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Congressman Cohen, a Polio Survivor and Post-Polio Victim, says it’s His Duty to ask Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Resign

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), watched Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testify before the Senate Finance Committee today and released the following statement:

“Despite having been a friend of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a polio survivor and post-polio syndrome victim and after having watched Kennedy testify before the Senate Finance Committee, it is my duty on behalf of all polio victims past and present to ask him to resign or ask the president to remove him. 

“RFK Jr. is a clear and present danger to every child and to the general health of the people of the United States. Questioning the efficacy of the polio vaccine, which was of course not available to those of us who had polio, endangers those for whom it might not be available in the future. Restricting and questioning its efficacy will lead to a reduction in vaccinations and could bring back the polio epidemic in our nation.

“He also has restricted the Covid vaccine, likely leading to more cases of Covid and more unnecessary deaths from the virus. He’s sowing doubt about vaccines for diseases like mumps and measles that children have routinely been vaccinated against. We cannot have the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services throwing the entire vaccine regimen into disarray. It’s dangerous and threatens all Americans.

“I don’t do this lightly because I’ve known Bobby and always had good relations with him. But it’s incumbent on me to speak up as one who knows what life is like without life-saving vaccines, and particularly as one of those affected by polio.”

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Congressman Cohen Signs Petition to Require Release of Epstein Files

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Forcing a vote on binding legislation to make public records on the pedophile financier and former Trump best friend

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) on Tuesday evening spoke from the House floor and then signed the bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the federal government’s records of its investigations of allegations that financier and former Trump best friend Jeffrey Epstein engaged in sexual abuse of under-aged girls. 

Republican Congressmen Thomas Massey of Kentucky and Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California introduced the measure Tuesday afternoon as Congress reconvened after its August recess. If the petition receives 218 signatures from members, a floor vote will be called despite Republican leadership’s efforts to derail it. As of Wednesday evening, 206 lawmakers had signed the petition.

In his floor speech, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“They need to be released because the American public wants to see them and the fact that so many people in power don’t want them released says there’s something there that smells…We need to be open and transparent and, if there are perverts among the leadership, they need to be exposed. The American people…will not respect anybody that engaged in that kind of conduct. So I’m going to sign the petition. I hope everybody signs the petition and we get an unredacted copy of the files.”

See Congressman Cohen’s entire floor remarks here.

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Boyle Named Lead Democrat for U.S. Congressional Delegation to NATO Parliament

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has officially named Congressman Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania to serve as the Lead Democrat for the US Congressional Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA).

Upon officially naming Boyle the new Lead Democrat, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “During his time as Co-Chair of the Congressional EU Caucus and Vice Chair of the NATO PA Political Committee, Rep. Boyle has been a clear and consistent voice in support of our transatlantic alliance. As the lead Democrat, Rep. Boyle will bolster efforts to protect a rules-based society in Europe, strengthen our relationships with Western allies at a time when they are facing unprecedented turmoil and forcefully push back against Russian aggression in Ukraine and beyond.”

“This is one of the greatest honors of my career,” started Rep. Boyle. “I first want to pay tribute to my predecessor Gerry Connolly, who served with great distinction in this position for many years. He was a mentor to me for years and his excellent example will always be forefront in my mind and heart.”

Boyle continued, “NATO is the most successful security alliance in human history. It is the bedrock of our post-World War II security and stability. I will do everything in my power to ensure we rise to and overcome the present challenges facing this great alliance.”

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly brings together members of the US Congress and parliamentarians from all 32 NATO member countries to provide legislative oversight of the Alliance and to drive collaboration on issues including defense and deterrence, hybrid and cyber threats, resilience of supply chains, energy security, and support for partners facing Russian aggression. 

In addition to this new responsibility, Congressman Boyle will continue to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, where he has been a leading voice for fiscal responsibility and protecting working families. Boyle is also the co-chair of the Congressional European Union Caucus.

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“Release the Money Now”: Congressman Danny K. Davis, Local Leaders Demand FEMA Relief for Chicago Flood Victims

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

      Chicago, IL – Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), joined by state and local officials, community leaders, and residents, held a press conference demanding the immediate release of FEMA disaster relief funds to support families across Chicago still reeling from devastating flooding.

     Congressman Davis emphasized that while federal dollars have been appropriated, too many residents have yet to see relief. “Release the money now,” Davis declared. “We have seen basements destroyed, families displaced, and entire blocks left unlivable. It is unacceptable that, despite money being allocated, the funds are not reaching the people who need them most. We are calling on the President and FEMA to act.”

     Community advocate Jackie Reed highlighted grassroots efforts to help seniors and families clean out flooded basements, noting, “We’ve raised what we can, and neighbors have stepped up, but a water hose from one house is not enough. We need the government to do its part. We are also in the United States of America, and our communities deserve the same investment and relief as any other.”

      State Representative La Shawn K. Ford echoed the urgency and suggested that the National Guard should be deployed to assist residents with flooded basements: “This is what the Guard is typically engaged for—helping communities in crisis. People are dying from mold and toxic air in their homes. The President must declare a state of emergency, release federal funds, and invest in modernizing our aging infrastructure.”

      Alderman Emma Mitt of the 37th Ward shared her personal experiences, having had her own home flooded five times. She called for urgent infrastructure investments, warning that without action, families will continue to face health hazards like toxic mold.

      Residents like Bernice McKnight underscored the human toll. “I can’t go in my basement, it’s covered in black mold. My neighbors are sick, and we don’t have the money to fix it. We need help, and we need it now.”

      Speakers emphasized the need for two streams of funding: immediate relief for homeowners and long-term capital investments in infrastructure to prevent future disasters. They also noted that thousands of homes remain unaddressed from the 2023 floods, with new flooding compounding the crisis.

      In closing, Congressman Davis called for continued advocacy: “We must keep pushing. Decision makers in Washington need to hear our voices loud and clear: release the money, rebuild our communities, and give our families a chance to live safely in their homes.”

 

Background

  • In 2023, federal relief was approved for over 16,000 flood-affected residents, but thousands were left without assistance due to bureaucratic barriers.

  • More than 5,600 homes have since been re-flooded, many now suffering severe mold damage.

  • FEMA funds appropriated for Illinois remain stalled, while legal challenges continue at the national level.

 

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THOMPSON, 130 HOUSE DEMOCRATS CALL ON SPEAKER JOHNSON TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE: "YOUR ACTIONS AND INACTIONS WILL BE JUDGED FOR ETERNITY"

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

TASK FORCE MEMBERS URGE JOHNSON TO JOIN THEM AND ACT ON HIS PRAYERS TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the deadly school shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gun Violence Prevention Chairman Mike Thompson led 130 Democrats in a letter calling on Speaker Johnson to listen to the prayers of millions of Americans and take action to end gun violence. 

“Scripture shows examples of leaders like Moses and David standing up to evil to protect their people. Their prayers were not passive but supported them to action.

Will this generation of Republican leaders pray not only for the victims, but also for the strength to end gun violence?” wrote the lawmakers. 

“Will this generation of Republican leaders look their children and grandchildren in the eyes knowing that they worked to protect them from the leading cause of death for kids and teens?

“Republicans are not bystanders in the gun violence epidemic. You control the White House, House and Senate. The President ended the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, made guns that fire like a fully automatic machinegun legal, and diverted law enforcement dedicated to fighting gun violence to other roles. The House and Senate are off to a terrible start spending $1.7 billion to make silencers, sawed off shotguns and short barreled rifles less expensive and proposing devastating cuts to the law enforcement agency that fights gun violence,” they continued. 

“Your actions and inactions will be judged for eternity both by all those who follow you in public office and by what Lincoln called ‘a just God.’ Join us in the essential cause of protecting American children from the brutal and unnecessary horrors of any more gun violence,” the lawmakers concluded.

BACKGROUND

In Speaker Johnson’s short tenure as Speaker of the House, gun violence has killed more than 74,640 people and injured another 55,601 people. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, teenagers and law enforcement. 

For decades, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to pass bipartisan bills to help prevent gun violence: 

  • In 1934, Congress passed the National Firearms Act to regulate machineguns, silencers, sawed off shotguns and short barreled rifles because they were the weapons of choice for gangsters.
  • In 1993, Congress passed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act which required background checks.
  • In 1994, Congress passed the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, which temporarily restricted access to certain classes of extraordinarily dangerous firearms and large capacity magazines.
  • In 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which expanded background checks for 18–20-year-olds, cracked down on gun traffickers, closed a loophole exploited by domestic abusers, funded school mental health and encouraged the expansion of state red flag laws. 

These bills saved lives, but more action is needed. 

This Congress, Members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force have introduced legislation to expand background checks, keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others, and regulate weapons that are being used by criminals to harm our communities. Congressional Republicans can and should help pass this legislation. 

Read the full text of the letter here and below. 

Dear Speaker Johnson,

Since you were elected as Speaker of the House on October 25, 2023, more than 74,640 people in our country have been killed and another 55,601 have been injured by gun violence. In response to the devastating school shooting in Minnesota while children were gunned down in prayer, former Republican Representative Trey Gowdy asked the question that millions of Americans are asking you: “I mean, how many school shootings does it take…” before we do something?

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, teenagers and law enforcement. This crisis is unsustainable and will be addressed by this generation of leaders or the next, but we are not bound to endure this pain forever.

In previous generations Republicans have joined Democrats in combatting gun violence.

In 1934, Congress passed the National Firearms Act to regulate machineguns, silencers, sawed off shotguns and short barreled rifles because they were the weapons of choice for gangsters. Leaders acted and saved lives.

In 1993, Congress passed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act which required background checks. Leaders acted and saved lives.

In 1994, Congress passed the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act which temporarily restricted access to certain classes of extraordinarily dangerous firearms and large capacity magazines. Leaders acted and saved lives.

In 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which expanded background checks for 18–20-year-olds, cracked down on gun traffickers, closed a loophole exploited by domestic abusers, funded school mental health and encouraged the expansion of state red flag laws. Leaders acted and saved lives.

While each of these laws has reduced gun violence and saved lives, more action is needed now.

Scripture shows examples of leaders like Moses and David standing up to evil to protect their people. Their prayers were not passive but supported them to action.

Will this generation of Republican leaders pray not only for the victims, but also for the strength to end gun violence?

Will this generation of Republican leaders look their children and grandchildren in the eyes knowing that they worked to protect them from the leading cause of death for kids and teens?

Will this generation of Republican leadership protect kids from gun violence while praying, or at school, or in the grocery store, or at a parade…?

Will this generation of Republican leaders join Democrats in action to protect our kids?

Republicans are not bystanders in the gun violence epidemic. You control the White House, House and Senate. The President ended the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, made guns that fire like a fully automatic machinegun legal, and diverted law enforcement dedicated to fighting gun violence to other roles. The House and Senate are off to a terrible start spending $1.7 billion to make silencers, sawed off shotguns and short barreled rifles less expensive and proposing devastating cuts to the law enforcement agency that fights gun violence.

In your heart, we are sure that you already know the right thing to do. Former Representative Trey Gowdy, reflected on the terrible school shooting in Minnesota saying, “The only way to stop it is to identify the shooter ahead of time or keep the weapons out of their hands.”

As members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, we have been working tirelessly on polices that keep people safe including keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others; giving law enforcement and the courts the ability to intervene before a crisis has taken place; and restricting access to firearms and devices that are unacceptably dangerous like ghost guns, bump stocks or other devices and firearms that shoot dozens of rounds in seconds. 

Your actions and inactions will be judged for eternity both by all those who follow you in public office and by what Lincoln called “a just God.”. Join us in the essential cause of protecting American children from the brutal and unnecessary horrors of any more gun violence.

[signatures] 

Members of Congress who signed onto the letter include: 

Alma Adams; Gabe Amo; Yassamin Ansari; Jake Auchincloss; Becca Balint; Nanette Barragán; Joyce Beatty; Wesley Bell; Suzanne Bonamici; Brendan Boyle; Julia Brownley; Shontel Brown; Salud Carbajal; André Carson; Sean Casten; Kathy Castor; Joaquin Castro; Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick; Judy Chu; Gilbert Cisneros; Yvette Clarke; Emanuel Cleaver; Jim Costa; Joe Courtney; Angie Craig; Jasmine Crockett; Jason Crow; Danny Davis; Madeleine Dean; Diana DeGette; Suzan DelBene; Christopher Deluzio; Mark DeSaulnier; Maxine Dexter; Lloyd Doggett; Sarah Elfreth; Veronica Escobar; Adriano Espaillat; Dwight Evans; Bill Foster; Valerie Foushee; Laura Friedman; Maxwell Frost; John Garamendi; Jesús García; Sylvia Garcia; Daniel Goldman; Jimmy Gomez; Josh Gottheimer; Al Green; Jahana Hayes; James Himes; Chrissy Houlahan; Glenn Ivey; Jonathan Jackson; Pramila Jayapal; Henry Johnson; Julie Johnson; Sydney Kamlager-Dove; Robin Kelly; Timothy Kennedy; Ro Khanna; Raja Krishnamoorthi; John Larson; Stephen Lynch; Seth Magaziner; Doris Matsui; Lucy McBath; April McClain Delaney; Jennifer McClellan; Betty McCollum; James McGovern; LaMonica McIver; Gregory Meeks; Robert Menendez; Grace Meng; Kweisi Mfume; Dave Min; Gwen Moore; Joseph Morelle; Kelly Morrison; Jared Moskowitz; Frank Mrvan; Kevin Mullin; Jerrold Nadler; Richard Neal; Joe Neguse; Donald Norcross; Eleanor Norton; Johnny Olszewski; Ilhan Omar; Frank Pallone; Jimmy Panetta; Nancy Pelosi; Scott Peters; Brittany Pettersen; Mark Pocan; Mike Quigley; Delia Ramirez; Jamie Raskin; Andrea Salinas; Linda Sánchez; Mary Gay Scanlon; Janice Schakowsky; Bradley Schneider; Hillary Scholten; David Scott; Terri Sewell; Lateefah Simon; Greg Stanton; Suhas Subramanyam; Thomas Suozzi; Eric Swalwell; Mark Takano; Shri Thanedar; Bennie Thompson; Mike Thompson; Dina Titus; Jill Tokuda; Paul Tonko; Norma Torres; Lori Trahan; Derek Tran; Juan Vargas; Marc Veasey; Nydia Velázquez; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Bonnie Watson Coleman; Nikema Williams; Frederica Wilson.

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THOMPSON, NAPA SCHOOLS FOR CLIMATE ACTION LEAD CLIMATE RESTORATION RESOLUTION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), alongside students from Napa Schools For Climate Action, announced House Concurrent Resolution 46 which formally recognizes Congress’ duty to ensure a healthy climate for future generations.

“As the impacts of climate change continue to affect communities across our nation, it is more critical than ever that we take bold action to protect our planet and future generations,” said Rep. Thompson. “This resolution sends a clear message that the Congress must prioritize climate restoration and work to ensure a sustainable future. Thank you to my colleagues and Napa Schools for Climate Action for collaborating on this resolution.”

“Receiving the opportunity to facilitate collaboration between local student climate leaders and the Office of Congressman Mike Thompson has not only been a great privilege, but it has also alleviated immense climate anxiety that weighs on my shoulders every day. Climate Restoration offers a path to achieving true sustainability, and implementing it simultaneously alongside efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption is a clear way to protect both our planet and our future. I look forward to witnessing this project grow as our team continues dedicating hard effort toward growing the support for our initiative,” said Liliana Karesh, President of Napa Schools for Climate Action.

“The Climate Restoration Resolution ushers in a new paradigm for addressing the climate crisis, one that not only prevents the worst-case scenario but also revitalizes our communities and economy in the long term. Restoring our atmosphere through natural processes, while continuing to pursue emissions reductions, is the solution we have been searching for. As a young person and leader of Napa Schools for Climate Action, working on this resolution and watching its support grow from a district to a national level has renewed my hope for a sustainable future,” said Sophie Wassef, Co-Vice President of Napa Schools for Climate Action.

“Reducing emissions, even if it’s done quickly, is no longer enough to stop the destructive impacts underway as a result of legacy heat-trapping pollution. Restoring atmospheric CO2 to safe, preindustrial levels is now a crucial complement to achieving net zero GHG emissions goals. I’m very grateful for student leaders who persistently call on our elected officials to face the hard truths of the climate emergency, and for this Resolution that affirms that Congress is committed to doing all that’s necessary to restore a safe and healthy climate for them,” said Jim Wilson of Napa Climate NOW!.

This House resolution, written in collaboration with Napa Schools For Climate Action, urges efforts to restore CO2 to pre-industrial levels—below 300 ppm—by removing one trillion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere over the next 20 years. It highlights the need to prioritize natural carbon sequestration methods while also investing in emerging technologies to help achieve this urgent goal. Achieving this goal is essential to securing intergenerational climate justice, as young people will bear the brunt of the current climate breakdown.

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THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

California’s 4th district congressman invites students to compete in a district-wide app design competition

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) has announced the annual Congressional App Challenge is back for 2025 and applications are open! All middle and high school-aged students in the Fourth Congressional District are invited to participate and learn to code, regardless of experience.   

“Learning how to design and create for the 21st Century is a critical part of ensuring our young people are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. That’s why I am glad to announce my 2025 Congressional App Challenge, a competition I sponsor each year to encourage our young people to imagine and develop an app,” said Thompson. “Every year I am so excited to see what our students create and recognize the next generation of coding talent. I encourage all eligible students to compete!”  

Rules and eligibility: click here
Link to registration: click here

Deadlines: 

  • October 30, 2025 by 9 AM PT – Deadline for students to register and submit their app online
  • November 2025 – Judging period
  • December 2025 – Winners announced! 

The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and shown on House.gov. The winners will be invited to #HouseOfCode, and more prizes may be announced at a later date. Direct any questions to Rep. Thompson’s Napa Office by calling 707-226-9898.

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THOMPSON, AGUIAR-CURRY ANNOUNCE STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry released an invitation to local high school students to join their 2025-2026 Student Leadership Council. The Student Leadership Council is an exciting program that allows local students to work directly with their elected officials and staff to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and engage with our community. The Council is open to all high school students who live in California’s 4th Congressional District or California’s 4th Assembly District.

“Mentoring the next generation of leaders is a priority of mine. That’s why I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry once again to lead this year’s Student Leadership Council program,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our Student Leadership Council is a great opportunity for students interested in public service and policy to gain hands-on learning alongside local leaders. I encourage all high school students in California’s 4th Congressional and Assembly districts to apply now.”

“This is an amazing opportunity for high school students in my Assembly District to meet local community leaders, learn about the various levels of government from public servants, grow their own leadership skills and learn how to collaborate with others,” said Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. “I love partnering with my good friend and colleague Congressman Mike Thompson for this year’s exciting and educational Student Leadership Council.”

Interested students can submit their application by filling out this form by 11:45 PM on Monday, September 29, 2025. 

You can verify your Congressional District here and your State Assembly District here. 

Applicants should be passionate about helping their community, be eager to learn more about government, and want to tackle issues facing our community. Student leaders are expected to attend a minimum of 3 of the 5 mandatory meetings during the year. This year’s Student Leadership Council will bring together students from the regions represented by Congressman Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which include Lake, Yolo, Colusa, and Napa counties as well as parts of Solano and Sonoma Counties.

If you have questions, please contact our offices by calling (707) 542-7182 or by emailing Thompson.Studentleaders@mail.house.gov.

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Chairman Thompson Slams GOP Leadership for Enabling Gun Violence: "President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Leader Thune Have Blood on Their Hands"

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson released the following statement today in response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota: 

“I’m sickened by the senseless shooting at Annunciation Catholic School’s mass this morning in Minneapolis. My heart is with the families who have lost their children today and with all of those injured while praying.

“Our kids shouldn’t fear being gunned down while they pray in church. Nor should any American fear being gunned down at school, at the movies, at the grocery store, or anywhere else they go.

“How many more kids need to be shot before Republicans step up to end this gun violence epidemic? President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader Thune have blood on their hands.

“President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders dismantled the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, flooded our streets with bump stocks, legalized machineguns, stopped enforcing gun dealers that traffic firearms to felons, cut taxes on firearm silencers, blocked background checks and red flag laws, and the list goes on.

“It’s time they answer for their cruelty. Man up and work with Democrats to pass legislation to protect our kids.” 

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Amata Highlights $353,303 OVW Grant for Efforts in American Samoa  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Highlights $353,303 OVW Grant for Efforts in American Samoa  

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting notice of $353,303 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence. 

The one-year grant is from the DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) for the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions program. 

“Thank you especially to Fuatino Jennifer Tofaeono for her dedicated work both with the Alliance and specifically to qualify for this grant for American Samoa. Congratulations to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Next month is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we all have a role in helping anyone who might be vulnerable to prevent these crimes in American Samoa.” 

The OVW State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program, (Coalitions Program, CFDA 16.556) is authorized by Congress (34 U.S.C. § 10441(c) and 34 U.S.C. § 12511(d). 

This program supports the critical work of state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. It is a set-aside program under the OVW STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program statute and also includes a statutory set aside from the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) statute, specifically for state and territory sexual assault coalitions. 

Grant funds authorized under the STOP set-aside may be used for one or more of the following purposes: 

1. Coordinating state and territory victim services activities. 

2. Collaborating and coordinating with federal, state, territory, and local entities engaged in violence against women activities.

Grant funds authorized under the SASP set-aside may be used for one or more of the following purposes: 

a) Working with local sexual assault programs and other providers of direct services to encourage appropriate responses to sexual assault within the state or territory. 

b) Working with judicial or law enforcement agencies to encourage appropriate responses to sexual assault cases. 

c) Working with courts, child protective services agencies, and children’s advocates to develop appropriate responses to child custody and visitation issues when sexual assault has been determined to be a factor.

d) Designing and conducting public education campaigns. 

e) Planning and monitoring the distribution of grants and grant funds to their state or territory. 

f) Collaborating with and informing federal, state, or local public officials and agencies to develop and implement policies to reduce or eliminate sexual assault.

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