MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

Tonko Decries Pulling Jimmy Kimmel Show After Threats from Trump Administration

Calls out unprecedented use of political pressure to silence dissenting voices and attack free speech

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) held a press conference to announce the introduction of their Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. 

“America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics from employers when negotiating their first union contract,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “As a former police officer who organized my union, I’ve seen firsthand how unfair and frustrating this process can be for some. That’s why I am proud to partner with Representative Norcross to hold employers accountable and ensure workers have a real voice at the negotiating table, because when our workers succeed, our entire nation succeeds.”

“The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more. I know because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years. This hurts workers who, despite exercising their right to bargain collectively, are prevented from doing so by employers who enjoy the benefits of the status quo. The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly.”    

“Greedy corporations will do everything they can to deny workers a fair first contract and the wages and benefits they’ve earned,” said International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act is much-needed legislation that will expedite the process and hold employers accountable when they drag out negotiations. The Teamsters commend Representatives Norcross and Stauber for introducing a bill that will help newly organized workers secure the fair first contract they deserve.”

“Organized labor in America has been under attack by the politicians in DC for 40 years. Due to bad trade deals, weakened labor laws, and obstacles for employees trying to join a union, union membership has dropped to its lowest level in American history,” said Teamsters Local 346 Secretary Treasurer Zak Radzak. “With the Faster Labor Contracts Act by Congressman Pete Stauber, unions will no longer be undermined by long, drawn-out negotiations that diminish their power and progress. Unions will be able to better support future members by securing contracts in a more reasonable timeframe under this critical legislation. When unions win, the middle class wins! Thank you, Congressman Stauber, for working across the aisle for the American workers! 

“The Faster Labor Contracts Act will protect workers across Minnesota and the entire United States,” said Teamsters Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. “Being able to speed up negotiating a first contract is a no brainer. We are grateful for Congressman Stauber’s willingness to work across the aisle on policy that will positively impact union organizing for years to come.” 

According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract. 

The Faster Labor Contracts Act will amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to require the following: 

• After workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days.
• If no agreement is reached after 90 days, a government mediator will step in to assist.
• If mediation fails 30 days after that, the dispute will be referred to a binding 3-person arbitration panel made up of one representative chosen by the workers, one representative chosen by the employers, and a neutral third member.                 

This bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); American Compass; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division-International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW); International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA); Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.); National Employment Law Project; Transport Workers Union (TWU); Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM); United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA); United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC); United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW); United Mine Workers of America (UMWA); United Steelworkers (USW); Utility Workers Union of America

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

MINNESOTA – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced four new additions to his District Team: Jacob Ringstad is now serving as the Deputy District Director, Payton Crotty is serving as the Southern Field Representative, Kara Lindstrom is serving as the Western Field Representative and Director of Grants, and Tommy Finstad is serving as a part-time Field Representative. 

Jacob Ringstad, a native of Sartell, Minnesota, will serve as the manager of Congressman Stauber’s district team. He is based out of Congressman Stauber’s Hermantown office and is responsible for overseeing constituent services and community outreach. Prior to this role, Jacob worked as an engineering consultant and received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

Jacob can be reached at (218) 481-6396. He will represent the following counties: Cook, Lake, St Louis, Koochiching, Itasca, Carlton.

Payton Crotty, a native of Clearwater, Minnesota, will serve as a field representative in the southern portion of Congressman Stauber’s district. He is based out of Congressman Stauber’s Forest Lake office and is responsible for attending community events, resolving constituent issues with federal agencies, building relationships with community leaders, and keeping the Congressman informed on local issues. Prior to this role, Payton interned in Congressman Stauber’s DC office and received a degree in Political Science and Government from Saint John’s University. 

Payton can be reached at (763) 310-6208. He will represent the following counties: Pine, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Isanti, Chisago, Washington.

Kara Lindstrom, a native of Los Angeles, California, will serve as the Director of Grants for Congressman Stauber’s office and a field representative in the western portion of his district. Kara will be based out of Congressman Stauber’s Brainerd office, and will help constituents navigate federal funding opportunities in addition to her field representative duties. Prior to this role, Kara served as a drug and alcohol counselor, but switched paths, most recently working as a Grassroots Associate for Americans for Prosperity and earning her Master’s degree in Political Science from Liberty University. 

Kara can be reached at 218-355-0862. She will represent the following counties: Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Becker, Hubbard, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin.

Tommy Finstad, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, will serve as a part-time field representative in Congressman Stauber’s Hermantown office. Tommy is currently a student at Lake Superior College studying professional aviation. 

Tommy can be reached at (218) 481-6396.

These additions reflect Congressman Stauber’s continued commitment to building a team that provides thoughtful and dedicated service to the people of Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC)— Today, Congressman Al Green opposed the United States Department of Education’s (ED) decision to cut $350 million in discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) supporting enrollment in science and engineering programs, schools with significant Hispanic enrollment, and other federal grants. According to a letter by the U.S. Solicitor General, the funding will be frozen from multiple grant programs after the ED claimed that awarding funds to schools serving specific racial or ethnic groups may “violate the equal protection component of the Fifth Due Process Clause.” 

While the ED will allocate $132 million in mandatory funding appropriated by Congress, this is far less than what institutions serving Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students anticipated. The cuts could directly affect students seeking scholarships, research opportunities, cultural programs, and many more similar programs that help students of color succeed in higher education. 

Congressman Al Green stated, “These federal dollars are approved each year by Congress. The ED cutting and redirecting congressionally mandated funding represents a direct attack on students of color and underserved communities that have been left behind by our education system. Minority-Serving Institutions are lifelines for opportunity, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Taking away these resources is a step backward in the fight for educational equity. Congress must act to restore the funds and protect every student who relies on these programs.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor, decrying hate of all forms and rejecting the notion that exposing racism fosters violence. 

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

“Freedom of speech also applies to people you disagree with, President Trump.

“Trump’s FCC Chair publicly assailed Jimmy Kimmel for expressing his beliefs in a late-night monologue — and hours later ABC and Disney pulled Kimmel’s show off the air indefinitely.

“No presidential administration should use their power to silence dissent and ABC and Disney should not have bent the knee.

“A free and independent press is a cornerstone of our democracy. This incident sets a horrific precedent for broadcasting in the United States.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Huizenga announced the introduction of the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026. This legislation ensures Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement personnel defending our borders and interior are actively paid in the event of a government shutdown. Past shutdowns have forced critical homeland security personnel to work without pay, undermining morale and readiness in their mission to secure the border, address illegal immigration, stop the flow of illegal drugs, and protect commerce. The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 is modeled after the Pay Our Troops Act, which Congressman Huizenga cosponsors.

“We cannot allow the mission-critical and dangerous work of our ICE Agents, Border Patrol Officers, and DHS law enforcement to be held hostage by Washington gridlock driven by partisan politics,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act recognizes that law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security shouldn’t have to worry about their family’s next paycheck while bravely securing our borders, cracking down on illegal drug trafficking, and keeping communities across America safe.” 

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 covers:

• DHS Law Enforcement, including employees classified in series:
• 1801: General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance (e.g., USCIS Immigration Officers, ICE Deportation Officers, TSA Federal Air Marshals).
• 1802: Transportation Security Officers
• 1811: Criminal Investigators (e.g., HSI Special Agents, ICE Special Agents, U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigators).
• 1881: CBP interdiction
• 1895: Customs and Border Protection Officers.
• 1896: U.S. Border Patrol Agents.
• 2181: DHS Aircraft Operators
• 0083: Secret Service Police

• Staff necessary to carry out the payments

• The U.S. Coast Guard members, civilian personnel, and contractors if not otherwise covered by existing law.

• Time-Limited Coverage:

• Applies to any shutdown in FY26 (and into FY27 if necessary) until authority ends on January 1, 2027, unless Congress acts earlier.

Joining Congressman Huizenga in support of The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act are U.S. Representatives: Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement: “Brendan Carr, the so-called Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has engaged in the corrupt abuse of power. He has disgraced the office he holds by bullying ABC, the employer of Jimmy Kimmel, and forcing the company to bend the knee to the Trump administration. FCC Chair Brendan Carr should resign immediately.