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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Senator Maggie Hassan (NH) attended and delivered remarks congratulating new citizens from over 40 different countries at a U.S. Naturalization ceremony at the Strawbery Banke Museum. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

“At today’s naturalization ceremony we welcomed our newest American citizens and reflected on the profound impact that immigrants have on New Hampshire and in our country. Immigrants come to work hard and seek freedom, opportunity, and security, and immigration renews the spirit of our nation,” said Congressman Pappas. “I was honored to join these patriotic Americans and congratulate them on taking the oath of citizenship.”

“At every point in our history, America has been shaped by immigrants from every corner of the world and every sector of society,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was honored to be a part of today’s naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, and I congratulate each and every new citizen on this momentous event in their lives.”

“It was a privilege to join today’s naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke and to welcome and celebrate America’s newest citizens,” said Senator Hassan. “Ceremonies like the one held today are an opportunity for American citizens, new and old, to recommit ourselves to supporting and defending the ideals of freedom, self-government, and the rule of law as embodied by our Constitution.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Legislation takes health care away from 17 million Americans, cuts off food assistance for millions of families, triggers nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, and adds at least $3.5 trillion to the debt.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas’s amendments would strike provisions that will imperil Granite Staters’ access to Medicaid and food assistance, as well as pass increased costs onto the state if the bill passes.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger, has introduced the Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve care for active-duty servicemembers suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) by identifying ways that digital technology can be used to better deliver care.

Due to the rigors of military training and combat, servicemembers are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injury. TBI affects brain function, and if left untreated, people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health or substance use problems, as well as an increased risk of suicide. Between 2000 and 2019, more than 400,000 American servicemembers were diagnosed with at least one TBI – and more than 185,000 veterans have been diagnosed with TBI through the VA system. 

Congressman Crow’s Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act would require the establishment of a working group to identify ways digital technology can treat our active-duty servicemembers with TBI. Congressman Jeff Crank (R-CO-05) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

“As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, caring for our servicemembers is personal to me,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why I’m introducing a bipartisan bill to identify new ways to treat traumatic brain injury & deliver world-class care for our servicemembers.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the SMART for TBI. We owe it to our service men and women, along with our veterans, to advance Traumatic Brain Injury treatments. Using Artificial Intelligence and digital health technologies, we can improve outcomes for servicemembers and veterans in training and operational environments,” said Congressman Jeff Crank.

“Conducting innovative medical research into traumatic brain injuries is crucial for active duty warfighters, veterans, and first responder communities,” noted Vik Bebarta, MD, interim chair of Emergency Medicine and the director of the Center for Combat and Battlefield Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  “We are grateful for Congressman Crow and Congressman Crank’s leadership by introducing SMART TBI Act,  ensuring Colorado remains the leader in digital health innovation and TBI treatment.”

As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, ensuring America’s military servicemembers and their families get the appropriate care and resources is a top priority for Congressman Crow. In the 118th Congress, he introduced the Veteran’s Sentinel Act, bipartisan legislation to respond to suicide by US veterans at Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) facilities by improving the accuracy of data collection and enhancing congressional oversight. Previously, he introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act and supported the PACT Act, which expands health care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement after House Republicans passed President Trump’s budget bill. The bill now heads to the President’s desk:

In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

“In all my time in Congress, President Trump’s budget bill is the worst I’ve ever seen. It shamefully is one of the largest transfers of wealth from the working class to the rich in history. 

“With his signature, President Trump will kick millions of Americans off of their health care and take away food assistance from the working class. Republicans are taking from working people in order to give massive tax breaks to the rich. Their bill is also fiscally reckless and irresponsible, adding trillions to the national debt.

“Republicans pretend they’re for the working class, but with one bill, Donald Trump and Republicans just made life more difficult for many hardworking Americans who were already struggling to get by—all to give their billionaire friends a tax cut. 

“It’s an awful bill that will hurt Colorado and our country. I voted NO.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans passed President Trump’s budget bill. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives:

In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

“In all my time in Congress, this is one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen. 

“The bill is a massive wealth transfer from the working class to the rich. It would kick millions off their health care, take away food assistance for millions, and add trillions to the national deficit.

“I cannot support this Republican bill that takes health care and food assistance from working people to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. This bill is bad for Colorado and America.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, June 26, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, honored World War II Army Rangers with the Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress.

Congressman Crow authored and passed bipartisan legislation, the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, to bestow this award on our nation’s heroes. Congressman Crow’s legislation was signed into law in 2022. Two WWII Rangers attended the ceremony to receive the award in-person.

“These Rangers represent the best of us. During World War II, the Army formed six all-volunteer Ranger Battalions and one provisional battalion. Some of the most important battles of the war relied on their skill, sacrifice, and unending courage. They fought throughout Europe, including D-Day landings at Omaha Beach, and liberated 500 prisoners from a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. It’s a great honor to award the Congressional Gold to those who confronted fascism face-to-face and won,” said Congressman Crow.

The Rangers attending the ceremony were Sergeant. Joseph J. Drake and Private First Class. John Wardell. Other notable speakers in attendance were Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary Douglas Collins, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Joni Ernst, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and General John D. Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Crow introduced the House version of the bill, the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, on a bipartisan basis with 319 co-sponsors. The Senate version of the bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst. Congressman Crow’s bill was endorsed by organizations including: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Descendants of World War II Rangers, U.S. Army Ranger Association, Association of the United States Army, Arnold Community Council, 75th Ranger Regiment Association, The National Ranger Association, The Darby Project, and Valor Studios.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) issued the following statement after President Trump bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran launched retaliatory strikes against a U.S. military base in Qatar:

In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

“I strongly condemn Iran’s attack against American servicemembers in the Middle East. The Iranian government sponsors terrorism, seeks to harm Americans, and works to undermine U.S. interests. Thankfully, Iran’s missiles were intercepted and no American servicemembers were injured in this attack. 

“This attack on American troops is the direct consequence of President Trump’s decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. The President exceeded his authority when he conducted military strikes on Iran without congressional approval. The Constitution is clear–only Congress can authorize the use of military force unless there is an imminent risk to Americans or U.S. facilities. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I have not seen any evidence that Iran posed an imminent risk to Americans or U.S. facilities.

“Before coming to Congress, I served as an Army Ranger and paratrooper. I did three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was a part of the decades-long wars in the Middle East that claimed thousands of American lives, cost trillions of dollars, and diminished U.S. credibility around the world. America cannot repeat our past mistakes. When elites in Washington make decisions, it’s young men and women from where I grew up who get sent to fight. The last thing I want to see is another generation of Americans pulled into another Middle East conflict.

“The American people deserve an open and honest debate about the path forward. Congress must reclaim its power over the decision to send young men and women into conflict.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

 

In a letter to Dr. Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the Air Force, the lawmakers requested upgrades to the aircraft currently stationed at the 302nd Airlift Wing. 

Lafayette, CO — As Colorado braces for peak wildfire season, Congressmen Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Jeff Crank (CO-05) teamed up in a bipartisan effort to strengthen the state’s aerial firefighting capabilities. More specifically, the lawmakers penned a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force requesting eight upgraded C-130J aircrafts for the 302nd Airlift Wing (AW) at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. 

C-130Js are fitted with a firefighting unit that can assist in the rapid deployment of thousands of gallons of water or fire retardant. This makes them uniquely capable of suppressing flames and curbing the spread of wildfires over large ranges. 

“Colorado, and states across the West, have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years and continue to face increased drought conditions and wildfire risk. It is in our nation’s best interest to ensure our communities are well-equipped to respond when disaster strikes. Without adequate tools, including the C-130Js, our country is at a disadvantage to manage these wildfires–threatening the safety of our communities. It is with that in mind that we urge the Department of Air Force to upgrade the 302nd AW with eight C-130Js,” wrote Representatives Neguse and Crank 

Read their full letter HERE and below. 

Congressman Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has prioritized efforts to coordinate better wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery nationwide. Recently, he teamed up with a coalition of Western lawmakers to introduce a number of policy proposals that would implement a holistic approach to combating the wildfire crisis.

July 1, 2025

The Honorable Troy E. Meink

Secretary of the Air Force

Department of the Air Force

1670 Air Force Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20330-1670

Dear Secretary Meink:

We write to request your consideration and assistance with upgrading and designating eight C-130Js to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) 302nd Airlift Wing (AW) at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 302nd AW has been among the only aerial firefighting AFRC Wings since 1993, including one of the four wings using the U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems, and is responsible for operating an aeromedical evacuation mission. It is imperative that the U.S. Air Force equip the 302nd AW with eight upgraded C-130Js in order to carry out their tactical airlift and airdrop mission and aerial firefighting mission.

The 302nd AW is on track to be the only remaining Department of Defense aerial firefighting wing still equipped with older C-130Hs. As wildfires continue to impact communities across the nation, maintaining an upgraded air fleet for the 302nd AW is imperative. Full capabilities for the AW and the 1,400 Reserve Citizen Airmen serving at Peterson Space Force Base are among our biggest assets to aerial firefighting and national security.

Colorado, and states across the West, have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years and continue to face increased drought conditions and wildfire risk. It is in our nation’s best interest to ensure our communities are well-equipped to respond when disaster strikes. Without adequate tools, including the C-130Js, our country is at a disadvantage to manage these wildfires–threatening the safety of our communities. It is with that in mind that we urge the Department of Air Force to upgrade the 302nd AW with eight C-130Js.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to continuing to work together to maintain the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to respond adequately to the nation’s security needs, including wildfires.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced the Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025, legislation that would impose a lifetime ban on former Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. The legislation also strengthens lobbying transparency laws, including significantly increasing penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Reps. Neguse and Ocasio-Cortez have previously partnered on efforts to enact legislation to prohibit Members of Congress from trading stocks.

“The American people deserve far better from their government and elected leaders — and that includes an end to the corruption that has become pervasive in Washington D.C. It is why I’ve led an effort for years to ban stock trading by Members of Congress, and why I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. Ocasio-Cortez in introducing the Revolving Door Act — common-sense legislation that would ban former Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after they leave elected office. We must clean up government for future generations and ensure our government is serving the American people, not special interests, which is exactly what our legislation is designed to do,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

“The revolving door of public service to lobbying is a major reason why everyday Americans struggle to trust our institutions. It erodes the faith and integrity of our lawmaking and cuts against the principle that our service here puts Americans first ahead of our own careers and ambitions. Lobbying by members of Congress should be banned, and I am happy to support Rep. Neguse’s bill,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025 would: 

• Impose a lifetime ban on former Members of Congress from engaging in any lobbying activities aimed at influencing Congress after they leave office;
• Prohibit senior congressional staff from lobbying Congress for six years following their departure from service; 
• Require the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate to create and maintain a public database website called lobbyists.gov;
• Create a six-year restriction on hiring lobbyists or foreign agents into congressional offices if they had substantial prior lobbying contact with the office in question; 
• Increase civil penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act from $200,000 to $500,000.

Read the bill text HERE. 

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