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September 29, 2025

LEADER JEFFRIES: “IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN, IT’S BECAUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO SHUT THE GOVERNMENT DOWN”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Alex Witt Reports, emphasizing that Democrats will continue to fight to save the healthcare of the American people while Trump and congressional Republicans engage in dangerous corruption and recklessly march us toward a government shutdown.

ALEX WITT: Joining me right now we have House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Congressman, glad to have you here, sir. We are going to get to the government shutdown battle in just a moment. But first, President Trump said Comey’s indictment was, quote, ‘about justice, not revenge.’ But his past words would suggest otherwise. And he hinted more charges against his political opponents are coming. How do you respond, sir, to this indictment? And is this the start of Trump’s threat to use the Justice Department to go after his enemies?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump and Republicans at the Department of Justice, who are behaving like corrupt political hacks, have launched this malicious prosecution against the former FBI Director as part of an ongoing revenge tour. Instead of President Trump being focused on actually funding the government, protecting the healthcare of the American people and lowering costs, he is engaging in this unhinged behavior and directing the Department of Justice, which continues to corruptly embarrass itself, to prosecute perceived political adversaries. The whole thing—the whole thing is shameful.

ALEX WITT: Can I ask you, on the heels of what my colleague Yamiche was reporting there at the White House. You had in 2024 December, you had the DOJ and the Inspector General report saying no undercover FBI employees were at protests or at the Capitol on January 6th. Where is Donald Trump getting his information? The fact that he just posts on Truth Social: It was just revealed the FBI secretly placed against all rules, regulations, protocols, standards 274 FBI agents into the crowd prior to, during the January 6th hoax. Where’s that coming from?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is lying to the American people about the events of January 6th. He can’t justify the fact that he helped to incite a mob of violent individuals who attacked the Capitol as part of an effort to try to reverse and undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election. And then on top of that, we know that the President, during his first day in office, pardoned hundreds of violent felons who brutally beat police officers and then released those violent felons back into communities all across the country, several of whom have been rearrested for doing harm to our communities. And so what we’re seeing right now, Republicans are just peddling, led by Donald Trump and backed by all of the Republicans in the House and in the Senate, this baseless conspiracy theory, as part of this unhinged effort to assault continuously the American way of life, instead of actually being focused on doing the business of the people. It’s one of the reasons why we’re on the verge of Republicans shutting the government down, because they continue to be focused on the wrong thing and unleash chaos—chaos—on the American people.

ALEX WITT: Now we’re going to get to that in just one moment because I know it’s weighing heavily on you. But one more question about Friday, when Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released that trove of new Jeffrey Epstein documents. They include schedules mentioning figures like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Steve Bannon, and it comes after Adelita Grijalva’s victory in that Arizona special election gave backers of the discharge petition that deciding 218th vote to compel the DOJ—release the complete files. What is your response to these new documents? Do you expect the House to pass the discharge petition soon?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes. Representative elect-Grijalva should be sworn in this Tuesday, we believe, which will be a pro forma session of the House of Representatives. It’s been done before by Republicans. There’s no dispute as it relates to her election, and she should be able to serve in the House next week. And the only reason that may not happen is because Republicans are concerned with the fact that she would be the 218th vote to compel the Trump administration to release the Epstein files. We just want to provide the American people with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and respect the wishes of the victims to make sure that there’s full and complete and total accountability.

ALEX WITT: Okay, let’s go to the shutdown battle now, sir, because the Trump administration has threatened to fire, not to temporarily furlough, tens of thousands of federal employees if the government shuts down. They’re going to try to blame it on Democrats. The administration and DOGE—they’ve been pretty successful so far laying off government workers. So is this a real threat or is it just a pressure tactic?

LEADER JEFFRIES: It seems to me that it’s an effort to try to intimidate Democrats, and we are not going to be intimidated away from our position, which is clear. We’ll sit down with anyone, anytime, any place in order to try to find a bipartisan path forward to fund the government. But we will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. We’re going to stand up for Medicaid. Stand up for Medicare. Stand up for the Affordable Care Act. Stand up for our hospitals, our nursing homes and our community-based health clinics, all of which have been under assault. And stand up for the fact that if Congress doesn’t act with respect to the Affordable Care Act tax credits, in a matter of weeks, tens of millions of Americans are going to experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Understand that the Trump administration has already been engaging in mass firings all throughout the year, and so a government shutdown has nothing to do with what they’ve already shown they are willing to do, which is why we just have to continue to hold the line and make it clear our position: cancel the cuts, lower the cost, save healthcare.

ALEX WITT: Do Democrats, though, risk being blamed if this government shuts down? And if so, how do you change that narrative?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We absolutely do not risk being blamed because the American people will not be fooled by the rhetoric coming from reckless Republicans. Republicans control the House. Republicans control the Senate. Republicans have a President at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Donald Trump. They control the entirety of the federal government. If the government shuts down, it’s because Republicans have made the decision to shut the government down. And it’s entirely unreasonable for them to expect that we’re just going to simply go along to get along with the Republican healthcare crisis that they’ve created. No, we need to reverse the damage that has been done and stand up for people all across the country whose healthcare has been under assault. Black and brown communities under assault. Rural America under assault. Urban America under assault. Small town America under assault. The heartland of America under assault. That’s why Democrats have drawn this line in the sand. And we’re ready to sit down and have this conversation. It’s Donald Trump who canceled the meeting and then decided to go to a golf event of all things rather than try to resolve this government funding issue.

ALEX WITT: So let me get to what Donald Trump said. You’re right. He’s the one that canceled the meeting. It was on the books for you and Senate Minority Leader Schumer to join him and discuss things at the White House. Trump said that a meeting would not be productive and accused Democrats of seeking to fund, quote, ‘radical left views and policies related to healthcare, immigration and crime.’ With so much on the line, how do you respond to the President saying, no, I’m not going to even talk with Democrats?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Donald Trump and Republicans are lying to the American people. They know that their position is not defensible. We have repeatedly made clear we’ll find a bipartisan path forward, but it’s got to be related to funding the government in a manner that actually meets the needs of the American people in terms of their health, their safety and their economic well-being. Donald Trump knows, or at least I think he knows, that current federal law prohibits using taxpayer dollars for undocumented immigrants in connection with their healthcare. And no one is trying to change or reverse that law. What we are doing is fighting to protect the healthcare of everyday Americans in the midst of this Republican-caused crisis that is devastating hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health clinics. Largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And the fact that America’s already too expensive and costs aren’t going down under the Trump presidency, they’re going up. And healthcare premiums are about to skyrocket and perhaps drive some people to medical bankruptcy. That should never happen in the United States of America.

ALEX WITT: So this is the banner that Democrats have chosen to carry here. But the New York Times writers are among those saying that healthcare may be the wrong issue to hinge this fight on, saying tariffs, for example, present a clearer case for Trump’s authoritarian actions. Why is healthcare the right issue for Democrats to show voters they are standing up to Trump?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re fighting on all of the things that matter. And certainly it is the case that the Trump tariffs are causing the cost of living for the American people to dramatically increase, in many instances, facing thousands of dollars in additional costs. And in fact, the Trump administration just announced the imposition of tariffs on October 1st on prescription drugs, which is going to increase the price of lifesaving medicine that people need to survive and to thrive. Now, it is in fact the case that we are about to enter into a period of time in a matter of days where notices will go out to people all across the country about what’s going to happen with their health insurance and the fact that they’re going to experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles. So this is something that has to be dealt with urgently, and at this moment. At the same time, we recognise the fight is around all of the things to protect the American way of life, and that’s the fight we will continue to bring.

ALEX WITT: There is at least one Democrat, that being Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who says Democrats should avoid a shutdown because if it happens, it might empower the current administration to, quote, ‘remake government in all kinds of ways.’ Do you have the same fears?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m not sure what I’m missing here. The Trump administration, in the absence of a government shutdown, has been dramatically remaking government since January 20th in ways that are harmful to the American people. And now they’re asking us to participate in it by signing off on their partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. And we’re not down with that. No way, no how.

ALEX WITT: Okay. Let me ask you, as I pivot quickly to ICE and that incident this week where an agent threw a woman to the floor at an immigration courthouse here in Manhattan. The agent has been relieved of his duties. The Trump administration has not said whether the agent was suspended or fired. But what is your reaction to this? Do you agree with other Democratic lawmakers who say that officer should be criminally charged?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The officer needs to be held accountable to the full extent of the law. I’m not as intimately familiar with the details, and so upon reviewing it, I’ll have more to say. But what we do know is that we’ve seen this administration unleash unprecedented extremism on law-abiding immigrant communities all across the country in a manner that the American people are rejecting, and that is inconsistent with our values, both as a nation anchored in the rule of law and a nation of immigrants.

ALEX WITT: Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. I know your time is precious right now. You have so much on your plate, so we’re very appreciative of your time here with us. Thank you sir.

Full interview can be watched here.

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September 28, 2025

LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH. AND DEMOCRATS ARE STANDING ON THEIR SIDE”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, where he emphasized that Republicans are to blame for the pending government shutdown and that Democrats are fighting hard to save the healthcare of the American people.

KAITLAN COLLINS: My congressional source tonight is the leader of Democrats in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. And it’s great to have you here, sir. Obviously, today’s Friday. Government funding runs out midnight Tuesday. I don’t have to tell you that. Is it fair to say that a government shutdown is inevitable at this point?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I’m here in Washington right now. And Democrats are ready, willing and able to sit down with anyone, at any time, at any place here in Washington, D.C., in order to try to find a bipartisan agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people in terms of their health, their safety and their economic well-being. And our position has been clear: we will not support this partisan Republican spending bill because it continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. We will support an agreement that actually provides funding to keep the government open that is negotiated in a bipartisan way. The President agreed to a meeting, and then he pulled the meeting. Now he’s fled town and is on the golf course at the Ryder Cup in New York. It makes no sense. They’re trying to shut the government down. And Republicans, of course, control the House, the Senate and the presidency, which is why they will clearly be blamed.

KAITLAN COLLINS: Yeah, and the President returned to Washington earlier, but he canceled his meeting that was planned with you and Chuck Schumer. House Republicans are not in Washington. I think, given that, if there is no one to negotiate with, what power do Democrats have to stop a shutdown from happening?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that’s exactly the point: that Republicans are in the majority in the House and in the Senate, and Donald Trump is the President. If they decide to shut the government down, then the government is going to shut down. We believe we have a sense of responsibility in terms of trying to find a bipartisan path forward, which we’ve made clear to the White House and to our colleagues on the other side of the aisle in the House and in the Senate. But they’ve refused to have a conversation, and they’ve canceled votes on the eve of the government shutting down next Wednesday. We were scheduled to be in session on Monday and Tuesday. By the way, Democrats will be here in Washington, D.C., on Monday, ready to do our job. Unfortunately, House Republicans will be on vacation, scattered across the country and the world.

KAITLAN COLLINS: Just something you said to Punchbowl News stuck out to me earlier. Is it true that you have never actually met the President?

LEADER JEFFRIES: No, well, we haven’t had a formal meeting during his time in office. We did spend some time together, along with the other legislative leaders, on Inauguration Day, both at the White House when he was greeted formally by former President Joe Biden and then, of course, at the Capitol during the inauguration, which, by the way, was like a supervillain convention that the American people had to witness, and it’s been a national nightmare ever since.

KAITLAN COLLINS: One question on if Tuesday comes and there is no agreement. Once the government shutdown happens, if it does, do you and Senator Schumer have an exit ramp? Basically, how do you—how do you get out of it once the—once the government has shut down?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ve continued to make clear our position: cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save healthcare. Republicans have launched an unprecedented assault against the healthcare of the American people. Largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics shutting down. Their refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which is going to result in a matter of a few weeks, tens of millions of Americans experiencing dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles. They’ve canceled medical research, effectively, in the United States of America, and, because of their One Big Ugly Bill, have set in motion a possible $536 billion cut to Medicare. It’s an extraordinary assault on healthcare for working-class Americans, urban America, rural America, suburban America, Black and brown America and the country. And all we’re saying is let’s find a path forward to actually fix the healthcare system that Republicans have broken for the good of everyone—Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

KAITLAN COLLINS: And there are some Senate Republicans who say they want to negotiate, actually, on those healthcare subsidies. They’d like to see them extended. But on the Medicaid funding cuts that were just passed in the President’s signature bill, I think the question is, do you really think Republicans are going to vote to undo the legislation they just passed?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump promised—I think it was on January 30—that he was going to love and cherish Medicaid. And then they turned around, passed their One Big Ugly Bill and enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, along with stealing food from the mouths of children. And all of this was being done to reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks. It’s deeply unpopular with the American people. And you have Republicans in the House and the Senate who have said we got to do something about these Medicaid cuts that we just voted for because hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics in our communities are closing. We told them that was going to happen. Now they’re starting to see the consequences. And so, yes, we do think that there’s some bipartisan opportunity to deal with their assault on Medicaid and all of the things related to the healthcare of the American people.

KAITLAN COLLINS: Are you and Senator Schumer aligned on your strategy here?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes, House and Senate Democrats are in complete alignment. We voted together, all of us opposing the One Big Ugly Bill. We’ve been working closely together over the last several months, and Senator Schumer and I talk every day. House and Senate Democrats are in constant contact. And we believe this is the right fight on behalf of the American people: protecting their healthcare and addressing the Republican healthcare crisis.

KAITLAN COLLINS: Well, I ask because Senator Schumer faced a lot of blowback back in March from your party when he supported that Republican written bill to avert a government shutdown. Democrats clearly—at least the base—wanted a fight to at least see some kind of fight from Democrats. So, do you have confidence in Senator Schumer’s handling this on the Senate side this time?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I have complete and total confidence in Leader Schumer, as well as in the partnership House Democrats have with Senate Democrats to stand up for the health, the safety, the economic well-being of the American people. I mean, this is an extraordinary thing that we’re seeing. Just recently, Donald Trump announced that he’s imposing tariffs on October 1 on prescription drugs, which is gonna increase prescription drug prices in addition to the healthcare price increases that we’re experiencing, the increases in grocery cost, the increases in housing costs, the increases in electricity bills. Donald Trump promised to lower the cost of living on day one. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up, and the American people have had enough. And Democrats are standing on their side.

KAITLAN COLLINS: You’re obviously making these demands that Republicans say they’re just unrealistic for—to keep the government funded for seven more weeks as you continue to negotiate. How long are you willing to fight for them?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Republicans had an opportunity over the last several months to actually sit down and have a conversation with us to try to find a bipartisan path forward. They’ve refused, they’ve decided to go it alone. They dropped this reckless partisan bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people, and it went down in flames. And so, their bill is dead on arrival. And the only option at this moment in time is for them to actually have a conversation. And as we’ve pointed out, we’re here, we’re ready to talk, we were ready to go to the White House, we’re ready to have a conversation in Washington, D.C. They need to come back to meet us so we can try to work this out, as opposed to staying out on vacation, having canceled votes that they previously scheduled.

KAITLAN COLLINS: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, we’ll see what happens on Tuesday. Obviously, please keep us updated. And thank you for your time and joining us tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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September 28, 2025

Larsen Op-Ed: Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published an opinion piece in the Everett Herald about the Republican health care crisis and potential government shutdown.

“At a time when families are already struggling with high prices and a weak job market, Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “Funding for the federal government runs out next week, which threatens to add more instability to a weakening economy. Instead of working with Democrats to keep the government open, President Donald Trump has walked away from the negotiating table. Republicans are going all in on a government funding plan that will cause 80,000 Washingtonians to lose their health insurance and raise health care prices for all of us.”

On Monday September 29th at 5:30 p.m. PT, Rep. Larsen will host a telephone town hall to answer questions about the potential government shutdown. The town hall will be livestreamed on Instagram and Facebook. Audio of the town hall will be livestreamed at https://larsen.house.gov/live/.

The full text of Rep. Larsen’s op-ed is available below and here.

Comment: Democrats holding fast to avoid a health care crisis

Republicans would rather see a government shutdown than bargain on restoring health care coverage.

At a time when families are already struggling with high prices and a weak job market, Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making.

Deep Medicaid cuts, major changes to Medicare coverage, and the pending expiration of essential health care tax credits are creating immense uncertainty in the health care market. Employers are bracing for the largest annual increase in health care costs in 15 years and mass layoffs are hitting local hospitals hard.

Funding for the federal government runs out next week, which threatens to add more instability to a weakening economy. Instead of working with Democrats to keep the government open, President Donald Trump has walked away from the negotiating table. Republicans are going all in on a government funding plan that will cause 80,000 Washingtonians to lose their health insurance and raise health care prices for all of us.

In August, I met with a member of the community who the Republicans’ government funding plan will harm: Kathryn, a small business owner who lives in Bellingham.

Since she and her husband are self-employed, Kathryn told me that her family paid roughly $30,000 this year for health insurance. If the Republican government funding plan goes through, they expect to have to pay $50,000 to $55,000 next year; more than they can afford. Without tax credits, this hard-working family will be priced out of their health insurance.

Kathryn wrote to my office: “And why are we in this position? So Jeff Bezos can get a big tax cut. We need the [tax credits], and Jeff can give up some of his tax cut to pay for it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

These health care tax credits create economic freedom for small businesses and entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities they otherwise may not have. Starting a business takes risk, and these credits ensure unaffordable health care costs for your family don’t hold you back.

Allowing these credits to expire is a devastating continuation of the health care crisis the Trump administration started back in July, when the Big Ugly Law made the largest cuts to Medicaid in its history. Because of the Big Ugly Law, more than 328,000 Washingtonians will lose their health care insurance in the next few years.

Taking health care away from hard-working people hurts all of us. Our family, friends and neighbors will be forced to skip or delay getting the medical help that they need. More uninsured individuals create more risk for the health care system, and insurance companies pay for this risk by raising premiums.

The Big Ugly Law’s funding cuts are already forcing local hospitals to scale back. Providence Swedish in Edmonds and Seattle Children’s Hospital collectively have laid off more than 100 staff in Everett, citing cuts to Medicaid and Medicare in the Big Ugly Law as part of the reason for the decision. Island Health in Anacortes expects Big Ugly Law funding cuts to cost millions, threatening its long-term sustainability.

The Trump administration and Republicans have pushed the health care system to the brink. Now, they are shutting down the government so they can kick the health care system off a cliff.

At midnight Wednesday, funding for the federal government will run out. Thousands of Northwest Washington state workers may be furloughed. Local farms may stop receiving disaster relief dollars. Active-duty members of the military may be required to report for duty but not receive paychecks.

The Trump administration is also threatening to permanently layoff massive numbers of federal employees if a shutdown occurs, effectively using hard-working civil servants — with families to support — as political pawns. More layoffs will further weaken the economy and make it harder for Americans to access critical services the government provides.

A Republican government shutdown would be yet another blow to the economy courtesy of the Trump administration. Because of reckless trade wars and stupid tariff policies, prices are up and the economy is down. In August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the worst jobs report in the past 15 years and reported the biggest jump in grocery prices in the past three years. Electricity prices are 6.2 percent higher than in the same month in 2024.

Republicans are inflicting more pain on Northwest Washington state families so they can double down on a health care crisis of their own making. Alongside House Democrats, I am fighting to lower the cost of health care and the cost of living for the people I represent.

Republicans must come to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to reverse the damage this administration has done. I will keep voting and keep fighting to make health care affordable and accessible, and to get our economy back on the right track.

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, D-Everett, represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes part of Snohomish County and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties. If you or someone you know needs assistance, Rep. Larsen’s office may be able to connect you with services in your community. Please contact Rep. Larsen’s district office at 425-252-3188.

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September 28, 2025

Reps. Peters and Edwards Introduce Bill to Allow Faith-Based Institutions to Build Affordable Housing

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

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the bipartisan Faith in Housing Act, to allow nonprofit religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their land.

Under today’s burdensome permitting and zoning laws, many organizations eager to serve their communities are barred from doing so. The Faith in Housing Act will cut through the red tape and bureaucracy, empowering faith-based organizations to play a meaningful role in addressing the housing crisis.

This legislation clarifies that faith-based institutions have the authority to build affordable housing, regardless of restrictive local zoning laws. Additionally, religious institutions will be required to maintain low and middle-income affordability, partner with a nonprofit manager, and comply with health and safety standards.

“In San Diego and across the country, too many families are priced out of their neighborhoods due to the skyrocketing cost of housing. Religious institutions often seek to provide affordable housing to address gaps in their communities, but encounter roadblocks when local rules prohibit them from building housing on the land they own. If we want to put a dent in our country’s housing shortage, we’ve got to get creative and take advantage of our partners who already have footholds in our communities,” said Congressman Peters.

“Government red tape should never stand in the way of faith-based organizations working to make a difference in their communities, said Congressman Edwards. “Our nation is facing a growing housing crisis, and if local religious organizations are ready and able to provide a roof over people’s heads, we should be doing everything we can to support their mission.”

A letter of support from national, state, and local groups is available here.

“The Faith in Housing Act is a practical step to make affordable housing an as-of-right use on faith-owned land,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth and Up for Growth Action. “By eliminating barriers that stand in the way of congregations living out their mission, this bill enables faith institutions to deliver safe, affordable homes and strengthen the communities they serve.”

“Rising housing costs are squeezing families because we’re not building enough homes,” said Adam Kovacevich, CEO, Chamber of Progress. “The Faith in Housing Act lets religious organizations turn unused land into affordable housing—bringing rents down in the neighborhood while giving those institutions a steady source of income to keep serving their communities.”

“As a Lutheran Bishop in Northern California, I know that church land is holy ground—not just for worship, but for service, for community, and for justice,” said Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “Across our state, congregations are ready to put that land to work for the sake of our neighbors, creating homes instead of leaving property unused. The Faith in Housing Act builds on the progress we’ve made to remove unnecessary hurdles and opens the way for churches to live their faith in action. Our pews are full of compassion, and with this bill, our land can be full of affordable homes. It’s a faithful and just response to a crisis that demands both.”

“NHC welcomes this forward-thinking, bipartisan legislation as a practical and timely solution to America’s housing crisis. With a shortage of well over 3 million homes, we cannot afford to leave valuable land sitting idle,” said David Dworkin, President and CEO of the National Housing Conference (NHC). “By giving faith-based institutions the tools to transform underutilized land into affordable housing, the Faith in Housing Act expands opportunity and provides stability for families across the country.”

Full text of the legislation can be found here and a one pager is available here.

September 28, 2025

Reps. Peters and Barr Introduce Bill to Slash Permitting Times, Lower Energy Costs, and Prevent Blackouts

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50) and Andy Barr (R-KY) reintroduced the Streamlining Powerlines Essential to Electric Demand (SPEED) and Reliability Act, a bill to significantly hasten the siting and permitting of critically needed electric transmission lines. Faster approvals will let us build the electrical lines that carry energy from where it is generated to where it is needed sooner. This will lead to lower costs for consumers and prevent blackouts.

“We cannot wait a decade plus for individual transmission lines to be approved if we don’t want to fall behind China and our adversaries,” said Rep. Peters. “This bill will lower costs for consumers, improve reliability, and help secure America’s energy independence.”

“AI data centers and advanced manufacturing are at the core of America’s economic future, but they can’t run without reliable, affordable power,” said Rep. Barr. “The SPEED and Reliability Act cuts red tape and builds the transmission lines we need to lower costs and ensure we stay ahead of China in the race for AI.”

Under the current National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) program, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are supposed to work together to designate broad corridors for transmission development, with the goal of streamlining siting and permitting for high-impact transmission lines in the national interest.

However, the process has yet to result in a single transmission project due to widespread opposition to this corridor-based approach. The SPEED and Reliability Act reforms this program by removing the ability of the Secretary of Energy to designate corridors, centralizes environmental reviews at the bipartisan and independent FERC, and includes additional guardrails to protect customers, benefit local communities, and respect state authority.

The SPEED and Reliability Act reforms the existing backstop siting authority for interstate electric transmission lines by removing the redundant, top-down role of the DOE. In particular, the SPEED and Reliability Act:

Removes the Secretary of Energy’s authority to designate broad NIETCs;
Allows FERC to issue a construction permit for individual national interest transmission lines that reduce grid congestion, improve reliability, and provide a clear set of economic and reliability benefits to customers;
Includes guardrails that protect consumers, benefit local communities, and respect state authorities by:

Allocating costs only to customers that benefit, using a minimum specified list of electric reliability criteria, along with specified economic benefits
Preserves current law by ensuring that states have at least one year to respond to applications before applicants can seek approval from FERC
Prioritizes use of existing rights-of-way and advanced conductors to lower impacts and costs;

Mandates that FERC engage with states, tribes, and private property owners throughout the process

Benefits: The bill would improve grid reliability, lower costs for Americans, and boost economic development and national security.

Improved Reliability: Increasing power flows between regions can help keep the lights on during extreme weather events.

In 2023, transmission congestion – the U.S. energy grid’s inability to send power from where it’s abundant to where it’s needed – cost U.S. ratepayers $11.5 billion.
During Winter Storm Uri, customers in the Great Plains and the Gulf Coast each could have saved in excess of $100 million with each additional gigawatt of transmission interconnection.

Reduced Costs: Just as an interstate highway can displace the need for disproportionate spending on local roads, high-impact transmission lines can save ratepayers billions of dollars every year by replacing less efficient, smaller projects and connecting customers to the cheapest power sources.

Nearly 60 utility companies are set to increase electricity rates this year by more than $38 billion, affecting more than 57 million Americans.
On average, electricity costs are 5.5% higher today than they were a year ago. Residential rates are also projected for a huge increase: up to 18% in the next few years.

Economic Development: Power demand is growing as manufacturing returns to the U.S. and key, strategic industries like artificial intelligence and microchip manufacturing continue to boom. More high-impact transmission lines will help support this economic development across the country, especially in rural communities.

Smarter investments in transmission can save residential consumers up to $14 billion per year after accounting for the costs. For every $1 invested in transmission lines, consumers receive between $3.80 to $4.70 in benefits.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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September 28, 2025

Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.

In a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Congresswoman Ann Wagner and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:

“The [OBBB’s Rural Health Transformation Program] RHTP makes a critical, timely investment in America’s rural communities, like those in Missouri. Under this program, rural health providers will see $50 billion in investments over the next five years, with half of this funding allotted to states directly and half to be awarded to states that submit a comprehensive application to make improvements in rural health through meaningful investments such as: promoting sustainable access to high quality rural health care services, recruiting and retaining rural clinical workforce, and rightsizing health care delivery systems to meet the needs of each community. Congress intentionally drafted this program to provide a federal-state partnership that ensures every dollar benefits the rural communities that need it most. Accordingly, we are sharing the following principles that will best improve access to rural health care in rural Missouri and demonstrate responsiveness to CMS’ Notice of Funding Opportunity, and we request you to incorporate them in your forthcoming RHTP application. We stand ready to work with you on the application process to guarantee the most success, support, and resources for Missourians.”

Read the full letter from members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation here.

September 27, 2025

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Blasts Baseless Indictment of James Comey: “Trump is Dragging the United States Down the Dark and Dangerous Path Toward Dictatorship.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), issued the following statement in response to the Trump Justice Department’s indictment of former FBI Director, James Comey.

“The indictment of James Comey is not just another headline. This is a five-alarm fire signaling the collapse of American democracy as we know it. Donald Trump is dragging the United States down the dark and dangerous path toward dictatorship. This indictment is nothing more than payback and retaliation.

Let’s be clear about what’s happening: Trump is weaponizing the full force of the federal government to punish his political enemies. When there is no evidence to convict, he manufactures it. When prosecutors refuse to do his bidding by bringing forward baseless charges, he fires them. Just days ago, Trump publicly demanded that the Department of Justice prosecute Comey, declaring that ‘justice must be served, now!’ Just days later, his crooked and spineless Attorney General, Pam Bondi – whose loyalty to Trump runs deeper than her loyalty and allegiance to the oath she took to defend the Constitution – followed his order.

We’ve seen this authoritarian playbook before. Including with his attacks against Senator Adam Schiff, but also in Trump’s deranged obsession with New York Attorney General Letitia James, which has led him on a sociopathic pursuit to fabricate charges against her and throw her in prison. When the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia declined to bring these baseless claims forward against her and Comey, Trump fired him.

There are no ifs, ands, or buts – let’s call it what it is: Donald Trump is an authoritarian. He is systematically transforming government into a tool for personal and political revenge on his enemies. Any one of us who opposes him is a target and could be next. In fact, after the indictment of Comey, he’s made clear there will be more to come. Believe him.

This is not what American democracy looks like. It’s what Putin’s Russia looks like, or Orban’s Hungary looks like.

And let me be clear, anyone calling this anything other than an authoritarian campaign is choosing to ignore the clear signs. In just eight months, Trump has issued Executive Orders targeting universities, forcing them to pay millions of dollars over fabricated ‘violations’ cooked up by his shady and corrupt administration and EOs attacking private law firms, dictating which cases they may take and compelling them to perform pro-bono work for administration-backed causes. Those who refuse to bend the knee lose security clearances, access to federal websites or courthouses, and have had government contracts ripped away.

And just last week, we witnessed perhaps the most chilling move yet in his war on free speech and the Constitution. Trump’s handpicked FCC chair openly threatened Nexstar Media Group, warning that its ABC affiliates must pull Jimmy Kimmel’s program or risk losing federal approval for a pending merger. Warning, ‘we can do this the easy way or the hard way.’ The administration has become so emboldened with their law-breaking; they’re not even bothering to hide it anymore. But let’s be clear, this, too, is unconstitutional.

To my surprise, Republicans, the so-called champions of free speech and the party of law and order have been eerily silent all week as Trump tramples on free speech and breaks the law with impunity. What we know for certain is we can no longer count on them to defend the Constitution and stand up to Donald Trump. They have abdicated their duties as Members of Congress, but Democrats have not.

And to corporate America, my message is: Do not bend to Donald Trump’s fascist regime. You do not have to cave to his threats. You do not have to be complicit in the silencing of speech, the erosion of law, and the criminalization of dissent. You have enormous economic, legal, and financial power. And you also have a choice: either stop Donald Trump or be remembered by history for your cowardice when democracy was on the line.

Democrats will continue fighting to protect American democracy and the rule of law. But we cannot do it alone. I continue calling on the American public to keep resisting, keep showing up on the streets, and keep giving them hell!

September 27, 2025

Brownley, Houlahan Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Mark Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) announced the reintroduction of a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25 as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day, underscoring the urgent need to confront the issue of military sexual trauma (MST), which affects both women and men within the Armed Forces.

Statistics indicate that approximately one in three women and one in 50 men are impacted by sexual trauma while serving. Military sexual trauma encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. It can result in increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical health issues, and an increased risk of suicide. It affects not only the servicemember but overall military readiness, and the resolution encourages the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to address the root causes of military sexual trauma and continue efforts to expand access to treatment services for active duty servicemembers and veterans.

“Too many of our servicemembers and veterans carry the lasting wounds of Military Sexual Trauma, and they deserve our full commitment to their healing and recovery,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Confronting this crisis is urgent, because everyone who wears our nation’s uniform should be able to serve in an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive. Awareness is only the first step. We must also ensure survivors have timely, comprehensive, and culturally competent care, and we must ensure MST Coordinators are fully empowered to provide it. Our military is only as strong as those who serve, and just as they protect us, we must do everything in our power to protect them. No survivor should ever face obstacles to healing, and we owe it to every survivor to ensure they are never left behind.”

“Sexual assault has no place in our armed forces. The burden of fear – of assault, harassment, or exploitation – should never be a part of military service. We must work together to create an atmosphere where all members can serve without this dread,” said Congresswoman Houlahan. “As a veteran who served in the military in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges many servicewomen face. I care deeply about this issue because everyone who wears a uniform deserves to serve in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Bringing awareness is important, but this is the first step. We still have lots of work left to do.”

“When I took on the assignment of Commander for Ramstein Air Base in Germany in 2008, I knew I would have to tackle head-on the high number of sexual assault allegations at the base. I immediately instituted a program to address the crimes, and it was later ranked by the Air Force as the number one sexual assault response program,” said Congressman Bacon. “We must continue to work with the Department of Defense and the VA to make sure that sexual-trauma related services are well-publicized and accessible. This legislation will help victims become survivors.”

“The fact that 33% of women veterans – and 1 in 50 men – report having experienced sexual trauma while on duty is absolutely inexcusable, and it’s long past time that Congress did its part to address this ongoing crisis,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Anyone who serves our country deserves to do so without fear of harassment, unwanted advances, or physical abuse of any kind. This resolution represents a critical step towards addressing the scourge of military sexual trauma and ensuring that the voices of survivors will always be heard—no matter their gender, identity, or branch of service.”

“Far too many of our servicemembers have endured the pain of military sexual trauma. Survivors deserve compassion, respect, and certainty that the system will be there for them — not retraumatize them,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “I’m proud to join Rep. Chrissy Houlahan in recognizing Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day and ensuring that every survivor receives the care and support they’ve earned. I will always have the backs of our veterans who have had ours.”

“Having served in the Navy and on the House Armed Services Committee, I have seen the challenges survivors of military sexual trauma face and how important it is to address this issue head on,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “This resolution is a crucial step toward supporting survivors of military sexual trauma and their families. We must continue working tirelessly to reduce the stigma for reporting sexual assault and ensure every survivor has timely and compassionate access to the care they deserve.”

“No member of our military should ever have to fear military sexual trauma during their service, yet far too many servicemembers return home carrying these invisible wounds,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “MST Awareness Day is an opportunity to uplift survivors’ stories and break the stigma surrounding this issue. I’m proud to have passed my Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act to improve the reporting process for survivors, and I will continue working to not only prevent re-traumatization but prevent MST altogether.”

“There were more than 8,000 reported sexual assaults involving members of the military in both 2024 and 2023. This brings serious harm to our military members, and we cannot accept this as normal,” said Congresswoman Balint. “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution in support of Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day. This represents a commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors, acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, and breaks the stigma so survivors can get the care they need.”

“We owe it to every patriot who serves in America’s Armed Forces to create the conditions for military service without fear of abuse of any kind,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “That’s why I am proud to be part of this bipartisan coalition in Congress committed to tackling the scourge of military sexual trauma head on and delivering the care and justice that every survivor of this scourge needs and deserves.”

The resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Becca Balint (VT-At Large).

Read the full text of the resolution here.

Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare, Military, Veterans’ Affairs

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Brownley, Houlahan Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Mark Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day