MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Los Angeles, CA – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement on Trump’s response to attacks by Israel and Iran:

“I believe Trump’s attack on Iran, hitting three reported nuclear targets, is tantamount to a declaration of war. The President must be confronted by Members of Congress to be reminded that the President must come before Congress to seek approval before a declaration of war.

“This action by the President is typical of a president out of control. The United States at one time had an agreement with Iran, and that agreement was monitored closely. But Trump withdrew from that agreement when he took office.

“Trump is out of control and does not contribute to an establishment of peace. It was my understanding that Trump would give two weeks’ consideration to his response to Israel’s attack on Iran, and Iran’s attack on Israel, and he has not done so.

“This president must be stopped. I and Members of Congress must confront this issue as soon as we return to Congress. We need peaceful negotiations, not another war”.

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

Los Angeles, CA—Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, led thousands of peaceful protestors across the Los Angeles area on Saturday, for No Kings Day. 

In the city of Hawthorne – the Congresswoman’s District – near Elon Musk’s SpaceX headquarters, Congresswoman Waters, along with thousands of young people, voiced their fear of a cruel and dangerous president and co-president, Trump and Musk. “Nobody voted for Elon, he was not elected, and no one wants him destroying our institutions”, said the Congresswoman. (See video here.) 

The Congresswoman then joined an energetic crowd of thousands of peaceful protestors at Grant Park in Downtown Los Angeles to deliver a clear message to Trump: “This country has No Kings and no dictators!, she said. “And I’ll continue fighting every day for the American people. (See video here).

Later, the Congresswoman joined hundreds of protestors on the streets of Playa Vista to denounce Trump, celebrating his birthday with a large-scale military parade at the expense of the armed services. “This country rejects Trump’s would-be dictatorship”, said the Congresswoman. “This country has No Kings! The President should celebrate American greatness by ensuring all Americans are housed and fed, not by cutting the social safety net and throwing himself a birthday party with taxpayer money.” (See images here.)

These peaceful demonstrations were the latest in a series of efforts led by the Congresswoman to oppose the policies of the Trump administration. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) wrote to Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Billy Long regarding concerns with the agency’s deficient procedures for expedited processing of federal tax returns from taxpayers facing financial challenges. In their letter, they point to accounts from constituents showing that the IRS consistently fails to process the returns of constituents who have shown imminent risk of dire financial consequences in a timely manner – impeding taxpayers’ ability to avoid those consequences. The lawmakers’ impacted constituents include individual taxpayers as well as business owners – many of whom have been waiting several years for refunds they are owed. Noting that the Trump Administration’s mass layoffs of federal employees at the IRS have likely contributed to these processing delays, the lawmakers ask Commissioner Long to coordinate with the Taxpayer Advocate Service on solutions to handle financial hardship cases more efficiently to prevent taxpayers from facing avoidable financial harm. 

“We are writing on behalf of our constituents regarding expedited processing for emergency cases involving severe financial hardship, especially amidst recently-exacerbated IRS staffing challenges. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will only accept expedite requests from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if the taxpayer can provide documentation of an immediate consequence,” the lawmakers began. “By the time a constituent has the required hardship documentation to expedite their case, they typically have 30 days at most before they and their families face serious distress, including homelessness.”

They go on to write, “once TAS receives the required financial hardship documentation and makes a recommendation to the IRS to expedite, there is currently no mechanism to ensure that the taxpayer’s case is handled with urgency. For example, in a recent Maryland case, a single mother of three submitted hardship documentation to TAS in September 2024, but she did not receive her federal tax refund until February 2025. As you might imagine, our constituents in these particular cases do not have several months to wait for a check that is owed to them by the federal government.”

Regarding the challenges that Maryland businesses have faced, they added, “we continue to hear from Maryland businesses which filed claims up to three years ago and are still awaiting a refund for expenses promised by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Unfortunately, businesses that submitted proof of hardship, such as payroll documentation showing an inability to compensate employees or satisfy rent, have not seen quicker results that those without an expedited processing request.”

The lawmakers go on to urge Commissioner Long to coordinate with TAS to review and reform the current procedures – recommending that they work to ease hardship documentation requirements, streamline interdepartmental case transitions, and accelerate processing for those in urgent need.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Hon. Billy Long
Commissioner
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20224

July 10, 2025

Dear Commissioner Long:

We are writing on behalf of our constituents regarding expedited processing for emergency cases involving severe financial hardship, especially amidst recently-exacerbated IRS staffing challenges.

Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will only accept expedite requests from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if the taxpayer can provide documentation of an immediate consequence. Acceptable documentation typically includes a notice of foreclosure, eviction, utility shutoff, or car repossession. TAS advises that the IRS will not accept past-due bills, nor will it accept notices of intent to foreclose or evict. By the time a constituent has the required hardship documentation to expedite their case, they typically have 30 days at most before they and their families face serious distress, including homelessness.

Once TAS receives the required financial hardship documentation and makes a recommendation to the IRS to expedite, there is currently no mechanism to ensure that the taxpayer’s case is handled with urgency. For example, in a recent Maryland case, a single mother of three submitted hardship documentation to TAS in September 2024, but she did not receive her federal tax refund until February 2025. As you might imagine, our constituents in these particular cases do not have several months to wait for a check that is owed to them by the federal government. TAS explains that Case Advocates can ask the IRS to expedite a return for pipeline processing, but it cannot expedite the systemic processing of the return, which is generally 4-6 weeks. Even if a federal tax refund was issued in 4-6 weeks, which is sooner than many Marylanders in this situation have experienced, the refund would not reach the taxpayer soon enough to prevent the immediate consequence that the IRS requires before expediting the case in the first place.

Expedited processing for businesses is even more nebulous. We continue to hear from Maryland businesses which filed claims up to three years ago and are still awaiting a refund for expenses promised by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Unfortunately, businesses that submitted proof of hardship, such as payroll documentation showing an inability to compensate employees or satisfy rent, have not seen quicker results that those without an expedited processing request.

We understand that recent IRS staffing challenges caused by the Trump Administration have made addressing emergency processing, among other issues, even more difficult. We would appreciate your working with National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins to review this process and advise how it can be improved. This should include the possibility of relaxing hardship documentation requirements and accelerating systemic processing for financial hardship cases. For example, it may help TAS to advocate for struggling taxpayers if it didn’t need make a new expedite request every time a case moves between IRS departments. When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us, Americans deserve a tax system free from red tape.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to a response by July 31, 2025.

Sincerely,

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee and Co-Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, to introduce the bipartisan Mitigation Action and Watermen Support (MAWS) Act alongside Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). 

The bill takes aim at one of the greatest predators threatening the ecology and economy of the Chesapeake Bay: the invasive blue catfish. The MAWS Act will establish a pilot program within the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to facilitate a new market for Chesapeake Bay blue catfish in the pet and animal food industry in an effort to take millions of pounds of these harmful fish out of our waterways. NOAA will administer grants to pet and animal food manufacturers to ensure watermen are properly incentivized to catch blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and establish transportation, processing, and manufacturing structures for a long-term market. 

Throughout this two-year pilot, NOAA will collect data on the ecological and economic impacts of this program on the population of invasive blue catfish and other species in the Chesapeake Bay, the economic impact on watermen, and the market response and processes from pet and animal food manufacturers. NOAA will additionally report back to Congress on best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for additional species in other watersheds that may benefit from this program.

“The Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland,” Congressman Hoyer said. “We have a responsibility to look after the Bay, its ecosystems, and the communities that it sustains. I’m proud to join my friend Sarah Elfreth – a longtime advocate for the Chesapeake Bay – on this vital legislation to protect the health of our public waters.”

“The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, with more coastline across the Watershed than the entire coast of California. It is a pillar of our local recreation, seafood, and tourism economies,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “Invasive blue catfish pose a direct ecological and economic threat to our Bay, which is why I am introducing the bipartisan MAWS Act alongside Congressman Wittman to address the damage inflicted by blue catfish, while also strengthening our local seafood economy and providing a new source of protein to pets nationwide.”

“Having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay, I understand how important it is to protect our marine wildlife and restore the Bay’s ecosystem,” said Congressman Wittman. “Since their introduction,  blue catfish have become an invasive species, posing a growing threat to the biodiversity of the region’s waters and inflicting economic damage to the seafood industries that rely on the Bay. I am proud to join Representative Elfreth in introducing the MAWS Act, which will create a new market to incentivize the harvest and sale of blue catfish while providing valuable data for future efforts to combat invasive species in our waterways.”

Invasive blue catfish do not have any natural predators in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. They can live up to 20 years and weigh up to 100 pounds. Their diet consists of staples of our seafood industry, including blue crabs, rockfish, striped bass, and oysters. Blue catfish are not only contributing to the ecological biodiversity challenge of the Bay, but also causing significant economic damage to our seafood industry in Maryland and Virginia.

“The Chesapeake Bay is central to our way of life in Coastal Virginia. It supports thousands of jobs and feeds millions of people, but its future is under threat from invasive blue catfish. The MAWS Act is a creative, bipartisan solution that helps our watermen, protects native species, and turns an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity. By building a new market for blue catfish in pet food, we can strengthen the Bay’s ecology and the seafood economy that depends on it,” said Congresswoman Kiggans.

“The Pet Food Institute, whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the U.S., is proud to endorse the MAWS Act, which establishes a pilot program enabling pet food makers to use Chesapeake Bay blue catfish as a high-quality ingredient in complete and balanced cat and dog food,” said the Pet Food Institute’s president and CEO, Dana Brooks. “PFI applauds Reps. Sarah Elfreth and Rob Wittman for introducing legislation that opens the door to a potential new pet food ingredient market while also offering local economic impact and environmental benefit.”

“The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to endorse the ‘Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2025’ to encourage the commercial use of blue catfish harvested from the Chesapeake Bay, including use as a wholesome and nutritious ingredient in pet food,” said Leah Wilkinson, American Feed Industry Association’s Chief Policy Officer.

“This is exactly the kind of policy that makes a lasting difference. The MAWS Act creates a clear path to address a significant environmental problem while giving pet parents the chance to make a meaningful choice — one that’s good for pets, good for people, and good for the planet. I’m proud to support it,” said Aaron Merrell, CEO, CITIZEN’S Pet Products (Plato Pet Treats and Furry Republic).

 “Invasive blue catfish impact important recreational fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay, outcompeting and directly preying on species like striped bass,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association. “The MAWS Act helps to address this challenge, establishing an innovative program to encourage the harvest of these invasive species, while gathering data that will support fisheries management in the Bay. ASA thanks Representatives Elfreth and Wittman for their leadership of this bill, which could set a strong example for invasive species control nationwide.”

“The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are my home waters, and I can personally attest to the changes in the Bay’s fisheries in recent years due to various pressures on the resource, not the least of which is the invasive blue catfish,” said Jeff Crane, President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “We applaud Rep. Elfreth and Rep. Wittman for their leadership and their innovative proposal to address the growing population of this invasive species in the Bay.”

“Blue catfish pose a clear and present danger to valuable native Bay species like blue crabs and striped bass. Finding and standing up new markets for this invasive species, like the pet and animal food industry, is essential to keeping its numbers in check. So is ensuring that it makes economic sense for watermen to catch them. The Mitigation Action & Watermen Support Act does both, which is why the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to support it,” said Keisha Sedlacek, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal Director. “We thank House Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rob Wittman and Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth for their leadership and creative thinking on ways to control this dangerous predator threatening iconic Bay species and the people who make their living on them.” 

“The Choose Clean Water Coalition is pleased to support the MAWS Act, which will take a critical step in mitigating the damage caused by invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. This legislation is yet another example of an action that’s positive for both the environment and local economy. Opening up new markets for blue catfish will provide an additional revenue stream for watermen while also addressing a growing threat to the health of the Bay’s ecosystem. We want to thank Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) for introducing the MAWS Act and are looking forward to it progressing through Congress,” said Choose Clean Water Coalition Director, Kristin Reilly.

“Blue Catfish are a significant and unchecked threat to the Chesapeake Bay’s major river systems, preying on iconic and economically important species like blue crabs, Atlantic menhaden, and striped bass,” said Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. “As apex predators, these non-native fish are rapidly expanding in population and range, putting our ecosystem and our coastal economies at risk. We need solutions like the MAWS Act that will put science and market-based solutions to work to control this growing threat and support those whose livelihoods depend on our native fisheries.”

 “The invasive blue catfish has spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay, harming our ecosystems and iconic native species including blue crab and rockfish,” said National Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli. “As an organization committed to saving wildlife and habitats, the National Aquarium encourages people to consume blue catfish, and we proudly serve it in our café. We also believe there is strong potential for blue catfish to contribute to healthy pet and animal diets and are investigating the possibility of incorporating it into the diet of animals in our care. The National Aquarium applauds this bipartisan legislation and its innovative approach to help create new markets, support watermen, and spur demand for greater consumption of invasive blue catfish.”

 “Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native species and reduced biodiversity,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “We applaud Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth and Congressman Rob Whitman for their leadership. This bill would be a critical step forward in protecting native species and the commercial entities that rely on the Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods.”

 “We recognize the many challenges created by the population expansion of the invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Maryland Sea Grant supports science-informed action to address this difficult fishery issue and believes the proposed pilot project in the MAWS Act is an important step towards understanding and managing blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland Sea Grant is grateful for the opportunity to consider this legislation and the many issues around blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Dr. Fredrika Moser, Director of the Maryland Sea Grant program.

The full bill text is available HERE. A one-pager of the bill is available HERE. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting against H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”:

“​What Trump and Congressional Republicans call their ‘one big, beautiful bill,’ Americans correctly recognize as one big, brazen betrayal. The bill House Republicans passed today is even more harmful than the version they passed last month. This legislation makes working Americans poorer, hungrier, and unhealthier – all to provide the wealthiest individuals with a tax cut.

“Making the largest cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in history, the bill will cause roughly one in every twenty Americans to lose their health insurance. It betrays millions of Americans who will go hungry because of its cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Republicans are also selling out future generations of Americans, forcing them to pay off the $3.4 trillion this bill adds to the national debt.

“I joined Democrats in voting against this bill because the People’s House has no business making struggling Americans fall further behind so that the wealthy can get even further ahead. The American people will remember this betrayal – and how each Member voted today.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the June jobs report: 

“While job growth slowed in June, with 74,000 private sector jobs added to the economy and unemployment at 4.1 percent, Trump’s so-called ‘one big, beautiful bill’ raises many concerns about our economic future. Working Americans rightfully see Republicans’ partisan legislation as one big, brazen betrayal. An estimated 17 million of them will lose health care coverage and many hospitals will close or reduce service because of the bill’s more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Millions more will go hungry and many farms will go under as Republicans pare back food assistance programs. Cuts to student loans and Pell grants will make college and skills training programs more expensive. The bill also rolls back incentives Democrats created for the private sector to invest in advanced manufacturing of clean electric vehicles, batteries, and other critical clean energy technologies, sacrificing countless good-paying American jobs and raising electricity costs for everyday Americans as Trump’s tariffs already eat away at their paychecks.

“Why did Republicans inflict his pain on the American people? To give the wealthiest Americans another tax cut. Because of this bill, the bottom 20 percent of American earners will see their income decline by 3 percent. The top 1 percent, however, will see their income increase by 3 percent. That is a $1 trillion dollar tax cut for the top 1 percent. Crucially, future generations of Americans will have to pick up the tab for this bill’s $3.4 trillion price tag. Investors continue to lose faith and credit of the United States, and Americans will pay the price. 

“Trump said he would lower costs for Americans. He said he would lower the national debt. He hasn’t. Both continue to increase as a direct consequence of his disastrous policies. Republicans can lie all they want; the numbers don’t.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, along with Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy released the following statement regarding the Administration’s attempt to reprogram funding intended for the new FBI Headquarters in Greenbelt, Md.

“The FBI deserves a headquarters that meets their security and mission needs – and following an extensive, thorough, and transparent process, Greenbelt, Maryland, was selected as the site that best meets those requirements. Not only was this decision final, the Congress appropriated funds specifically for the purpose of the new, consolidated campus to be built in Maryland. Now the Administration is attempting to redirect those funds – both undermining Congressional intent and dealing a blow to the men and women of the FBI – since we know that a headquarters located within the District would not satisfy their security needs. Simply moving down the street would ignore the real threats the Bureau faces and further jeopardize the safety of those protecting our communities. That’s why we will be fighting back against this proposal with every tool we have.”

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

Headline: Congressman Veasey’s Statement Regarding Abbott & Trump’s Decision to Call Special Session On Redistricting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Veasey released the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s decision to call a special session on redistricting on the order of Trump:

“Governor Abbott’s decision to call a special session on redistricting while ongoing floods—responsible for the deaths of more than 100 Texans, including school-aged children—continue to devastate the state is nothing more than a craven power grab and absolutely disgusting. This is an order straight from Mar-a-Lago and carried out at the expense of Texans. Let’s be clear: this is not about fairness or constitutionality. This is about the Coward-in-Chief, Trump, and his lapdog, Greg Abbott, trying to rig the system because they know they can’t win a fair fight in 2026.

We’re not buying for one second that the timing of the Trump DOJ’s letter—sent just two days ago—was a coincidence. This is a coordinated political stunt, not a legal revelation. The claim that coalition districts like mine violate the Voting Rights Act and 14th Amendment is laughable and offensive.

To top it off, Abbott is tacking on disaster relief funding, not out of compassion, but to disguise this blatant power grab. Texans aren’t losers and we’re not fools either. Real leadership doesn’t exploit disasters to push partisan redistricting schemes.

Let me be clear:I will not stand by while this state becomes a testing ground for Trump’s authoritarian fantasies. We will fight this assault in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our coalition is strong, and we are not backing down.

So, Trump and Abbott: BRING IT ON.“

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

Headline: Congressman Veasey Slams the “Big Ugly Bill” — Republicans Prove to Be Spineless

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, slammed the passage of the so-called “Big Ugly Bill” by Republicans. Included in the bill were nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, tax breaks for the wealthy, and reductions to other vital programs that Americans rely on and pay for. Congressman Veasey released the following statement:

“Republicans in the Senate and the House are spineless cowards who put on theater for the cameras. They act concerned about cuts to Medicaid when the cameras are rolling, then turn around and vote to gut Medicaid, slash SNAP, and raise energy bills,” said Congressman Veasey.

“They are too cowardly to stand up to Trump and his billionaire buddies. They’re voting to strip people of their health care. They’re voting to force Americans to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.”

“This is not the party of fiscal responsibility. This is the party of chaos, corruption, and cowards.”

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

Headline: Congressman Veasey and Texas Democrats Introduce, “Anti-Rigging Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Anti-Rigging Act of 2025, joined by nine of his fellow Texas Democrats.The bill seeks to end the anti-democratic practice of mid-decade redistricting unless mandated by a court order—ensuring fairer, more transparent elections for all Americans: 

“This move by Governor Abbott does Trump’s bidding, not for any legitimate constitutional purpose as they claim, but to attempt to win an election before the first ballot has been cast. Hiding it under flood relief from the victims to use them as political cover to rig an election is disgusting. Abbott and his overlord Trump are not the leaders Texans deserve or need,” Congressman Veasey, Co-chair of the Voting Rights Caucus said. “It is cynical, racist, and with clear political intent. This bill would ensure it could never happen again. They can’t win on policies because they’ve stripped millions of health care, so they are resorting to their classic playbook: cheating.”

Rep. Veasey is joined on the legislation by Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Julie Johnson, Lizzie Fletcher, Al Green, Veronica Escobar, Jasmine Crockett, Vicente Gonzalez, Greg Casar, and Sylvia Garcia.

“Mid-decade redistricting is disrespectful to citizens and disruptive to democracy,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Once a decade, redistricting takes place not for politicians but for citizens.  Politicians should not trade their constituents to maximize partisan political advantage.  They deserve—and should expect—better from those elected to serve them.”

On Wednesday, at Donald Trump’s urging, Governor Abbott called a special legislative session in Texas to push through a racist and partisan redistricting plan—using flood relief as political cover, even as ongoing floods have already killed more than 100 Texans. These are the same maps Republicans passed in 2021, when they controlled both the governorship and the legislature.

“Desperate to protect an obedient Republican majority lock on Congress, and anxious that many House GOP members may lose in 2026, the president directed Governor Abbott to find him new seats through more crooked gerrymandering,” said Rep. Doggett. “Yet another power grab by a power-hungry administration that will likely redraw the entire state, impacting Austinites. We must rise up and resist.”

“Instead of focusing on providing necessary resources for emergency preparedness and prevention for the state of Texas or support for Central Texas families after the tragic Kerr flooding that has taken well over a hundred lives, Republicans are focused on more gerrymandering. Donald Trump recognizes there will be an electoral backlash from the bill he signed last week which kicks millions of Americans off their healthcare and gives the rich massive, permanent tax cuts so he instructed Governor Greg Abbott to rig the rules by prematurely redistricting Texas and adding 5 more Republican-leaning seats in Congress,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “The Governor should focus on the significant and real challenges Texans face. Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”

“In their latest attack on our Constitution, Greg Abbott and Donald Trump are trying to rig the next election and rip away fair representation through a convoluted and shameless mid-decade redistricting plan. Let’s call this what it is: a desperate, racist power grab. It’s pathetic, and it’s rotten to the core,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Anti-Rigging Act, led by my friend Marc Veasey of Fort Worth, to make sure neither party can trample the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act. The Constitution is clear: redistricting happens once a decade, not whenever politicians feel like rigging the maps.”