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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, released a statement following the announcement of a phase one agreement between Israel and Hamas to bring home the remaining hostages, which could lead to an end to the war and bring peace to Gaza: 

“For over two years, 20 hostages held in the tunnels deep underground in Gaza have been waiting to take a breath of fresh air.

With the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of a peace agreement, millions around the world are hopeful they will be able to breathe a sigh of relief alongside them as they are released from captivity, rejoin their families, and begin the long journey toward rehabilitation. 

The families of the 28 hostages who are no longer with us—including American citizens Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, and Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held since 2014 and whose parents are my constituents—will hopefully finally be able to put their loved ones to rest.

Over two million Palestinians will hopefully be able to start emerging from a humanitarian crisis and rebuilding their lives.

I welcome this deal and join the world in praying for its success, the release of the hostages, an end to the war, a surge in humanitarian aid, and a chance to start building peace in Gaza, and across the Middle East. While there is much more work ahead of us, I am grateful for the hard-fought negotiations between the Trump Administration, Israel, and partners across the Middle East. We must do everything in our power to end this tragic and painful chapter and secure lasting peace.”

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

WASHINGTON- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement on the 2^nd anniversary of the October 7^th attacks:
 
“Hamas’ brutal assault on October 7th, 2023, stole the lives of 1,200 innocent people, including 43 Americans. Hamas shattered countless families by kidnapping 250 people, dozens of whom remain in captivity today. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust and the shock and grief of that dark day remain in Israel, in Jewish communities in New York City, and around the world. Two years later, I mourn with the families of the victims and remain committed to bringing every hostage home.
 
“Since October 7th, the world has also witnessed a horrific Israeli military campaign that has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, injured hundreds of thousands, and displaced the vast majority of the population. Gaza has been pushed to the edge of survival. Our nation must recognize this reality and take responsibility for our government’s role in enabling this destruction.
 
“Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to live in safety, dignity, and hope. That requires an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the return of all hostages, accountability for violations of international law, and a flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
 
“To honor the innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives lost, we must pursue peace and a future where all peoples can live side by side in freedom and security.”
 

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

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the shutdown of the federal government:
 
“Republicans have shut down the federal government, walking away from their duty to the American people to advance a cruel agenda. Instead of staying in Washington to negotiate, they left town, taking a vacation while millions of Americans face the prospect of soaring health care costs from expiring ACA tax credits. Because of their inaction, millions of families are now paying the price with frozen paychecks, higher premiums, and vital services grinding to a halt.
 
“The Republican ‘Big Ugly Bill’ delivered the largest cut to Medicaid in our nation’s history while handing out massive tax breaks to billionaires. Now, unless ACA tax credits are extended, millions of Americans, including thousands of families across Brooklyn and Queens, will see their health care costs skyrocket.
 
“Democrats have been united in our efforts to protect health care, lower costs, and keep the government open. We will not rubber-stamp a budget that strips coverage from working families and raises costs in service of more giveaways to the wealthy. My fight is, and will always be, for the nurses, teachers, parents, and small businesses who deserve a government that works for them.
 
“Republicans must come to the table to address the health care crisis they have created. Until then, they are on their own.”
 

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

WASHINGTON – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced a House resolution to recognize September 26, 2025, as World Contraception Day.

“World Contraception Day is an effort to recommit building a future where every person has access to the resources, education, and healthcare they need to make informed choices,” said Velázquez. “Ensuring reproductive freedom is about equality, dignity, and opportunity. That is the vision I will continue to fight for, both at home and abroad.”

Globally, more than 270 million people lack access to modern family planning methods. Research shows that communities of color often face barriers to receiving accurate, high-quality information about effective contraception. Access to reliable contraceptive care is to safeguard physical and reproductive health. It is also linked to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.

The Trump administration has consistently prioritized rolling back access to contraception and reproductive health services, both at home and abroad. Through regulatory changes, funding cuts, and even the destruction of $10 million dollars’ worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives, these efforts have made it harder for individuals to obtain the resources they need for family planning and reproductive freedom.

Expanding access to contraception has proven benefits beyond health outcomes. It strengthens economic stability by increasing workforce participation and supporting long-term prosperity. At the same time, denying young people access contraceptives increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and exposes teens to preventable sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. 

“Too many people — especially people of color, those in rural areas, and those with lower incomes — still face barriers to getting the birth control they need,” said by Rachel Fey, Vice President, Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Power to Decide. “Some of the same policymakers working to ban abortion are also working to limit access to birth control. We know that birth control is basic health care, and it should be accessible, affordable, and available to anyone who wants it, without shame or stigma. We thank Representative Velázquez and congressional champions for this resolution amplifying World Contraception Day and affirming the need for true access to contraception for all. Access to contraception changes lives, and everyone deserves the power to decide their own future.”

“Access to contraception is fundamental to reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and gender equity,” said by Darcy Hirsh, Senior Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women’s. “At National Council of Jewish Women, we are guided by the value of kavod ha’briyot — respect for individual dignity — which includes the right to choose if, when, and how to start or grow a family. We commend Congresswoman Velázquez for introducing this resolution affirming the essential role of contraception for public health and human rights, and we urge Congress to continue protecting and expanding access to this vital care.”

“At Upstream, we believe that contraceptive care is basic healthcare,” said Jessica Foster, President and Chief Operating Officer, Upstream USA. “On World Contraception Day and every day, we stand tall in our belief that everyone deserves patient-centered contraceptive care that is easy to access when and where it is convenient for them. We are grateful to Rep. Velázquez for her work to introduce the World Contraception Day Resolution.”

“At a time when attacks on contraceptive access in the United States continue to escalate, policies that advance affordable, equitable access to contraceptive care are more important than ever,” said Kelly Blanchard, President, Ibis Reproductive Health. “Everyone should be able to access the contraceptive method they want free from barriers or stigma, no matter who they are or where they live. This World Contraception Day, Ibis is glad to endorse this resolution and highlight the urgent need to break down barriers to contraceptive access across the country.” 

This resolution is also co-sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

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

WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit filed by members of Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board challenging their unlawful removal by President Trump:

“Last month, the Trump administration fired six of the seven members of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB), marking an unprecedented move in the Board’s 10-year history. Overnight, these members, who receive zero compensation for their service, were removed without cause, despite the fact that the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) only allows board members to be removed for cause.

“This arbitrary action occurred in the midst of litigation to restructure the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) debt obligations, which will affect the energy rates of the island’s 1.5 million customers. As a result, proceedings have been suspended, obstructing a viable debt restructuring. Meanwhile, bad actors have seized the opportunity to push for the unlawful dissolution of the Board. Rather than seeking justice, they aim to dismantle the only governmental entity preventing the use of the island’s critical cash reserves to satisfy the demands of bondholders.

“On Thursday, September 18^th, three Fiscal Board members challenged Trump’s decision to terminate their work. In a lawsuit against President Trump and Sergio Gor, Director of the Presidential Personnel Office, former bankruptcy judge Arthur J. González, prominent educator Betty A. Rosa, and former commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Andrew Biggs asked the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico to nullify this illegal determination and protect other jurisdictions, such as D.C., from the arbitrary removal of territorial officials.

“We are living in a moment of unchecked abuses by the Executive Branch, and with Trump’s decision on the Oversight Board, Puerto Ricans have become the latest victims of his campaign against independent institutions. We fully support the lawsuit filed by these members, because we believe in the work they have done to stop the vulture funds that threaten Puerto Rico’s energy future. We trust that justice will prevail and show that, like many of President Trump’s actions, this decision was senseless and illegal.

“While there are legitimate concerns regarding the Board, this was never the way to address them. These members must be reinstated without delay so that PREPA can finally move forward with its restructuring and obtain a viable plan that secures affordable energy in the long term for every Puerto Rican home and business.”

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

WASHINGTON– As hurricane season intensifies and communities in Puerto Rico and New York brace for heavy rains and flooding, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) unveiled a package of five bills to strengthen disaster response, reform flood insurance, and protect people from price gouging during emergencies.

“The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters that ruin lives and devastate our communities,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “The federal government must meet the moment and deliver the support Americans need to recover when disaster strikes. These bills will help ensure families are not left stranded, overcharged, or underserved in times of crisis our communities know the devastation that flooding and hurricanes can bring,”

The legislative package includes:

• Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act – Requires the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to identify and address specific capability gaps and challenges that the U.S. territories (government entities, NGOs, and other grant recipients) experience while conducting recovery activities after a major disaster.
• Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act –The legislation would require federal agencies providing recovery grants for Puerto Rico to report on the critical data gaps they face while administering these grants and indicate the federal statistical products to which Puerto Rico should be integrated into.
• Flood Insurance Tax Credit Act of 2025 – Creates a refundable tax credit covering 33% of flood insurance premiums for families under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making coverage more affordable for working households.
• National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2025 – Strengthens oversight, transparency, and fairness within the NFIP by giving homeowners the option for enhanced coverage, cracking down on fraud, requiring faster claim decisions, and improving communication with policyholders.
• AirFAIR Act – Protects consumers from airline price-gouging during declared disasters by capping fare increases at 30% and granting the Department of Transportation authority to lower the cap when needed.

“Whether it’s families in New York City who see their basements flood after just two inches of rain, or Puerto Ricans facing the devastation of another hurricane, our people deserve fair treatment, affordable protections, and responsive government when disaster strikes,” said CongresswomanVelázquez.

 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg during a visit to Nebraska. The officials toured the Preferred Popcorn headquarters in Chapman, NE, the Mars Petcare production facility in Aurora, and held a listening session on the 2026 Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement with local agriculture producers and manufacturers at Central Valley Ag in York.

The officials released the following statements.

“Mexico and Canada are Nebraska’s most significant agriculture export markets, and USMCA plays a vital role, ensuring our farmers and ranchers have a level playing field,” said Rep. Smith. “As the Trump administration gathers stakeholder feedback, input from our producers is critical to ensure a successful review process. I thank Under Secretary Lindberg, who has been a fierce advocate for American agriculture both at home and abroad, for taking the time to hear from Nebraskans.”

“Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse, and their products are in high demand around the world,” said Under Sec. Lindberg. “I’d like to thank Chairman Smith, Governor Pillen, and Director Vinton for hosting me today and showcasing some of the incredible agricultural products being made, grown, and raised in Nebraska and delivered around the globe.”

To access high-resolution photos click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Senate Democrats refused to support legislation to prevent a lapse in federal appropriations leading to a government shutdown.

“This unfortunate shutdown was avoidable. Earlier in September, House Republicans passed a bill to provide time to responsibly address spending. The fact Democrats don’t want our country to move forward while they make ideological demands is unfortunate for veterans and others who are served by federal agencies, for our servicemembers who are now at risk of going without pay for a time, and for the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Joseph Barloon as United States Deputy Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“Congratulations to Joseph Barloon on his confirmation as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador to the WTO. U.S. leadership on trade remains crucial to leveling the playing field for hardworking Americans, and his experience will complement the Trump administration’s vigorous approach on trade issues. Unfortunately, the previous administration abdicated American leadership on trade. The U.S. must be a leader in setting global trade rules which protect innovation, provide a level playing field, and counter the influence of non-market economies. This is why a strong presence at the WTO is vitally important. I look forward to working with Amb. Barloon and continuing to work with the Trump administration to advance a trade agenda which champions American workers, producers, and businesses.”

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