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Newhouse Talks Tax Reform with U.S. Chamber, Tri-City Regional Chamber

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Talks Tax Reform with U.S. Chamber, Tri-City Regional Chamber

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on the Working Families Tax Cuts law passed by Congress and signed by the President in July.  

“I thank the Tri-City Chamber for inviting me to their Leaders Luncheon to discuss the many tax provisions we secured throughout the reconciliation process,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse added, “In spite of Washington state’s new budget which included the largest tax hike in state history, I was proud to vote to cut taxes for our business community to help spur job growth. Businesses in Central Washington will soon begin to reap the benefits of this law, and I look forward to working with the Chamber to make sure our region thrives in an economy where we put local businesses first.”  

“Small Businesses in Washington state and across the nation were facing an enormous automatic tax increase at the end of the year,” said Chris Eyler, Vice President of the Northwest Region at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

Eyler added, “As a small businessman himself, Representative Newhouse recognized the importance of not only preventing this increase, but creating tax policy that provides businesses with the long-term certainty they need to invest in their workers and operations.”  

Rep. Newhouse and the Chambers discussed the many pro-small business provisions in the legislation including: 

  • Making permanent the 2017 tax cuts, preventing the largest tax hike in American history.
  • Ending taxes on tips and overtime pay.
  • Making permanent the more than doubled child tax credit.
  • Making permanent the 20 percent Small Business Tax Deduction.
  • More than doubling the maximum expensing for small businesses.
  • Allowing for 100 percent deduction for research and experimental spending for small businesses.

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Latta Introduces the WIRELESS Leadership Act to Streamline Rural Broadband Internet Deployment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Last week, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) reintroduced the Winning the International Race for Economic Leadership and Expanding Service to Support Leadership Act (WIRELESS) Leadership Act, a bill to modernize broadband permitting to reduce barriers to deployment.  

The bill will provide much-needed transparency into the application process for broadband providers to invest in new or upgraded infrastructure and ensure the speedy approval process of broadband applications.  

“Every American deserves access to reliable broadband. To close the digital divide, we must expand broadband access to unserved and underserved communities, especially in rural areas. Over the years, billions of dollars have been allocated to expand rural broadband, but without meaningful broadband permitting reform, it’s not enough. If we do not reform this process, all of the federal money will be tied up in burdensome permitting reviews resulting in more unnecessary delays. That’s why I reintroduced the WIRELESS Leadership Act to streamline state and local permitting, cut through burdensome reviews, and accelerate broadband deployment so more communities can get connected. Reliable broadband means students can complete their homework, small businesses can compete in a digital economy, and farmers can access the latest tools and technologies to improve productivity. Now is the moment to close the digital divide once and for all,” said Latta.

Latta’s work to improve rural broadband Internet access: 

Congressman Latta serves as Co-Chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus and previously led the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee. Throughout his time in Congress, he has championed efforts to close the digital divide for communities in Ohio and across the nation. Among these efforts is his Broadband Data Act, signed into law in 2020, which required the FCC to develop updated broadband maps to ensure federal resources are accurately directed to communities without reliable internet access.

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Huffman Raises Alarm Over USDA Plan to Gut Forest Service Research and Regional Offices

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

September 02, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins raising serious concerns about the Department’s July 24, 2025 proposal to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service by phasing out its nine Regional Offices and consolidating its stand-alone Research Stations into a single location in Fort Collins, Colorado.

“I support efforts to modernize the Forest Service so it better serves the American people and can address the climate and wildfire crises, but I question whether this proposal will achieve its purported goal of moving the agencies closer to its customer, particularly if USDA moves the current Forest Service regional offices and research stations away from communities, National Forests, and researchers,” Huffman wrote.

He noted the plan comes “in a year when the Forest Service has already lost a drove of valuable expertise; roughly 3,400 probationary employees at the Forest Service were fired in February and it has been reported that as many as 3,000 red card employees have been lost since January 2025.” Huffman also criticized USDA for announcing the plan without input from Congress, unions, or partners, and for failing to explain how staff relocations, lab closures, or headquarters operations would be managed.

“Research lies at the heart of the Forest Service and has since the agency’s establishment,” Huffman wrote. “I have deep concerns that the proposed reorganization will result in a massive research backlog and lead to key research projects ending due to budget cuts, lack of staff, and lack of access to samples, data, and on-the-ground knowledge.” He emphasized that cutting off local research would deprive communities of the science needed to prepare for wildfire, restore ecosystems, and support local economies.

Huffman urged USDA to reverse course and “reconsider consolidating the Forest Service’s research stations and to keep the Regional Offices open.”

Read the full letter here.

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Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Trump’s Clean Energy Decimation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

August 29, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the Trump administration’s latest attack on clean energy:

 
“This is a new level of idiocracy, where the Trump administration is trying to destroy an entire sector of clean energy, kill thousands of good paying jobs, and drive up electricity prices for American consumers.

“Surrendering the future to China by dragging America back to dirty, climate-wrecking fossil fuel dependency while most of the world is moving on to safer, cleaner, and cheaper clean energy, is reckless, corrupt, and profoundly against our national interests.

“The Humboldt project in my district shows what’s possible when we put people over polluters. For a small, rural community, it means jobs, affordable and clean power for millions, and Tribes getting a seat at the table and share of the benefits. But Trump has decided that keeping Big Oil happy matters more than lowering costs, creating jobs, or securing America’s energy future.
“Democrats are fighting for jobs, affordable power, and a clean energy future. Trump is fighting for corrupt oil executives who bankrolled his campaign, and that damage is going to be felt for generations.”

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Huffman Statement on Trump’s Roadless Rule Rollback and Taxpayer-Funded Lumber Giveaway to China

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

August 27, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the next step in its rule-making process to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period from this Friday to September 19 — less than 30 days.

“Secretary Rollins is steamrolling ahead with Trump’s plan to deliver America’s last wild forests to corporate polluters. Forcing a rollback with only a matter of days for the public to voice concerns is an insult to the American people and the communities who depend on these lands.

“And like the bruise on Trump’s hand, the damage is impossible to hide. These forests safeguard drinking water, wildlife, and rural economies nationwide; stripping these protections is nothing more than a taxpayer-funded lumber giveaway to China and Trump’s corporate cronies.

“Democrats will fight this reckless scheme and stand with Tribes, hunters, anglers, and families who rely on these forests—not corporations looking to cash in.”

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Pressley Demands Answers from Powell on Rising Black Women Unemployment Rate

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

Congresswoman Demands Fed Take Action to Uphold its Mandate of Maximum Employment for All Workers

Pressley Also Presses Powell on Fed Independence, Trump’s Illegal Firing of Lisa Cook

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, wrote to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sounding the alarm on the rising unemployment rate for Black women in the United States and demanding the Fed take immediate action to uphold its mandate of maximum employment for all. The Congresswoman’s letter comes with the Trump Administration’s mass federal workforce layoffs disproportionately impacting Black women and as Donald Trump attempts to seize control of the Fed by illegally firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

“The U.S. Federal Reserve has a statutory mandate to promote maximum employment and that must be true for all people, regardless of race and gender,” the Congresswoman wrote in her letter. “Given your role as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, I write to you to request data about the impact of Black women’s job loss on the U.S. economy and a response on how this issue will be addressed.”

In August 2025, the unemployment rate among Black women spiked to 6.7%, which is above the already high national average of 4.3%. Mass federal workforce layoffs by the current Trump Administration have disproportionately impacted Black women, who comprise about 12% of the federal workforce compared to about 7% of the overall labor market.  Furthermore, the Trump Administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion have compounded the negative effects on Black women.  Economic barriers like hiring discrimination and wage disparities are more prevalent when employers are prohibited from valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“The Trump Administration is harming the economy by causing the labor market to lose the wealth of knowledge, innovation, and skill that Black women have contributed to this nation,” Congresswoman Pressley continued in her letter. “It is incumbent upon the Federal Reserve to adjust its approach to ensuring a fair economy in the face of fiscally irresponsible policies from the White House.”

In her letter, Congresswoman Pressley underscored the essential role Black women play in the U.S. economy, citing research showing that diverse and inclusive workforces are more productive, innovative, and profitable. The Congresswoman also outlined the long legacy of Black women’s economic leadership, from Sadie Alexander’s groundbreaking work on economic barriers in the early 20th century to Coretta Scott King’s fight for a federal job guarantee during the Civil Rights Movement to Lisa Cook serving as the first Black woman Federal Reserve Governor.

By September 30, 2025, Congresswoman Pressley asked Chairman Powell to:

  • Provide data on the impact of Black women’s job losses on the U.S. economy and discuss how these racial and gender disparities in unemployment rates affect economic inequality.
  • Outline what steps the Fed will take to ensure it continues to uphold the mandate of maximum employment for Black women, including a detailed plan of how it plans to address the increasingly high unemployment rates of Black women.
  • Affirm the independence of the Federal Reserve, including from unlawful firings like that of Lisa Cook.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for race-conscious policies to help close the racial wealth gap in America, uplift Black, brown, and other marginalized communities.

  • Building on the legacy of Black women in the civil rights movement, Rep. Pressley led a historic resolution calling for a federal job guarantee.  
  • In a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Pressley questioned Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the issue of full employment and the Civil Rights history of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. Powell conceded, for the first time in Federal Reserve history and on the Congressional record, that the Fed alone cannot get the United States to full employment.
  • Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker, is the lead co-sponsor of the American Opportunity Accounts Act—also known as Baby Bonds—legislation that would create a federally-funded savings account for every American child in order to make economic opportunity a birthright for every child and help close the racial wealth gap.
  • Rep. Pressley introduced the Equity in Government Act to codify racial equity across federal agencies and improve government services for underserved communities.
  • Rep. Pressley has also called on the five largest banks in America to provide a detailed update on the racial equity commitments the institutions made following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
  • Rep. Pressley was also a leading voice in Congress urging President Biden to cancel student debt. Following years of advocacy by Rep. Pressley—in partnership with colleagues, borrowers, and advocates like the NAACP—the Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic plan to cancel student debt that stands to benefit over 40 million people.

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Velázquez Raises Concerns to Walmart Over Puerto Rican Real ID Rejection

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

A Puerto Rican resident was denied a purchase after a cashier refused to accept his valid Puerto Rico Real ID

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter to Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO, recommending an investigation after a Puerto Rican customer was refused the purchase of an item because the cashier did not accept his Puerto Rico Real Identity Document (ID) in an Ohio Walmart.

On July 30, 2025, Julio Rivera was shopping at Beavercreek, Ohio Walmart with family. When asked for his identification, Rivera showed his valid Puerto Rico Real ID and the cashier told Rivera that the ID was invalid as it was not issued “in the United States.” After questioning from Rivera’s family to the cashier, the cashier recognized that Puerto Rico is part of the United States but still refused to accept the ID. 

Rivera asked to speak to the manager and to see the policy stating that Puerto Rico IDs can’t be accepted. Rivera’s family claims that the manager refused to show the policy and forced them to leave the store and threatened to call the police if they did not leave. 

“We believe that, just as Mr. Rivera’s identification would be accepted at an airport or a restricted federal facility, it should be accepted at every one of your stores,” wrote the lawmakers. “In fact, Walmart’s policy does not require customers to present a Real ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. We are concerned that Mr. Rivera may have been discriminated against, or that the employees who assisted him were not entirely cognizant that his ID is valid in the United States.”

Sec. 201(5) of the Real ID Act of 2005 declares Puerto Rico is considered a “state” for the purposes of such law. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s Department of Transportation and Public Works has outlined a process for island residents to obtain Real IDs that are valid for domestic travel and getting access to restricted federal facilities.

“Therefore, we believe that this incident warrants thorough investigation, corrective action for the employees involved, and broader measures throughout your stores nationwide to prevent this type of behavior from occurring again,” continued the lawmakers. “It is important that every customer, regardless of their residence, is treated with respect, equality, and in alignment with the law.”

The letter was signed by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-OH).

Find the full letter here.

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Velázquez Raises Concerns About Revival of Proposed NY Natural Gas Pipeline

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

If advanced, it will be the biggest fracked gas pipeline approved in New York State in a decade.

WASHINGTON D.C.- This week, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) submitted a comment letter on behalf of her constituents and environmental justice advocates raising concerns about the revival of the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project, a proposed expansion of the Transco natural gas pipeline.

The NESE project, proposed by Williams Transco, seeks to expand the Transco natural gas pipeline to carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and under the NY/NJ Harbor. The project poses risks to sensitive marine ecosystems and stands in direct conflict with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, which mandates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

The NESE pipeline would endanger sensitive marine ecosystems, expose New Yorkers to toxic contaminants, and lock our state into decades of fossil fuel dependence.  At a moment when we should be investing in clean energy infrastructure, this project moves us backward and places environmental justice communities at greatest risk.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) previously rejected a key permit for the project in 2020 after finding that pipeline construction would likely unearth and release harmful contaminants, including mercury, lead, arsenic, and PCBs, into New York Harbor. These toxins threaten marine life such as whales, seals, and dolphins that have recently begun to return to the city’s waterways and also pose serious human health risks.

“As the federal government doubles down on fossil fuel expansion, states like New York must remain steadfast in defending our environment, protecting public health, and meeting our ambitious climate goals,” Velázquez concluded.

Read the full letter here.

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Steil Introduces Nonpartisan Bill to Protect Kids’ Mental Health Online

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Protecting Young Minds Online Act, which requires the Center for Mental Health Services to develop and disseminate a strategy to address the effects of new technologies, like social media, on children’s mental health. 

“Social media and emerging technologies can have a harmful impact on children, driving depression, anxiety, and in worst cases, self-harm and suicide,” said Steil. “The federal government should work alongside families, teachers, and children to provide the tools necessary to promote positive mental health and keep our children safe.”

“The loneliness crisis in this country affects us all one way or another. And young Americans are relying on social media and technology to find a sense of connection. But we know social media exposure can also have negative effects on mental health,” said Balint. “As a mom of two teens, and a former teacher, I’m deeply concerned about the mental health impact of social media on our youth. It’s critical we act to better understand the potential harms. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to take the important step to promote positive use of social media and protect our youth.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

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Steil Leads Full Wisconsin Delegation Requesting President Issue Disaster Declaration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI (8/28/2025) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) led the full Wisconsin Congressional delegation in writing to President Trump requesting he issue a Major Disaster Declaration to support recovery efforts across Wisconsin following historic flooding. A Major Disaster Declaration unlocks important federal assistance for recovery efforts in Wisconsin.

Congressman Steil previously reached out to the White House and FEMA immediately following the storms on August 10 and sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FEMA officials last week.

“I am committed to helping Wisconsin families access the resources they need to recover from this disaster,” said Steil. “I will continue working with the President, my colleagues, and local leaders to ensure our community receives the support it needs as quickly as possible to recover from this storm.”

For a copy of the letter, click HERE.