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

Smith Joins WA Democrats in Urging Interior Secretary Burgum to Restore Funding for Critical Salmon Recovery and Habitat Restoration Efforts in WA State   

 

Bicameral group of Members urge Trump administration to restore funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, abrupt cancelation of $1.285 million for WA state jeopardizes dozens of active habitat restoration projects across the state

 

Quotes from all 14 Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups across Washington state HERE

 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) led Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation—Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10)—in a recent letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This decision is a blow to widely supported salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts, and undermines longstanding Tribal partnerships built over many years.

 

Through her leadership on the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has secured millions of dollars in funding for RFEGs in Washington state over the past several years. RFEGs represent a unique model to engage local communities in salmon recovery through hands-on habitat restoration, public outreach, and partnerships with tribal, federal, state, and private entities. Operating as fourteen independent entities across Washington state, these groups sponsor some of the largest, most complex habitat projects focused on specific geographic regions, allowing them to tailor projects to local needs while contributing to a statewide coordinated salmon recovery strategy. Quotes from RFEGs across Washington state about the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate funding are collected HERE.

 

“We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) elimination of $1,285,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 funding for Washington state’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This widely supported program is a critical component of community-driven salmon recovery efforts, creating thousands of jobs and spurring millions of dollars in economic development across all corners of our state. Your decision to cut funding undermines longstanding partnerships and progress that have been built over many years, the bicameral group of Members wrote. “We urge you to disburse this previously appropriated funding immediately to prevent disruption to critical recovery and restoration projects.”

 

“Elimination of federal RFEGs funding has had immediate consequences for salmon recovery efforts throughout Washington state,” the Members continued. “Without this support, dozens of active habitat restoration projects will be delayed, scaled back, or abandoned entirely, jeopardizing critical work to reopen fish passage, improve spawning and rearing habitat, and restore degraded stream systems. The loss of federal funding also threatens to destabilize longstanding partnerships between tribes, private landowners, and state agencies that have been central to the program’s success. Many RFEGs rely on federal funds as core operational support that enable them to leverage additional resources. Without this foundation, the capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex restoration projects will be drastically diminished.”

 

“We urge you to immediately reverse the decision to terminate funding for the RFEG Program and ensure continued federal support,” the group of Members wrote. The Members concluded by requesting answers to a list of detailed questions regarding the elimination of RFEG funding by August 8^th—the Department still has not responded.

 

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

 

Dear Secretary Burgum,

 

We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) elimination of $1,285,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 funding for Washington state’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This widely supported program is a critical component of community-driven salmon recovery efforts, creating thousands of jobs and spurring millions of dollars in economic development across all corners of our state. Your decision to cut funding undermines longstanding partnerships and progress that have been built over many years. As members of the Washington state Congressional Delegation, we urge you to disburse this previously appropriated funding immediately to prevent disruption to critical recovery and restoration projects.

 

RFEGs represent a unique model, rooted in local knowledge and leadership, to engage local communities in salmon recovery through hands-on habitat restoration, public outreach, and partnerships with tribal, federal, state, and private entities. Operating as fourteen independent entities across our state, these groups sponsor some of the largest, most complex habitat projects focused on specific geographic regions, allowing them to tailor projects to local needs while contributing to a statewide coordinated salmon recovery strategy.

 

Salmon recovery brings clear benefits to communities, including cleaner water, reduced flooding, more productive farmland, healthier forests and shorelines, and access to fishing and outdoor recreation. Over the last 30 years, RFEGs have completed nearly 5,000 salmon restoration projects in Washington state. These efforts include removing 1,071 barriers to fish passage, reopening 1,520 miles of stream, and restoring 2,457 miles of habitat. This work spurs critical economic development across our state by creating engineering, contracting, and construction jobs which in turn support a strong and sustainable fishing industry that generates significant economic benefits in rural communities. For example, in Washington state recreational salmon harvesting is responsible for nearly 23,000 jobs and more than $1 billion is spent on recreational fishing equipment and trips annually. 

 

Elimination of federal RFEGs funding has had immediate consequences for salmon recovery efforts throughout Washington state. Without this support, dozens of active habitat restoration projects will be delayed, scaled back, or abandoned entirely, jeopardizing critical work to reopen fish passage, improve spawning and rearing habitat, and restore degraded stream systems. The loss of federal funding also threatens to destabilize longstanding partnerships between tribes, private landowners, and state agencies that have been central to the program’s success. RFEGs rely on federal funds as core operational support that enable them to leverage additional resources, often achieving an eight to one match. Without this foundation, the capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex restoration projects will be drastically diminished.

 

Moreover, the decision undermines federal government trust responsibilities to tribes, which include honoring treaty rights and supporting the recovery of culturally and ecologically significant species like salmon. These responsibilities require sustained, science-based efforts to restore salmon populations and their habitats. Fulfilling these obligations also aligns with compliance under the Endangered Species Act. Beyond restoration, RFEGs provide invaluable hands-on education opportunities for local schools, youth organizations, and community members. These experiences not only engage the next generation of conservation leaders but foster broad-based public support for habitat protection. Community-driven conservation efforts are among the most effective to achieve durable, sustainable outcomes because they are rooted in local expertise, reduce administrative overhead, and allow projects to move forward quickly and efficiently.

 

Given the consequences of your department’s decision, we request additional information, provided no later than August 8, 2025, regarding the elimination of this funding.

 

1. Which tribes were consulted prior to the decision to eliminate funding for the RFEG program?
2. Which stakeholders, including state agencies, and local partners were consulted prior to the decision to eliminate funding for the RFEG program?
3. What analysis was conducted to assess the potential economic impacts to local communities, including rural economies that depend on salmon recovery efforts, before making this funding decision?
4. What consideration was given to federal obligations under the Endangered Species Act prior to eliminating this funding?
5. Are similar habitat restoration programs or comparable community-driven conservation efforts in other states continuing to receive federal funding? If so, what criteria were used to determine which programs to sustain and which to eliminate?
6. How does your department plan to ensure the continuity of salmon recovery efforts currently supported by RFEGs?

 

We urge you to immediately reverse the decision to terminate funding for the RFEG Program and ensure continued federal support. We stand ready to work with you to identify solutions that uphold federal commitments and preserve Washington’s iconic salmon culture and economy for future generations.

 

Sincerely,

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) visited the Food Bank of South Jersey to discuss how Trump’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will affect South Jersey families and increase demand at our local food banks. On July 4, President Trump signed the Big Ugly Bill into law, cutting SNAP by $200 billion and putting 97,000 individuals in New Jersey’s First Congressional District at risk of losing food benefits.    

“The American Dream starts with a meal on the table. That’s why I voted against the Big Ugly Bill because South Jersey families deserve better. Trump and Congressional Republicans in Congress are yanking food right off our kids plates just to hand billionaires a massive tax break. It’s disgraceful and I won’t stand for it,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “In America, we’re supposed to look out for each other, not kick people when they’re down. This bill is a betrayal of our most fundamental values: freedom, compassion, and basic human decency. We stand in support of our local food banks as they work tirelessly so no one goes to bed hungry. You can count on me to never stop fighting because we can’t build a country on empty stomachs.” 

“Right now, more South Jersey families are turning to us than at any point in our history, and with cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and federal food programs on the horizon, that need will only grow,” said Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. “For 40 years, the Food Bank of South Jersey has been here for our neighbors, and we’re determined to make sure everyone has the food resources they need to thrive, no matter what challenges lie ahead. We’re grateful for Rep. Norcross’ support and his partnership in serving the people of South Jersey.” 

The Big Ugly Bill Slashes Food Assistance: 

• Cuts food assistance for all 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables, including:  
• 16 million children 
• 8 million seniors  
• 4 million people with disabilities  
• 1.2 million veterans 
• Slashes $1 billion from the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, which provides food assistance to children in low-income families over the summer. 
• Shifts $55 billion in benefit and administrative costs to states and counties, which could result in states being forced to pull out of the program altogether due to increased costs 
• In New Jersey’s First Congressional District: 
• 97,000 face cuts to SNAP benefits  
• 47% of households participating in SNAP have a child at home 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Secures $48 Million for New Tri-Cities VA Clinic

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced funding for a new veterans Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to be constructed in the Tri-Cities.

“This historic investment will revitalize veteran care in the Tri-Cities for over 16,000 veterans who call it home. Better access to modern care, benefits, and services for veterans has been a top priority during my time in Congress, and I am pleased to have secured the necessary funds to deliver new resources that will directly benefit those in our area who have served.” said Rep. Newhouse. 

The project will be funded at $48,245,000 and was officially authorized by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. 

The funding comes from S. 3373, the Honoring Our PACT Act, which passed the House of Representatives with Rep. Newhouse’s support in July 2022 and became law in August 2022.  

Media will be notified when a location for the clinic is selected, as well as when a groundbreaking date is set. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA (August 13, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) issued this statement today:

“I and my office are aware of ICE’s detention of Anou Vongbandith, a Germantown business owner, and are working with Mrs. Vongbandith.

“We have initiated a formal congressional inquiry into his status and the other concerns expressed by his family, and will continue to follow up with Mrs. Vongbandith appropriately.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

MEXICO CITY – Earlier this month, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) traveled to Mexico City for the Panamerican Congress to meet with Mexican civil society organizations, labor unions, members of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s cabinet, and progressive legislators from around the Western Hemisphere. During her visit, she discussed many of the most pressing issues facing us today, including immigration, gun trafficking and violence, food security, workers’ rights, climate change, and the impacts of Trump’s tariffs. It was a useful reminder that these issues don’t stop at any border. 

Congresswoman Omar had the opportunity to represent the United States on stage at the Second Panamerican Congress. She talked about the need to out-organize the global right and focused on the distinct obligations of the U.S. delegation to the Congress. She singled out declassification, ending the war on drugs, and ending our addiction to sanctions, as foreign policy priorities progressives should push for in the U.S. Congress. You can watch her full remarks, as well as the other speakers,here.

“There is no doubt that the fates of people in the Americas are inextricably linked,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar. “If ever there was a time to recognize our linked destinies, it’s now. It is crucial for progressives in Congress to understand how US policies are impacting people, from immigration policies to the lack of regulation of guns to tariffs. What I heard on the ground will be pivotal for me to take back to Minnesota and Washington to be a better legislator for our community. Especially in the age of Trump with misinformation running rampant, I am thankful I had the opportunity to hear the impact of our policies and engage with progressive leaders from 12 countries across the Americas. Together, we will fight back against right-wing extremism and build progressive power.”

You can view her full wrap-up of her visit here. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) announced the relaunch of the bipartisan Congressional Recycling Caucus. Stevens will serve as Co-Chair of the Caucus with Representatives David P. Joyce (R-OH), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Marinette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). Founded in 2006, the Recycling Caucus champions policies that boost both the economy and the environment, tackle persistent challenges in managing recyclable materials, and cement U.S. leadership in the global circular economy .

Right now, the U.S. recycles just 21% of recyclable materials, with only 43% of households participating and 37% of multi-family units having access to recycling at all. Hitting the Environmental Protection Agency’s target of a 50% national recycling rate by 2030 will take a major investment to bring America’s recycling into the modern era. 

The Caucus will continue its mission to advance policies that highlight the economic and environmental benefits of robust recycling initiatives, address challenges in the use and management of recyclable materials, and strengthen America’s global leadership in the circular economy.

Rep. Haley Stevens has been at the helm of the Recycling Caucus since the 117th Congress, bringing a track record of turning big ideas into action. She founded the Plastic Solutions Task Force, authored the Unearth America’s Future Act to boost recycling in critical material supply chains, and co-chairs the Aluminum caucus, championing pro-growth, pro-recycling policies for one of the most reused materials on earth. 

As Chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, Stevens made history by convening the first Science Committee hearing on recycling in a decade, spotlighting local challenges in southeast Michigan. In 2019, Stevens scored a unanimous House vote for her amendment directing the EPA to prioritize funding for a national recycling strategy—pressure that helped push the agency to release its draft strategy in 2020 and finalize it in 2021.She’s also kept recycling in the national conversation by introducing  H. Res. 350 to recognize a global Remanufacturing Day, showcasing the role of remanufacturing in sustainable manufacturing. 

Rep. Stevens’s proven track record positions her to help drive the Caucus’s mission—moving federal policy toward a recycling system that works for communities, manufacturers, and the environment alike.

“Recycling is much more than just the blue bin — it’s key to protecting our environment, strengthening Michigan manufacturing, and powering local economies,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “In Michigan alone, the industry generates nearly $5 billion annually and supports thousands of good-paying jobs across sectors. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Recycling Caucus, I’m committed to advancing circular solutions for everything from industrial metals to plastics to hard-to-reach recyclables.”

The Caucus’s Co-Chairs underscored the importance and opportunity of improving America’s recycling systems. 

Rep. David P. Joyce (D-OH): “Recycling is a critical tool for reducing pollution in our environment while also contributing to the job market and economy. The national recycling rate is barely over thirty percent, largely because rural communities lack access to recycling infrastructure, which prevents them from participating in the circular economy. As Co-Chair of the Recycling Caucus, I plan to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance initiatives focused on expanding access to recycling in rural communities in OH-14 and across the country, as well as continuing to educate policymakers on Capitol Hill about the benefits of the process.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME): “The U.S. generates over 292 million tons of household and commercial waste every year, yet only 32% is recycled. That’s a huge problem—and exactly why having a bipartisan Recycling Caucus is so important,” said Pingree, a longtime champion of smart recycling policies. “Through my work as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee and as Chair and Founder of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus, I’ve seen how smart recycling policies can reduce waste, create jobs, and prevent pollution. We have the resources and expertise to be a global leader in recycling, but we have to have the political will to take on that responsibility. I’m very much looking forward to working with my colleagues to make that case to the American people—and to create the kinds of policies that put us on the cutting edge of sustainability.”

Rep. Marinette Miller-Meeks (R-IA.): “I’m proud to join the bipartisan House Recycling Caucus because Iowa’s farmers, families, and businesses know the value of using resources wisely,” said Miller-Meeks. “Strengthening America’s recycling infrastructure isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for our economy and national security. By improving access and innovation in recycling, we can reduce waste, create jobs, support American manufacturers who rely on these materials, and keep more of our supply chain here at home instead of overseas. This will help decrease our reliance on foreign sources of primary materials and ensure our communities thrive for generations to come.”

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

WASHINGTON — Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced legislation to halt counterfeit and pirated imports into the United States. The bill changes how Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can share the packing and shipping information of suspected counterfeit products with key intellectual property rights holders, transportation carriers, and e-commerce platforms. Last week, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. positivity 

“Counterfeit goods undercut American businesses, threaten jobs, and endanger public safety. I’m proud to join my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee Rep. Blake Moore and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Maggie Hassan in introducing this legislation that enhances CBP’s ability to disrupt counterfeit trafficking networks and better safeguards our economy and communities,” Rep. Schneider said.

“As a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I regularly speak to Utah companies that struggle to compete against IP theft and the proliferation of counterfeit material,” Rep. Moore said. “This bill will unlock real-time intelligence sharing between CBP and the private sector that will help shut down routes exploited by counterfeit operations and cut off counterfeit flows before they reach American shores.”

“Counterfeits threaten our nation’s economy and can put consumers at serious risk. By boosting information sharing between Customs and Border Protection, rights holders and commerce professionals, our bipartisan bill would establish a straightforward and effective approach to cutting back on potentially dangerous counterfeit products,” Senator Grassley said.

“This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will strengthen law enforcement efforts to identify and interdict counterfeit imports, helping to ensure that law enforcement, e-commerce platforms, and transportation carriers are working together to stop counterfeiters,” Senator Hassan said. “I will continue to support law enforcement efforts to protect consumers and keep counterfeit products from crossing our borders.” 

“Counterfeit goods put American consumers, industry, and our supply chains at risk. This bill would empower CBP to protect the safety, intellectual property, and livelihoods of Americans. I thank Reps. Moore, Schneider, and Sen. Grassley for coming together on this effort,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee.

“Stopping counterfeits at the border demands a coordinated and collaborative approach,” said Travis Johnson, Vice President of the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. “This commonsense legislation enhances CBP’s ability to leverage private sector expertise and intelligence, and we applaud the sponsors for their efforts to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from the harms caused by those illicit imports.”

“We are thankful for Chairman Grassley’s efforts to call for more information sharing for rights holders to quickly and effectively identify counterfeit and illicit products. Counterfeit goods do not just represent economic losses, lost sales, and lost jobs through brand identity theft; the digital devalue chain of counterfeits exposes consumers and workers to a multitude of dangers that pose real product safety hazards for consumers, workers, and the environment,” said Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

Background:

While CBP’s job is to identify counterfeit products at U.S. ports of entry and flag for businesses when they suspect a particular shipment might be counterfeit or pirated, they are currently only allowed to provide limited information about shipments in question. CBP is not permitted to share packing materials (such as the external container in which goods are shipped), images, labels, invoices, or packing slips that identify the product’s country of origin, with key parties such as property rights holders, carriers like DHL, UPS, or FedEx, and e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Amazon.

This bill would provide explicit authority for CBP to share all relevant information with companies, carriers, and platforms when a shipment in question contains suspected counterfeit or pirated products. The bill also broadens the range of parties with whom CBP can disclose such information, including shipping companies and e-commerce sites where the product in question may be sold.

Under this bill, CBP would be allowed to share:

• Shipping labels and tracking numbers
• Sender and recipient addresses
• Invoices and manifests
• Outer packaging images, like courier tape, weight notations, and box markings
• Container-level packaging information and data  

This means CBP could flag patterns of behaviors such as:

• Repeat senders across multiple shipments
• “Drop addresses” used by organized counterfeiters
• Common entry ports or air routes

Example: A counterfeit electronics shipment from Shenzhen repeatedly enters via the Port of Los Angeles, using the same fake return address and tracking patterns. With this bill, CBP can share these patterns with carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx to intercept future parcels earlier in the pipeline.

The Moore-Schneider bill is supported by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, American Apparel & Footwear Association, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, Baby Safety Alliance, International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, International Trademark Association, Partnership for Safe Medicines, Pharmaceutical Security Institute, and Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade.

Read the full bill here.

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

Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on the passing of Captain James Lovell:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain James Lovell. Captain Lovell was a true American hero and legend—an accomplished pilot, astronaut, and devoted servant to our nation. Here in our community, he and his family were beloved neighbors, and his name graces the VA Hospital in North Chicago. He generously shared his time and wisdom with our Congressional Service Academy selection process, helping choose and inspire the next generation of American leaders. Those who had the privilege of working with him knew they were in the presence of a special man.

“I was fortunate to spend time with Captain Lovell recently, sharing stories about our work together and reflecting on the profound impact he had on the young men and women who met him. His legacy of courage, service, and exploration will endure for generations to come.”

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

Pressley Has Fought to Defend DEI, Protect Black History, and Push Back Against Republicans’ Efforts to Ban Books and Deny Intellectual Freedom

Earlier This Year, Pressley, Tonko Demanded an Investigation into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian Museums

Text of Letter (PDF) | Pressley Floor Speech (YouTube)

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement condemning Trump’s thinly veiled attempt to politicize and editorialize exhibits at Smithsonian museums – particularly museums and exhibits with diverse and factual presentations of American history – as yet another attempt to whitewash history, erase Black history, and attack intellectual freedom.

The museums subject to review include the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

“It is the impartial role and responsibility of the Smithsonian museums to ensure a full, accurate, and resonant telling of American history – and Trump has no right to censor our history, ignore the systemic oppression of marginalized people, and attack our intellectual freedom. Much like his disgraceful rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and his campaign to ban books, this action is yet another attempt to whitewash our shared history and replace the challenges and triumphs of women, people of color, and Native Americans with false narratives forged with white supremacist ideology.

“Black History is American history, and no amount of white-washing or erasure will change the truth. There is no American history without the brilliance of every marginalized individual, the labor and talent of our enslaved Black ancestors, and the contributions of our Black and brown communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous people, individuals with disabilities, and others. We refuse to allow Trump and Republicans’ narrow vision of what it means to be American rewrite our shared, truthful history.”

In May 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, led 69 of their colleagues on a letter to the Inspector General of the Smithsonian Institution demanding an investigation on the impact of Donald Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely, the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – attempting to erase histories of marginalized communities. A copy of the letter is available here.

In April 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

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

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) led a letter requesting Governor Hochul and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton extend the public comment period and public hearing for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project. 

“As members of the New York congressional delegation, we respectfully request that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) consider extending the public comment period for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project to at least 120 days and convene public hearings in the impacted communities. We appreciate NYSDEC’s decision to extend the initial 30-day comment period to 45 days. However, we remain concerned that this timeline, ending August 16, 2025, may not provide sufficient opportunity for comprehensive review and input from concerned residents, subject-matter experts, and community-based organizations across New York,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The NESE Project would involve constructing a 23.5-mile, 26-inch fracked gas pipeline under Raritan Bay and Lower New York Bay, coming within two miles of Staten Island and three miles of the Rockaways. Construction would require trenching and dredging through sea floor sediments known to contain toxic contaminants such as arsenic, lead, PCBs, mercury, and dioxins. As evidence of this, In October 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a public notice confirming that Williams had applied for authorization to dispose of approximately 735,000 cubic yards of dredged material from the NESE pipeline route at an offshore site located just 7.7 miles south of Rockaway Beach, indicating that the sediments in question were considered contaminated and necessitated ocean disposal rather than upland reuse. The proposed construction method, which involves trenching and dredging, would also create prolonged noise and vibrations that could impact local marine ecosystems,” continued the lawmakers.

The lawmakers went on to explain that because of the technical complexity of the application, the substantial health and environmental risks at stake, and the strong public interest, a 120-day comment period would ensure a thorough review. Additionally, the NYSDEC has previously granted similar request so there is already a precedent set for allowing meaningful public engagement through sufficient time.

Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) signed onto the letter. 

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Governor Hochul and Commissioner Lefton:

As members of the New York congressional delegation, we respectfully request that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) consider extending the public comment period for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project to at least 120 days and convene public hearings in the impacted communities. We appreciate NYSDEC’s decision to extend the initial 30-day comment period to 45 days. However, we remain concerned that this timeline, ending August 16, 2025, may not provide sufficient opportunity for comprehensive review and input from concerned residents, subject-matter experts, and community-based organizations across New York.

The NESE Project would involve constructing a 23.5-mile, 26-inch fracked gas pipeline under Raritan Bay and Lower New York Bay, coming within two miles of Staten Island and three miles of the Rockaways. Construction would require trenching and dredging through sea floor sediments known to contain toxic contaminants such as arsenic, lead, PCBs, mercury, and dioxins. As evidence of this, In October 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a public notice confirming that Williams had applied for authorization to dispose of approximately 735,000 cubic yards of dredged material from the NESE pipeline route at an offshore site located just 7.7 miles south of Rockaway Beach, indicating that the sediments in question were considered contaminated and necessitated ocean disposal rather than upland reuse. The proposed construction method, which involves trenching and dredging, would also create prolonged noise and vibrations that could impact local marine ecosystems.

Although the project remains under federal review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), New York retains independent authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act to determine whether the pipeline complies with state water quality standards. Without a valid Water Quality Certification from the state, FERC cannot authorize construction. This makes robust state-level review and public engagement essential. As you are aware, the NYSDEC has previously denied a Water Quality Certification for this pipeline twice, first on May 15, 2019, and again on May 15, 2020, due to its likely violation of New York State’s water quality standards. That determination was based in part on the significant disruption to contaminated sediments and associated harm to marine and coastal resources.

Given the technical complexity of the application, the substantial health and environmental risks at stake, and the strong public interest, a public comment period of at least 120 days would help ensure a thorough and inclusive review. The proposal includes thousands of pages of documentation that require careful analysis. Providing additional time would allow residents, experts, and community-based organizations to fully understand the scope of the project and offer meaningful feedback. Public hearings in affected communities would further strengthen the review process by ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted are heard and taken into consideration.

The NYSDEC has previously granted public comment periods that are longer than 45 days for complex and high-impact proposals.6 This precedent reflects the Department’s recognition that meaningful public participation requires sufficient time and opportunity to engage.

We share your belief that the public has a fundamental right to evaluate how this project aligns with New York’s water quality standards, environmental protection statutes, climate commitments, and public health safeguards. Providing additional time for public input would reinforce the transparency and public trust that are hallmarks of the state’s permitting process.

Extending the public comment period to at least 120 days and holding in-person public hearings would help ensure a thorough and inclusive review.

Thank you for your attention to this request.