regulations will increase asthma, heart disease, and preventable illness in frontline communities like Boston’s Chinatown, Mattapan, and Roxbury neighborhoods. The Congresswoman highlighted how Black, brown, and Asian American communities disproportionately shoulder the harm of environmental pollution, and urged Republicans to ensure polluters, not families, pay the price.

A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s exchange with witnesses is below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley in Hearing: GOP Attacks on EPA Risking Lives in Boston and Beyond

House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement

September 16, 2025


REP. PRESSLEY: Republicans are working to dismantle the very protections that keep our air and water safe – protections they dismiss as so-called burdens.

But when government makes it easier for corporations to pollute, the real burdens fall on the people.

Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record this September 2025 article from WBUR titled, “Fear and low morale at New England EPA office as it loses a quarter of its staff under Trump.”

CHAIR: Without objection.

REP. PRESSLEY: This reporting makes clear that the mass firings in the EPA have destabilized our workforce and left communities without critical safeguards, and also disrupted the lives and livelihoods of those who have been laid off.

In Boston’s Chinatown – which I am proud to represent in the Massachusetts 7th –families live at the intersection of two interstate highways. It is a vibrant neighborhood, rich in culture and history, but one that has been paying the price of pollution for generations.

Study after study confirms what my constituents already know: Chinatown routinely has the worst air quality in Massachusetts because of toxic air emissions.

Mr. Schaeffer, what are the public health consequences for frontline communities when environmental protections are weakened?

MR. SCHAEFFER: Increased risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks, premature mortality from these pollutants. And just again, these issues have been studied and studied and studied. There are areas where there’s room for debate and there are other areas where the evidence is really obvious about the hazard.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. Yes, less environmental protections means more children with asthma, more elders with heart disease, and more families with preventable illnesses and lives cut short.

Parents in Boston know what it’s like to watch their child wheeze on the way to school or to spend hours in an ER on a bad air quality day. Asthma alone causes 14 million missed school days a year nationwide – meaning our children are falling behind in class because of pollution in the air they breathe.  

And these burdens aren’t equally shared. 

Mr. Schaeffer, what does the evidence tell us about racial disparities in exposure to pollution?

MR. SCHAEFFER: I would say that especially if you look at income, you do see a disparity. The pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities, and that’s because they tend to be located near factories, near highway centers, near construction sites, ports, and of course, in many of those neighborhoods, you have a majority of African American or Latino or Asian, Asian American residents.

REP. PRESSLEY: That’s right. And Black children are twice as likely to develop asthma because communities of color in Boston and across the country are disproportionately forced to breathe dirtier air, drink less safe water, and be subject to risks they didn’t create. 

In Mattapan and Roxbury – two predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods in my district – children are seven times more likely — seven — to go to the emergency room for asthma attacks compared to children in more affluent neighborhoods just a couple miles away.

Now, Republicans want to strip away some of the only tools these communities have to hold polluters accountable when companies refuse to follow the law.

Mr. Schaeffer, how do the policies we’re discussing today work to ensure companies account for the costs of their pollution?

MR. SCHAEFFER: First of all, I want to sort of reiterate, we’re talking about after market defeat devices that are sold to strip out or disable emission controls in trucks. I mean, common sense ought to tell you that’s wrong. It’s wrong to do that. I don’t know how many pamphlets or notices you need to read before you understand you really shouldn’t do that. 

If you do, EPA has found the nitrogen oxide emissions will be 310 times higher than they are from a diesel truck that meets the standards the particulates from diesel exhaust will be, I can’t remember, many times higher, at least in order of magnitude, same for hydrocarbons. So you’re really talking about controls of that pollution that meet the limits or no controls at all in a lot of these cases, and the impact is pretty devastating.

REP. PRESSLEY: I agree. The choice is simple: defend corporations who poison our air or protect the children who are struggling to breathe.

I urge my colleagues to make the right choice and ensure polluters, not families, pay the price for their pollution.

This is a matter of lives being cut short and futures stolen. There are up to 200,000 deaths every year from air pollution.

I yield back.

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On House Floor, Pressley Condemns Harmful GOP Bill to Sentence Children as Adults in Washington, DC

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

Bill Would Authorize Teens as Young as 14 to be Tried as Adults

“This approach doesn’t improve public safety. It only traumatizes our babies. History tells us as much.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a forceful speech on the House floor condemning Republicans’ bill to override the will of Washington, DC residents and authorize children as young as 14 to be tried as adults in the criminal legal system. The Congresswoman instead urged Republicans to support community-based, trauma-informed public safety solutions, and to stop delaying or cutting funding for community violence prevention programs.

In her remarks, Rep. Pressley invoked the story of the Exonerated 5—five Black and brown teenage boys wrongfully convicted of a horrific crime in Central Park despite being innocent of all accusations—and underscored that treating children as adults in the criminal legal system is a failed and racist approach that increases trauma and worsens public safety outcomes.

Earlier this month, Rep. Pressley as Trump threatened further National Guard action in cities nationwide, Rep. Pressley joined advocates and councilmembers to condemn Donald Trump’s unlawful occupation and federal law enforcement surge in Washington, DC.

A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks, as delivered, is below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Condemns Harmful GOP Bill to Criminalize Young Teenagers in Washington, DC

House of Representatives

September 16, 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation.

This bill seeks to create 14-year-old prisoners in the adult criminal legal system. We know this approach doesn’t improve public safety. It only traumatizes our babies. History tells us as much.

Antron McCray, 15 years old.

Yusuf Salaam, 15 years old.

Raymond Santana, 14 years old.

Korey Wise, 16 years old.

Kevin Richardson, 14 years old.

These 5 boys with big smiles and bright futures ahead of them – went on to experience fear and manipulation that no child should. They were threatened, harassed, coerced, abused, and tried as adults. The very harm that this Republican bill would expand. 

From the moment of their arrest, these teenage boys – these Black boys – were treated as guilty of a horrific crime in Central Park despite being innocent of all accusations. It was part of the hyper-punitive culture that prioritized political talking points about being “tough on crime” and targeted Black and brown communities rather than investing in resources and policies that actually keep us all safe. Sound familiar?

During their trial, there was a PR campaign against the boys on TV and in newspapers. Donald J. Trump himself spent the equivalent of more than two hundred thousand dollars advocating for them to get the death penalty.

These five Black and brown children were innocent, but Trump wanted them killed. 

To this day, he has not even apologized. And Republicans in Congress are supporting him and his bigotry with this bill.

The story of the Exonerated 5 is a tragedy and part of our shared history, but Republicans want it to be the future. 

First, their rhetoric demonized our communities. Then, they began weaponizing the National Guard against citizens. Now, they’re changing laws to incarcerate more people at an even younger age. And of course, the prison industrial complex will reap the profits.

What Republicans are doing in DC they want to apply to the entire country.

This Republican bill perpetuates racism. The Department of Justice statistics show that Black kids are twice as likely to be incarcerated compared to white kids despite committing, at the same rate, those crimes.

This Republican bill is flawed. By treating children as adults, you deny them the protections from abuse from adults in prison, including bullying, physical violence, sexual assault, and rape.

This Republican bill makes children’s lives worse. 

Unlike in other states, when kids in DC are treated as adults, the Bureau of Prisons ships them hundreds of miles away from their family and loved ones to places like South Dakota or Texas. This makes rehabilitation harder and increases the likelihood of recidivism.

But don’t just take my word for it. There is a large coalition opposing this bill.

Scientists telling us that young people’s brains are not even fully developed until their twenties. They don’t share the same culpability for their actions as adults when they are only 14 years old. 

Lawyers explaining that children treated as adults – even when they are innocent – are denied age-appropriate legal protections for the rest of their lives.

Sociologists finding that children who commit crimes are overwhelmingly influenced by adults and their surroundings, not their own thinking. 

And, of course, the people of DC who did not vote for Trump or any Republican – for that matter – to be a city councilor.

Republicans are supporting this legislation not because they care about public safety.

If Republicans cared about reducing crime, they would tell Trump to stop delaying funding for community violence prevention programs that were passed with bipartisan support.

If Republicans cared about victims, they would stop making cuts to the Crime Victims Fund so that people who experience harm get the help that they need.

If Republicans cared about our kids, they would invest in restorative justice programs that teach children how to resolve their conflicts without violence.

If Republicans cared about our kids, they would support common sense solutions to prevent school shootings.

I urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill.

To keep our babies safe from trauma, abuse, and fear.

In the words of James Baldwin, “the children are always ours, every single one.” I challenge you to protect them all.

I yield back.

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Rep. Mike Levin Leads California Democratic Congressional Delegation in Urging EPA to Maintain Policy to Combat Climate Pollution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

September 17, 2025

The Endangerment Finding of 2009 is the Foundation for Tackling Climate Change; EPA Aims to Dismantle Bedrock Policy

Washington D.C.— Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Vice Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), led 44 members of California’s Democratic Congressional Delegation in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on the agency to maintain its Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gases. The Endangerment Finding, signed in 2009, establishes that greenhouse gas emissions are a main driver of climate pollution, acknowledges the dangers of climate change, and is the legal foundation that allows the EPA to fulfill its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Trump EPA aims to dismantle this foundational protection, and if the agency is successful, it would threaten years of progress made on combatting pollution and climate change.

Read the full letter here.

This letter is signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43), Mark Takano (CA-41), John Garamendi (CA-08), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Derek Tran (CA-45), Jim Costa (CA-21), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Judy Chu (CA-28), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), George Whitesides (CA-27), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Josh Harder (CA-09), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Norma Torres (CA-35).

Read the full letter below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for California and our constituents’ health and safety.

The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters more severe, and costing us all, especially the most vulnerable.

It is well documented how climate change fuels extreme weather. Rising global temperatures due to climate change contribute to stronger hurricanes, more intense wildfires, and more extreme heat, among other impacts. The threats have never been more dire or clearer to communities across the country, including our constituents.

Climate change is making wildfires more dangerous in California and across the Western United States. Hotter, drier weather and more intense droughts – all associated with climate change – along with a longer fire season are driving up wildfire risk. Research estimates that an average yearly 1°C (1.8°F) temperature increase would mean an up to 600% rise in median burned area per year.

This year started off with wildfires tearing through the city of Los Angeles, fueled by the driest start to the wet season on record with no measurable precipitation, combined with parched, flammable vegetation buildup and near-record wind speeds—conditions all made worse by a changing climate. The fires burned for 24 days over 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, most of them homes, and killed at least 29 people. Some residents returned to see just smoldering rubble remaining of their homes. Across the city, exposure to dangerous toxins in the air, water, and soil and their health impacts remains a serious concern. Because of these fires and increased risk of future climate-fueled catastrophes, home and renters’ insurance rates are skyrocketing across the state.

The estimated damages from the Los Angeles fires are over $100 billion, as support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lags and President Trump and Congressional Republicans try to condition disaster aid. Costly natural disasters like these fires will continue growing worse with climate change, endangering lives, properties, and communities.

Across the country, and especially for the people we represent in California, climate change is not a theoretical harm—our constituents are living it every day in the contaminated air they breathe, the sea level rise eroding their coastlines, and the increased costs they must pay. The Endangerment Finding is an essential tool in the federal toolbox for protecting the health and welfare of the people of California.

By proposing to repeal the Endangerment Finding, the administration aims to undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. It means giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families across the country. It means our constituents will face more climate chaos and more pollution, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution, more health harms, and higher costs.

We urge you to maintain the Endangerment Finding and protect the health and welfare of Californians and communities all across the country.

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Congressman Bilirakis Honors His All-Holiness Bartholomew Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC:  Congressman Bilirakis released the following statement after welcoming His All-Holiness Bartholomew Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch to Washington, DC. 

It was an immense blessing and a singular honor to welcome His All-Holiness Bartholomew Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch.   His All Holiness is the revered spiritual leader of 300,000,000 million Orthodox Christians worldwide and is the 273rd successor of the founder of the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Andrew the Apostle. I am grateful that Speaker Mike Johnson hosted His All Holiness for a luncheon in the U.S. Capitol today which underscores the importance of The Ecumenical Patriarch’s relevance as a spiritual leader.  This visit was not only a moment of profound spiritual significance but also a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of faith, tradition, and unity that transcend borders. We were truly inspired by His All-Holiness’s wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue. May his visit strengthen the ties that bind us and illuminate the path toward greater understanding and harmony across our communities,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.  

Congressman Bilirakis also spoke earlier this week on the House Floor regarding His All-Holiness’s visit.  To listen to the remarks, click here.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens Announces ‘No Tariffs on Groceries Act’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Bill Will Lower Cost Of Groceries By Taking On Donald Trump’s Chaotic Tariff Policy

WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced her ‘No Tariffs on Groceries Act,’ a new bill that would lower the cost of groceries by removing the ability of the president to unilaterally put tariffs on food and other agricultural products.
 

YOU CAN WATCH REP. STEVENS’ PRESS CALL ANNOUNCING THE BILL HERE
 

Stevens’ bill would directly take on Donald Trump’s reckless, shoot-by-the-hip tariff policy that has been raising prices on Michiganders for months. Just this month, Michiganders saw some of the worst inflation and highest food prices they’ve seen in years. Thanks to Donald Trump’s tariffs, costs have gone up on coffee (20.9%), beef (16.6%), eggs (10.9%), apples (9.6%), bacon (7.2%), bananas (6.6%), and oranges (5.2%).

“The one thing I hear over and over again from Michiganders is that Donald Trump’s tariffs are making everything more expensive – especially groceries. Michigan has had enough of Donald Trump’s price hikes, and I am taking on these erratic tariffs to bring relief to Michigan families,” said Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens.

This bill would:

You can read the full text of the No Tariffs on Groceries Act here.

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House Democrats Should Remember Their Own Advice on Shutting Down the Government

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

WASHINGTON — Under President Biden, House Democrats warned that a government shutdown would have negative effects for seniors, veterans, and working families. This year under President Trump, their tune has completely changed as they continue to threaten government shutdowns.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in 2024: “It’s about the harm… Families will be hurt. Farmers will be hurt… If the government shuts down, holiday travel will be impacted. The ability of everyday Americans to visit their family, their friends, their loved ones will be impacted. Border security and border patrol agents will not be paid. TSA agents will not be paid. Small businesses will be hurt in every single community in this country.”

Rep. Katherine Clark in 2023: “So let’s take a moment to talk about the people who are truly at the center of this story… It’s the service members who will work without a paycheck. It’s the firefighters that will be furloughed. It’s the early educators who will have to leave their classroom. It’s the moms and parents who will be left scrambling for childcare.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar in 2023: “House Republicans are leading the country towards a reckless government shutdown that will take food off the table for mothers and children and force our servicemembers to work without pay.”

Rep. Ted Lieu in 2024: “A government shutdown will hurt everyday Americans.”

Rep. Joe Neguse in 2023: “The consequences of a government shutdown will be devastating — for our troops, law enforcement, working families, our economy and every American.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2019: “It is not normal to shut down the government when we don’t get what we want.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2024: “We are headed toward a government shutdown, and Republicans know it will hurt people: small business loans delayed, VA offices closed, and federal workers forced to work without pay during the holidays.”

Rep. Ayanna Pressley in 2024: “This [government] shutdown, do you know who is going to feel the pain? You know who it hurts? You. everyday people and the most vulnerable — seniors, veterans, working families, hungry kids y’all.”

House Democrats Consistently Voted for Continuing Resolutions Under Biden

117th Congress (Jan 2021 – Jan 2023)

Date

Bill

CR Duration

House Vote

Dem “No”

Sep 30, 2021

H.R. 5305 — Extending Government Funding & Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

to Dec 3, 2021

254–175 (Roll 311)

0

Dec 2, 2021

H.R. 6119 — Further Extending Government Funding Act

to Feb 18, 2022

221–212 (Roll 399)

0

Feb 8, 2022

H.R. 6617 — Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act

to Mar 11, 2022

272–162 (Roll 39)

1

Sep 30, 2022

H.R. 6833 — Continuing Appropriations & Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

to Dec 16, 2022

230–201 (Roll 476)

0

Dec 14, 2022

H.R. 1437 — Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023

to Dec 23, 2022

224–201 (Roll 523)

0

117th Congress Total: 5 CRs — 4 CRs with 0 Democratic nays

118th Congress (Jan 2023 – Jan 2025)

Date

Bill

CR Duration

House Vote

Dem “No”

Sep 30, 2023

H.R. 5860 — Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024

to Nov 17, 2023

335–91 (Roll 513)

1

Nov 14, 2023

H.R. 6363 — Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 (Laddered CR)

to Jan 19 & Feb 2, 2024

336–95 (Roll 658)

2

Jan 18, 2024

H.R. 2872 — Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 (Extend Laddered CR)

New Deadlines Mar 1 & Mar 8, 2024

314–108 (Roll 15)

2

Feb 29, 2024

H.R. 7463 — Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024

to Mar 8 & Mar 22, 2024

320–99 (Roll 106)

2

Sep 25, 2024

H.R. 9747 — Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

to Dec 20, 2024

341–82 (Roll 450)

0

Dec 20, 2024

H.R. 10545 — Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025

to Mar 14, 2025

366–34–1 (Roll 517)

0

119th Congress (Jan 2025 – Present)

Date

Bill

CR Duration

House Vote

Dem “Yea”

Mar 11, 2025

H.R. 1968 — Full-Year Continuing Appropriations & Extensions Act, 2025

to Sep 30, 2025

217–213 (Roll 70)

1

The Bottom Line:

House Democrats are suddenly ready to hold government funding hostage — risking benefits for seniors, veterans’ services, and paychecks for some working families — all to score cheap points against President Trump. Republicans are offering a clean, responsible bill to that would prevent Democrats from holding the government hostage to their partisan demands.

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