Kelly announces $2.5 million in grants for local fire departments

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced more than $2.5 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) grants have been approved for projects within Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. The projects were included in the legislation passed by the U.S. House and signed into law by President Donald Trump last week.

“These projects represent real, tangible infrastructure that will significantly benefit communities across the 16th Congressional District,” Kelly said. “As my team and I reviewed this year’s applications, our priority was ensuring Pennsylvania taxpayers received the strongest return on their investment. I’m confident these projects accomplish exactly that.”

Rep. Kelly’s FY2026 Community Project Funding that will receive funding:

Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company, North East, Pa. – Amount: $975,000
This project would construct a new fire station for the Volunteer Fire Company in Greenfield Township.  The existing fire station was built in the 1940’s when fire engines were much smaller, it is also on a busy 50-mph road which presents traffic safety issues when entering and leaving the station.  A new station will allow the fire company to better and more safely provide critical emergency services.

West Mead #1 Volunteer Fire Company, Meadville, Pa.– Amount: $400,077
This new pumper/tanker would replace the current pumper that is 30 years old and does not have the capacity to service mutual aid partners that do not have access to a municipal water system.  This new pumper tanker would increase capacity from 1,000 gallons of water to 2,500 gallons of water and provide the ability to inject a foam solution into the water that would increase effectiveness 3-5 times. Call volume increased by 25% from 2021 to 2023 for West Mead #1, and this new pumper/tanker would allow them to carry out their critical emergency services duties effectively and efficiently.

Harmony Fire District, Zelienople, Pa. – Amount: $1,200,000
This project would replace an existing apparatus that is currently 23 years old.  The Harmony Fire District serves four municipalities, two of which rank among the top five fastest growing communities in Pennsylvania.

Of the fifteen (15) requests Rep. Kelly was allotted, three (3) were included in the spending package passed last week. Rep. Kelly’s additional requests remain under consideration.
 

BACKGROUND
Congressional leaders resumed Community Project Funding (CPF), formerly known as ‘earmarks’, for the 119th Congress. With increased transparency and stricter guidelines, lawmakers were permitted to submit up to fifteen (15) funding requests during the appropriations process. Rep. Kelly fielded input from local leaders throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania before selecting these projects.

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

This funding comes after Rep. Kelly secured more than $50 million in Community Project Funding requests from 2022-2024.

In 2020, Rep. Kelly also delivered two BUILD Grants for the 16th Congressional District, including $25 million for improvements along State Route 228 in Butler County, and $21 million for the City of Erie’s Bayfront Parkway Project. In 2018, he also secured a BUILD Grant for the State Route 228 project worth $20 million.

Wasserman Schultz Meets with ACA Recipients, Floridians Impacted by GOP Healthcare Crisis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“If Republicans continue to cater to the billionaires and ignore our families, family budgets are going to be demolished. It’s going to force families to drop healthcare coverage altogether. Our neighbors won’t see their doctors. Chronic diseases will go undiagnosed,” said Wasserman Schultz. “People will end up sicker than they ever should be, and tragically, some people will needlessly die.”

 Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) held a roundtable discussion and press conference with Affordable Care Act recipients who face skyrocketing healthcare costs due to Republicans allowing ACA enhanced premium tax credits to lapse and the passage of Trump’s Big Ugly Law.

Watch the full press conference here.

“If Republicans continue to cater to the billionaires and ignore our families, family budgets are going to be demolished. It’s going to force families to drop healthcare coverage altogether. Our neighbors won’t see their doctors. Chronic diseases will go undiagnosed,” said Wasserman Schultz. “People will end up sicker than they ever should be, and tragically, some people will needlessly die.”

Florida, as much as any state in the nation, faces one of the worst impacts if the ACA tax credits at the heart of the shutdown dispute are allowed to expire. Of the top 15 congressional districts with the highest number of ACA enrollees, 12 of them are in Florida. On a yearly basis the State of Florida leads the nation in sign-ups for the Affordable Care Act.

In Florida’s 25th Congressional District, 203,000 people will see their health care costs rise if ACA tax credits expire and 82,00 people will lose access to health coverage entirely due to the impacts of the Big Ugly Law and expiring ACA tax credits.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Executive Director of Florida Decides Healthcare Mitch Emerson, ACA recipients Saskia MadisonFelicia Persaud, and Stephanie van Vark, family member of ACA recipient Jody Kaminsky, and Half Moon Empanadas HR Director George Zamora, who handles employee health planning for his company.

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Ranking Members Clyburn, DeLauro Statement on Trump Administration Plan to Slash and Delay Funding for Housing Assistance

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

WASHINGTON – Today, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Ranking Member James Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement regarding a newly released plan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to dramatically cut funding for housing assistance programs, potentially pushing as many as 170,000 veterans, unaccompanied youth, and people with disabilities onto the street:

“This plan is reckless and cruel. Homeless service providers throughout the country will begin to run out of money next month. Under HUD’s new funding requirements, as many as 170,000 veterans, youth that have aged out of the foster care system, and people with disabilities could be pushed out onto the streets in the dead of winter.

“We have the money to continue funding this program. There are already more than 771,000 people experiencing homelessness across the United States. But President Trump and Republicans’ plan is to choke off funding for programs that have been proven to help provide vulnerable people with stable housing for years, while delaying grants to nonprofits, faith-based organizations and local governments who help get people housed to next spring.

“The administration should be focused on addressing their cost-of-living crisis that has made housing so unaffordable, not targeting vulnerable people and making the homelessness crisis worse.”

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Pressley, Warren, Sanders, Over 40 Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to End Plans to Sell Federal Student Loan Portfolio

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

Bicameral letter warns that “sale would be a giveaway to wealthy insiders at the expense of working-class borrowers and taxpayers.”

“Time and again, the Trump Administration has put the interests of well-connected, wealthy insiders ahead of working families.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), led 41 of their colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to immediately end any plans to sell or transfer the federal student loan portfolio to the private market.

“Let’s be clear: This sale would be a giveaway to wealthy insiders at the expense of working-class borrowers and taxpayers,” wrote the lawmakers. “It threatens the loss of borrowers’ legally guaranteed protections, and the sale would likely be illegal if the debt is sold at a loss for taxpayers.”

According to a report last month, the Trump Administration is exploring options to sell the federal government’s $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to financial firms and other private companies.

This move could illegally strip student loan borrowers of key protections, including income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), disability and death discharges, and relief for those defrauded by predatory schools.

Such a sale would likely be illegal as well if the portfolio were sold at a loss. In 2019, the Trump Administration explored selling the student loan portfolio but abandoned the idea after consultants determined that the portfolio was “worth far less than government accountants had projected.”

Additionally, the sale of federal loans would be a massive giveaway to private lenders that have been shown to exploit private borrowers. Though private loans only account for 8% of student debt, they account for 40% of student loan-related complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“The Trump Administration should immediately stop any plans to sell or transfer responsibility of the student debt portfolio to the private, often predatory, market,” the lawmakers concluded. “The Department of Education’s role in providing financial aid to America’s students is clear, and the Department should not take any action that would enrich the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of working-class borrowers and taxpayers.”

The lawmakers requested more information as to the potential privatization of the federal student loan portfolio by December 1, 2025.

Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress fighting for student debt relief and successfully urged President Biden to cancel student debt. Following years of advocacy by Rep. Pressley—in partnership with colleagues, borrowers, and advocates—the Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic plan to cancel student debt that stands to benefit over 40 million people. She has consistently helped borrowers access student debt cancellation resources, including PSLF, and she was proud to welcome a union educator and PSLF recipient as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address in March.

  • On October 15, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senator Warren led 70 colleagues urging the Trump Administration to address the student loan “default cliff” to prevent economic disaster.
  • On May 14, 2025, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Ending Admirative Wage Garnishment Act, alongside Senators Warren and Booker, to suspend garnishments for student loan borrowers.
  • On October 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of approximately $4.5 billion in additional student debt cancellation for approximately 60,000 workers nationwide who work in public service.
  • On October 2, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined borrowers and advocates to unveil new state-by-state data quantifying the harm that Project 2025 would have on millions of public service workers nationwide.
  • On September 10, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Warren and Rep. Jim Clyburn in urging the U.S. Department of Education to consider terminating its contract with student loan servicer MOHELA.
  • On August 29, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s refusal to reinstate President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student debt relief program.
  • On August 9, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Warren, Representative Dean, and their colleagues urging student loan servicer Navient to reform its flawed process to cancel the private student loans of borrowers who attended fraudulent, for-profit colleges.
  • On June 25, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on federal judges in Missouri and Kansas siding with Republican states to block portions of President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student debt relief program. 
  • On June 25, 2024, Rep. Pressley colleagues, borrowers, and advocates urged the Biden Administration to terminate the contract of federal student loan servicer MOHELA. Their calls follow MOHELA’s repeated failure to perform basic loan servicing functions and ongoing harm caused by MOHELA to student loan borrowers.
  • On May 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Omar, Clyburn and Wilson, led their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education to ensure its proposed student debt relief rule is implemented in the most effective and efficient manner possible for millions of borrowers.
  • On May 1, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s approval of student loan discharge for 317,000 borrowers who attended The Art Institutes, including over 3,500 borrowers in Massachusetts.
  • On April 14, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded President Biden’s approval of an additional $7.4 billion in student debt cancellation for 277,000 borrowers.
  • On April 8, 2024, Rep. Pressley hailed President Biden’s announcement of new plans to provide student debt relief for tens of millions of borrowers across the country.
  • On March 21, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of $5.8 billion in additional student loan debt cancellation for 77,700 public service workers.
  • On March 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led their colleagues in calling on federal agencies to end the practice of offsetting Social Security benefits to pay off defaulted student loans.
  • On March 7, 2024, Rep. Pressley welcomed Priscilla Higuera Valentine, a first generation American, a proud union educator with Boston Public Schools and the Boston Teachers Union, and the daughter of a Colombian immigrant, who has received over $117,000 in student debt relief under the Biden-Harris Administration’s improved Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address.
  • On February 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of $1.2 billion in student debt cancellation for nearly 153,000 borrowers nationwide, including $19.5 million in cancellation for 2,490 Massachusetts borrowers.
  • On January 26, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led their colleagues in calling on the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to host a fourth session of the student debt negotiated rulemaking to consider relief for borrowers experiencing financial hardship. She applauded ED’s announcement that it would heed their calls.
  • On December 11, 2023, Rep. Pressley testified at the U.S. Department of Education’s final hearing on student debt cancellation.
  • On December 11, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging him to leverage his existing and full authority under the Higher Education Act to provide expanded student debt relief to working and middle-class borrowers. 
  • On November 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley emphasized the crucial role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in protecting student loan borrowers from incompetent and predatory student loan servicers.
  • On November 6, 2023, Rep. Pressley joined Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for a clinic to help federal student loan borrowers access a temporary opportunity to get closer to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). 
  • On September 25, 2023, Rep. Pressley hosted a policy discussion with borrowers and advocates at which they renewed their urgent call for student debt cancellation with loan payments set to resume on October 1, 2023.
  • On August 23, 2023, Rep. Pressley, Sen. Warren, and their colleagues led over 80 lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to swiftly deliver on his promise to deliver student debt cancellation to working and middle class families by early 2024. 
  • On August 22, 2023 Rep. Pressley applauded Governor Maura Healey’s plan to provide student debt relief for health care workers in Massachusetts. 
  • On June 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley responded to the President’s alternative proposal to deliver relief under the Higher Education Act and called for swift and efficient implementation.
  • On June 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan and calling on the President to use other tools available to swiftly cancel student debt.
  • On May 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to H.R. 3746, legislation to raise the debt ceiling, to protect student loan borrowers and preserve the Biden Administration’s pause on federal student loan payments.
  • On May 24, 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Republicans’ harmful effort to overturn President Biden’s student debt relief, including his debt cancellation plan, the pause on student loan payments, and the expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
  • On May 24, 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech in support of President Biden’s plan to cancel student debt, which would benefit millions of people across the country.
  • On April 5, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the CEO of SoFi Technologies and SoFi Lending Corp calling on the company to answer for its lawsuits attempting to end the student loan payment pause and force borrowers back into repayment.
  • On March 7, 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren, Schumer, Sanders, Padilla and Reps. Clyburn, Omar and Wilson led a letter to the Biden Administration expressing continued support for President Biden’s student debt relief plan.
  • On February 28, 2023, Rep. Pressley rallied with borrowers and advocates outside the Supreme Court to call on the Supreme Court to affirm the legality of President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan.
  • On November 22, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the extension of the student loan payment pause.
  • On October 25, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Warren toured communities across Massachusetts to celebrate the Biden administration’s student debt cancellation plan and help residents sign up for student loan relief.
  • On October 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined parent borrowers and advocates for a discussion on the impacts of student debt cancellation on parents and families.
  • On September 29, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Reps. Omar, Jones and advocates, held a press conference to call for swift and equitable implementation of President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan.
  • On September 21, 2022, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor in which she heralded President Biden’s action to cancel student debt for millions of families in the Massachusetts 7th and across the nation. Watch the full video here.
  • On September 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Warren wrote to the nine federal student loan servicers to inquire about how they are providing borrowers with accurate and timely information about student loan cancellation.
  • On August 24, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement applauding President Biden’s action to cancel student debt.
  • On August 10, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Warren Massachusetts joined Massachusetts union leaders in Dorchester for a roundtable discussion on student debt cancellation.
  • On July 18, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley delivered remarks at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) national convention and renewed her calls for President Biden to cancel student debt by executive action.
  • On July 8, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley with The Debt Collective hosted a virtual roundtable with student debt holders from all walks of life to highlight the intersectional burden the nearly $2 trillion student debt crisis has had on individuals and families. 
  • On June 22, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, joined AFL-CIO and union leaders for a roundtable discussion on the importance of student debt cancellation for American workers.
  • On May 20, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley applauded the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) statement calling on President Biden to cancel student loan debt.
  • On May 4, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley visited Bunker Hill Community College to celebrate the $1 million in federal community project funding she secured and continued her calls for President Biden to cancel student debt.
  • On March 17, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley and Arisha Hatch, vice president and chief of campaigns at Color of Change, published an op-ed in Grio calling on President Biden to use his executive order authority to cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower.
  • On December 8, 2021, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a bicameral letter to President Joe Biden releasing new data about the adverse impact of restarting student loan payments and calling on him to act to cancel up to $50,000 of student debt.
  • On December 2, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley delivered remarks on the House floor in which she reiterated her calls for President Biden to cancel $50,000 in federal student loan debt by executive action.
  • On October 8, 2021, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar and their House colleagues sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urging him to release the memo to determine the extent of the administration’s authority to broadly cancel student debt through administrative action.
  • On July 29, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement reaffirming President Biden’s authority – and the urgency – to cancel student loan debt.
  • On June 23, 2021, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Congressman Joe Courtney led their colleagues on a bicameral letter to President Biden calling on him to extend the pause on federal student loan payments.
  • On April 13, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley testified at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing to examine the student loan debt crisis in our country.
  • On April 1, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, held a press conference calling on President Biden to tackle the student loan debt crisis.
  • On February 4, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with several Democratic House and Senate leaders, led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral resolution outlining a bold plan for President Biden to tackle the student loan debt crisis. 
  • On December 17, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Maxine Waters, and Alma Adams introduced a resolution outlining a bold plan for President-elect Joe Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in Federal student loan debt for student loan borrowers.
  • On December 10, 2020, Congresswoman Pressley was in Yahoo Finance urging the Biden administration to cancel student debt, stressing the impact on Black borrowers.
  • On May 8, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Alma Adams, and Ilhan Omar, led 28 of their colleagues and sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy calling for the universal, one-time, student debt cancellation of at least $30,000 per borrower in the next round of COVID-19 relief legislation.
  • On March 23, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar introduced the Student Debt Emergency Relief Act, legislation that provides immediate monthly payment relief for federal student loan borrowers.
  • On March 17, 2020, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren were on The Hill calling on congressional leadership to include student debt cancellation in the next coronavirus relief package.
  • On October 11, 2019, Congresswoman Pressley introduced legislation – the Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act – to protect consumers from abusive debt collection.
  • On July 17, 2019, Congresswomen Pressley introduced legislation – the Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act – to provide much needed support to private student loan borrowers with a pathway to financial stability by helping them improve their credit.

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REP LIEU TEDX TALK: CONGRESS MUST REGULATE AI NOW!

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), one of three Computer Science Majors in Congress, spoke at a TedX Talk in Los Angeles where he made the case for strong regulation of AI, calling it “insane” to not do so as soon as possible. In his talk, Rep. Lieu draws a parallel to the creation of the modern FDA in the 1930s, which happened after more than 100 people died due to unregulated medicine containing anti-freeze. The Congressman calls on his colleagues in Congress to take a “proactive approach” to avoid three kinds of even more urgent AI dangers:

  1. AI that can destroy the world
  2. AI that can kill individuals
  3. AI that can cause a large number of other significant kinds of harm.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

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Carter calls for review of junior colleges allowing men to compete in women’s sports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter calls for review of junior colleges allowing men to compete in women’s sports

Carter calls for review of junior colleges allowing men to compete in women’s sports

Washington, November 17, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging an immediate review of the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA), California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA), and Northwest Athletic Conference’s (NWAC) policies that allow biological males to compete in women’s sports.

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes: “As recently reported by The Washington Times, junior colleges ‘still welcome transgender athletes’ in women’s divisions…These policies raise substantial concerns regarding fairness, safety, and equal athletic opportunity for women.”    

Rep. Carter continues: “This permissive approach appears inconsistent with Title IX’s requirement that federally funded institutions protect equal opportunities for female athletes… Protecting the integrity of women’s sports is a core civil rights obligation. I urge the [Department of Justice and Department of Education] to act promptly.”              

Read the full letter here

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Griffith Statement on Inmate Attack of VA Department of Corrections Officers

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

Griffith Statement on Inmate Attack of VA Department of Corrections Officers

The Virginia Department of Corrections has announced that this morning an attack on corrections officers occurred at River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia. As a result of the attack, one officer reportedly has died, and a second officer was transported for outside medical treatment.

Following this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“I am heartbroken to learn of details concerning the killing of a Virginia Department of Corrections officer at River North Correctional Center. My prayers are with the slain officer, the officer’s family and those who work at River North Correctional Center.

“I am also thinking of the other officer injured from this abhorrent attack. I am praying for their health as they recover.

“I stand with the rest of Virginia’s Ninth District in support of our dedicated and loyal officials with the Department of Corrections. Please join me in praying for all of our corrections officers.”

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON SHOOTING OF NYPD OFFICER IN BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

I am praying for the swift recovery of Officer Sharjeel Waris, who was injured in the line of duty after he rushed into action to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

We owe it to our communities and our courageous law enforcement officials to take decisive action to end the gun violence epidemic once and for all. I remain grateful to the men and women of the NYPD for their heroic efforts on the scene in Brownsville today and for all they do to keep the people of our great City safe each and every day.

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WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ Resolution Designating Today as ‘America Recycles Day’

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced she will introduce a bipartisan resolution designating TODAY November 15th, 2025, as “America Recycles Day” to show how recycling boosts Michigan’s manufacturing economy, creates jobs, and keeps our communities cleaner.

Here’s what recycling leaders are saying about the resolution:

Jennifer Lawson, Keep America Beautiful

  • “Keep America Beautiful applauds the Congressional resolution recognizing America Recycles Day. Our research shows that Americans of all ages, geographic location, and political affiliation overwhelmingly support recycling—and for good reason. Recycling conserves natural resources, drives economic growth, and helps keep our communities clean and beautiful. We’re grateful to Representative Stevens and Members of Congress for recognizing America Recycles Day and for their shared commitment to making recycling simpler, smarter, and accessible to every community.”

Scott Barbour, Advanced Drainage Systems

  • “Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) proudly endorses the Congressional resolution recognizing America Recycles Day, led by Representative Haley Stevens, Co-Chair of the U.S. House Recycling Caucus. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ADS is deeply committed to providing environmentally sustainable solutions that create a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of water infrastructure. Every year, we transform more than half a billion pounds of plastic into innovative water management solutions. This resolution underscores the essential role recycling plays in driving innovation, advancing infrastructure, and fostering collaboration to create local jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, protect our environment, and support sustainable growth nationwide.”

Zach DeWaters, Alpeck Polyester USA

  • “As a leading recycler of PET plastic bottles in the United States, with the capacity to recycle up to 12 billion bottles each year, Alpek Polyester USA proudly supports the House resolution introduced by Representative Stevens designating November 15, 2025, as America Recycles Day. Recycling and circular economy practices strengthen U.S. manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, and protect our environment. Recognizing America Recycles Day helps raise awareness, inspire public-private collaboration, and advance policies that keep materials in use and value in our economy.  At our facilities, we see every day that recycling works, and it’s making a difference.”

Chuck Johnson, The Aluminum Association

  • “Aluminum is a recycling success story. Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, and recycling aluminum saves around 95% of the energy required to make new metal. Collecting and recycling more aluminum also helps secure domestic supply chains and limits the need for foreign imports. The Aluminum Association supports Congresswoman Stevens’ resolution recognizing America Recycles Day and celebrates aluminum’s essential role in creating a circular economy, supporting U.S. manufacturing and building a more sustainable future.”

Kevin W. Keane, American Beverage Association

  • “America’s beverage companies have been committed to recycling for decades and we are taking bold actions to create a circular economy for our bottles and cans, which are made to be remade.We thank Rep. Stevens for her leadership in strengthening recycling and recycling infrastructure and look forward to working with her to continue to build effective policies that achieve circularity and reduce the use of new plastic.”

Jennifer Abril, American Cleaning Institute

  • “The cleaning products industry is working toward a cleaner, more sustainable future that’s grounded in science and driven by innovation. Central to this mission is the vital role of recycling. America Recycles Day highlights how education and responsible design can work together to help reduce waste and conserve resources.”

Julie Landry, American Forest & Paper Association

  • “AF&PA supports this resolution which underscores how recycling fuels American manufacturing and supports rural jobs. We applaud Congresswoman Stevens’ leadership on recycling and sustainability issues as Co-Chair of the Congressional Recycling Caucus and as a member of the Paper & Packaging Caucus. Paper recycling is America’s success story, and strong recycling supports American manufacturers.”

Ross Eisenberg, America’s Plastic Makers, a part of the American Chemistry Council

  • “Recycling isn’t just good for the environment, it also strengthens U.S. manufacturing, supports more jobs, and keeps valuable materials in our economy. America’s Plastics Makers appreciate Congresswoman Stevens’ leadership to spotlight the importance of recycling and advancing the circular economy on America Recycles Day and every day of the year. We are proud to work with her and other leaders in Congress to raise awareness, modernize infrastructure and expand access to recycling so every community across the country can participate and benefit from it.”

Lynn Dyer, AMERIPEN

  • “AMERIPEN applauds Congresswoman Stevens for introducing a resolution recognizing the importance of November 15 as America Recycles Day. The resolution highlights the essential role that recycling and circular economy solutions play in reducing waste, strengthening domestic manufacturing, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs, and improving environmental outcomes. We share the commitment to advancing policies and investments that expand recycling access, improve materials recovery, and build a more resilient, circular system for all communities. AMERIPEN looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers, industry, and partners across the value chain to support responsible materials management and a more sustainable future.

Lauren Wil, Arconic

  • “Recycling is a cornerstone of national and economic security—preserving domestic access to essential materials, strengthening supply chains, and supporting U.S. manufacturing. The aluminum industry relies on a steady supply of recycled metal to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and protect American jobs. America Recycles Day underscores the vital role of public participation in keeping valuable resources in circulation and out of landfills—helping ensure a stronger, more sustainable future.”

Kate Bailey, Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR)

  • “The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) applauds Rep. Stevens’s leadership in highlighting the essential role that recycled materials play in America’s manufacturing economy. Each year, the United States recycles more than five billion pounds of plastic packaging from homes and businesses nationwide—delivering significant environmental and economic value. But too much plastic still ends up as waste, and the U.S. risks falling behind global competitors because we have not sufficiently invested in recycling systems and the innovations required for circularity. APR is committed to working with Congress and state leaders on policies to improve plastic recycling and strengthen domestic supply chains. When we invest in recycling, we support American workers, build resilient, U.S.-sourced materials, and advance a stronger, more circular economy.”

Catherine A. Trinkle, BASF

  • “Recycling gives new life to used materials and is essential to the future of American manufacturing. BASF applauds Rep. Stevens’ recognition of America Recycles Day, which shines a spotlight on why recycling is critical to growing the circular economy, conserving natural resources, and building strong, sustainable communities.”

Scott Breen, Can Manufacturers Institute

  • “The Can Manufacturers Institute and its members would like to thank the House Recycling Caucus for its leadership in pursuing bipartisan legislation that strengthens America’s recycling system. Steel and aluminum are infinitely recyclable, and metal cans are some of the most recycled packaging in America. Metal cans are unique in that recycling them has a significant environmental and economic impact. To keep U.S. can making strong, we must advance circular solutions that reduce waste, create American manufacturing jobs, and ensure aluminum and steel remain in use for our domestic supply chains, national security, and future generations to come.”

Sarah Gallo, Consumer Brands Association

  • The Consumer Brands Association (CBA) applauds Congresswoman Stevens for leading a congressional resolution designating November 15 as America Recycles Day and highlighting the essential role recycling plays in strengthening the U.S. economy, protecting the environment, and advancing a circular economy. The consumer-packaged goods industry is committed to improving the recycling system and driving practical, scalable solutions that make circularity achievable nationwide. Our members are investing in packaging innovation, supporting recycling infrastructure modernization, and partnering with policymakers and other stakeholders to increase recycling access and efficiency in communities across the country.”

Dan Felton, Flexible Packaging Association (FPA)

  • “The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is pleased to endorse Representative Stevens’ resolution supporting the designation of November 15, 2025, as America Recycles Day. Community stewardship starts on the block and scales up to the nation. FPA is proud to stand beside Rep. Steven’s to create cleaner communities today and build smarter materials and circular systems for tomorrow.”

Scott DeFife, Glass Packaging Institute

  • “The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is proud to support Congresswoman Stevens’ resolution recognizing November 15 as America Recycles Day. Recycling is a cornerstone of the circular economy, and GPI is proud of the unique role that glass maintains as a material that can be recycled without degradation. We appreciate the leadership of the House Recycling Caucus in keeping recycling innovation and infrastructure front and center.”

Ryan Modlin, Hydro Aluminum

  • “Hydro Aluminum supports Representative Stevens’ ‘America Recycles Day Resolution. Recycling is vital for securing critical minerals essential to America’s industrial future. Infinitely recyclable aluminum exemplifies the circular economy, significantly driven by the demands of automotive, infrastructure, energy, defense, and packaging industries. To rise to this challenge, it is clear that America must significantly ramp up its recycling efforts. The good news is that the metal we need is already here, waiting to be reused and repurposed. By supporting this resolution, we can take a significant step toward a more secure and sustainable future.”

Susan Avery, IAPD – The Performance Plastics Association

  • “IAPD – The Performance Plastics Association proudly supports Congresswoman Stevens’ America Recycles Day resolution, which underscores the importance of responsible materials management and recycling across the United States. Performance plastics are essential to modern manufacturing, critical infrastructure, medical devices, transportation, and clean energy systems, and recycling these high-value materials plays a key role in advancing a more circular economy. Our industry is committed to improving recycling access, expanding take-back programs, and supporting technologies that keep durable performance plastics in productive use. We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens’ leadership in elevating national awareness of recycling and in championing policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing and environmental sustainability.”

Joe Doss, International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

  • “The International Bottled Water Association is a proud sponsor of America Recycles Day and supports the congressional resolution celebrating it. Effective recycling systems are essential to sustainability, and through our Put It In The Bin campaign and industry partnerships, we’re working to educate consumers and make recycling more effective across the country.”

Laura Stewart, NAPCOR:

  • “The National Association of PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) supports Representative Stevens’ resolution to recognize America Recycles Day and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to recycling. As the North American voice of the PET (polyethylene terephthalate, #1 resin identification code) plastic supply chain, we celebrate PET’s leadership as the most recycled and recyclable plastic in the world—proof that when materials are designed to be remade, recycling works, resources are conserved, and American manufacturing and jobs are strengthened.”

Heidi Sanborn, The National Stewardship Action Council

  • “We’re grateful to Rep. Stevens for championing this resolution to honor the essential workers and businesses driving America’s recycling system. Their work strengthens our economy, supports national security, and protects the planet. This recognition reflects exactly what our ReMade in America initiative stands for, keeping materials collected here, recycled and remade here.”

Michael E. Hoffman, The National Waste & Recycling Association

  • “On behalf of the National Waste & Recycling Association and our members, who own and operate most of the nation’s materials recovery facilities, I am proud to support the designation of America Recycles Day and this important resolution. Recycling is not just an environmental imperative; it is a cornerstone of American manufacturing, job creation, and supply chain resilience. Our industry’s commitment to advancing the circular economy strengthens communities, supports good-paying jobs, and ensures a sustainable future for all. We encourage every American to join us in reducing, reusing, and recycling because together, we will build a stronger, more sustainable nation.”

Chris Cerone, Novelis:

  • “As the nation’s leading aluminum recycler, Novelis applauds Rep. Stevens’ efforts to designate November 15th as America Recycles Day and bring greater awareness to the economic and environmental benefits of recycling. It is especially important that we work collectively to improve recycling rates to capture critical materials such as aluminum, which strengthen our industrial base and national security and provide a competitive advantage to the United States.”

Terese Colling, Paper Recycling Coalition

  • “The Paper Recycling Coalition applauds the introduction of the America Recycles Day resolution and thanks Congresswoman Stevens for her continued leadership on recycling issues and her service as Co-Chair of the Congressional Recycling Caucus. The recycled fiber sector has long been the backbone of the circular economy—our products are designed for recyclability from the start, recovered in large volumes at a national level, and remade into new paper and packaging again and again. We are proud of this proven success story and look forward to working with policymakers, industry partners, and communities to strengthen recycling participation and support the circular systems that are already delivering real environmental and economic benefits.”

Tom Myers, Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)

  • “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) commends Congresswoman Stevens for introducing a congressional resolution designating November 15 as America Recycles Day and recognizing the critical importance of recycling to the U.S. economy and environment. Recycling and circular economy solutions are central to advancing sustainable materials management, reducing environmental impacts, and strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity. The personal care industry is deeply committed to supporting programs and policies that enhance recycling access, improve collection and processing infrastructure, and foster innovation in packaging design and material recovery. PCPC appreciates Congresswoman Stevens’ leadership in elevating the national dialogue on recycling and looks forward to continued collaboration with policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance practical, science-based approaches that promote a more circular economy and a sustainable future for all communities.”

Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS

  • “The Plastics Industry Association is proud to support Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ resolution recognizing November 15 as America Recycles DayCongresswoman Stevens continues to show true leadership in advancing policies that strengthen every part of America’s recycling system — expanding infrastructure, increasing participation, and building public awareness. When government and industry work together to improve recycling and advance circularity, we strengthen U.S. manufacturing, create jobs, and deliver real environmental progress.”

Liz Donohue, Primo Brands

  • “Thank you, Congresswoman Stevens, for highlighting the importance of recycling and spreading the word on how it helps reduce waste. At Primo Brands, we are focused on increasing the circularity of our packaging from the materials we use, including recycled content through our refill solutions. In fact, we’re aiming for an average of 50% of our beverage packaging to be made from recycled or renewable materials by 2035, eliminating 1.5 billion pounds of virgin plastic.”

Robin Wiener, ReMA

  • “We are thrilled to see Representative Stevens champion this resolution in the House, which spotlights the profound value of the recycled materials industry to America’s economic and environmental future. The resolution recognizes that the men and women of the recycled materials industry are essential to the domestic manufacturing supply chain and that robust investment in our infrastructure is key to capturing more material and strengthening American manufacturing. ReMA and our members stand ready to work with Congress and the Recycling Caucus to turn the commitments outlined in this resolution into meaningful policy and investment.”

Christine Corcoran, SNAC International

  • “SNAC International commends Congresswoman Stevens for introducing a congressional resolution recognizing November 15 as America Recycles Day and highlighting the essential role of recycling in supporting the U.S. economy, environment, and manufacturing base. Recycling and circular packaging solutions are key to advancing sustainable materials management, reducing waste, and ensuring a reliable supply of quality recycled content. The snack industry is strongly committed to policies focused on improving recycling access, strengthening collection and processing infrastructure, and driving innovation in packaging design to increase recovery and reuse.”

Sustainable Food Policy Alliance

  • “The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance endorses the resolution to recognize November 15, 2025, as ‘‘America Recycles Day.” As global food companies, our members are investing in improving recycling infrastructure, innovating our packaging design, and collaborating with stakeholders across the value chain for transformational change to the U.S. recycling system. Like Representative Stevens and her colleagues, we are committed to advancing policies and investments that improve recycling – ultimately supporting both American manufacturing and environmental sustainability.”

Amy Lestition, SWANA

  • “America Recycles Day honors the important role of recycling in building a more resilient and sustainable future. This is a year-round commitment for SWANA members who work every day to champion resource management, delivering tangible benefits for our communities and the environment.This year, we’re excited to launch our inaugural RCon™ event during America Recycles Day week, culminating on November 15th with a visionary keynote on the future of resource management, featuring the President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. By uniting committed individuals from across America, we’re not only celebrating recycling, we’re shaping the future of resource management together. SWANA applauds the House of Representatives for recognizing the importance of America Recycles Day.”

Seth Teply, Tetra Pak

  • “At Tetra Pak, we take a holistic approach to circularity, Together with the Carton Council, we have worked to expand food and beverage carton collection, sortation and recycling across the United States. Once our packaging has been used to protect the product inside, it becomes valuable, high-quality material in the recycling value chain that can be transformed into new paper products and sustainable building materials. On this America Recycles Day, we celebrate progress made while remaining committed to continued investments and collaboration with stakeholders to give our packages a second life.”

Keefe Harrison, The Recycling Partnership

  • “On America Recycles Day, we celebrate the power of recycling to strengthen our economy, protect our environment, and support more resilient communities. Every day, Americans participate in a recycling system with enormous potential — yet we still lose 76% of recyclable paper and packaging to landfills or incineration. That’s a missed opportunity to give materials a second life, create good-paying jobs, and reduce our reliance on virgin natural resources.  Together, we can build a system that works better for everyone.”

Alejandro Perez, World Wildlife Fund

  • “Recycling is a simple act that reflects a shared commitment to cleaner communities and a healthier planet. Sadly, too much of our waste ends up in our rivers, oceans, and landfills. America Recycles Day provides an opportunity to reflect on what works, identify pathways toward improvement, and encourage investments to help businesses and people while keeping plastics and other materials out of nature.”

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Pocan Votes Against Allowing Americans’ Healthcare Costs to Skyrocket

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02)released the following statement after he voted no on funding legislation that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits.

“Today, I voted no on a bill that fails the American people. This legislation does nothing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that keep healthcare affordable for more than 22 million Americans. That means millions will have to pay significantly more for their healthcare in the coming months or lose their insurance entirely. This will also have a ripple effect leading to rate increases for nearly everyone in this country. 

 

And while everyday Americans are left behind, this bill continues to protect Congressional Republicans’ billionaire and corporate donors, keeping in place massive tax cuts paid for by ripping healthcare away from 15 million Americans and gutting food benefits for those who need them most by over $180 billion.

 

On top of that, this legislation allows Senate Republicans, like Ron Johnson, who were investigated for their involvement in the January 6th insurrection to enrich themselves by suing the federal government for $1 million, or possibly more.”