Hardworking Americans Across the Country Celebrate No Tax on Tips and Overtime

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — One month after President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill, the American people are celebrating the historic wins included in the legislation. Republicansprevented the largest tax hike in American history for working-class families and also secured additional tax savings for millions of tipped and hourly workers. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill eliminates federal taxes on tips and overtime pay, putting real money back into the pockets of the Americans who keep this country running. These changes mean an extra $1,500 a year for tipped workers and hourly employees working overtime.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill wasn’t written for the elites, the media, or a political party – it was written by and for hardworking Americans,” Speaker Johnson said. “With this historic bill, we’re eliminating tax on tips and overtime so that millions of American workers will get to keep more of what they earn. No matter their job or their zip code, Americans are going to feel real, positive results from this legislation.”

Here’s what Americans are saying about no taxes on tips and overtime:

“I think it is going to help a lot of people in the server industry, especially mothers, single mothers.” — Candace Wright, Server, Alabama

“I think that [Not Tax on Tips] really has a farther reach than we’ve yet to see. And I’m really excited about this for a lot of people that work hard and I feel are undervalued and unappreciated.” — Rob Barker, Restaurant Manager, North Carolina

“Tips are like 90% of my income. A little more money in the working people’s pocket lets us enjoy our cities a bit more.” — Hugo Lanos, Bartender, Florida

“It will help our team make a lot better plans of what they will utilize their money for…” — Mike Ellis, County Coroner, South Carolina

“Any more money on our checks is going to be better — that we don’t have to give to the government.” — Jake Gambache, Bartender, Minnesota

“Well, I have four children, so that extra money will be pretty handy. So it would either go towards them or towards my house bills.” — Liz Johnson, Restaurant Worker, Michigan

“I feel like I’ll be able to save a lot more money. We appreciate being able to keep a little bit more of what people give us.” — Kelly Metzger, Server, Ohio

“The Big Beautiful Bill which will end taxes on tips makes things a lot easier around the Taylor household. [B]eing able to keep all of my tips will make it a lot easier for me to afford these extra things that we might not be able to do otherwise.” — Jessica Taylor, Server, Minnesota

“Many of our folks are part-time, either supplemental income to the family or are students putting themselves through school… this will help them achieve their goals.” — Susan Quam, VP, Wisconsin Restaurant Association

“No tax on tips is important to me and my family because it returns more of the hard-earned money that we’ve earned to our family to be able to provide for the incidentals in our family including my son’s medical needs, and ensure that we are able to pay for my older two’s college educations.” — Maliki Krieski, DoorDash Driver, Wisconsin

“Having somebody step in and be more willing to help out because they know that they’re not going to be taxed on that overtime — it will make a HUGE difference.” — Avery Harrell, Nurse, Texas

“We have definitely in our hospitality world — we keep money set aside to prepare for the taxes we have to pay so it will be nice to be able, instead of saving for taxes, to be saving for our future.”— Tyler Michael Ogle, Server, Nevada

“We’ve always owed at the end of the year. This time, I might be able to put it into a college fund.”— Jessica Burrus, Waitress, California

“I think any amount of money saved will have great impact… that would affect absolutely every non-manager in the house. Everybody’s tipped here.” — Chuck Bussler, Restaurant Owner, Hawaii

“You’re talking $2,500 to $3,000 in their pocket a year. That’s real life-changing money.” — Kyle Citrano, Restaurant, Texas

“A lot of people look to restaurants as like a starter job for them or maybe a start to the restaurant industry. So I think we can get a wider variety of applicants if we don’t tax their tips.”— Dutney Block, Restaurant Manager, Nevada

“It will definitely mean more money for groceries. If my grandma needs something, I’ll be able to help her out.” — Michael Cooke, Server, Louisiana

“No taxes. That’s pretty good for my employees – they generate quite a bit of tips. It’s going to help them a lot.” — David Thao, Café Owner, California

“It means more knowing that the money you meant for the person is actually going to the person.” — Hannah Soltay, Server, Ohio

“I believe this is going to generate more spending around the town, and maybe even travel in the future. Or people can start saving and make bigger purchases along the way.” — Devin Williams, Waiter, Georgia

“I’ll be able to do a little bit more with my money. I might stash a little bit more away for having to pay for college or groceries, and just like helping out around with my parents and whatnot.” — Owen Reibel, Server, North Carolina

BOTTOM LINE: Republicans are delivering historic, targeted tax relief while Democrats stood in the way. The One Big Beautiful Bill fulfills President Trump’s promises — and proves that when Republicans govern, working Americans win.

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PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Marks 90th Anniversary of Social Security at Lynwood Senior Center, Pledges to Fight Cuts and Protect Benefits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2025

Contact: Liam.Forsythe@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Marks 90th Anniversary of Social Security at Lynwood Senior Center, Pledges to Fight Cuts and Protect Benefits

LYNWOOD, CA — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined seniors at the Lynwood Senior Center to mark the 90th anniversary of Social Security as part of the House Democrats’ Save Social Security Day of Action. Barragán warned that the Trump administration’s deep cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) are making it harder for Americans to receive the benefits they’ve earned and pledged to fight back against efforts to undermine the program.

“Social Security is not a gift, it’s your money, your benefits, and the government’s promise to you,” said Rep. Barragán. “Under Donald Trump, the SSA has lost 7,000 workers, the largest staffing cut in its history, leading to longer wait times, closed field offices, and fewer services. These cuts threaten the livelihoods of more than 6.3 million Californians, including over 115,000 in my district. I will fight like hell to protect Social Security so every American can retire with dignity.”

The Lynwood Senior Center, which opened in 2007, serves as a hub for recreation, wellness, and social services for residents 55 and older. In Fiscal Year 2024, Rep. Barragán secured $1 million in federal funding to upgrade the center’s facilities, including roof and HVAC repairs, kitchen improvements, and a new senior fitness zone.

During her visit, Rep. Barragán heard directly from seniors about the importance of Social Security and the challenges they face accessing services. She highlighted her support for legislation like the Hands Off Social Security Act, which would require congressional approval for any changes to benefits or SSA operations, and theSocial Security 2100 Act, which would expand benefits by requiring the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.

“Social Security has kept millions of Americans out of poverty for 90 years,” Barragán added. “We owe it to future generations to protect and strengthen this program for the next 90 years and beyond.”

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Carter Lands Federal Grant to Improve Pooler Recreation Center

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

Headline: Carter Lands Federal Grant to Improve Pooler Recreation Center

POOLER, GA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced a grant award through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to the City of Pooler for improvements to the Pooler Recreation Center. 

The matching $250,000 grant is part of LWCF’s mission to protect a “seamless system of parks from backyard to backcountry.” This project will rehabilitate a playground, develop a splashpad, install landscaping, and make general site improvements.

“I was proud to help secure this funding for the City of Pooler. When completed, the Pooler Recreation Center will be an excellent place to beat the South Georgia heat and get kids outside. It’s important that we invest in community hubs like this, so all children and families can play and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Rep. Carter. “Exercise is an important part of this administration’s mission to Make America Healthy Again.”

“We are excited to accept the grant support from the Land Water and Conservation Fund! This investment will help build on Pooler’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for our community to stay active outdoors and ensuring Pooler continues to be the recreation leader for the region,” said Pooler Mayor Karen L. Williams. “We are grateful for Congressman Carter’s support in fostering healthy and active lifestyles for our residents.”

The LWCF was made permanent by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, supported by Rep. Carter.

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“We are excited to accept the grant support from the Land Water and Conservation Fund! This investment will help build on Pooler’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for our community to stay active outdoors and ensuring Pooler continues to be the recreation leader for the region,” said Pooler Mayor Karen L. Williams. “We are grateful for Congressman Carter’s support in fostering healthy and active lifestyles for our residents.”


Carter Celebrates Trump Executive Order Advancing Key Priorities of the American-Made Medicines Caucus

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

Headline: Carter Celebrates Trump Executive Order Advancing Key Priorities of the American-Made Medicines Caucus

Carter Celebrates Trump Executive Order Advancing Key Priorities of the American-Made Medicines Caucus

Washington, August 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated the Executive Order (EO) signed by President Trump entitled “Ensuring American Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience by Filling the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve,” which advances key priorities for the American-Made Medicines Caucus. 

“This is a win for public health and national defense. With this EO, we are reducing America’s reliance on foreign, sometimes adversarial, nations, and ensuring access to affordable, American-made drugs. As a long-time advocate of pharmaceutical independence, I applaud President Trump for getting this done on behalf of patients nationwide,” said Rep. Carter.

Rep. Carter is the chair of the American-Made Medicines Caucus and supports the Administration’s approach to pharmaceutical independence as outlined in this EO: 

  • Directs the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), within the Department of Health and Human Services, to develop a list of approximately 26 critical drugs vital to national health and security, and ready the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve (SAPIR) repository to receive and maintain the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used to make these critical drugs.
  • Charges the ASPR with obtaining a 6-month supply of these critical APIs, with a preference for obtaining domestically manufactured APIs if possible, and placing them in the SAPIR.
  • Instructs the ASPR to update the 2022 list of 86 essential medicines and propose a plan to obtain and store a 6-month API supply for these drugs.
  • Establishes that ASPR shall further develop a proposal for opening a second SAPIR repository to further enhance pharmaceutical supply chain resilience.

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ICYMI: Carter Hosts Roundtable on Meeting Georgia’s Energy Demand with American Petroleum Institute

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

Headline: ICYMI: Carter Hosts Roundtable on Meeting Georgia’s Energy Demand with American Petroleum Institute

ATLANTA, GA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) hosted a roundtable with American Petroleum Institute (API) examining how the federal government can help alleviate the increase in forecasted demand for Georgia’s energy grid.

From left to right: Justin Sykes, Cynthia Niemeyer-Tieskoetter, Rep. Buddy Carter, Mike Watson

Over the next ten years, Georgia Power expects up to 9,400 MW of load growth, largely driven by increased development and data centers. American natural gas is a clean, reliable, and affordable solution to this problem. 

Republicans in Congress delivered wins in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act by mandating quarterly onshore and offshore gas lease sales that will unleash American energy production and investments to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Attendees from American Petroleum Institute, American Chemistry Council, Georgia Natural Gas Association, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Manufacturing Association, Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia, and McGuire Woods participated in the conversation. 

“With the rise of AI data centers and other technological advances, we need every electron we can get to keep our state, and nation, powered. Georgia must ensure we have the tools to properly arm our grid with the resources needed to continue serving the community without delays or outages. That’s why I’m a big proponent of an ‘all-of-the-above’ type energy strategy, because every energy source will be needed to keep pace with 21st century innovation,” said Rep. Carter.

“As AI, geopolitics and emerging technologies fuel unprecedented U.S. growth, smart energy solutions are more critical than ever. The oil and gas industry is ready to meet this rising demand, and we applaud Congressman Buddy Carter’s leadership, both on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in his Georgia community, for championing policies that plan for lasting energy leadership and success,” said Mike Watson, American Petroleum Institute Director of Federal Relations.

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Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Attends Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon-Cutting

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

FERNDALE, MI –  Yesterday, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined community leaders, local officials, and fellow automotive enthusiasts at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise in Ferndale, Michigan. 

First launched in 1995, the Dream Cruise is celebrating 30 years of showcasing unique, vintage, and custom vehicles that cruise up and down the historic Woodward Avenue. 

Congresswoman Stevens stood alongside Woodward Dream Cruise President Michael Lary, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Mayor Raylon Leaks- May, Oakland County Sheriff Michale Bouchard, and Joanne, Ben and Jason of the of WOMC 104.3 FM Morning Show, during the ribbon cutting, marking the official start of the weekend’s festivities.

“The Woodward Dream Cruise is a celebration of how we put the world on wheels,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “It is a living tribute to our region’s automotive legacy and continues to drive our communities forward.”

Throughout the month of August, Congresswoman Stevens is traveling across Michigan, hearing from Michigan farmers, manufacturers, and community leaders, and taking their stories back to Congress so she can continue to fight–and win–for Michigan.
 

Photos are available for media use below.
 

 

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DeGette Statement on CDC Shooting and Failure of Leadership by RFK Jr., Trump Administration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement in the wake of the shooting in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Over 500 bullets were fired at the CDC with more than 150 of them hitting windows, and one police officer lost his life. It took Secretary Kennedy over 18 hours to respond, and even then, his leadership came up short. His rhetoric has led to a distrust of science, particularly around the COVID-19 vaccine and other immunizations. The men and women who work at the CDC deserve much more than empty words when their place of work came under direct fire from an individual who reportedly had a deep distrust of the CDC.

“The response to this incident from the Secretary and from the Trump Administration continues a pattern of failed leadership at the highest levels of our government. They are failing to stand up for Americans’ wellbeing, including the hardworking people at the CDC. Instead, they are choosing to peddle conspiracy theories and unproven treatments. It is unacceptable, and it must change because the safety of our citizens and dedicated public servants across HHS depend on it.” 

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CONGRESSMAN VICENTE GONZALEZ CELEBRATES OVER $6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR RURAL TRANSIT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) celebrated $6,288,790 in multiple federal transportation grants benefiting rural communities throughout the 34thCongressional District of Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) awarded these federal grants, in addition to state funding, to several local rural transit agencies, counties, organizations and cities (full list below).

This funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Gonzalez supported the passage of.  

“Investing in public transportation means investing in opportunities for rural communities, senior citizens, and South Texans with disabilities,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “These funds not only strengthen public transportation infrastructure but play a vital role in our economic growth, quality of life, and public safety.”  

The full list of federal awards for the 34th District is as follows: 

Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program 

·         City of Kingsville – $812,000 

FTA Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program 

·         Kleberg County Human Services – $700,000 

·         Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. – $210,572 

·         The Valley Association for Independent Living, Inc. – $151,650 

FTA Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program 

·         Kleberg County Human Services – $504,350 

·         Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council – $1,377,638 

·         Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. – $1,771,793 

·         City of South Padre Island – $760,787 

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Costa, Edwards Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fast-Track Emergency Water Aid for Rural Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the Emergency Rural Water Response Act, bipartisan legislation to cut the red tape and deploy emergency federal water funding to rural communities. “In the San Joaquin Valley, water emergencies don’t wait for red tape,” Congressman Costa said.“Whether it’s drought, flooding, or wildfire, every day without clean water puts lives, farms, and local economies at risk. This bill makes sure more communities can act immediately instead of waiting weeks or months for help.” 
“When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina last year, it exposed just how vulnerable our mountain communities are to the destruction caused by natural disasters. One of the most critical failures was the disruption of access to safe and reliable water – a basic necessity that became a daily struggle for many residents. This legislation will streamline emergency response efforts, improve coordination, and ensure that more rural towns receive the support they need without delay when disasters strike,” said Congressman Edwards.  
“We strongly support and appreciate this vital change. The United States has some of the world’s most robust water regulations, but they were not designed to address disaster scenarios. This legislation makes a transformative step in meeting disaster-related needs by paving the way to safe water during critical times,” said George Greene IV, CEO of Water Mission. 
“The Emergency Rural Water Response Act will benefit rural community infrastructure by expanding the types of water-related facilities that can be repaired using USDA emergency funds. USDA’s emergency grant assistance has been a valuable resource for rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley, and the Act recognizes that after a disaster, emergency repair and response may be needed for a variety of infrastructure types,” said Tom Collishaw, President/CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. 
BACKGROUND The USDA’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program provides critical funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from disasters that threaten safe, reliable drinking water. These funds can be deployed for emergencies such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and chemical spills without the need for a federal disaster declaration. 
From the return of Tulare Lake to wells running dry in East Fresno County, the Valley has been hit hard by water crises in recent years. Since the program’s creation in 1972, only rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents have been eligible for aid. While populations in many rural towns have grown over the past five decades, the eligibility cap has not kept pace, leaving thousands of residents in small but growing communities without access to this lifeline.  In 2022, Congress temporarily raised the population limit from 10,000 to 35,000 under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, opening the door for more rural towns to qualify. But in 2023, that limit was rolled back to 10,000, once again shutting out many communities that still rely on small, vulnerable water systems.

Stevens Demands RFK Jr. Stop Cutting Cancer Research

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

As certain cancer cases rise in Michigan and across the country, RFK Jr.’s cuts are dangerous and wrong for Michiganders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (H.H.S.) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanding that he immediately cease all cuts to the N.I.H., especially cuts affecting cancer research. 

Click here to read the letter.

In the first four months of Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, over 1,800 NIH grants were terminated and other grant payments were not distributed, including critical research into efforts to fight cancer. Those devastating actions have had an impact in Michigan already. Not only do they threaten the incredibly important work being done in Michigan’s amazing universities, but these actions are impacting research into how to fight common forms of cancer like breast cancer at Michigan universities.

These cuts come as cancers like colorectal cancer rise in Michigan among young people and as cancer remains one of the most deadly diseases in the United States. Over 600,000 Americans are expected to pass away from cancer this year.

“My message to Secretary Kennedy Jr. is simple: Stop with the cuts threatening cancer research,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “These cuts have devastating consequences for my home state of Michigan, and for people across the country. We have some of the best and brightest researchers and medical experts in the world here in Michigan, and they need to be able to do their jobs in their fight against cancer for the millions of patients and their families suffering from this deadly disease. I’m going to keep standing up and speaking out against threats to vital cancer research, especially here in Michigan.”

Secretary Kennedy Jr. is expected to release part two of his ‘MAHA Report’ in the coming days or weeks.

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