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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps

July 2, 2026                                                    202-813-2793

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES EMANCIPATION DAY AND AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement commemorating Virgin Islands Emancipation Day and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence:

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, this nation declared to the world that all men are created equal, that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That declaration, signed in Philadelphia on July 3rd, 1776, drove the principal goals of the American Revolution. 72 years later, enslaved men and women of the Danish West Indies rose up for their own freedom from chattel slavery and received their own proclamation of emancipation in Frederiksted on St. Croix, on July 3, 1848.

“That emancipation did not come from the grace of an empire. It came because our ancestors demanded it. They rose up, refused the conditions of their bondage, and pressed on the gates of freedom until they were opened. The men and women who marched that day did not wait to be given their freedom, they insisted upon it. That is the legacy we inherit and the spirit we carry into every fight.

“Today, as America celebrates 250 years of independence and Virgin Islanders mark another Emancipation Day, we must recognize that these two anniversaries are inseparable. The Virgin Islands of the United States is inextricably tied to the history of this nation, from Alexander Hamilton, who spent his formative years on St. Croix studying banking and who risked

everything to throw off colonial rule, to our strategic position safeguarding the Caribbean Basin.

“In 1917, the United States purchased our islands from Denmark, not for the benefit of the people, but for the protection of the Caribbean Basin. The $25 million in gold bullion to purchase the islands was sent to Copenhagen not for the people of the island. And yet, we have fought in every American conflict, produced revolutionaries, statesmen and creators, and carried the full responsibilities of citizenship without the full benefits being extended to us.

“More than a century later, that inequity persists. My constituents pay federal taxes. They serve in the military at higher rates per capita than most states. They bleed for our flag. And yet they cannot vote for President. They have limited representation in Congress. They are told, in effect, that their consent does not count, that the words etched into the Declaration of Independence do not fully apply to them.

“On this semiquincentennial, I do not celebrate 250 years of American democracy as if it has been equally shared, but I also refuse to surrender to cynicism. The same spirit that drove our ancestors to the fort at Frederiksted is the spirit that drives me to fight on behalf of every Virgin Islander as their member of Congress. The cause of full equality for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is an American issue. Colonial rule was wrong in 1776, and it remains wrong today.

“To every Virgin Islander: let Emancipation Day remind you of the courage that runs in your veins. Let the 250th anniversary of this nation remind you that the work of building a more perfect union is not finished. Our people are not a footnote to American history. We are woven into its very foundation, and we will not stop fighting until democracy means what it says.

“Blessed Emancipation Day and Happy Fourth of July.”

In observance of Emancipation and Independence Day, the district offices of Congresswoman Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas, as well as the Washington, D.C. office, will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, and Friday, July 4, 2026. All offices will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.

For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that the City of Cambridge has been awarded $1,150,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete final planning and engineering for the Cedar Street Gateway Corridor Multimodal Safety and Resilience Project.

The funding will support work on the Cedar Street Gateway corridor connecting U.S. Route 50 to downtown Cambridge, including drainage, stormwater, streetscape, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements to reduce flooding and improve safety.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“The Cedar Street Gateway is an important route into downtown Cambridge, and this investment will modernize the corridor while improving drainage and protecting against future flooding. I’m proud to have helped secure this award and move this project forward.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

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

Text of Amendment (PDF) | Video of Committee Remarks (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a House Financial Services Markup, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) proposed an amendment to ensure states have the authority to increase consumer protections for earned wage access products, also known as pay day loans. Rep. Pressley offered this amendment, which strikes the clause that preempts state action, to H.R. 9330, the Earned Wage Access Consumer Protection Act.

“Our constituents deserve more protection from predatory EWA, not less. This is a commonsense amendment that the federal framework can be a floor, but it should not be a ceiling that hinders states from acting in the best interests of its residents,” said Rep. Pressley during her remarks in committee markup. “This work has been important in districts like mine where the Attorney General’s office was able to secure more than $600,000 in restitution and debt relief for consumers who were victims of predatory earned wage products.”

Text of Rep. Pressley’s amendment is available here.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks during debate is available below and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Proposes Amendment to Allow States to Improve Consumer Protections for Pay Day Loans

House Financial Services Committee

June 30, 2026

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

My amendment would strike the clause that preempts state action.

It would ensure consumers are able to be protected by state laws and greater protections for earned wage access products.

My amendment clarifies that states have the authority to take action to improve consumers’ protections.

H.R. 9330 currently prevent states from calling earned wage access products what they actually are—pay day loans.

While these products are marketed as free to consumers, in reality these products function as loans and should follow the same rules.

Many states are taking action.

This work has been important in districts like my own, where the Attorney General’s office was able to secure more than $600,000 in restitution and debt relief for consumers who were victims of predatory earned wage products.

States have been leaders in protecting consumers using these products, and we should not stop them from doing this important work, especially when the proposed federal framework provides less protection than many states are offering.

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Furthermore, when it comes to endorsement, I can’t enumerate every organization that is opposed to this bill.

But I will tell you there are 225 of them, and they represent labor and civil rights organizations and community groups ranging from the NAACP, to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to the National Association of Consumer Advocates, to the National Consumer Law Center.

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Our constituents deserve more protection from predatory EWA, not less.

This is a commonsense amendment that the federal framework can be a floor, but it should not be a ceiling that hinders states from acting in the best interest of its residents.

I urge all members to vote yes on my amendment.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) led a bipartisan group of 72 total members of Congress in demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) take immediate action to stop Eli Lilly and Company from unlawfully conditioning access to 340B drug discounts.

“We write to express our serious concern regarding the recent action by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) terminating 340B pricing for covered entities’ (CE) that do not comply with its in-house claims data policy,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Congress established 340B to enable safety-net providers to stretch scarce federal resources, expand access to care, and furnish more comprehensive services to vulnerable patients. Congress did not authorize manufacturers to unilaterally impose additional reporting mandates or data-sharing requirements as a prerequisite for obtaining those discounts.”

“Lilly and a growing number of other pharmaceutical companies have announced policies that threaten to bar access to 340B discount pricing for their drugs unless the CE shares claims-level data from in-house pharmacies, including from mixed-use pharmacies for drugs administered in the hospital to outpatients… [which] extend beyond the statutory framework established by Congress.”

“We respectfully request that HRSA and HHS take immediate action to reinstate covered entities’ uninterrupted access to 340B pricing for eligible drugs and use all available enforcement authorities to ensure manufacturers comply with their obligations under Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act,” the lawmakers conclude. “The 340B program remains a critical tool for supporting hospitals, health centers, and other providers that serve vulnerable populations.”

BACKGROUND

The 340B Drug Pricing Program was enacted by Congress in 1992 with bipartisan support and is overseen by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program requires that pharmaceutical companies give safety net and rural healthcare providers discounts on their drugs, in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid.

The program has a demonstrated record of protecting patients who are low-income, live in underserved communities, or suffer from serious chronic illnesses from the threat of skyrocketing prices for the drugs they depend on the most.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a new resolution honoring the historic milestone for our republic, as well as reaffirming the importance of prevention, public health, and access to healthcare. 

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Building a stronger future means investing in prevention, protecting public health, and ensuring every American has access to the care they need. That’s how we’ll leave the next 250 years even stronger than the last,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

“The next 250 years won’t be defined by what we inherited, but by what we chose to protect—our health, our environment, and each other,” said Bill Couzens, founder of Next Generation Choices Foundation. 

The resolution can be found HERE and text is below:

Recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States and reaffirming the importance of prevention, public health, and access to healthcare.

Whereas the United States celebrates its 250th Anniversary in 2026;

Whereas the Declaration of Independence affirms the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;

Whereas a healthy Nation is essential to preserving those ideals for future generations;

Whereas General George Washington recognized the importance of disease prevention when he ordered the inoculation of the Continental Army against smallpox; and

Whereas prevention, early detection, and access to healthcare save lives and strengthen communities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That—

(1) the House of Representatives—

(A) recognizes America’s 250th Anniversary as an opportunity to renew the Nation’s 5 commitment to health and prevention;

(B) affirms that prevention and access to healthcare contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Nation;

(C) encourages efforts to improve access to preventive healthcare, screenings, health education, clean air, clean water, and healthy communities; and

(D) calls upon all Americans to work together to build a healthier Nation for the next 250 years; and

(2) it is the sense of Congress that one of the greatest gifts we can leave future generations is a healthier America.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the United States will not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):  

“Today’s announcement regarding the USMCA review process is an important step toward strengthening North American manufacturing and ensuring this agreement continues to work for American workers and businesses. I want to work with this administration, labor, industry, and all stakeholders, because we need a strategic approach to ensure our workforce and manufacturing industries are supported. And it is important we continue working closely with our Canadian friends,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “As we continue to negotiate and fine tune this agreement, we must improve rules of origin, enforce stronger labor and environmental standards, and prevent China from exploiting loopholes in our supply chains that undermine domestic manufacturing. We must provide certainty for automakers, suppliers, workers, and communities who rely on an integrated North American auto industry, including many in Southeast Michigan. I will continue working to ensure this agreement supports American competitiveness, strong union jobs, and long-term economic and national security.”

On July 1, 2026, the United States declined to renew the USMCA in its current form. By not automatically renewing the 16-year term, the U.S. triggers a mandatory transition to annual reviews until the agreement’s expiration in 2036.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Federal Responsibility and Accountability for Unchecked Dereliction (FRAUD) Act to strengthen accountability when state officials become aware of significant fraud involving federal funds. This legislation comes on the heels of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s bombshell report finding that high-level Minnesota state officials – including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison – knew of widespread fraud in Minnesota since 2019 and repeatedly failed to act. 

“Billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen in Minnesota because state leaders like Tim Walz looked the other way and even threatened to retaliate against state whistleblowers who tried to sound the alarm,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “To this day, none of these so-called leaders have been held accountable for this stunning failure of public trust. My FRAUD Act will change that by ensuring any official who knowingly fails to report fraud faces criminal prosecution and is never able to oversee the distribution of federal funds ever again. Turning a blind eye to fraud is just as bad as committing it, and it’s time the consequences reflect that.”

Congressman Stauber was joined by his Minnesota Republican delegation colleagues in introducing this legislation. 

“Fraud is wrong, plain and simple. Unfortunately, we have state leaders who ignored and enabled the problem, resulting in billions of dollars in fraud,” said Congressman Tom Emmer. “The House Oversight Committee confirmed what we all knew: Governor Walz and other state officials were aware of the fraud and yet did nothing. The FRAUD Act will ensure accountability and protect taxpayer funds.”

“In Minnesota, and across the country, a state’s highest elected officials – those responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars – have an obligation to take action against fraud when it’s reported,” said Congressman Brad Finstad. “I am committed to bringing accountability to Gov. Walz and Attorney General Ellison for ignoring the rampant fraud that’s robbed our fellow Minnesotans of billions of dollars, and am proud to support the FRAUD Act to restore transparency and accountability in federally funded, state administrated programs.” 

“The scale of fraud we saw in Minnesota is flat-out unacceptable, and it’s infuriating that Governor Walz and other state leaders looked the other way while billions were stolen,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach. “They need to be held accountable. We need the FRAUD Act in place so the next Minnesota governor, or any future leader, will never be allowed to let something like this happen again. Taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned money is actually being protected.”

Specifically, the FRAUD Act will do the following: 

• Require a Governor, state agency head, or State Inspector General who receives a credible fraud warning involving federal funds to report it to the FBI within 180 days. 
• Require states to annually certify compliance with these reporting requirements in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding. 
• Impose criminal penalties on covered officials who knowingly fail to report fraud or obstruct federal, state, or inspector general investigations. 
• Allow federal agencies to prohibit or debar convicted officials from overseeing the distribution of federal funds. 

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

“I’ve been to this facility many times alongside my late colleague Alcee Hastings because of reports of a lack of sun cover, water, and toilets for people waiting to check in. Today, I had to do this surprise inspection to see inside for myself, and what I saw were people packed in like sardines, in conditions I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll continue to conduct oversight of South Florida ICE operations and fight to hold them accountable for their brutality.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts Ranking Member Hank Johnson Released the Following Statement at the Conclusion of the Supreme Court’s Recent Term

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “As America marks 250 years of independence from imperialist governance, with growing alarm we are witnessing the most activist Supreme Court in our nation’s history, as it reshapes our democracy into a plutocracy.

“While this just-ended term brings a temporary pause to the Roberts Court’s continued assault on Congressional authority, there can be no doubt that this Supreme Court will continue its power grab transition into a “super legislature”, as it vests more and more power upon the most corrupt president in world history.

“Mitch McConnell and the Federalist Society have built a Court that has upset the delicate system of checks and balances between the three co-equal branches of government, which has left democracy for all hanging by a thread.

“To ensure the survival of American democracy, we must bring reform to a reckless and hyper-partisan United States Supreme Court. Calls for reforming the court with commonsense policies such as term limits, a binding and enforceable code of conduct and transparency and accountability measures will continue to grow as the 6-3 MAGA majority rush to remake our society and government in their pro-corporate, pro-authoritarian executive dogmatic vision.”

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today issued the following statement after a report from MS NOW that the FBI directed hundreds of intelligence analysts and other personnel to support an investigation related to the 2020 election in Georgia:

“The FBI exists to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law, not to serve as a taxpayer-funded opposition research firm for the President’s political grievances. Diverting hundreds of FBI personnel to relitigate conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, despite its results having long been settled, is a profound misuse of the Bureau’s resources for partisan purposes. Director Patel owes Congress and the American people an immediate explanation of the legal basis for this investigation, the resources being devoted to it, and what urgent public safety priorities are being pushed aside as a result. The American people should be deeply concerned that the Trump Administration appears to be using law enforcement to justify greater federal control over our elections.”