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Rep. Titus Introduces Legislation Increasing Spare Buses to Deal with Extreme Heat

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus introduced legislation today to allow transit agencies to add extra buses to their fleets, preventing disruptions to service during extreme heat events that can be dangerous to transit passengers. 

“In Southern Nevada and elsewhere, extreme heat takes its toll not only on buses but on the passengers who ride them,” Congresswoman Titus said. “My legislation will allow the RTC and other transit agencies to increase the number of spare buses they can put into service during bus breakdowns, including those due to extreme heat. Eighty percent of our transit riders rely on buses to get to work and back. Reliable transportation service is critical to both their health and their livelihoods.”

The Bus Utilization for Fleet Flexibility and Emergency Resilience (BUFFER) Act would allow transit agencies to increase their spare bus ratio from 20 percent to 30 percent of their fleet if their region regularly experiences extreme weather events. 

Congresswoman Titus said the change also is important to Southern Nevada’s tourism economy. “Our tourism economy depends on reliable transit service to transport millions of visitors, especially during major events,” she said. “Some of our transit routes operate 24 hours a day. The RTC needs to be able to respond quickly to disruptions in service.” 

“The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada strongly supports revisiting the 20 percent spare ratio policy,” said MJ Maynard-Carey, RTC CEO. “In a region experiencing rapid growth, extreme weather, and large-scale events, added flexibility will help us keep our community moving. Updating this policy will ensure we can continue providing safe, reliable service for the thousands of riders who count on us each day. We are grateful to Congresswoman Dina Titus for bringing this important issue forward.” 

Congresswoman Titus is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has made increasing the number of spare buses a priority in surface transportation reauthorization. 

The BUFFER Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to allow transit agencies to have extra buses in regions experiencing extreme weather events that affect their operations. It would change the current federal rule that caps the number of spare buses a transit agency can maintain at 20 percent of their overall bus fleet, regardless of how many more buses a transit service needs to maintain reliable service. The legislation would move that cap to 30 percent. 

The RTC operates a fleet of over 400 buses and relies on Federal Transit Authority funding to purchase both active and spare buses. 

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LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO NEW JANUARY 6TH SUBCOMMITTEE 

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement announcing the Members who will serve on the new January 6th subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee:

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol as part of a concerted effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and halt the peaceful transfer of power. Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly tried to whitewash the events of that day, and that’s why this new subcommittee has been created. Equally troublesome, Donald Trump pardoned hundreds of violent felons who brutally beat police officers during the violent insurrection on the first day of his presidency.

Against this backdrop, House Democrats are fighting back. I am pleased to appoint Congressman Eric Swalwell to serve as Ranking Member. As the proud son of a cop, highly accomplished former prosecutor and skilled legislator experienced in holding powerful Washington politicians accountable, Rep. Swalwell will relentlessly ensure that the American people never forget who was responsible for the events of January 6th.

It is also my honor to appoint two talented Members of the House Judiciary Committee and distinguished attorneys, Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Jared Moskowitz, to serve on the subcommittee. Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, one of the country’s leading defenders of the Constitution and the rule of law, will serve as an ex officio member.

Instead of lowering costs for everyday Americans, House Republicans are once again trying to rewrite history and corrupt our electoral system. House Democrats will continue to forcefully and aggressively push back, as we did with Donald Trump’s second impeachment and the work done by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

We will not allow Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans to whitewash the violence and vile attack on the American way of life that occurred on January 6th.

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Chairman Williams Introduces Bill to Extend Small Business Innovation Research Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced legislation that will extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, set to expire on September 30, 2025, for one year. This extension preserves continuity for small businesses that drive American innovation as all Committees involved continue to work towards long-term reauthorization that best strengthens the SBIR and STTR programs.

“For more than forty years, the SBIR and STTR programs have empowered small businesses to transform bold ideas into technologies that fuel our economy and support our national defense,” said Chairman Williams. “As we reach the expiration date for these programs, Congress cannot allow for any lapse in resources to the small businesses that drive American innovation. Extending the authorization allows both the House and the Senate more time to determine how to best serve small businesses nationwide.”

Click here to view the bill.

Background:

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 to spark innovation and expand small business involvement in federally funded research and development (R&D). The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program was created in 1992 to strengthen collaboration between small businesses and non-profit research institutions, helping move scientific discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. Together, these programs remain pillars of America’s innovation economy by leveraging federal funding, attracting private investment, and maintaining American leadership in technology.

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CECOT Survivor Andry José Hernández Romero Meets with Rep. Mark Takano

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

September 08, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) met virtually with Andry José Hernández Romero, the gay makeup artist and asylum seeker wrongfully disappeared by the Trump Administration to the notorious El Salvador prison CECOT. While Andry has since been released from the veritable gulag that is CECOT, his story is shocking to the conscience—as the Congressman heard firsthand.

Andry came to the United States seeking asylum from threats he faced in Venezuela because of his sexual orientation and political views. Ignoring Andry’s pending asylum claim, the Trump Administration illegally flew him and more than 250 Venezuelans to CECOT, violating their due process. While at this brutal prison, Andry endured terrible treatment. He survived daily assaults and abuses.

While Andry survived this horrific experience, his scars—seen and unseen—remain and there are still a staggering number of questions as to how these gross violations of due process were allowed to take place.

“What the American government did to Andry and others is a stain on the moral fabric of our nation,” said Rep. Takano. “The Trump Administration violated the Constitution and our values by secretly disappearing people into a foreign prison where they were subject to assaults and abuse. No one should ever be subjected to this cruelty, let alone those who came here seeking freedom and safety. Andry’s bravery in telling his story is a call to action for all of us to defend due process and the Constitution.”

“We were lied to by ICE officials and then greeted in CECOT with beatings,” said Andry José Hernández Romero. “At every step of the way they abused us. But being Venezuelan is not a crime. I’m grateful to Congressman Takano who has called for justice for the 252 Venezuelan men sent to CECOT without the opportunity to present their case in immigration court. This story won’t end until justice is achieved.”

Congressman Takano introduced legislation to prohibit federal funding to the CECOT prison and led a Special Order Hour on immigrant rights where he highlighted Andry’s story on the House floor. In addition, he co-led a Congressional letter when Andry was detained in CECOT demanding the U.S. government conduct a wellness check on Andry, facilitate his access to legal counsel, and immediately facilitate his release.

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Photos: Estes Meets with Social Security Commissioner Bisignano

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

Photos: Estes Meets with Social Security Commissioner Bisignano

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, met with Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano at the Social Security Field Office in Wichita, Kansas. They discussed the need for customer service improvements and the ways Congress and the Social Security Administration can work together to enhance services and protect benefits for Kansans and all Americans. See photos below. 

Rep. Estes and Commissioner Bisignano tour the Social Security Field Office in Wichita

Rep. Estes visits the Social Security Field office in Wichita with Social Security Commissioner Bisignano and Field Office District Manager Colleen Wienck

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Joint Statement from CAPAC, Georgia Members on Georgia Immigration Raid

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Georgia’s Congressional Delegation issued the following joint statement today in response to an immigration raid at a manufacturing site in Ellabell, Georgia — the largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations:

“We are deeply alarmed by the recent immigration raid at a battery plant in Georgia. Hundreds of immigrants—many of whom are of Korean descent—have been detained, reportedly including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Instead of targeting violent criminals, the Trump administration is going after immigrants at work and in communities of color to meet its mass deportation quotas. These senseless actions rip apart families, hurt the economy, and undermine the trust of our global partners. We are closely monitoring the situation and demanding the administration uphold due process for the workers impacted.”

The joint statement was signed by 20 Members of Congress, including CAPAC Chair Grace Meng (NY-06); Senator Andy Kim (NJ); Reps. Mark Takano (CA-39); Jill Tokuda (HI-02); Ami Bera (CA-06); Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10); Judy Chu (CA-28); Dan Goldman (NY-10); Pramila Jayapal (WA-07); Doris Matsui (CA-07); Dave Min (CA-47); Bobby Scott (VA-03); Marilyn Strickland (WA-10); Shri Thanedar (MI-13); Derek Tran (CA-45); and all five members of Georgia’s Democratic House Delegation, including Reps. Sanford Bishop (GA-02); Hank Johnson (GA-04); Lucy McBath (GA-06); David Scott (GA-13); and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

Issues:

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Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Fire Safety Town Hall in Orinda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host a Fire Safety Town Hall in Orinda on Saturday, September 13th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to discuss protecting our community from wildfires. The Congressman will be joined by expert special guests and together they will address federal and local efforts to prevent wildfires, emergency response resources, and fire prevention tactics.

Fire Safety Town Hall
Saturday, September 13th
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Orinda, CA
RSVP for Location 

Panelists include: 

  • Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
  • Jeff Isaacs, Fire Chief, Moraga-Orinda Fire District 

 

The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 244th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

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Congressman DeSaulnier to Host Walk and Talk Town Hall in Martinez

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host a walk and talk town hall in Martinez on Saturday, September 6th from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. During the event, the Congressman will provide a brief update on the latest from Capitol Hill, including the latest on the upcoming government funding deadline and efforts to push for the release the Epstein files. He will also answer questions from constituents. Check-in will begin at 10:00 a.m. and attendees are welcome to bring their dogs.

Walk and Talk Town Hall
Saturday, September 6th
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. PT
Martinez, CA
RSVP for Location

The event is RSVP only and space is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 243rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

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Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Corporate Greed and Raise Workers’ Wages

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act (H.R. 5019), a bill that would limit corporate greed, invest in working Americans, and reduce income inequality. 

“As working Americans struggle with higher costs of living and diminished power in the workplace, ultrawealthy CEOs and large corporations are profiting hand over fist at their employees’ expense and rewarding themselves with exorbitant salaries and bonuses,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “While Republicans bend over backwards to help their CEO friends get richer and support tariffs that make everything more expensive, I’m countering their misguided efforts to put the power back where it really belongs—with workers—to put an end to excessive corporate greed that is eroding the middle class and threatening our democracy.”

While in the 1970s, the average CEO earned roughly 20 to 30 times the compensation of a typical worker, that disparity has exploded with estimates placing the ratio at over 300:1 for top S&P 500 companies. The CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act would increase corporate taxes on companies that have extreme disparities between CEO and worker pay. It would also offer preferential treatment in federal contracts to companies with pay ratios below 50:1. With the passage of Dodd-Frank, we now have data on the pay ratios for publicly traded companies. The CEOs of Starbucks and Abercrombie & Fitch make over 6,000 times what the company’s median worker makes. If the CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act were to become law, these companies would be forced to pay millions in additional taxes. 

Congressman DeSaulnier first introduced a version of this bill during his time in the California State Senate. A similar policy has since been adopted by Portland, Oregon, where it generated $3.5 million in the first year, and a tax on CEOs that are paid at more than 100:1 ratio was passed into law in San Francisco in 2020.

This bill is supported by: AFL-CIO, American Sustainable Business Network, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Popular Democracy, Consumer Action, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, Institute for Policy Studies, Global Economy Project, National Federation of Federal Employees, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Patriotic Millionaires, Public Citizen, Social Security Works, and United for a Fair Economy (UFE).

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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds to Devastating Punjab Floods

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today issued the following statement on the catastrophic flooding in Punjab:

“As Punjab faces its worst floods in three decades, a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions has unfolded. Entire communities, livelihoods, and farms have been washed away. The United States must stand ready to support the Indian government’s operations as it continues its rescue efforts and mobilizes robust assistance for affected farmers and families.”