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Rep. Doggett Leads Texas Members in Opposing EPA Deregulation of Air Pollutants

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

The Congressman also joined environmental advocates and Senate and House climate leaders to forcefully push back against science denialism. Watch his remarks here.

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—As President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to roll back regulations to address climate change and protect public health, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), led most Texas Democratic Congressmembers this week in opposing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s proposal to eliminate any federal ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and resultant protections.

Established in 2009, the endangerment finding is a science-based determination by the EPA that six greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, including carbon dioxide, are harmful to public health and welfare. Even with modest existing regulations, Texans continue to suffer from intensifying extreme weather that costs lives and billions in infrastructure and property damage.

In the letter, the Texas members write, “The climate crisis is not a far-off event or a theory–it is already here and endangering our constituents. Extreme storms and temperatures create dangerous conditions for Texans. This July, Central Texas floods exacerbated by climate change killed at least 137 people. Greenhouse gas emissions worsened the damages of Hurricane Harvey, as half of residential flooding was attributed to climate change. Rising temperatures lead to rising deaths, with the number of heat-related deaths in Texas breaking state records consecutively from 2020 to 2023. Tick- and mosquito-borne tropical diseases further threaten Texans’ health as diseases move northward and threaten our health infrastructure. It is clear that regulating greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to protect human health and the environment.”

The Trump Administration’s proposal to undo standards backed by decades of scientific evidence is not only a giveaway for our nation’s biggest polluters, but it will undoubtedly force American families to pay more for health care because such pollutants can lead to heart disease, respiratory illnesses like asthma, cancer, and more. 

Texans can still voice their individual concerns about filing a comment on the harmful EPA proposal through next Monday, September 22. To submit a comment, click here.

The full letter can be read here.

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Illinois Delegation Members Demand Answers from DHS and ICE on Conditions at the Broadview Processing Center

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  As the Trump administration continues to flout federal law, Democratic members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Danny Davis (IL-04) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding answers on the conditions, capacity, and basic services for immigrants held at the Broadview ICE Processing Center in Illinois. 

On June 18, after receiving reports of abuses and misuse of a processing center to detain people in inhumane conditions, the Members tried to conduct an oversight visit but were unlawfully denied access, even after documenting their identity. Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight and enter any facility operated by or for DHS used to detain or house immigrants without previous notice. Since then, they continue to receive reports about community members detained in the facility in deplorable conditions that violate their human and legal rights as well as state laws that prohibit existence of detention centers

In the letter, the Members state “we sought access to the Broadview facility because of credible reports that the facility was being used to unlawfully detain immigrants, including our constituents. The reports suggested that people are being detained for prolonged periods of time without access to basic necessities and legal counsel. One person detained there detailed how she was one of approximately 30 women who were held in a room with no beds, no blankets and very little food. She and her fellow detainees had to sleep on the floor and had no access to showers or any hygiene products.”

The Members demand that DHS and ICE respond to questions including the facility’s total holding capacity, how many people they actually have in custody, how the center will be utilized in connection to Operation Midway Blitz, what medical care is provided at the facility, and what process exists for people to communicate with their lawyers and family members.  

“We take our responsibility to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States seriously, even if you do not. We continue to be deeply concerned about the conditions at the Broadview facility, and we will not be deterred by your refusal to comply with the law.”

A copy of the full letter can be found here.  

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Smucker’s Legislation Advances with Strong Bipartisan Support in Ways and Means Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Bills address child identity fraud, Social Security benefit clarity, and renewal of Hospital at Home program

WASHINGTON—Legislation introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) has received approval in the House Ways and Means Committee and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

Rep. Smucker’s Social Security Child Protection Act, Claiming Age Clarity Act, and the bipartisan Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, co-led with Reps. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) and Dwight Evans (PA-03), were advanced today during markup with strong bipartisan support. 

“I am pleased the Committee advanced my bipartisan legislation to protect children from identity theft, clarify Social Security benefits, and renew the successful Hospital at Home program. These bills will prevent fraud, reduce costs and improvement patient outcomes, and deserve swift passage in the House,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. 

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) offered his support for Rep. Smucker’s legislation. 

On the Claiming Age Clarity Act: 

“Americans deserve clear, accurate information when deciding when to claim their Social Security benefits,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Claiming Age Clarity Act replaces confusing terms with straightforward language so seniors can better understand their options and make the choice that best fits their financial needs. I applaud Representative Smucker for his leadership on this bipartisan bill that provides a commonsense step to strengthen retirement security.”

On the Social Security Child Protection Act: 

“Every child deserves to be protected from identity theft. The Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 ensures that families can secure a new Social Security number if their child’s card is compromised, addressing a problem in government that has left too many families without recourse,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Thanks to Representative Smucker’s leadership, this bill makes an important correction to safeguard children’s futures from financial harm.”

Background:

  • Social Security Child Protection Act (H.R. 5348)
    • The legislation would require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue a new, different Social Security Number (SSN) to an individual under the age of 14, if the card is lost or stolen while being issued to the child in the mail.
    • Under current policy, if that card is stolen or lost in the mail, the SSA will not issue the child a new SSN until that child is the victim of fraud and reports it within 2 years of the fraud taking place.
       
    • Many victims of child Social Security fraud don’t discover it until adulthood, when changing their SSN can disrupt credit, government, and employment records.
       
    • By allowing a child to replace their SSN before entering adulthood, they can be spared from these difficult situations.
       
  • Claiming Age Clarity Act (H.R. 5284)
    • Introduced on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08). 
       
    • The legislation would modernize the Social Security Administration’s terminology, so it more clearly explains how retirement age affects monthly benefits. 
       
    • The legislation is endorsed by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, AARP, and AMAC Action. AARP noted: “Your bipartisan bill will provide American workers with better and more understandable information about the impact claiming age has on their earned benefits, helping them make more informed choices about when to start collecting Social Security.” 
       
  • Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313)
    • Bipartisan legislation would enable hospitals to extend successful “Hospital at Home” programs for an additional five years. 
       
    • In November 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver to provide hospitals with increased flexibility to care for certain patients from the comfort and convenience of their homes, rather than in a hospital setting. 
       
    • According to the American Hospital Association, this model has been proven to “reduce costs, improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience.” 
       
    • A recent report from CMS shows that allowing patients to be treated in a more familiar environment and routine accelerates recovery time, lowers the mortality rate and reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections and falls. 

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Representative Smucker Statement on North Codorus Township Shooting

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement in response to the North Codorus Township shooting that occurred today in York County:

“I am devastated and heartbroken by the senseless and horrific tragedy that unfolded today in North Codorus Township. We mourn the brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to their families and loved ones. Tonight, families are facing the unimaginable pain of loved ones not returning home and there is a profound sense of loss felt by our entire community. 

We ask everyone to keep the Northern York Regional Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, and all first responders across our community in your thoughts and prayers, as they grieve the loss of their fellow officers. We hope for the swift recovery of the injured officers and are grateful to the dedicated medical professionals providing their care. Our community will come together to support our brave law enforcement officers and all who are affected by today’s tragedy,” said Rep. Smucker.

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DeGette Leads Colorado Democratic Delegation in Letter to EPA Concerning State Haze Plan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) led the entire Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Cyrus Western and Air and Radiation Division Director Adrienne Sandoval concerning EPA’s partial disapproval of Colorado’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

“The State of Colorado produced a strong regional haze plan that would make reasonable progress towards natural visibility in Class I areas inside Colorado and in surrounding states. We are deeply concerned with EPA’s partial disapproval which will allow controllable pollution to continue dirtying the air in our parks and communities,” wrote the members.  

“The disapproval…undermines Colorado’s authority to improve air quality and reduce pollution causing hazy skies in our prized national parks and wilderness areas and harming the health of our constituents. With its proposal here, EPA undermines the cooperative federalism principles embodied by the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Program. It is critical that EPA approve the State’s plan to ensure the health of Coloradoans and to combat haze causing pollution,” the members closed. 

The full letter can be found here. 

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McGovern, 16 Members of Congress Tell Secretary Rubio: Support Rule of Law and Judicial Independence in Colombia

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, along with 16 Members of the House of Representatives, have written a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking him to support rule of law and accountability in Colombia and to cease attacks on the independence of the Colombian judicial system.

***Text of Letter Here (PDF)***

“Authentic rule of law demands that no person, no matter their status or position in government, be considered above the law. Your July 28 statement implies that you think that former President Álvaro Uribe should be,” wrote Representatives McGovern and the other Members of Congress. “Inherent in [your] statement is contempt for the independence of the judiciary, sovereign governance, and the rule of law in Colombia.  It ignores the fact that former President Uribe was accorded full due process in a system that the United States government has recognized for its integrity.” 

On July 28, 2025, a Colombian judge found Uribe guilty of witness tampering and procedural fraud, for which he was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest. The process included 69 public hearings over 475 days with a ruling of more than 1,000 pages that addressed the evidence and defense arguments in great detail. The case stretched over thirteen years, under three different Colombian presidents, and with prosecutors appointed by governments with diverse ideological positions.

Yet on July 28, Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling on social media: “Former Colombian President Uribe’s only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland. The weaponization of Colombia’s judicial branch by radical judges has now set a worrisome precedent.”

“In the interest of strengthening the United States’ reputation as a supporter of genuine rule of law in Colombia and around the world, and in order to send a signal to the people of Colombia that the United States stands with their quest for rule of law and accountability, we ask that you cease attacks on the independence of the Colombian judicial system and make clear that United States policy does not exempt anyone, even former Presidents, from the rule of law,” conclude the Members of Congress in their letter.

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Rep. David Kustoff, Republicans Take the Lead on Improving Social Security Customer Service

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and members of the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act, H.R. 5345. By passing out of committee, H.R. 5345 can be considered for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill passed committee by a vote of 39-1.

The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act creates one single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are victims of identity theft. Making this change creates an easier and more efficient system for American citizens trying to protect their assets. It provides a substantial improvement over the current system for reporting identity theft, which can burden individuals with complex bureaucratic processes at the SSA.

“This bill creates a one-stop shop for those trying to protect themselves from identity theft,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Having a single, direct point of contact at the Social Security Administration will undoubtedly streamline the process. It will make it easier—and it will make it faster—for victims to get relief.”

Identity theft is a serious and growing problem in the United States. In 2024 alone, 3,158 separate data breaches were reported, including over 1,800 involving Social Security numbers. Social Security numbers are an attractive target for identity thieves, as they are widely used for authentication and identification by businesses and government agencies beyond SSA. Those who have had their Social Security number compromised often describe the process of regaining their identity as complex, lengthy, and frustrating.

“Victims of identity theft deserve help, not more red tape. The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act ensures families have a single, clear point of contact at SSA when their Social Security number is compromised,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Kustoff for leading the charge on this bill, which will make government work better for the people it serves.”

Congressman Kustoff has long favored reforms to government that increase efficiency and decrease unnecessary burdens on individuals. This legislation accomplishes both goals.

“We, as members of Congress, often have to deal with legislation that is complicated and controversial,” added Congressman Kustoff. “This bill is neither. It is strongly supported by all sides.”
Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks in committee. Click here for the full text of the bill.

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Grothman’s Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act Passes House Ways & Means Committee with Unanimous, Bipartisan Support

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act with bipartisan support, a measure to restore accountability and fairness to the IRS penalty process.

This legislation is supported by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, and National Federation of Independent Business.

“I’m thrilled the Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act received unanimous and bipartisan support in the Ways and Means Committee,” said Congressman Grothman. “This is an important step toward restoring accountability at the IRS and ensuring taxpayers are treated fairly when penalties are considered. By requiring direct supervisor approval, we add a simple but powerful safeguard that protects hardworking Americans from unjust fines. I want to thank Chairman Jason Smith for his leadership and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the importance of protecting hardworking Americans from bureaucratic overreach.”

“Every effort must be made to ensure the IRS is not able to unfairly target and penalize Americans. This bill would end current practices at the agency that make it so agents can levy penalties on taxpayers without proper and timely supervisory approval,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Grothman for championing taxpayers in Wisconsin and across the country.”

“Congressman Grothman has earned the thanks of taxpayers in Wisconsin and across the nation for his unwavering leadership on behalf of a little-known issue with huge importance — ensuring the IRS follows the law when it proposes penalties,” said Pete Sepp, President of National Taxpayers Union. “Although Congress passed a statute 27 years ago that required supervisor approval for penalties, the IRS has been caught in court cutting corners on proper procedures, has proposed self-serving rulemakings to override legislative intent, and has even dismissed taxpayer advocates’ recommendations for improving those procedures as ‘laborious formalities.’ We applaud Congressman Grothman for shepherding H.R. 5346 through the Ways and Means Committee and for standing behind urgently needed taxpayer protections. Onward to victory in the House floor!”

“Essential reforms within H.R. 5346 bring needed sensibility and fairness to the IRS penalty process,” said Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan. “The legislation will ensure that penalty decisions affecting small business owners receive proper supervisory review, which is a vital safeguard against hurried, biased, or inappropriate enforcement actions. Small businesses are disproportionately burdened when it comes to the time, financial resources, and expertise required to navigate IRS compliance and penalty decisions. They are the economic drivers and job creators of local economies throughout our nation, therefore, time and capital diverted away from the business and spent on probing or paying questionable or unjustified IRS penalties divert these resources away from growing their business, innovating and creating jobs. SBE Council appreciates Representative Grothman’s leadership in supporting small businesses on this critical matter, and we encourage all House members to vote in support of the Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act.”

“NFIB appreciates the Ways and Means Committee’s efforts to support small businesses by improving taxpayers’ rights and increasing accountability at the IRS,” said the National Federation of Independent Business. “Most small businesses do not have a designated accounting department; the Tax Court Improvement Act and FAIR Act help ensure that the tax process is more reasonable and impartial for small businesses.”

“Implementing clearer standards for IRS enforcement actions is a needed step to providing long-overdue accountability,” said the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. “The American people ought to have the assurance that their government will not arbitrarily target them with frivolous litigation. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance is glad to see legislation like this move forward.”

 

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U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives

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PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

U.S. Virgin Islands, September 18, 2025

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps 

September 18, 2025                                         202-813-2793 

PRESS RELEASE 

PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 

U.S. Virgin Islands — The offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025 on St. Croix and St. Thomas due to inclement weather conditions affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Constituents are encouraged to monitor official weather advisories and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this time.  

The Washington, D.C. office will remain open. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left at the St. Thomas and St. Croix offices will be responded to in short order when the offices reopen and resume normal operations. 

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Wilson Introduces Bill to Re-Impose Jackson-Vanik Sanctions on Russia

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson introduced the No Trade with Terrorists Act. This legislation will reimpose the Jackson-Vanik Sanctions on the Russian Federation. 

      “After the attack on Poland, I’m grateful to introduce this bill to reimpose Jackson-Vanik on Russia cutting off all trade with this terrorist dictatorship. President Obama and John Kerry wrongfully repealed this law during the misguided Russia Reset which encouraged war criminal Putin to occupy Crimea. Trump will fix it,” said Rep. Wilson. 

     Read the full text of H.R. 5292 here.

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