MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“The United States and its partners must work together to promote the security and safety of the Israeli and Palestinian people. Continued U.S. leadership is important to secure a lasting peace.

“I joined Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06) and more than 90 House Democrats in demanding oversight into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an unqualified organization whose efforts are ineffective and have led to mass panic and Palestinian casualties at distribution sites.

“Providing secure humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is a moral obligation and vital to the region’s long-term security and the safe return of all hostages.

“I continue to oppose any effort for Israel to take over Gaza. I again call for a reconstruction plan that begins the day the conflict ends, ensures a two-state solution where Israel and a Palestinian state exist securely side-by-side, and ensures the Palestinian state is not led by a terrorist organization.”

You can read the full letter Rep. Larsen, Rep. Casten, and more than 90 House Democrats sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Yesterday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted a listening session with local veterans on how best to support veterans’ health care, with the event taking place just one day after the third anniversary of the PACT Act becoming law. Veterans also shared perspectives on how supporting those who have served in other critical areas, particularly amid staffing reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and widespread layoffs of veterans across the federal workforce.

During the conversation, Congresswoman Beatty reaffirmed her commitment to fully funding veterans’ health care needs, including PACT Act programs, and ensuring other care and support veterans have earned remains intact.

“My commitment to veterans is not new. I’ve fought to strengthen the VA, expand benefits, and remove barriers — from ending the unfair offset of retirement and disability benefits, to expanding access to VA home loans, to protecting disability benefits in housing eligibility,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Your voices are the most powerful tools we have to protect and improve these programs. I will take what I hear today back to Washington to fight for full PACT Act funding, strong care protections, and to ensure the benefits veterans have earned remain intact. For the veterans of Ohio’s Third District, these benefits are not a gift — they are a promise. And my promise to you is that I will not stop fighting to keep it.”

Veterans representing the U.S. Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps attended, with years of service ranging from 30 to 50 years.

This event was part of a coordinated effort by House Democrats during the August District Work Period to highlight their commitment to fully funding the PACT Act and delivering on the promise to care for America’s veterans.

Press kits with photos and additional materials from the event are available HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [8/12/25] – Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) led 34 Members of Congress in calling for the Department of Health and Human Services to protect immigrant access to Head Start.

The Representatives sent the letter after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a notice in the Federal Register on July 15 that changes how the department interprets “federal public benefit” under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This change bars certain immigrants from critical HHS services they have been able to access for decades. 

With this reinterpretation, more than 115,000 children and families would lose access to vital early childhood education services. Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Head Start has served approximately 40 million children. And since 1982, it has been the law of the land that school districts cannot exclude undocumented school-age children from public schools. 

“Excluding some immigrant children from early education may create greater costs over time,” the Representatives wrote. “Children who enter kindergarten without access to preschool are more likely to need additional support in foundational areas such as literacy, social skills, and basic health care; services that are often addressed in Head Start through early learning and screenings. Keeping immigrant children from participating in Head Start programs would not address the long waitlists nor alleviate limited program availability.” 

The Representatives expressed concern the proposed change would have wide-reaching consequences for both families and the labor market. Without access to affordable, reliable early care and education, thousands of parents – many of whom work in essential industries – would likely be forced to leave their jobs or abandon job searches to care for their children. 

“We strongly urge you to cease efforts to reclassify Head Start as a federal public benefit and restore program access to immigrant children, who should not be punished for their family’s immigration status,” the Representatives wrote. “Insufficient investment in children’s early years ultimately costs taxpayers far more in the long run by increasing the burden on the education and health systems and shortchanging vulnerable families trying to meet their most basic needs. Head Start programs are critical to overall child care landscape and the proposed change will further exacerbate pervasive challenges in the child care sector, hinder labor participation, and limit educational opportunities for our nation’s youngest.”

The full letter is available here.

Bonamici is Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee (ECESE) and Co-Chair of bipartisan Pre-K and Child Care Caucus. Leger Fernández is Chair of Democratic Women’s Caucus and Co-Chair of bipartisan Head Start to Congress Caucus. Hayes is on the ECESE Subcommittee and is an inaugural member of the Head Start to Congress Caucus.

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

The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s formal decision to repeal the landmark Endangerment Finding and gut life-saving pollution standards for motor vehicles. Previously, SEEC sent a letter in February condemning Administrator Zeldin’s reported recommendation to strike down EPA’s Endangerment Finding. 

“EPA Administrator Zeldin’s decision today to overturn the landmark Endangerment Finding represents a disturbing new level of extreme science denial by the very agency entrusted to protect the American public from pollution. The scientific consensus is overwhelming and has been well-established for decades—greenhouse gas pollution from cars, power plants, and factories is causing climate change and climate change is endangering our public health and welfare. This is not theoretical. We can see it with our very own eyes. Whether it’s the catastrophic flash floods in Texas, the wildfires that demolished Californian communities, or the scorching heat dome currently enveloping half of the U.S., it is no longer a question whether climate change endangers our lives. Climate change is already wreaking havoc across America. By ignoring the overwhelming scientific consensus, contradicting the clear statutory language in the Clean Air Act, and overriding repeated Supreme Court rulings, EPA has revealed today just how far it will go to be every polluter’s ally. 

“This is no empty threat. EPA is already using this absurd climate denialism to justify repealing life-saving vehicle pollution standards that have delivered clean air to communities across America. These standards would have saved thousands of lives and thousands of dollars per vehicle in fuel, maintenance, and repair costs, while paving the way for a globally competitive American vehicle market. As international markets rapidly transition away from polluting fossil fuels to cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable technologies, the Trump Administration is choosing to deprive America of the greatest economic opportunity of the 21^st century. 

“With each Republican rollback of common-sense pollution protections, our children will pay the price when they do not have a safe and healthy future. Is it not enough that we’ve lost at least 500 Americans in the past year to extreme weather events; that today 215 million people in the United States are currently living under an extreme weather alert; or that climate-fueled disasters in just the past year have already cost the American economy $182 billion dollars? 

“The real question is: how many more American lives do we have to lose before Republicans stand up to their big polluter friends and acknowledge that climate change is a real and deadly problem for the American people?”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) joined leaders from University Health, local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and rural healthcare partners for a roundtable discussion on the impact of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, specifically, the impact of the largest cut to Medicaid in history on the region’s healthcare providers and the patient populations they serve.

“If you aren’t deeply concerned about the GOP’s Big Ugly Law and the drastic cuts it makes to Medicaid, you should be,” said Congressman Cleaver. “These cuts threaten essential funding that our local hospitals, health centers, and rural health providers rely on to serve our most vulnerable neighbors, ensuring Missouri families will see less access to care and higher costs in the years ahead. Slashing Medicaid not only jeopardizes access to vital services for countless patients in Missouri’s Fifth District and throughout the state – it undermines the stability of the entire healthcare system. I will always stand up to protect these critical services that families depend on and reject policies that put politics ahead of people’s health and wellbeing.”

University Health President and CEO Charlie Shields said, “We sincerely appreciate the Congressman’s interest in Medicaid and how changes could impact people in our area. At University Health, approximately half of our patients are currently on Medicaid. It is our commitment to provide the very best guidance through any changes that might occur, making sure our patients know we’re right here with them ready to simplify the process and provide quality care every step of the way.”

According to independent estimates, Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will kick 17 million Americans off their health insurance and make premiums, deductibles, and copays soar for millions more. The bill cuts more than $1 trillion from healthcare, including the largest cut to Medicaid in history and could cause a $500 billion cut to Medicare. According to one analysis, more than 50,000 people will die annually because of these cuts.

In Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, 159,359 Missourians on Medicaid are at risk of losing their health care under the Republican budget plan, including 79,000 children and 15,000 seniors over the age of 65. Moreover, slashing federal funding for Medicaid would leave Missouri with the hard choice of whose coverage and benefits to cut. With few options for how to fill the budget hole left by proposed cuts to Medicaid funding, states will consider cuts to coverage and benefits, leaving more people uninsured and underinsured.

Federal law requires states to cover certain groups of people, while others are optional. With less federal funding for Medicaid, Missouri policymakers may consider cutting coverage for groups like:

• Certain children with disabilities such as children under age 19 who are disabled and living at home.
• Elderly and disabled adults such as those who are institutionalized or eligible for home and community-based services.
• Individuals who need breast or cervical cancer treatment and do not have other treatment coverage.
• Postpartum moms whose pregnancies ended in the prior 12 months.
• Adults with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and behavioral health care needs.
• Missouri also may consider reducing income eligibility levels for mandatory eligibility groups, such as children, pregnant women, and parents/caretakers.

Additionally, cutting federal funding for Medicaid would close health care providers’ doors and reduce the overall quality of services. With more people uninsured and underinsured, providers will experience an increase in uncompensated care. Making matters worse, states are very likely to further cut Medicaid provider rates as another way to make up for the loss in federal funding. This would have devastating impacts on Missouri hospitals who received nearly $2.6 billion in Medicaid payments in 2023, including $1 billion in Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) and other supplemental payments to offset uncompensated care for Medicaid patients and the uninsured. Community health centers will also bear the brunt of Republican budget cuts to Medicaid – nearly 49% of Missouri community health centers’ revenue came from Medicaid in 2023 and serve patient populations made up of nearly 53% Medicaid recipients.

According to the House Committee on the Budget, the Big Ugly Law will rip healthcare away from an estimated 265,298 Missourians, leave Missourians covered under the Affordable Care Act with an average premium increase of $710, and put four rural hospitals across the state as risk of closure due to Medicaid cuts.

“With this harmful bill now law, our communities face real and immediate threats to the safety net that so many depend on. Cutting Medicaid funding to provide more handouts to the wealthiest members in our community isn’t just bad policy – it’s a direct attack on the health and dignity of the people we serve. We must come together to mitigate this damage and keep fighting for healthcare that works for everyone,” said Congressman Cleaver.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

San Diego, CA – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) hosted a roundtable with local health center staff, doctors, residents, and medical education professionals. The group discussed the Republican tax bill’s changes to student loans and the consequences of increasing barriers to medical school.  

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminates the Graduate PLUS program, sets new limits on student loan borrowing, and makes drastic changes to loan repayment plans that limit options for new borrowers. Roughly half of all medical students in the U.S. rely on Grad PLUS loans to pay for school. The bill jeopardizes the healthcare workforce pipeline, exacerbating the country’s physician shortage at the same time that hospitals could be forced to close because of the bill’s cuts to Medicaid.  

“Increasing the already heavy financial burden of a quality medical education will make everyone less healthy,” said Rep. Peters. “Fewer doctors, combined with drastically less Medicaid funding for our hospitals, is a recipe for a public health disaster. Congress should be supporting our medical education programs and making it easier, not harder, for people to become a doctor and save lives.” 

Rep. Peters brought together community leaders who spoke about the consequences the bill will have on current and future medical students, patients, and our communities.

“Republicans’ new budget will make us sicker and keep us sicker by kicking millions of people off their health insurance, closing rural hospitals, and worsening our health care workforce shortage by making it even harder for students to go to medical school,” said Rep. Jacobs. “That’s why it was so important to hear from medical residents and residency staffers today, so we’re prepared to fight the implementation of this law and ready to improve our health care system when we’re back in power.” 

“As a Teaching Health Center that trains physicians, we know how vital it is to maintain a strong pipeline of qualified providers—especially in primary care shortage areas,” said Family Health Centers of San Diego. “We appreciate Representatives Peters and Jacobs leading this discussion on how new federal student loan policies could impact the healthcare workforce in our community.” 

“The recent changes to federal student financial aid will have far-reaching consequences for medical schools nationwide, including UC San Diego,” said Michelle Daniel, M.D., MHPE, vice dean for medical education, UC San Diego School of Medicine. “The elimination of GradPLUS loans and the caps on federal borrowing levels will limit access to education for many highly qualified students who cannot afford the cost of medical school. This reduction in funding not only affects our students, but also the patients and communities we serve. Limited access to medical education will only exacerbate the existing physician shortage, particularly in our underserved communities where the need for quality health care is greatest. We are concerned about the long-term implications of these changes and urge policymakers to consider the critical role that federal student financial aid plays in shaping the future of our health care workforce.” 

Rep. Peters voted against the disastrous Republican tax plan because it will force millions of Americans of their health insurance, cut food assistance for hungry families, wipe away clean energy investments, and add trillions to the national debt. He has also long advocated to address the unsustainable cost of college. Rep. Peters authored one of the only student loan reforms bills that’s become law in the last ten years. His Employer Participation in Repayment Act makes employer-provided student loan payments tax-exempt up to $5,250 a year.  

Additional photos from the event are available courtesy of Rep. Peters’ office here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Following the mass shooting in a Midtown Manhattan office building in late July, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-04) led the New York Democratic delegation in a letter on Friday calling on every Republican representing New York in Congress to back universal background checks.  

In their letter, the lawmakers called on Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) to sign on in support of Rep. Thompson’s bipartisan legislation establishing universal background checks for firearm purchases. 

“Every day, background checks stop more than 160 felons and some 50 domestic abusers from getting a gun from a federally licensed dealer. Unfortunately, in some states, those same prohibited purchasers can go to an unlicensed dealer and get a firearm without a background check,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Importantly, this bill would make no changes for New Yorkers’ access to firearms as New York already has a strong universal state background law. The bill would reduce the flow of guns trafficked into New York and used by felons, domestic abusers and those with mental illnesses who are a danger to themselves or others. Over 80 percent of the guns traced at crime scenes in New York by the ATF originate from outside of New York with the most guns coming from Georgia.

“The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 is a commonsense approach supported by more than 80 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of self-described Second Amendment supporters in America. The bill would require that every sale of a firearm include a background check,” continued the lawmakers. 

The lawmakers went on to urge all Republican members representing constituents who live and work in New York City to cosponsor the bill en bloc on the one-month anniversary of the Manhattan mass shooting on August 28th.

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, which killed 20 children and six adult staff members. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 (H.R. 18) is endorsed by 205 Members of Congress. 

Endorsing organizations for H.R. 18 include: GIFFORDS, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise, and Equality California.

Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) signed onto the letter. 

Read the full letter here and below. 

Dear Congressman LaLota, Congressman Garbarino, Congresswoman Malliotakis, Congressman Lawler, Congresswoman Stefanik, Congressman Langworthy and Congresswoman Tenney,

In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in New York City in 25 years, we invite you to cosponsor H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025.

As you may know, current law requires every federally licensed dealer to run a background check on every gun they sell. There is proof these background checks work. Every day, background checks stop more than 160 felons and some 50 domestic abusers from getting a gun from a federally licensed dealer. Unfortunately, in some states, those same prohibited purchasers can go to an unlicensed dealer and get a firearm without a background check.

Importantly, this bill would make no changes for New Yorkers’ access to firearms as New York already has a strong universal state background law. The bill would reduce the flow of guns trafficked into New York and used by felons, domestic abusers and those with mental illnesses who are a danger to themselves or others. Over 80 percent of the guns traced at crime scenes in New York by the ATF originate from outside of New York with the most guns coming from Georgia.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 is a commonsense approach supported by more than 80 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of self-described Second Amendment supporters in America. The bill would require that every sale of a firearm include a background check. The bill includes exemptions for family transfers and temporary hunting transfers.

We understand the sensitivities around gun violence legislation and urge members representing constituents who live and work in New York City to cosponsor the bill en bloc on the one-month anniversary of the Manhattan mass shooting on August 28th.

To join as a cosponsor contact Rep. Mike Thompson’s office. Thank you for your consideration.

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

Haley Stevens: “What We’re Making Here in Michigan – We’re Unstoppable”

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens appeared on Automotive News’ ‘Daily Drive’ podcast, where she did what she does best: nerded out on auto policy, bragged about Michigan’s ‘unstoppable’ manufacturing industry, and talked about her life’s work of fighting for Michigan’s manufacturing industries and auto workers–from her time as the Chief of Staff on the auto rescue in the Obama administration, to her work in Congress.

Congresswoman Stevens recently introduced legislation to fight against the threat China poses to Michigan’s auto industry with her No Chinese Cars Act, and legislation to lower costs, create jobs, and fight China’s control of our supply chain with her Unearth America’s Future Act.

LISTEN TO CONGRESSWOMAN STEVENS NERD OUT ABOUT MICHIGAN’S AUTO INDUSTRY HERE.

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

Headline: Carter Condemns Radical Anti-American Remarks From Democrat Rep

Carter Condemns Radical Anti-American Remarks From Democrat Rep

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

August 12, 2025

Washington, D.C.  — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 104 House Democrats in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin demanding the EPA immediately reinstate employees who were unfairly placed on administrative leave for signing a letter urging the Trump Administration to prioritize public health and the environment.

In June 2025, over 270 EPA employees wrote a letter to Administrator Zeldin criticizing the Trump Administration’s efforts to politicize the EPA, undermine public trust in the agency, and ignore climate science. They urged the administration to set politics aside in the name of helping the American people. Shortly after, the EPA placed at least 139 employees on administrative leave as a direct response to their signing of the letter.

“We are deeply concerned that placing these employees on administrative leave was a violation of their First Amendment rights,” the lawmakers wrote. “The letter at issue called for an end to partisan activity in the agency’s work, respect for scientific consensus, renewed protection of at-risk communities, prevention of the dismantling of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, and an end to intimidation in the EPA workplace. The abrupt sidelining of these employees appears to be without consideration of the Agency’s workload and the impact their removal from the workplace will have on public health and our environment.”

In addition to Rep. Casten, the letter was signed by Reps. Adams, Alma; Amo, Gabe; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Budzinski, Nikki; Bynum, Janelle; Carbajal, Salud; Chu, Judy; Cisneros, Gilbert; Clarke, Yvette; Cleaver, Emanuel; Cohen, Steve; Conaway, Herbert; Craig, Angie; Crockett, Jasmine; Crow, Jason; Davis, Danny; DeGette, Diana; Deluzio, Christopher; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Doggett, Lloyd; Elfreth, Sarah; Evans, Dwight; Fields, Cleo; Fletcher, Lizzie; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Garamendi, John; García, Jesús; Garcia, Sylvia; Goldman, Daniel; Hoyle, Val; Huffman, Jared; Ivey, Glenn; Jackson, Jonathan; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Henry; Kaptur, Marcy; Kelly, Robin; Khanna, Ro; Krishnamoorthi, Raja; Landsman, Greg; Lee, Summer; Levin, Mike; Lynch, Stephen; McBath, Lucy; McBride, Sarah; McClain Delaney, April; McClellan, Jennifer; McCollum, Betty; McGovern, James; McIver, LaMonica; Menendez, Robert; Meng, Grace; Mfume, Kweisi; Min, Dave; Moore, Gwen; Mullin, Kevin; Nadler, Jerrold; Neguse, Joe; Norcross, Donald; Norton, Eleanor; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Olszewski, Johnny; Peters, Scott; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pocan, Mark; Pressley, Ayanna; Quigley, Mike; Ramirez, Delia; Raskin, Jamie; Ross, Deborah; Sánchez, Linda; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Schneider, Bradley; Simon, Lateefah; Smith, Adam; Sorensen, Eric; Soto, Darren; Stanton, Greg; Stevens, Haley; Swalwell, Eric; Sykes, Emilia; Takano, Mark; Thanedar, Shri; Thompson, Bennie; Titus, Dina; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Torres, Ritchie; Veasey, Marc; Velázquez, Nydia; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica

A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.

Dear Administrator Zeldin,

We write to express our concern regarding recent reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has investigated and placed at least 139 EPA employees on administrative leave because they signed a letter to you that criticizes the administration for undermining the EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.

The letter was written to you and copied to the House committees responsible for EPA oversight, signed by EPA employees from every EPA regional office across the country, including headquarters, programmatic offices, and laboratories. 

In addition to the at least 139 who signed the letter and have now been placed on leave, hundreds signed anonymously due to fear of retaliation by the administration. We are deeply concerned that placing these employees on administrative leave was a violation of their First Amendment rights.

The letter at issue called for an end to partisan activity in the agency’s work, respect for scientific consensus, renewed protection of at-risk communities, prevention of the dismantling of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, and an end to intimidation in the EPA workplace.

The abrupt sidelining of these employees appears to be without consideration of the Agency’s workload and the impact their removal from the workplace will have on public health and our environment. EPA staff that has been put on administrative leave include inspectors, enforcement officers, attorneys, on-scene coordinators, permit reviewers, grant managers, and emergency response personnel. We are concerned about the negative impacts that removing these employees from their work has on the agency’s ability to protect public health and the environment nationwide. Investigating and sidelining these employees denies the American public the benefit of their vital work protecting human health.

We ask that the Administration cease this investigation and immediately reinstate the employees who signed this letter, without taking any adverse actions against them. We urge you to recognize the critical importance of these workers to the EPA’s mission and to allow them to return to their vital work on behalf of the American people.

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