Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)
September 9, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the House-passed FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Act secures $50 million for a new shallow-draft dredging vessel to maintain navigation channels along the East Coast. The funding addresses urgent shoaling concerns that threaten safety and economic activity in Maryland’s waterways.
For years, addressing critical dredging projects like the Ocean City Inlet has been slowed by the poor condition of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dredge Currituck, one of two specialized vessels in the Corps’ fleet without a private industry equivalent. Congressman Harris secured specific language directing the Corps to utilize the $50 million in new funding to replace Dredge Currituck and ensure the Army Corps of Engineers can respond quickly to problem areas, preventing dangerous groundings, and keeping vital waterways open for business. The legislation also provides more than $375 million for coastal storm protection and beach management, supporting long-term shoreline resiliency and protecting communities against erosion and severe weather. Statement From Congressman Harris:
“I was proud to lead a bipartisan coalition of 15 members of Congress from coastal states and districts to secure this $50 million investment to build a new dredging vessel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For too long, critical dredging projects have been slowed due to the age and maintenance demands of Dredge Currituck. My language will ensure the prompt replacement of Dredge Currituck and deliver a long-term solution needed to sustain coastal economies up and down the East Coast. Before leaving office, Senator Ben Cardin urged me to ensure this long-needed project finally became a reality after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a new dredge vessel. I’m proud to have led the effort that brought this project to completion for Maryland and the entire East Coast.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) applauds Wicomico County leaders for taking decisive action to keep residents safe by joining with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the Warrant Service Officer program.This initiative, under the federal 287(g) framework,empowers trained deputies to enforce immigration detainers in the county jail, ensuring criminal illegal aliens are transferred to federal custody to federal authorities instead of being released back into local neighborhoods.
“I applaud Wicomico County for taking steps to help get illegal alien criminals off our streets, making our neighborhoods safer. Marylanders deserve safety and security in their homes and neighborhoods.”
For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he highlighted that House Republicans are desperately clinging on to power as their One Big Ugly Law becomes increasingly unpopular.
LEADER JEFFRIES: House Democrats remain completely united in our effort to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption in this town so we are actually delivering a government that makes life better for the American people. House Republicans are in complete disarray because they have no track record of accomplishment with respect to making life better for the American people. Costs aren’t going down in the United States of America. Costs are going up. Healthcare premiums are about to skyrocket and cost everyday Americans thousands of dollars more a year. That is a crippling increase in healthcare costs that Republicans are completely and totally responsible for visiting on the American people. Electricity bills are skyrocketing through the roof in part because of the damage that Republicans have done to the ability for America to generate the power that it needs connected to the One Big Ugly Bill.
Donald Trump remains deeply unpopular. Democrats continue to win special elections all across the country. Their effort to gerrymander the midterm elections by rigging these congressional maps is going to backfire. And Republicans know that their One Big Ugly Bill is deeply unpopular, so much so that they actually think they can improve the view that the American people have relative to the One Big Ugly Bill by changing the name. No, the problem is not the name, which was chosen by Donald Trump and the sycophants in the House, of course, obliged. The problem is that you ripped away healthcare from millions of Americans. Hospitals are closing, including rural America. Nursing homes will shut down. Healthcare premiums, co-pays and deductibles are skyrocketing. You stole food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans. And all of that was done so Republicans could award their billionaire donors a massive tax break. That is why the One Big Ugly Bill is deeply unpopular, and no matter what branding change you undertake, that’s the reality that you confront.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Promoting the Health of the Banking Sector: Reforming Resolution and Broadening Funding Access for Long-Term Resilience.”
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s remarks to witnesses on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X(formerly known as Twitter).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor, addressing the significance of Bloody Sunday as well as the ongoing challenges to Texas redistricting and voting rights.
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clickinghere. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X(formerly known as Twitter).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) held a press conference to announce the introduction of a resolution designating the second Tuesday in September, September 9, 2025, as National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. This day will raise awareness about the growing firearm suicide crisis and underscore the lifesaving importance of safe firearm storage. It will also serve as an opportunity to mobilize and hear from health professionals, researchers, survivors, veterans, and mental health experts about the evidence-based role of safe storage in preventing firearm suicide.
“The epidemic of gun violence continues to plague communities across our nation and forever changes the lives of families who have lost someone to gun death. Too often, the role of firearms in suicide is overlooked,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Suicide is preventable, and safe storage – locked, unloaded, and away from ammunition – can save lives by creating the time and distance that someone in crisis needs to pause and seek help. By recognizing National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day, we are bringing much needed awareness to this heartbreaking crisis and focusing on how to prevent firearm suicide to keep our children, families, veterans, and loved ones safe.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, firearms were used in more than 55% of suicides in the United States. Firearms are by far the deadliest method of suicide, with 90% of attempts proving fatal. On average, 74 Americans die by firearm suicide every day, and access to a gun increases the risk of death by suicide by 300%. While 75% of people who survive a suicide attempt never attempt again, most who attempt with a firearm do not get that second chance.
Veterans and youth are particularly at risk. More than 70% of veteran suicide deaths involve a firearm, and 75% of youth firearm suicides – where storage method could be identified – occur when the gun was stored loaded and unlocked. Additionally, 4.6 million children in the United States live in homes with access to an unlocked gun. Research shows that widespread adoption of safe storage practices could prevent nearly one-third of annual gun deaths from suicide and unintentional shootings.
“We have a firearm suicide crisis in our country. Seventy-four Americans use a gun to take their life every day and one in five of gun suicide victims are veterans. It doesn’t have to be this way. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass sensible legislation — from safe storage to red flag laws — to prevent firearm suicide and keep Americans safe and healthy,” said combat veteran and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04).
“With 74 Americans dying by firearm suicide every day, suicide by firearm has become the deadliest form of gun violence in America. Most Americans are likely to know and care about someone affected by this crisis,” said Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08), Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. “By marking National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day, we raise awareness about this crisis and the work being done to empower families and communities with the tools to protect their loved ones. Together, we can save lives and ensure that no family endures the preventable pain of losing a loved one to firearm suicide. I thank my colleague Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her leadership on this issue.”
“America’s deadliest shootings are the ones we don’t talk enough about: firearm suicides,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady. “We lose 74 people to gun suicide every day in America — more than are lost to firearm homicides and unintentional shootings combined. With the Trump administration’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, the end of the specialized 988 resource line, mass layoffs, and a deeply uncertain economic time, firearm suicide rates are on the rise. To prevent gun suicide, we need to continue to educate and promote safe firearm storage. Safe gun storage – that is, firearms locked and kept away from ammo – can save lives.”
“Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the CDC reports in 2023, 27,300 people died by firearm suicide – accounting for more than half of all suicides nationwide (58%),” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We thank Representatives Brownley, Thompson, and Beyer for recognizing National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day through the bipartisan resolution raising awareness of the importance of lethal means safety. AFSP joins you in preventing firearm suicide from expanding access to secure firearm storage to improving access to mental health treatment and crisis response.”
“Our nation is in the midst of a significant suicide crisis, and firearms are the most common method used in suicide and suicide attempts. Means matters and suicide deaths are preventable,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “NAMI is honored to support the resolution to mark September 9th as National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. By raising awareness about the risks of firearm suicides, we can take steps towards prevention and save lives. Together, we can reverse this crisis and reduce suicide deaths.”
Original co-sponsors of the resolution include Representatives Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Nikki Budzinski, Salud Carbajal, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, Angie Craig, Jasmine Crockett, Madeleine Dean, Diana DeGette, Chris Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Lizzie Fletcher, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Val Hoyle, Jared Huffman, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Timothy M. Kennedy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Doris Matsui, Jennifer McClellan, LaMonica McIver, Dave Min, Kelly Morrison, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Johnny Olszewski, Mark Pocan, Emily Randall, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Kim Schrier, Lateefah Simon, Eric Swalwell, Emilia Strong Sykes, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Mike Thompson, Norma Torres, Dina Titus, Derek T. Tran, Juan Vargas, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Nikema Williams.
The resolution is endorsed by Brady, SEAT, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and National Alliance on Mental Illness, leading national organizations working to prevent gun violence and suicide.
The full text of the resolution can be found here. Photos from the press conference can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON –Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) to introduce H.R. 5128. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a program that makes it easier for schools in lower-income areas to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, and in 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated the rules so more schools could qualify. That change was never made permanent, and this bipartisan bill would codify this improvement into law.
“Every child deserves consistent, healthy meals—no matter their family’s financial circumstances,”said Congressman Valadao.“Lowering the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) participation threshold has given thousands of Central Valley students access to free breakfast and lunch, and it’s time to make this change permanent. Kids should be focused on learning, not worrying about when they’ll get their next meal, and I’m happy to join this bipartisan effort to support our students.”
“As a mother, the thought of any child going hungry in school is devastating,”said Congresswoman Gillen.“That’s why I am introducing the bipartisan Feed Hungry Kids Act with my Republican colleague, David Valadao from California, a commonsense, bipartisan bill to protect the 2023 expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program which has helped Valley Stream and more than 17,000 other schools across America ensure that they can provide meals at no cost to all of their students.”
Background:
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals. CEP allows schools in high-poverty areas to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students, provided the school meets a minimum percentage of “identified students” who are directly certified for free meals through programs such as SNAP, TANF, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Medicaid.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered the participation threshold from 40% to 25% identified students, making more schools eligible to adopt CEP. As a result, more than 3.6 million children in California had access to no-cost meals during the 2023–2024 school year.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
On Thursday, September 4, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined a bipartisan group of Representatives in introducing new legislation to authorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs.
Authored by Chris Smith (R-NJ) and cosponsored by Reps. Pingree, (D-ME), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) ensures that two collaborative programs providing treatments and therapies derived from adult stem cell lines will not expire at the end of the federal fiscal year 2026.
The legislation—which has broad bipartisan support—authorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program for 5 years at $33 million annually, while the National Cord Blood Inventory is authorized at $23 million annually for five years.
“Breathtaking scientific advancements have turned medical waste—post-birth placentas and umbilical cord blood—into medical miracles that cure and treat more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” saidCongressman Smith, the author of the original law (The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005—P.L. 109-129) that created the national cord blood program and expanded the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. “I look forward to seeing this bipartisan reauthorization bill—which will expand and extend two remarkable life-saving research and therapy programs—pass quickly so that thousands of present-day and future patients can continue to benefit from the exciting promise of umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.”
“For patients and families facing devastating blood cancers and rare blood disorders, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer the best treatment – and sometimes the only potential for a cure,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory have saved tens of thousands of lives by connecting patients with lifesaving donors. By reintroducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, we are making sure that hope endures – and that even more families are given the gift of time, healing, and a second chance at life.”
“This critical legislation reaffirms our nation’s commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and bringing hope to the millions of Americans suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions,”said Congressman Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for stem cell research that adheres to the highest ethical and scientific standards, while expanding the potential for developing new therapies and medical breakthroughs. This Act not only fosters scientific innovation but also upholds our core values of compassion and care for those whose lives could one day be transformed by these advancements. Continued investment in adult stem cell research is an investment in the future of medicine and a reflection of our bipartisan commitment to science, health, and the well-being of generations to come.”
“I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible.”
“Investments in stem cell therapeutics and research increases the possibility of unlocking medical breakthroughs in how to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and more,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “Our bill, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, reaffirms our commitment as a nation to advancing research in this cutting-edge field of science that has so much potential to heal people and save lives,” he concluded.
First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. This reauthorization continues to build donor networks, broadening access to these lifesaving treatments.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Smith, Matsui, Bilirakis, Pingree, Tenney, and Mfume, for their unwavering dedication to advocating for patients and families who require access to life-saving transplant,” Amy Ronneberg, CEO of NMDP, said. “The continued bipartisan support from Congress for this program grows stronger with each reauthorization, demonstrating how a deepening commitment to saving lives can impact over 140,000 patients’ lives to date and create an enduring program to serve all patients in need. We stand proudly alongside our Congressional champions to ensure that every patient in need has the opportunity to find a lifesaving match.”
“The NCBI has enabled public cord blood banks to build an inventory of high quality, unrelated donor, cord blood units which are available for patients who do not have a matched donor in their family,” saidDr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., President of CBA and Director of the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures and Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Health. “The program has enabled access to blood stem cell transplantation for thousands of patients with blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, certain metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure, and inherited diseases of the immune system. The NCBI is a wonderful example of how public support can increase access to healthcare for patients with unmet medical needs.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives and the most senior U.S. government official of Cabo Verdean ancestry, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a Congressional resolution recognizing half a century of the independence of the Republic of Cabo Verde and celebrating the contributions of Cabo Verdean Americans to democracy in Cabo Verde and the United States. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) co-sponsors the resolution.
“Cabo Verde is a leading democracy in Africa with a strong commitment to the rule of law, human rights and democratic values. The nation is strategically located in a key geopolitical region and has served as a reliable and loyal partner to the United States. As one of the only Members of Congress with Cabo Verdean roots, it is my honor to join Senator Markey in introducing this resolution to mark half a century of Cabo Verde’s independence and celebrate the contributions of Cabo Verdeans at home, in America and around the world,” said Leader Jeffries.
“Through the whaling industry, packet trading, fishing, cranberry cultivation, entertainment, politics, academia, and much more, Cabo Verdean Americans have contributed to so much to the historical tapestry that is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New England, and the United States,” said Senator Markey. “I am immensely proud to represent the largest Cabo Verdean community in the United States and am introducing this resolution to recognize their innumerable achievements. As Cabo Verde celebrates half a century of independence this year, we should all celebrate how this small archipelago has become a model of good governance that upholds the principles of freedom and democracy.”
“For over two centuries, Cabo Verdeans have been a vital part of trade and commerce with the United States as well as culture and stability in West Africa. This resolution rightly recognizes Cabo Verdean Americans’ countless contributions to our country and their dedication to protecting democratic values around the world,” said Senator Welch. “We proudly join this small but mighty archipelago in celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence and look forward to strengthening the bond between our nations.”