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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Rep. Brad Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska:

“Ukraine won’t be in the room when President Trump meets with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. That’s a mistake. We should never negotiate about Ukraine without Ukraine.

“Moreover, for the future security of our allies in Europe and around the world, we cannot accept any nation taking another country’s territory by force – not in Ukraine, not anywhere.

“Trump has given in to dictators on too many occasions. I’ve worked across the aisle to cut off the tech, shut down the supply chains, and close the loopholes that fuel Putin’s war machine. That pressure must continue until Russia ends its war and leaves Ukraine.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA.  – Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) spent the week of August 11 engaging with small business owners, healthcare providers, union leaders, conservation experts, and blood service professionals to discuss local priorities and the impacts of federal policy on their work.

On August 11, Smith joined the Washington Hospitality Association for a roundtable at Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Columbia City. Owners, managers, and hospitality leaders discussed the rising cost of doing business, workforce development needs, tariffs, and the Credit Card Competition Act.

The hospitality industry has faced mounting pressures in recent months, with U.S. hotel occupancy dropping by 2.3 percentage points in March compared to last year and international travel to the U.S. falling 3.1% in July— declines tied to tariffs and other Trump administration policies that have increased the average U.S. tariff rate from 2.5% to nearly 27%, the highest since the Great Depression era. In addition, the Seattle area specifically has seen a 30% decline in Canadian tourism.

On August 12, Smith hosted his regular Community Health Centers (CHC) Roundtable at HealthPoint Auburn North with leaders from HealthPoint, Neighborcare, International Community Health Services, and Sea Mar.

 
Participants discussed the threat posed by the Trump administration’s proposal to cut over $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP over ten years, which could leave 10.9 million Americans uninsured and reduce SNAP participation by 3 million. Such cuts would severely undermine the work of CHCs, which serve tens of thousands of patients in Washington’s Ninth District.

Later the same day, Smith met with representatives from education unions—including SEIU 925, SEIU 1948 PSE, WEA, AAUP, WFSE/AFSCME, and AFT—at AFT Washington’s Renton office to discuss teacher recruitment and retention, the rising cost of living, and defending collective bargaining rights. 

These conversations take place against the backdrop of broader economic inequality, with analysis showing that the bottom 10% of earners stand to lose $1,600 annually under Trump-backed budget cuts, while the wealthiest Americans benefit from large tax breaks.

On August 13, Smith toured the Issaquah Creek Ecological Restoration Project at Lake Sammamish State Park with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. The project aims to restore salmon habitat, stabilize stream banks, and improve ecological resilience in the watershed.

Conservation leaders stressed the importance of sustained federal investment in environmental restoration given that earlier this year the Trump administration and the EPA had frozen federal funding for this project. I am glad to see this funding unfrozen since this work will preserve our public lands for years to come.

On August 14, Smith visited Bloodworks Northwest’s Renton facility for a tour and policy discussion with organizational leaders. They provide blood supply to 95% of hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to blood collection, testing, and distribution, Bloodworks Northwest leads an innovative research institute and provides lab expertise to support patients receiving critical treatments for cancer and organ transplantation.

He also met with leaders of the Washington State Labor Council on Thursday at his Kent office to talk about the Trump Administration’s plans to cut Medicaid and its proposed pilot project in WA state to use A.I. for Medicaid preauthorization.

“Strong communities require strong federal support,” said Smith. “Whether it’s fair economic policies for small businesses, protecting access to healthcare, safeguarding workers’ rights, restoring our natural environment, or strengthening emergency medical readiness, federal action matters. I will keep fighting for policies that invest in people and reject the shortsighted cuts and harmful trade policies that undermine our district’s economic, health, and environmental future.”

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

PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED ON AUGUST 18TH IN OBSERVANCE OF FUNERAL SERVICES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

August 15, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act. This bill permits federal funds to be used on cottage family homes for the purpose of addressing shortfalls in housing for foster children. 
“Every son and daughter of America deserves a roof over their head with patient and supportive parents to guide them,” said Rep. Steube. “I am honored to introduce the Create Accountable Respectful Environments for Children Act to expand options for foster youth and improve overall access to care in child welfare.”
This legislation amends Part E of Title IV in the Social Security Act to grant eligibility for federal funds to cottage family homes.
Rep. Steube is co-leading this legislation alongside Representatives Dr. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.).
“The CARE for Children Act aims to create safe, healthy environments for children by promoting capacity-building, keeping sibling groups together, and providing a normalized home and community environment for our youth in Florida,” said Rep. Cammack. “At a time when foster homes are in short supply, this bill ensures that cottage family homes keep children safe, nurtured, and cared for to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. I’m glad to join Rep. Dunn and my Florida colleagues in supporting the CARE Act.”
“It is essential we protect children and give them every opportunity to thrive. The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act addresses the health, safety, and well-being of youngsters who face difficult challenges,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues so we can provide children with a normalized home and community environment when times are most difficult.”
“Every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. I’m proud to cosponsor the CARE for Children Act to help address the shortage of foster homes, keep siblings together, and strengthen protections to ensure every child’s safety and well-being,” said Rep. Soto. “Together, we can build a foster care system that puts children first and gives them the supportive environment they need to thrive.”
The CARE for Children Act has the support of The Baptist Children’s Village, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, and the Coalition of Residential Excellence. 
“We believe the CARE Act not only expands the number of residential placement resources for children, but at the same time ensures safeguards and accountability to keep children safe. An additional strength of cottage family care is ability to keep sibling groups together. We are grateful that Rep. Steube is sensitive to the unmet needs of children in harm’s way and for the safeguards he has included in this legislation to ensure safety and well-being of children.” —Don Forrester, Executive Director, Coalition of Residential Excellence
“We are grateful for Congressman Steube, Congressman Dr. Dunn, Congresswoman Cammack, Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz and Congressman Soto for seeing the need for safe, stable homes for the children from difficult places. We appreciate their commitment to quality homes that will provide strong foundations and a hope for the future.” —Maria Knapp, President, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc.
“Congress understands that the living conditions of some children require that they be removed and Congress refuses to ignore their plight.  The CARE Act reflects Congress’ commitment to these children buy engaging with and providing assistance to the state agencies that are working to provide home environments that are best suited and equipped to serve their unique needs.” —Sean Milner, Executive Director, The Baptist Children’s Village
Read the full bill text here.

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

Headline: Carter Introduces Bill Giving President Power to Fire Fed Chair

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the Timely Oversight of Operations, Liquidity, Accountability, Targeting, and Effectiveness (TOO LATE) Act, a bill granting the president explicit power to fire the Chair of the Federal Reserve.  

Current law is ambiguous, stipulating that the president may fire the Chair of the Federal Reserve “for cause,” which some legal scholars have interpreted to mean malfeasance, neglect of duty, or inefficiency. This bill will explicitly broaden the scope of reasons a president may fire the Chair of the Federal Reserve.

“Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell needs to go, and the President should have the power to make that decision without question. Powell has been too late to cut rates, and it is directly harming the American people. With this bill, we will restore proper oversight of the Federal Reserve and give the president another tool in his tool chest to strengthen and grow the economy,” said Rep. Carter. 

Read full bill text here.

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

Headline: Carter Leads Resolution Honoring Fort Stewart Heroes in Wake of Recent Shooting

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a resolution honoring the six courageous Fort Stewart soldiers who subdued a gunman on August 6^th, 2025, saving lives and allowing medical professionals to tend to those wounded.

First Sergeant Joshua Arnold, Master Sergeant Justin Thomas, Staff Sergeant Melissa Taylor, Staff Sergeant Robert Pacheco, Sergeant Aaron Turner, and Sergeant Eve Rodarte swiftly jumped into action when a rogue gunman launched an unprovoked attack against soldiers on base, exemplifying the highest ideals of military service. Because of their bravery, no lives were lost in the shooting. 

“I am so proud of these six individuals for putting their own lives on the line to protect their fellow soldiers. While this devastating event should have never occurred, and we continue to pray for those wounded, it is encouraging that we have heroes in the First Congressional District who run towards danger when tragedy strikes. Thank you for your bravery and service to your country,” said Rep. Carter.

The resolution also expresses that Congress’ thoughts and prayers are with those injured in the attack and wishes them a full and speedy recovery.

Original Co-sponsors include: Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rick Allen (R-GA), and Mike Collins (R-GA). 

Read the full resolution text here. 

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

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett concluded two successful “Breakfast with Stacey” community engagement events this week, meeting with Virgin Islands residents across St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix to discuss federal legislation impacts, local challenges, and her advocacy priorities for the 119th Congress.   

The breakfast events, held Thursday at Victor’s Hideout on St. Thomas and Friday at the King Christian Hotel rooftop on St. Croix, provided residents with direct access to their congressional representative to discuss pressing community concerns and learn about available federal services.   

“These breakfast conversations are among my favorite events because they give us the opportunity to have real discussions about the issues that matter most to the Virgin Islands community,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “The input I receive from these gatherings directly informs my work in Congress and helps ensure that Virgin Islands voices are heard in Washington.”  

During the events, Congresswoman Plaskett addressed recent federal legislation impacts, celebrating key victories including the permanent increase in the rum cover-over rate to $13.25 per proof gallon and successful protection against punitive port fees, while acknowledging challenges from the Republican Reconciliation Bill, H.R. 1’s cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP as well as higher education Pell Grant and loan repayment programs that will affect thousands of Virgin Islands families.   

Attendees raised concerns about healthcare access, senior housing, infrastructure challenges, housing affordability, and the high cost of living. Congresswoman Plaskett outlined her legislative priorities to address these issues, including the Affordable Shipping for All Act with several Members of Congress and the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act to extend benefits to territorial residents. 

“I heard directly from residents about infrastructure failures, hospital staffing shortages, and housing costs,” said Plaskett. “These local challenges require both federal advocacy and community solutions, which is why these face-to-face conversations are so critical.”   

Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized maximizing federal recovery opportunities, noting that the Biden-Harris Administration’s cost-share waiver has allocated billions in funding for schools, hospitals, water systems, and power grid improvements with reduced local matching requirements representing nearly $1.5 billion in savings for the local government.   

“We have an unprecedented window to complete our hurricane recovery while building economic growth,” Plaskett explained. “My district and Washington D.C. offices continues to provide assistance with federal agencies, and we are planning additional community forums because informed civic engagement is how we protect and advance our interests during these challenging times.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), André Carson (D-IN), and Judy Chu (D-CA) today introduced the Fulbright Teacher’s Loan Forgiveness Act, legislation to expand student debt relief qualification under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for participants in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and Teaching Assistant programs. 

“Participants in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and Teaching Assistant programs are educators serving the public, both in the U.S. and abroad. Their work meets the definition of public service that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was designed to honor, and Congress should recognize their public service by expanding PSLF benefits to help ease the burden of student loan debt.” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Not only have Fulbright teachers earned debt forgiveness through their service, but alleviating their debt would also encourage more talented educators to commit to public service without the fear of crippling financial debt.”

“Participants in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and Teaching Assistant program are dedicated public servants,” said Rep. André Carson. “Their work plays a key role in America’s international relationships. We need to incentivize more leaders to participate in this program and provide relief to those who have served from debilitating student debt – which is exactly what this bill does.”

“Fulbright English Teacher Assistants (ETAs) and Teacher Exchange participants serve the American public by fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange, while receiving a modest stipend—similar to programs like the Peace Corps. But unlike Peace Corps participants, Fulbrighters aren’t eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF),” said Rep. Judy Chu. “It is past time for Congress to acknowledge Fulbright teachers as public servants deserving of loan forgiveness, and I want to thank Reps. Beyer and Carson for their partnership on this bill to do just that.”

The bill was developed following a constituent, and Fulbright alum’s, request for the programs to count toward PSLF benefits, similar to existing public service programs like the Peace Corps.

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Sarah McBride (D-DE). The bill is endorsed by The Fulbright Association.

Text of the Fulbright Teacher’s Loan Forgiveness Act is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Toledo, OH — Today, during the week of the 90^th Birthday of Social Security, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced a House Resolution affirming President Trump’s promise not to raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare. Alongside the bipartisan call to protect retirement security for America’s seniors, this measure underscores Congress’s responsibility to uphold the nation’s commitment to millions of workers who have spent a lifetime paying into these vital programs with the guarantee of a secure retirement and access to health care. Co-sponsors joining in introducing this legislation are Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34).

“Social Security and Medicare are solemn promises, not bargaining chips. That is why as we celebrate the 90^th Birthday of Social Security this week, I am introducing this resolution,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “For generations, working families have contributed to these programs with the expectation that they will be there in full when they reach retirement age. We cannot and must not move the goalposts on them now. Our resolution affirms a simple, unshakable truth: the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare should not be raised. Keeping faith with the American worker is not a partisan value — it’s an American value. We must honor that sacred promise with the American people now and always.”

The resolution comes as more than 11,000 Americans turn 65 every day, with millions relying on Medicare at age 65 and Social Security benefits soon after. For many, these programs represent the foundation of their retirement security: nearly 40% of men and 44% of women aged 65 and older receive half or more of their income from Social Security.

Congresswoman Kaptur noted that the full retirement age has already increased from 65 to 67 for people born after 1960. A shift that has disproportionately burdened seniors in physically demanding jobs, workers in lower-income communities, and those with shorter life expectancies.

The resolution rejects any proposals that would reduce or delay access to earned retirement benefits and reaffirms the House of Representatives’ dedication to protecting the current eligibility ages — consistent with President Trump’s public commitment on July 8, 2024.

A full copy of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

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