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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) to discuss the need for Democrats to put their personal hatred of President Trump aside and end the pain they’ve inflicted on the American people by shutting down the government. Leader Scalise also touted President Trump’s leadership in bringing peace through strength to the Middle East.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On the consequences of the Democrats’ shutdown on Americans:“It just shows you the real cost of a government shutdown that Chuck Schumer has imposed on the country. We hear over and over these stories, and we’re hearing more of them every day now that we’re in the [ninth] day of this shutdown, the pain that is being inflicted on real people. I did a town hall meeting last night with thousands of people on the call, and a number of people talked about the problems they’re experiencing, seniors that want to make sure their social security checks are going to be delivered. Obviously, families of military personnel, we know those stories. We hear those stories. And what does Chuck Schumer say? I read you the quote yesterday of a senator just a few days ago who said, ‘The point of this shutdown is not just suffering for suffering’s sake, but to make a point.’ That was a different senator. Then yesterday, Chuck Schumer, of course, says, ‘Every day this gets better for us.’ You’ve got to ask yourself, if you’re Chuck Schumer and a good day for you is defined by how much suffering you can impose on other people, including our men and women in uniform, maybe you need to look in the mirror and check yourself at the door and wonder what it is you’re up here trying to accomplish.“Is that really why Chuck Schumer ran for office? To inflict pain on other people so that he can have a good day, a better day for himself? When that is your measuring stick for a good day is how much pain you’re inflicting on other American families, you have lost your way. And yet they vote over and over again to keep the government shut down while trying to talk about other issues. We can be talking about those other issues without inflicting pain on people. We can be debating our differences, as President Trump said he wants to do, by opening the government back up again. And by the way, once we get the government back open again, if Democrats ever come to their senses, we still have a lot of differences to resolve. Those differences don’t just get resolved tomorrow. November 21st gets closer every single day, too. And then they’re going to try to hold the American people hostage again on that deadline for some other unrelated issue so that they can inflict more pain on the American people. But don’t worry, Chuck Schumer will be having a good day if that pain is going to be inflicted on others.”On Democrats’ inability to put hatred of President Trump aside to protect their citizens: “Every day they wake up and they just want to fight Donald Trump. It doesn’t matter what it is he wants to do. He wants to keep communities safe. They’re going to fight him on it. He wants to keep the government open. They’re going to fight him on it. President Trump wants to make sure our troops are paid. Chuck Schumer wants to fight him on it and talk about how good of a day it is for Chuck Schumer when that happens.”On the need for Senate Democrats to do the right thing and reopen the government: “Their party has lost their way, and it’s not too late to come back. There will be other votes. Hopefully, we get five more Democrat senators that come to their senses and stop inflicting this pain on the American people. It’s causing real, real harm on families. Hopefully, they stop worrying about what that measuring stick is that says they have a good day only when the American people are having a bad day. Stop inflicting pain on the American people, Chuck Schumer, and open the government up. End this madness.”On President Trump’s leadership:“Thank goodness we have a President in the Oval Office who continues to stay focused on the job he was elected to do by the American people. Speaker Johnson just pointed out how critically important that job President Trump is doing. As we marked the two-year anniversary of the horrible Hamas attacks on Israel, President Trump is brokering a release of all the remaining hostages so that those families can finally get closure. Hopefully, some are still alive. We know, sadly, some are not. But those families want to have that resolved. They want to see their loved ones come home. President Trump has worked tirelessly – he said he would work tirelessly, and he continues to deliver for the American people. He continues to lead on the world stage and stand up to the bullies around the world. He continues to fight for American families who are counting on him. Then you look at what he has to fight against.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Release Statement On ICE Facility Shooting in Dallas, TX

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Veasey (TX-33), releases the following statement on the horrific shooting that has left two dead at a Dallas ICE processing center: 

“My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones, and I am praying for the individual still fighting for their life in critical condition. Their pain is unimaginable, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they receive justice and support,” said Congressman Veasey. “We do not yet know every fact or the shooter’s motivation, but we do know this: innocent lives were stolen in a place that should have been safe. No one—whether in detention, in uniform, or simply present—should ever have to face the terror of senseless gun violence.

“What is equally disturbing is that Governor Abbott and leaders from the Trump administration are already exploiting this tragedy to stoke fear, division, and anger. That is shameful. In this moment of grief, what our community needs are leaders who will bring people together, not tear us further apart.

“As we mourn, we must also lower the temperature of our politics. Stoking the flames of fear and anger only makes tragedies like this more likely. Now is the time to meet this moment with unity, compassion, and steady leadership.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Important Government Shutdown Information

Important Government Shutdown Information

On Wednesday, October 1, the Federal Government “shutdown.”   

 

This is because Republicans have not agreed to extend the ACA’s Premium Tax Credit. A brief explanation is below:

The Affordable Care Act’s Premium Tax Credit was created under Obamacare, and expanded after COVID under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act. 

• This tax credit is applied as a direct discount to your monthly health insurance bill, or premium.
• If you get your health insurance from healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov, you receive this discount. Of the 24 million marketplace enrollees, 22 million receive this discount.
• Almost 4 million Texans receive an ACA Premium Tax Credit, or discount, that reduces the cost of your healthcare.
• About half of the recipients of these tax credits are small business owners or employees.
• In some cases, you may see your health insurance bill rise to up to $1200 a month.
• If Republicans do not renew this discount, you will receive notice of your more expensive health coverage starting in October.
• Though the tax credits expire at the end of 2025, open enrollment begins on November 1st.
• Though the tax credits expire at the end of 2025, open enrollment begins on November 1st 2025. Should you choose to keep your coverage, you will pay up to 400x more starting January 1 – February 1, 2026.
• You can use this calculator to estimate how much more your health care premium will cost if Republicans refuse to extend the credit.

My staff and I remain committed to serving you and the district. We are still available to help in any way we can as well as answer questions. Please contact one of my offices here. 

If you have a question, but not see it listed below, please use this form. 

For some “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) please see below:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

 

 What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.  

 

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? 

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase. 

 

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected? 

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. 

 

 What happens to veterans’ services? 

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans. 

 

 Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown? 

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either “excepted” or “not excepted.” The employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “not excepted” are put on unpaid furlough. 

 

 What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement? 

All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown. 

 

 Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended? 

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed. 

 

 Will air travel be affected? 

The current number of reduced Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country. 

 

 What does this mean for disaster relief efforts? 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund. 

 

 How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup? 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease. 

 

 What is the impact on food safety activities? 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country. 

 

 What is the impact on housing? 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown. 

 

 How will this affect small businesses? 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations. 

 

 Will my mail still arrive? 

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

 

 What does this mean for medical research? 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away. 

 

 Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments? 

Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown. 

 

 How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas? 

Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited. 

 

 What is the impact on state and local services? 

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Republicans Shutdown Government to Raise your Health Care Costs

Washington, D.C. – On October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down after Republicans blocked a resolution to extend the Affordable Care Act’s Premium Tax Credit. Without the extension, millions of Americans will see their premiums skyrocket, with some families facing thousands of dollars in monthly healthcare costs. Congressman Veasey released the following statement:

“Let’s be clear: this is a Republican shutdown. This is a Republican-created crisis they manufactured to force American workers to pay more for their health insurance,” said Congressman Veasey. “Republicans gutted Medicaid in July to hand out taxpayer dollars to billionaires. Now, they’re raising your premiums to fund another $330 billion handout to the rich. They don’t care about you or your family—they care about lining their friends’ pockets while you choose between groceries and a doctor’s visit.”

Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. They have the power to keep the government open and your healthcare costs down.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on October 7th Attacks Anniversary

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey has released the following statement on the 2nd anniversary of the October 7th Attacks: 

“On this solemn anniversary, we mourn the innocent lives lost in the horrific October 7th attacks carried out by Hamas. That day, 1,200 people — including 33 Americans — were brutally killed, leaving a deep and enduring wound on families and communities across the world. Today, we remember the victims and stand with their loved ones who continue to endure unimaginable grief. My thoughts and prayers remain with them — today and always.” 

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

In response to current efforts that single out Latino, Black, and immigrant Memphians for stops and searches

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought today seeking clarification on whether federal employees furloughed because of the government shutdown will receive back pay when their offices re-open.

A recent OMB memorandum suggested employees may not be guaranteed back pay, which “is inconsistent with both federal law and decades of bipartisan precent,” Congressman Cohen’s letter says.

“The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 — signed into law by then-President Donald J. Trump — explicitly guarantees back pay for all federal employees affected by a lapse in appropriations. 

“The plain language of that statute leaves no room for doubt: federal employees who are required to work without pay, as well as those furloughed during a shutdown, must be made whole when government funding is restored.”

See the entire letter here.

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will attend and speak at The Foote Park at South City Community Homes on Thursday, October 9. Congressman Cohen secured $750,000 for the final phase of the project on the site of the former Foote Homes through the annual appropriations process. The effort began in 2015 when Congressman Cohen secured a $30 million grant under President Obama’s Choice Neighborhoods Program.

What: A ribbon cutting at The Foote Park at South City VI Community Homes

Who: Congressman Cohen; Ellen Eubank, CNI Project Manager, Memphis Housing Authority; Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis; Ralph Perrey, Executive Director, Tennessee Housing Development Agency; Denise Cleveland-Leggett, Southeast Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; Dexter Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Memphis Housing Authority; Archie Willis, Founder & President, ComCap Partners; Eva Mosby, Regional Vice President, Urban Strategies Inc.; Tierra Bell, South City Resident; Shante Avant, President & CEO, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis; and Emily Bernstein, Senior Vice President, McCormack Baron Salazar

When: Thursday, October 9, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: 430 South Danny Thomas Boulevard

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s Communications Director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

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

Hoping the war ends this week, hostages are returned and needed aid flows into Gaza

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA – Rep Judy Chu (CA-28), Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Creative Rights Caucus, issued a statement today condemning President Trump’s most recent threat to implement a 100% tariff on films made outside of the United States, which would have a devastating impact on the industry.

“American movies are some of our country’s greatest exports, but that is all at risk if President Trump follows through on this dangerously misguided threat,” said Rep. Chu. “Tariffs will not bring film production back to the United States. Instead, they will provoke retaliation from around the world, devastate our film industry here at home, and jeopardize millions of American jobs.” 

“President Trump correctly identified the problem of film and TV production moving abroad. But tariffs are not a solution. Instead, we need incentives that keep production here, support American workers, and grow our creative economy. And without congressional action, the Section 181 tax deduction, which is the only federal incentive for domestic film production, will expire after December 31^st of this year. That is why I introduced the bipartisan, bicameral CREATE Act to expand and extend Section 181, and strengthen federal support for U.S.-made films, television, theater, and sound recordings by allowing 100% deduction of production costs in the same year those costs are paid or incurred. And with Section 181 set to expire in just a few months, it is critical that Congress act now to not only extend this deduction, but strengthen it to ensure that the United States continues to invest in the incredible talent that exists in my district in Southern California and across the country,” Rep. Chu continued. 

“Our movies showcase the best of American creativity to the world and support millions of jobs nationwide. Putting them at risk with reckless tariffs is unacceptable,” Rep. Chu concluded.

As the global hub of film and television, Los Angeles County is home to world-renowned studios such as Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros. The industry anchors the local economy, supporting over 325,000 jobs, paying $38.5 billion in wages, and driving $117.2 billion in overall economic impact.