MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

NJ 6th District Congressman warns Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill signed by Trump bars Medicaid Patients from using their insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers for essential services and preventative care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is supporting the Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy (CBP SPACE) Act, which would prevent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from offloading additional costs and responsibilities onto local ports while threatening closure for noncompliance. 

Eastport Port Authority, which is already shouldering many costs offloaded by CBP, is one of many ports across the country being strained by the agency’s moves.

CBP recently indicated that it may halt operations at local ports unless seaports cover the costs of screening equipment — expensive technology that has historically been the responsibility of the federal government to fund. Shifting the burden onto local budgets would squeeze already-strained local budgets. Moreover, limiting CBP operations at local ports could jeopardize national security.

“Ports such as Eastport’s are critical infrastructure for rural economies and dumping the federal government’s financial burden on their laps is a recipe for disaster,” Golden said. “I’m proud to join the bipartisan group of lawmakers cosponsoring legislation to ensure local budgets and national security aren’t caught in the crossfire of administrative spats — especially with the increased funding CBP has received in recent years.”

The CBP Space Act also seeks to improve the relationship between CBP and local ports. Currently, CBP officers at many seaports face challenges operating in temporary or makeshift facilities due to outdated legal constraints that prevent the agency from securing long-term leases. The CBP SPACE Act resolves this issue by granting CBP the authority to directly lease necessary space from port authorities or private entities. This would allow officers to be properly stationed at vital locations and ensure consistent enforcement of customs and immigration laws.The legislation also improves coordination with port authorities to strengthen U.S. supply chain security.

The bipartisan bill, originally introduced by Congresswomen Laurel Lee (FL-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), is also backed by Reps. Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Troy Carter (LA-02).

Port operators across the country, such as the American Association of Port Authorities, and local leadership in Eastport also support the legislation:

“Maintaining safe and efficient seaports is a tall order, and especially for rural communities like Eastport. At the local level, CBP has always been a great partner in that effort, but now administratively, the agency has repeatedly moved to seemingly shift every possible cost onto small municipalities like ours.” said Chris Gardner, Executive Director of the Eastport Port Authority. “This approach has only added challenges from a government agency that is meant to facilitate commerce, not burden it. In rural economies, this can make all the difference. The Port Authority is very appreciative of Congressman Golden joining this bipartisan effort to see CBP properly funded, thus helping it serve not just Eastport, but coastal communities just like ours across the country.”

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON–Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) alongside Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced the introduction of a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating August 3, 2025 through August 9, 2025 as National Farmers Market Week. This resolution recognizes the vital role farmers markets play in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.

“The Central Valley grows a quarter of our nation’s food on less than one percent of our countries farmland, but too often, people in urban areas don’t realize the effort it takes to get food from field to table,” said Congressman Valadao. “Farmers markets are a great way to bridge that gap by giving producers a chance to sell directly to consumers, providing families with access to fresh, locally grown food, and helping educate people about the importance of American agriculture. I’m proud to recognize National Farmers Market Week and celebrate the many contributions of CA-22’s farmers and vendors.”

“As a longtime farmer, I cherish farmers market days—whether I’m buying delicious Maine-grown wild blueberries and veggies, or catching up with members of our hardworking agricultural community. But farmers markets are much more than a fun family outing. They support hundreds of Maine farmers and small businesses, boost our local economies, and play a vital role in our nation’s food system—helping people of all incomes access healthy, locally-grown food,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to honor and recognize the importance of farmers markets, and will continue working with my colleagues in the House—on both sides of the aisle—to pass legislation that supports and empowers our nation’s farmers.”

“We should all take time to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together every week at farmers market stalls,” said Senator Padilla. “Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and bring consumers closer to the farmers who feed them. California and our more than 700 farmers markets will continue to cherish these spaces as a source of nutrition and community.”

“Iowans take a lot of pride in agriculture, and our farmers markets make access to farm fresh and locally sourced food even easier,” said Senator Ernst. “This year, I’m proud to once again lead the bipartisan resolution to designate August third through ninth as National Farmers Market Week, which is especially meaningful with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ Great American Farmers Market event happening on the National Mall. It’s great to see the Trump administration honor the heart of our nation: agriculture.”

Read the full text of the resolution here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Rep. Veasey Statement on Texas Democrats Denying Quorum to Block Racist Redraw

Fort Worth, TX – Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement on Texas House Democrats denying quorum to prevent racist mid-decade redistricting special session: 

“Texas Democrats showed extraordinary courage and heroism by denying quorum and walking out on a process designed to suppress the voices of millions. They didn’t do it for the sake of politics– they did it for principle. They risked their safety and livelihoods to stop Trump’s and Abbott’s coordinated assault on communities of color who have always borne the brunt of voter suppression. In the face of injustice, they chose resistance over compliance, courage over convenience, democracy over dictatorship. 

History will remember the courage of these heroes– Legislators who would did not bend knee to a wannabe king. Texans will never be silenced.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requesting an update on the status of the National Weather Radio (NWR) transmitter in Galveston, Texas, which has remained offline since a fire damaged the facility on March 25, 2025.

“I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the continued outage of the National Weather Radio (NWR) transmitter in Galveston, Texas,” the letter states.  “On March 25, 2025, the facility housing this transmitter was severely damaged by a fire and the transmitter has remained offline since.  For 126 days, my constituents have not had access to KHB40, the service that provides advanced warning and real-time information during severe weather events.  Alarmingly, 58 of these days have fallen within this hurricane season, a period of heightened risk for our coastal communities.  Let me emphasize—time is not on our side, as these storms can strike at any time.”

“This transmitter is a vital lifeline for our coastal communities, especially during hurricane season, which we’re right in the thick of,” said Rep. Weber. “Folks back home have every right to be frustrated. They count on this service to keep their families safe. My office has contacted NOAA, and after receiving no clear response, we are now sending a formal letter to demand transparency and accountability. This delay is unacceptable. Our communities deserve answers and action. NOAA needs to stop dragging its feet, be upfront with the public, and provide a clear plan to get this critical system back online.”

Read the letter here.

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

Congresswoman Discussed Immigration, Trade, Gun Violence, Workers’ Rights, and Met with Families Harmed by Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda

Delegation also Covered the Innovative Work Done in the Region on Climate, Women’s Rights, Public Transit, and More

MEXICO CITY – Last week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) traveled to Mexico City to meet with cabinet officials from President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s Administration, labor groups, and leading civil society organizations to discuss immigration, trade, arms trafficking prevention, worker’s rights, and other critical issues, including climate justice, women’s rights, and public transit. During her visit, which was aimed at strengthening Congressional relationships and bilateral communication between leaders abroad, Congresswoman Pressley also met with families directly impacted by Donald Trump’s attacks on immigrants who have been separated from their families and deported to Mexico, and families who have endured persecution, extortion and harrowing journeys only to see their CBP One appointments abruptly cancelled. 

“Our destinies are tied,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement following the delegation. “I am grateful for the opportunity to travel to Mexico to meet with members of the Sheinbaum Pardo Administration, civil society leaders, and advocates committed to building a more just world. Migration, gun violence, workers’ rights, and more are layered and interconnected bilateral issues, and our policy response must be as well. Families in the Massachusetts 7th are feeling the impacts daily—from erratic U.S. trade policy to communities navigating a broken and increasingly weaponized immigration system in the U.S. to families grappling with the trauma of gun violence.

“I am so grateful for the hospitality of the Mexican government officials as well as the families and labor leaders we connected with. This delegation was deeply insightful, and it was powerful to learn about the innovative work happening in the region led by dedicated advocates and elected officials in the arenas of migration, trade, and gun violence, as well as climate justice, women’s rights, public transit and more.

“In the absence of U.S. leadership under the Trump Administration and Republican Congress, I’ll keep working to confront these realities head-on.”

The purpose of the visit was to build closer ties of friendship and communication with the United States’ closest Latin American neighbor and important trading partner, and to deepen the lawmakers’ understanding of key areas of interest to both countries. Highlights from the Congresswoman’s visit include:

• Meeting with Mexican Government Officials. The delegates discussed policy issues of shared interest and import and learned about the issues of migration, trade, environmental justice, and arms trafficking.
• Briefing with Casa Tochan on Migration. The Congresswoman met with migrants staying at Casa Tochan, a shelter providing life-saving support and resources for people in migration, and heard from the director and staff. This meeting provided the delegates with firsthand information about the reasons Mexicans and Central Americans are migrating, the effects of US foreign policies on outward migration, and Mexican-led initiatives to support migrants facing persecution, extortion and violence in their home country.
• Civil Society Briefing on Arms Trafficking. The Congresswoman heard from organizations working to address gun violence in Mexico and discussed strategies to prevent arms trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico. The delegates also heard powerful firsthand testimony from parents and siblings whose loved ones have been disappeared and killed. The briefing was led by members of the Desarmando el Miedo Coalition.
• Meeting with Pocha House. The Congresswoman heard about the mission and work of Pocha House, a community center and nonprofit committed to supporting young people deported from the United States, known as “Lxs Otrxs Dreamers.” The delegation met with young people deported from the United States and heard from the director and staff about their ongoing work and their personal experiences.
• Meeting with Maizajo Workers. The Congresswoman met with Maizajo workers about their work to preserve traditional farming and cooking practices and learned more about the food justice movement in Mexico.
• Civil Society Briefing on Labor and Trade. The Congresswoman heard from leading unions and labor advocates about recent efforts to unionize workers in Mexico and to discuss their perspectives on labor rights and enforcement under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The delegation heard about recent reforms in Mexico’s labor system, their implementation, and about opportunities for cooperation on labor justice and fair working conditions. The briefing was led by representatives from Casa Obrera, SINTTIA, and ITF-Mexico.

Congresswoman Pressley was joined on the visit by her Chief of Staff Sarah Groh, Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García, Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Delia C. Ramírez (IL-03) and Congressional Senior Staff. The delegation visit was sponsored by the Partnership for Participatory International Policy (P-PIP) and the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR).

Rep. Pressley has been a vocal advocate for our immigrant neighbors and everyone harmed by Donald Trump’s unlawful, anti-immigrant, and anti-free speech agenda. Congresswoman Pressley, who serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country, has also been an outspoken critic of the Trump Administration’s ending of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, and other countries grappling with humanitarian crises. Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. 

Congresswoman Pressley is a long-time champion for gun violence prevention and supporting those experiencing trauma. She currently serves as a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and she helped pass  H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act – two long-overdue, bipartisan gun violence prevention bills.

As Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect fundamental reproductive and sexual healthcare rights and is the lead author of the Abortion Justice Act, Women’s Health Protection Act, and EACH Act.

Congresswoman Pressley also serves as Co-Chair of the Future of Transportation Caucus and has championed policies like the Freedom to Move Act, legislation to support state and local efforts to establish public transportation as a public good through fare-free services.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, D.C. – In direct response to the Trump administration’s proposed rule to roll back abortion access for veterans, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) announced the introduction of the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act, which would guarantee that veterans and eligible dependents have the right to receive abortion care, medication, and counseling through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), without interference from political appointees or partisan agendas and protected by law.

The Trump administration’s proposed rule would reinstate VA’s near total abortion ban, including in cases of rape or incest. If finalized, this policy would strip access to care for veterans across the country, forcing them to either go without essential reproductive health services or seek care outside the VA.

“More than two million women veterans live in the United States today – and they comprise the fastest-growing and most diverse group in our military and veteran community. To deny them access to comprehensive reproductive care is a betrayal of the sacred promise we have made to serve our veterans as well as they have served our nation,” said Congresswoman Brownley. 

“The Trump administration’s reckless decision to dismantle the VA’s reproductive health policy is a direct attack on women veterans’ freedom and bodily autonomy. Veterans should be able to make personal decisions about their health and futures without interference from politicians or appointed officials. Their access to care should not change with each administration.

“As Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have worked to identify disparities in care and fight to close those gaps. That is why I am introducing the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act, to protect abortion access at VA once and for all. This legislation will ensure veterans are not subjected to the personal beliefs or political agendas of whoever happens to lead the department,” continued Brownley.

In September 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the VA used its rulemaking authority under the Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 to allow VA health care providers to offer abortion counseling and abortion services in cases of rape, incest, and the life and health of the veteran. 

Prior to that rule, VA enforced the most restrictive abortion ban of any federal health care agency. The Biden-era policy survived legal challenges and was finalized in March 2023.

On August 4, 2025, the Trump administration issued a proposed rule to repeal the 2022 policy. While the new rule preserves a narrow exception when the life of the pregnant person is at risk, it eliminates VA’s ability to provide abortion care in nearly all other cases. If implemented, the rule would once again make the VA the only major federal health provider with such an extreme restriction.

This bill would end the uncertainty created by shifting agency policies and eliminate ambiguity in the rulemaking process when it comes to veterans’ health care. It would enshrine in law a veteran’s right to access abortion care at VA, ensuring that reproductive health services are not subject to the personal views or political agendas of any future Secretary or administration. Veterans deserve consistent, guaranteed access to the care they’ve earned and not a patchwork of policies that change with every administration.

“Veterans fought to defend our freedoms. They should not have to fight again to access health care. This legislation will ensure that no future administration can strip away reproductive freedom from the individual,” added Brownley.

“VA’s decision to roll back a rule protecting veterans’ reproductive rights makes Congresswoman Brownley’s legislation more critical than ever,” said Congressman Mark Takano, Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Veterans have earned the right to healthcare. Full stop. This ban on reproductive healthcare will endanger countless veterans. We will continue to fight for those veterans as the Trump administration unashamedly disrespects women veterans and their choice to make personal healthcare decisions about their bodies and their health.” 

“This decision will have untold ramifications and could cost many veterans — and their family members — their lives. By eliminating access to abortion care, without regard to rape, incest, or life of the mother, the Trump administration is turning their backs on the women who have honorably served this country,” said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Task Force on Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families. “As a veteran and the Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus task force on servicewomen, women veterans, and military families, my colleagues and I demand that this decision be reversed immediately and that veterans and their families receive access to full reproductive care.”

“Donald Trump and Republicans claim to support veterans, but even veterans are not spared under this administration’s extreme anti-abortion, anti-freedom agenda,” said Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette and Ayanna Pressley. “Those who fight for our country abroad have earned the right for their needs to be met at home. But Donald Trump’s plan is to bring them home to targeted abortion restrictions undermining their bodily autonomy and the quality of their family’s health care. We refuse to let that stand. Our Caucus is proud to support the important work of Chair Brownley’s VA, Servicemembers, and Veterans Task Force and the introduction of this critical legislation.”

“Veterans and their families deserve access to abortion care,” said Jackii Wang, senior legislative analyst at the National Women’s Law Center. “Veterans already face serious health challenges, from PTSD and military sexual trauma to a heightened risk of suicide. Blocking access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion, only deepens these harms. Our leaders should be protecting veterans’ health and dignity, not enacting policies that restrict their autonomy. We’re grateful to Representative Brownley for championing this vital legislation to ensure veterans and their loved ones get the care they need, when they need it.”

“This is a needlessly cruel policy change from the Trump-Vance Administration that will hurt our veterans. As a practicing OB-GYN, I know that abortion is part of the reproductive health care that every person must have access to in order to protect their well-being,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide. “Veterans have historically faced significant barriers to health care, and this policy once again betrays our nation’s commitment to them. Power to Decide condemns this policy and urges Congress to support the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act to ensure all veterans have access to the abortion care they need when and where they need it. Our veterans fought for us and we will fight for their rights and health.”

“This should not be up for debate: Veterans and their families deserve access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion counseling and care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “Veterans, like all of us, should have the freedom to control whether, when, and how they build their families. To truly support our veterans and their families, we must protect and expand their access to the health care they need, not take it away to serve a political agenda. We thank Rep. Brownley for introducing this critical legislation to protect military families’ access to reproductive health care in the face of attacks on their reproductive freedom.”

“Imagine serving this country in the military, putting your life on the line and dedicating your career to protecting others’ freedoms, only to be denied essential medical care on US soil. More than two million women veterans live in the U.S. today, and they deserve to have their health, rights, and freedoms protected– including the right to abortion care,” said Sara Outterson, Legislative Counsel for the Center for Reproductive Rights. “The Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act is urgently needed to ensure that veterans have access to the health care they need and deserve.”

The Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Center for Reproductive Rights, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom For All, Minority Veterans of America, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, National Council of Jewish Women, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Guttmacher Institute, National Partnership for Women & Families, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and the Democratic Women’s Caucus.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare, Veterans’ Affairs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports and CNN’s The Situation Room where he criticized Republicans’ gerrymandered Texas congressional map designed to rig the midterm elections and highlighted Democrats’ commitment to pushing back against the extremism being unleashed by Donald Trump and Republicans across the country.

LEADER JEFFRIES ON MSNBC’S ANA CABRERA REPORTS:

ANA CABRERA: Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s now threatening felony charges. He’s threatening to replace these State Democrats. What’s your reaction to these threats?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the Texas Governor is a cowardly fake bully. He was ordered by Donald Trump to convene a special session of the legislature in order to gerrymander the Texas congressional map and try to rig the midterm elections. This is taking place at a moment in time where, just a few weeks ago, more than 100 people, including dozens of children, drowned to death in the Texas Hill Country as a result of that historic flooding and inaction or lack of preparation by Governor Abbott and Republicans in Texas. This is a cowardly move by Republicans in Texas. And I’m so appreciative of the courage, the character and the conviction being shown by Texas Democrats from the legislature.

ANA CABRERA: New York Governor Hochul, we just played there, calling this redistricting fight a war, saying ‘this is a war. We are at war.’ Is that how you see it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Democrats are going to respond from coast to coast and at all points in between to this effort to steal the midterm elections. Republicans are on the run right now. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular. Their One Big Ugly Bill, which is now law, is deeply unpopular. It rips away healthcare from millions of Americans, steals food from the mouths of children. All of this is being done in terms of hurting everyday Americans so they can reward their billionaire donors. And they don’t want to face the voters in a free and fair election. Perhaps Donald Trump and Mike Johnson and Republicans in Washington and Texas thought that Democrats would not respond. We’re going to respond forcefully, aggressively and relentlessly.

ANA CABRERA: What do you mean this is an effort to steal the midterm elections?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The Republicans in Texas already drew a gerrymandered map that is being challenged in court as we speak. But that’s not good enough for them. So they now want to enact a separate map in the middle of the decade that takes five seats that are currently held from Democrats, including several in majority minority communities around Austin, Houston and Dallas, breaks them apart and tries to put them into Republican hands. These extremists want to be able to choose their voters, as opposed to allowing the Texas voters to choose the people who should be privileged to represent them in Washington. It’s theft. That’s what gerrymandering in its extreme form is, and that’s what Republicans are trying to do.

ANA CABRERA: Is that the case then if Texas repercussions lead to California lead to New York lead to Illinois potentially doing the same in those states to try to pick up more Democratic seats?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great question. We’re going to respond and respond forcefully. However, we also will operate within the constraints of the Voting Rights Act, which is not what Texas Republicans are doing. We need fair maps and one national standard, and that’s why responses in Democratic states will be required. However, what was happening in Texas before and what is going on in Texas right now in terms of this second attempt to gerrymander the map we believe violates the Voting Rights Act. You will not see that happen in Democratic states, but you will see governors and state legislatures and, of course, Members of the House Democratic Caucus respond in kind. There is no unilateral disarmament when we’re in the middle of an all-out assault by Donald Trump and Republican sycophants on the economy, on healthcare, on our way of life, on law-abiding immigrant communities, on democracy itself.

ANA CABRERA: You’ve called the Texas Republicans behind these redistricting efforts cowards, but this effort can be traced right up to the White House. The President has made no secret he wants this. Republicans want to cement control of your Chamber for a long time. They control all levers of government right now. Realistically, how can you stop them?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Understand that Donald Trump is afraid of the fact that the voters are prepared, in our view, to reject this impotent House Republican majority that has done nothing to improve the quality of life for everyday Americans, done nothing to lower the high cost of living, nothing to give these hardworking American taxpayers across the country the ability to thrive when right now, people can barely survive and Donald Trump and House Republicans are crashing the economy in real time. We’re only three seats short from taking back the House. That is a historically close number. That is what has House Republicans and Donald Trump scared to death of what is going to happen in the midterm election. That’s why we’re seeing this extraordinary action in Texas. But you also are going to see an extraordinary response from Democrats coast to coast, throughout the country and at all points in between.

***

LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN’S THE SITUATION ROOM:

WOLF BLITZER: I know you recently traveled to Austin, Texas to meet with the Democratic lawmakers there about this redistricting proposal. We’ve seen Texas Democrats try to use these quorum breaks before, only for them to fail like back in 2003 and then in 2021. How will this time be any different?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, in the 2021 quorum break, actually, I would argue that Texas Democrats were successful in forcing Republicans to walk away from some of the more extreme parts of the voter suppression law that were being contemplated at the time. They still moved forward with their efforts to try to suppress the possibility of a free and fair election in Texas. This is what they do. But the Texas Democrats were successful in reducing the extreme nature of what was being proposed. But this moment does require, you know, an extraordinary response because this is an extraordinary act that Republicans have been ordered to undertake to try to gerrymander the Texas congressional map as part of an effort to rig the midterm elections, Wolf. That’s what this is all about because Donald Trump, House Republicans and the Texas Republican Party, they’re all running scared because they have failed the American people.

WOLF BLITZER: The Texas Governor, as you know, Leader Jeffries, we’re talking about Greg Abbott, he’s threatened to remove Texas House Democrats who actually left the state from their positions because it, quote, ‘amounts to an abandonment,’ he says, or a ‘forfeiture of elected state office.’ Governor Abbott also says Texas Democrats may have violated what he calls bribery laws. How do you respond to all of this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The Republican Governor of Texas is out of his mind. There is no basis to charge these House Texas Democrats who have refused righteously to, at the moment, vote on an extraordinary map that would hurt their constituents that they are privileged and sworn to represent right now. Governor Abbott is making idle threats. He is all hat no cattle.

[…]

WOLF BLITZER: As you know, Leader Jeffries, more Republican states are now looking at potentially engaging in this redistricting as well. Do you worry this could be a never-ending cycle of redistricting across the entire country?

LEADER JEFFRIES: First of all, Wolf, we appreciate the strong leadership being shown by Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor JB Pritzker and governors all across the country because this is an unprecedented moment that America and the world find ourselves in at this particular period of time. Donald Trump and the Republican Party have launched an all-out, unprecedented assault on the economy, on healthcare, on veterans, on farmers, on everyday Americans, on the rule of law, on law-abiding immigrant families and, of course, on democracy itself. It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment for us. That means House Democrats, Senate Democrats, Democratic Governors, Democratic Members of the state legislature, Democratic Attorney Generals, but most importantly, the American people. All of us need to show up and stand up and speak up for an America actually that is enlightened and inclusive and lifts people up, as opposed to the America that we’re in right now, where Donald Trump and Republicans are determined to tear people down.

WOLF BLITZER: When you were in Austin, Texas, Leader Jeffries, last week, you argued that Texas Republicans, in your words, at the urging of President Donald Trump, were trying to rig elections by allowing politicians to choose their own voters through this redistricting proposal. What do you say to the argument that Democrats would be guilty of the same charge if they gerrymandered in so-called blue states, Democratic-led states?

LEADER JEFFRIES: What Democrats would be doing in response is to make sure that there is one fair national map so that the people of this country will have the opportunity to make a decision in November of next year in deciding who should actually serve in the majority in the United States House of Representatives. We think that Republicans are scared to death that they are on the brink of losing the House of Representatives. This One Big Ugly Bill that they passed into law rips away healthcare from the American people, steals food from the mouths of children, hurts everyday Americans in order to reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks and they’ve broken their fundamental promise to lower the high cost of living. Costs aren’t going down in America. Costs are going up. Job creation is going down. And unemployment is going up as Donald Trump and Republicans are crashing the economy in real time. We’re not afraid, as Democrats, to make our case to the American people that we will lower the high cost of living. We will fix our broken healthcare system. We will clean up corruption so we can deliver a government that actually works for the American people and is not a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. We’re prepared to take that case directly to the American people. Republicans are trying to rig the congressional maps because they don’t want to have this fight on the merits.

Full MSNBC interview can be watched here and full CNN interview can be watched here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) sent the following letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) asking for a Big Four meeting to discuss a bipartisan path forward to fund the government.

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) sent the following letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) demanding a Big Four meeting ahead of the fall government funding deadline. Largely, this Congress, Republicans decided to “go it alone” with everything from reconciliation to the continuing resolution – rebuffing bipartisanship. But after the Senate passed three appropriations bills with a large bipartisan majority, the Democratic leaders are encouraging the Republicans to work in good faith, not bow to President Trump and Russell Vought, and continue the rest of government funding.

“As a result of your choice to pursue a partisan agenda this Congress, 15 million Americans will now lose their healthcare. Put simply, it need not be this way. The Senate recently demonstrated that Congress is still able to achieve bipartisan appropriations legislation for the American people when the legislative process is permitted to work,” the Leaders wrote. “Today, we wish to reiterate that we should pursue a bipartisan path—you can work with us to protect health care for the American people and chart a better course for this country.”

The Leaders requested a Big Four meeting this week.

The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.

***

Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune:

We write in connection with the September 30 government funding deadline that fast approaches.

As Leaders of the House and Senate, you have the responsibility to govern for all Americans and work on a bipartisan basis to avert a painful, unnecessary shutdown at the end of September. Yet it is clear that the Trump Administration and many within your party are preparing to ‘go it alone’ and continue to legislate on a solely Republican basis.

As a result of your choice to pursue a partisan agenda this Congress, 15 million Americans will now lose their health care. Put simply, it need not be this way. The Senate recently demonstrated that Congress is still able to achieve bipartisan appropriations legislation for the American people when the legislative process is permitted to work. Today, we wish to reiterate that we should pursue a bipartisan path—you can work with us to protect health care for the American people and chart a better course for this country.

Americans – whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent – want their leaders to put them first and focus on lowering the cost of living here in America. Instead, over the past seven months, Republicans in both the Senate and House have largely rejected bipartisanship, which has been devastating for American families who will now pay more for everything from health care, to groceries, to utility bills, to essential goods and services. This is not what voters had in mind when they handed Republicans very narrow majorities in Congress and a paper-thin presidential victory to Donald Trump.

Therefore, we request you swiftly convene a so-called Big Four meeting this week, for the four of us to discuss the government funding deadline and the health care crisis you have visited upon the American people. We anticipate your prompt reply.

Sincerely,
Leader Charles Schumer & Leader Hakeem Jeffries

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries