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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statementafter introducing H.R. 5183, the District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act, important legislation designed to strengthen Congressional oversight of the D.C. Council and prevent the city from enacting reckless policies that jeopardize public safety and undermine the rule of law:  

“Under the Constitution’s District Clause, Congress retains ultimate responsibility for the governance of the District of Columbia. Yet in recent years, the D.C. Council has advanced a series of dangerous soft-on-crime measures, including efforts to slash criminal penalties, weaken law enforcement, and defy previous Congressional disapprovals.

H.R. 5183 restores much-needed balance by extending the congressional review period for all D.C. Council legislation from 30 to 60 legislative days before it can take effect. Public safety comes first.  Too often, the D.C. Council rushes through radical measures that disregard safety and defy common sense.  

My bill also prohibits the Council from reintroducing or passing bills substantially similar to measures previously disapproved by Congress.  If Congress rejects a bad idea, the Council should not get another chance to sneak it through.

Washington, D.C. deserves a transparent government, not one that hides controversial measures behind so-called “emergency waivers.” My bill also prevents the Council from extending emergency waivers that have been abused to sidestep Congressional oversight and adopt policies that have nothing to do with genuine emergencies. 

Finally, H.R. 5183 requires an annual report and hearing from the D.C. Council to Congress.  This commonsense step will ensure that the federal district is governed in a manner that reflects its residents and its unique role as our nation’s capital.

The D.C. Council has shown time and again that it cannot be trusted to put public safety first.  My bill makes it clear: Congress has a constitutional obligation to ensure our nation’s capital is safe, stable, and governed responsibly,” stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

Background:

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a markup of legislation on September 10, 2025, including H.R. 5813, to ensure our nation’s capital is safe and beautiful. The legislation empowers District law enforcement to combat the juvenile crime crisis, increases educational opportunities for D.C. children, and ensures a beautiful capital city for all Americans. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter bill improving health care access for rural America passes committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today spoke in favor of his Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, a bill extending critical programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities, which unanimously passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Watch and read his remarks below: 

“Mr. Chairman, I’d like to express my support for the bipartisan Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act that I have introduced with Senator Tim Scott. 

“This legislation would reauthorize critical Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities.

“Rural residents often encounter barriers to accessing health care, including distance and transportation issues. 

“These roadblocks result in unmet health care needs, leading to a 43 percent higher mortality rate for rural Americans compared to those living in cities and suburbs. 

“The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program represents one of the federal government’s most successful rural health grant initiatives.

“These programs promote innovative solutions that help people in rural communities get the care they need, such as an increase in access to preventative health services and screenings, chronic care management, and other forms of care that are needed in our rural areas across the United States.

“In fact, several recipients in Georgia benefit from this program, including the Southern Healthcare Collaboration in Baxley, Georgia.

“By reauthorizing Rural Health Services Outreach Programs, this bill will lead to increased access to health care services for rural communities.

“In 2020, President Trump signed into law legislation reauthorizing Rural Health Outreach Services Programs under the 2020 CARES Act through fiscal year 2025.

“The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 will extend these critical programs through 2030.

“Further bill changes will ensure that local rural needs are prioritized in grant awards.

“I applaud Senator Scott for introducing this bill with me, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after Introducing H.R. 5362 – To name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the ‘‘Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic’’:

“Colonel Boyce spent much of his life in service to his community, state, and nation. Through his service in the Marine Corps and later in elected office, Mike was a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of our active duty servicemen and veterans.

“Mike worked to ensure our service-members had the tools to succeed, and was instrumental in establishing the Cobb County VA Clinic, which remains a vital resource for those who served our country.

“Recognizing Col. Boyce through this legislation is a fitting tribute to an American hero whose service and advocacy inspired so many; and I greatly appreciate his wife, Judy, continuing this incredible legacy.”

Rep. Austin Scott said in support: “Colonel Michael H. Boyce was a distinguished veteran, valued community member, and church leader. I am proud to be apart of this legislation that serves to honor his life and legacy of service to his country and neighbors.”

“Colonel Mike Boyce courageously served our nation, passionately led his community, and tirelessly advocated for his fellow veterans. said Rep. Andrew Clyde. I’m proud to support Rep. Loudermilk’s effort to name the Marietta VA Multispecialty Clinic after Colonel Boyce to honor his remarkable life and service.”

“Mike Boyce lived a life of extraordinary service, service to his country, the people of Cobb County, and the veterans of Georgia. He led the charge in establishing the first Cobb VA clinic and the county’s first Veterans Service Office,” said Rep. McBath. “I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to name the clinic in his honor as a thank you for the veterans he helped in his lifetime, and for all the servicemembers he will continue to help through his legacy.”

Cobb Chamber President & CEO Sharon Mason supports: “Mike Boyce was a tireless advocate for Cobb’s military community and a steadfast partner to the Cobb Chamber. His legacy of service, both to our nation and to Cobb County, has left a remarkable impact. Renaming the VA clinic in his honor is a fitting tribute to his commitment to veterans and military families, and we are proud to support this recognition.”

Click here to read full bill text.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) secured unanimous passage in the House Energy and Commerce Committee of the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a critical program that drives development of new treatments for children with rare pediatric diseases.

“No family should ever have to wonder whether their child can access the treatments they need while fighting a rare disease like cancer,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to keep lifesaving therapies available and speed the development of even better ones. I’m committed to getting this across the finish line with my colleagues in the House and Senate.”

Treatment options for children are extremely limited, despite them making up as much as half of the patients living with rare diseases. Children are currently receiving the same treatments as adults, leaving them with life-altering complications even after their disease is cured. The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act addresses this head on by reauthorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cost-neutral priority review voucher (PRV) program, which incentivizes the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Since 2011, 53 PRVs have been awarded for 39 different rare pediatric diseases.

Trahan’s bill was advanced with unanimous support today in the Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a larger health care package titled the Give Kids a Chance Act. It now moves to the House floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Since joining the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2021, Trahan has spearheaded multiple bipartisan initiatives to improve pediatric health care. Last year, she secured House passage of her bipartisan Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which helps families of children with complex medical conditions access out-of-state care. She also authored the bipartisan Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, aimed at strengthening research and treatment development for pediatric brain tumors, and the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act, which passed the House and would ban the consumer sale of lethal concentrations of sodium nitrite.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, during  National  Diaper  Need  Awareness  Week, Congressmen Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and Rob Menendez (D-NJ), joined by Representatives Ryan  Mackenzie  (R-PA), and Brittany  Pettersen (D-CO), introduced the bipartisan Family-Friendly Facilities Tax Credit Act, which incentivizes small businesses nationwide to install diaper changing stations in family restrooms.

Too often, families with young children are unable to access diaper changing stations during family outings. While small businesses want to provide family-friendly accommodations for all members of their communities, renovating public restrooms or building an additional family restroom can be cost prohibitive.

“As the father of a toddler, I’ve changed enough diapers to know how essential it is to have access to safe diaper-changing stations when the time calls for it,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “Too often, parents are forced to improvise in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. I founded the Dads Caucus to push for policies like this one, which offers an incentive for small businesses to install diaper-changing stations, giving businesses the tools to help better serve families in their communities.”

“Every parent and caregiver deserves the basic dignity of being able to care for their child in a safe and clean space, no matter where they are,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “As the father of two young kids and a member of the Dads Caucus, I’m grateful to work with my  colleagues  to solve this challenge for parents and families and support small businesses nationwide. This is about more than just having a place to change a diaper — it’s about accessibility and equity, too.”

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult and anxiety-inducing it can be when you’re at work or out grocery shopping and you can’t find a convenient, safe spot to change your baby. Every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can care for their child’s most basic needs no matter where they are,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “I’m grateful to join my fellow parents in Congress to find ways to encourage small businesses to install diaper-changing equipment so that our communities are a welcoming, safe place for all families.”

“As a husband and father to a one-year-old, with another on the way, I understand the challenge of finding safe and accessible changing facilities when my family is on the go,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Families deserve these accommodations, but many small businesses may struggle with the costs of materials and installation. That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation, which will help both families and small businesses in our communities.”

The  legislation  amends  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  to  create  a  tax  credit  for  small  businesses  to install a diaper changing station in their family restrooms, covering up to 70% of the expenses paid or  incurred  by  the  business  through  the  credit.  Small  businesses  with  annual  revenues  under  $5 million can claim up to $10,000 per location through the credit. The bill is supported by the National Diaper Bank Network and Small Business Majority.

For full bill text, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven pieces of legislation, including two key bipartisan initiatives led by U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). Both measures are now poised for a vote on the House floor.

One of the measures, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, underscores the importance of AM radio as a critical tool for emergency communication. For decades, AM radio has served as a vital source of news, entertainment, sports, and music for tens of millions of Americans—particularly while on the road.  The bipartisan bill directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new motor vehicles, ensuring universal access to AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

“To maximize public safety and ensure access to every available communication channel, we must maintain a strong and widely accessible emergency alert system,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Every hurricane season, Floridians depend on timely information to make potentially life-saving decisions—whether to evacuate, shelter in place, or seek help. AM radio remains a trusted and far-reaching resource, especially in rural and underserved areas where alternative forms of communication may be limited. With most radio listening taking place in vehicles, it’s essential we preserve this accessible and reliable medium for all Americans.”

The second Bilirakis-led initiative to pass out of committee is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at accelerating the development of pediatric cancer treatments and expanding access to life-saving therapies for children with rare diseases.  The bill combines multiple pieces of legislation that Bilirakis has long supported.  The package will strengthen incentives for pediatric drug development, improve patient outcomes, and address long-standing gaps in research for rare childhood diseases.

“The Give Kids a Chance Act builds on successful efforts to deliver new treatments for children facing cancer and other devastating rare conditions,” said Bilirakis. “The FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program has already helped bring 53 new treatment options to market. Unfortunately, the FDA’s authority to issue these vouchers has expired. As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, restoring this vital program is one of my top priorities.”  

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month- a stark reminder that more than 1500 kids die from cancer in America each year.  Additionally, the package codifies the practice of awarding orphan drug exclusivity based on a product’s FDA-approved indication rather than the broader disease category. 

“These changes continue to drive innovation and investment in therapies for smaller patient populations. While we’ve made important progress, far too many children are still lost to rare diseases and cancer. I’m proud to help lead the charge to give families more hope and better outcomes,” Bilirakis added.  

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

“Dangerous flooding also threatens Maryland communities further inland as heavy precipitation and severe storms have become more common. As of August 1st, Maryland has already recorded the most flash flood warnings in 2025 since 2020. Two years after Ellicott City was hit by a 1-in-1000 year catastrophic flash flood in 2016, which took the lives of two Marylanders, damaged over 100 businesses and 107 homes costing over $22 million in repairs, and reduced economic activity by $67.2 million, another flash flood once again destroyed the city’s Main Street and led to the death of one person. Recent flooding in the Mid-Atlantic led to the death of a child swept away by flood waters and over 200 children and students being evacuated from an elementary school in motorized boats in Western Maryland. The flood damaged drinking water systems and roads, highlighting the dangers facing all Marylanders as extreme weather wreaks havoc on the state’s infrastructure and local economies,” they continued.

“We urge you to put the welfare of people over that of polluters and maintain the Endangerment Finding. Marylanders and communities across the country should not be left to foot the bill for the climate chaos caused by polluters,” they concluded.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“This is a matter of lives being cut short and futures stolen.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) discussed how Republicans’ attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rollbacks of environmental regulations will increase asthma, heart disease, and preventable illness in frontline communities like Boston’s Chinatown, Mattapan, and Roxbury neighborhoods. The Congresswoman highlighted how Black, brown, and Asian American communities disproportionately shoulder the harm of environmental pollution, and urged Republicans to ensure polluters, not families, pay the price.

A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s exchange with witnesses is below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley in Hearing: GOP Attacks on EPA Risking Lives in Boston and Beyond

House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement

September 16, 2025

REP. PRESSLEY: Republicans are working to dismantle the very protections that keep our air and water safe – protections they dismiss as so-called burdens.

But when government makes it easier for corporations to pollute, the real burdens fall on the people.

Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record this September 2025 article from WBUR titled, “Fear and low morale at New England EPA office as it loses a quarter of its staff under Trump.”

CHAIR: Without objection.

REP. PRESSLEY: This reporting makes clear that the mass firings in the EPA have destabilized our workforce and left communities without critical safeguards, and also disrupted the lives and livelihoods of those who have been laid off.

In Boston’s Chinatown – which I am proud to represent in the Massachusetts 7th –families live at the intersection of two interstate highways. It is a vibrant neighborhood, rich in culture and history, but one that has been paying the price of pollution for generations.

Study after study confirms what my constituents already know: Chinatown routinely has the worst air quality in Massachusetts because of toxic air emissions.

Mr. Schaeffer, what are the public health consequences for frontline communities when environmental protections are weakened?

MR. SCHAEFFER: Increased risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks, premature mortality from these pollutants. And just again, these issues have been studied and studied and studied. There are areas where there’s room for debate and there are other areas where the evidence is really obvious about the hazard.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. Yes, less environmental protections means more children with asthma, more elders with heart disease, and more families with preventable illnesses and lives cut short.

Parents in Boston know what it’s like to watch their child wheeze on the way to school or to spend hours in an ER on a bad air quality day. Asthma alone causes 14 million missed school days a year nationwide – meaning our children are falling behind in class because of pollution in the air they breathe.  

And these burdens aren’t equally shared. 

Mr. Schaeffer, what does the evidence tell us about racial disparities in exposure to pollution?

MR. SCHAEFFER: I would say that especially if you look at income, you do see a disparity. The pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities, and that’s because they tend to be located near factories, near highway centers, near construction sites, ports, and of course, in many of those neighborhoods, you have a majority of African American or Latino or Asian, Asian American residents.

REP. PRESSLEY: That’s right. And Black children are twice as likely to develop asthma because communities of color in Boston and across the country are disproportionately forced to breathe dirtier air, drink less safe water, and be subject to risks they didn’t create. 

In Mattapan and Roxbury – two predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods in my district – children are seven times more likely — seven — to go to the emergency room for asthma attacks compared to children in more affluent neighborhoods just a couple miles away.

Now, Republicans want to strip away some of the only tools these communities have to hold polluters accountable when companies refuse to follow the law.

Mr. Schaeffer, how do the policies we’re discussing today work to ensure companies account for the costs of their pollution?

MR. SCHAEFFER: First of all, I want to sort of reiterate, we’re talking about after market defeat devices that are sold to strip out or disable emission controls in trucks. I mean, common sense ought to tell you that’s wrong. It’s wrong to do that. I don’t know how many pamphlets or notices you need to read before you understand you really shouldn’t do that. 

If you do, EPA has found the nitrogen oxide emissions will be 310 times higher than they are from a diesel truck that meets the standards the particulates from diesel exhaust will be, I can’t remember, many times higher, at least in order of magnitude, same for hydrocarbons. So you’re really talking about controls of that pollution that meet the limits or no controls at all in a lot of these cases, and the impact is pretty devastating.

REP. PRESSLEY: I agree. The choice is simple: defend corporations who poison our air or protect the children who are struggling to breathe.

I urge my colleagues to make the right choice and ensure polluters, not families, pay the price for their pollution.

This is a matter of lives being cut short and futures stolen. There are up to 200,000 deaths every year from air pollution.

I yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Bill Would Authorize Teens as Young as 14 to be Tried as Adults

“This approach doesn’t improve public safety. It only traumatizes our babies. History tells us as much.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a forceful speech on the House floor condemning Republicans’ bill to override the will of Washington, DC residents and authorize children as young as 14 to be tried as adults in the criminal legal system. The Congresswoman instead urged Republicans to support community-based, trauma-informed public safety solutions, and to stop delaying or cutting funding for community violence prevention programs.

In her remarks, Rep. Pressley invoked the story of the Exonerated 5—five Black and brown teenage boys wrongfully convicted of a horrific crime in Central Park despite being innocent of all accusations—and underscored that treating children as adults in the criminal legal system is a failed and racist approach that increases trauma and worsens public safety outcomes.

Earlier this month, Rep. Pressley as Trump threatened further National Guard action in cities nationwide, Rep. Pressley joined advocates and councilmembers to condemn Donald Trump’s unlawful occupation and federal law enforcement surge in Washington, DC.

A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks, as delivered, is below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Condemns Harmful GOP Bill to Criminalize Young Teenagers in Washington, DC

House of Representatives

September 16, 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation.

This bill seeks to create 14-year-old prisoners in the adult criminal legal system. We know this approach doesn’t improve public safety. It only traumatizes our babies. History tells us as much.

Antron McCray, 15 years old.

Yusuf Salaam, 15 years old.

Raymond Santana, 14 years old.

Korey Wise, 16 years old.

Kevin Richardson, 14 years old.

These 5 boys with big smiles and bright futures ahead of them – went on to experience fear and manipulation that no child should. They were threatened, harassed, coerced, abused, and tried as adults. The very harm that this Republican bill would expand. 

From the moment of their arrest, these teenage boys – these Black boys – were treated as guilty of a horrific crime in Central Park despite being innocent of all accusations. It was part of the hyper-punitive culture that prioritized political talking points about being “tough on crime” and targeted Black and brown communities rather than investing in resources and policies that actually keep us all safe. Sound familiar?

During their trial, there was a PR campaign against the boys on TV and in newspapers. Donald J. Trump himself spent the equivalent of more than two hundred thousand dollars advocating for them to get the death penalty.

These five Black and brown children were innocent, but Trump wanted them killed. 

To this day, he has not even apologized. And Republicans in Congress are supporting him and his bigotry with this bill.

The story of the Exonerated 5 is a tragedy and part of our shared history, but Republicans want it to be the future. 

First, their rhetoric demonized our communities. Then, they began weaponizing the National Guard against citizens. Now, they’re changing laws to incarcerate more people at an even younger age. And of course, the prison industrial complex will reap the profits.

What Republicans are doing in DC they want to apply to the entire country.

This Republican bill perpetuates racism. The Department of Justice statistics show that Black kids are twice as likely to be incarcerated compared to white kids despite committing, at the same rate, those crimes.

This Republican bill is flawed. By treating children as adults, you deny them the protections from abuse from adults in prison, including bullying, physical violence, sexual assault, and rape.

This Republican bill makes children’s lives worse. 

Unlike in other states, when kids in DC are treated as adults, the Bureau of Prisons ships them hundreds of miles away from their family and loved ones to places like South Dakota or Texas. This makes rehabilitation harder and increases the likelihood of recidivism.

But don’t just take my word for it. There is a large coalition opposing this bill.

Scientists telling us that young people’s brains are not even fully developed until their twenties. They don’t share the same culpability for their actions as adults when they are only 14 years old. 

Lawyers explaining that children treated as adults – even when they are innocent – are denied age-appropriate legal protections for the rest of their lives.

Sociologists finding that children who commit crimes are overwhelmingly influenced by adults and their surroundings, not their own thinking. 

And, of course, the people of DC who did not vote for Trump or any Republican – for that matter – to be a city councilor.

Republicans are supporting this legislation not because they care about public safety.

If Republicans cared about reducing crime, they would tell Trump to stop delaying funding for community violence prevention programs that were passed with bipartisan support.

If Republicans cared about victims, they would stop making cuts to the Crime Victims Fund so that people who experience harm get the help that they need.

If Republicans cared about our kids, they would invest in restorative justice programs that teach children how to resolve their conflicts without violence.

If Republicans cared about our kids, they would support common sense solutions to prevent school shootings.

I urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill.

To keep our babies safe from trauma, abuse, and fear.

In the words of James Baldwin, “the children are always ours, every single one.” I challenge you to protect them all.

I yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

September 17, 2025

The Endangerment Finding of 2009 is the Foundation for Tackling Climate Change; EPA Aims to Dismantle Bedrock Policy

Washington D.C.— Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Vice Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), led 44 members of California’s Democratic Congressional Delegation in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on the agency to maintain its Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gases. The Endangerment Finding, signed in 2009, establishes that greenhouse gas emissions are a main driver of climate pollution, acknowledges the dangers of climate change, and is the legal foundation that allows the EPA to fulfill its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Trump EPA aims to dismantle this foundational protection, and if the agency is successful, it would threaten years of progress made on combatting pollution and climate change.

Read the full letter here.

This letter is signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43), Mark Takano (CA-41), John Garamendi (CA-08), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Derek Tran (CA-45), Jim Costa (CA-21), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Judy Chu (CA-28), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), George Whitesides (CA-27), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Josh Harder (CA-09), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Norma Torres (CA-35).

Read the full letter below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for California and our constituents’ health and safety.

The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters more severe, and costing us all, especially the most vulnerable.

It is well documented how climate change fuels extreme weather. Rising global temperatures due to climate change contribute to stronger hurricanes, more intense wildfires, and more extreme heat, among other impacts. The threats have never been more dire or clearer to communities across the country, including our constituents.

Climate change is making wildfires more dangerous in California and across the Western United States. Hotter, drier weather and more intense droughts – all associated with climate change – along with a longer fire season are driving up wildfire risk. Research estimates that an average yearly 1°C (1.8°F) temperature increase would mean an up to 600% rise in median burned area per year.

This year started off with wildfires tearing through the city of Los Angeles, fueled by the driest start to the wet season on record with no measurable precipitation, combined with parched, flammable vegetation buildup and near-record wind speeds—conditions all made worse by a changing climate. The fires burned for 24 days over 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, most of them homes, and killed at least 29 people. Some residents returned to see just smoldering rubble remaining of their homes. Across the city, exposure to dangerous toxins in the air, water, and soil and their health impacts remains a serious concern. Because of these fires and increased risk of future climate-fueled catastrophes, home and renters’ insurance rates are skyrocketing across the state.

The estimated damages from the Los Angeles fires are over $100 billion, as support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lags and President Trump and Congressional Republicans try to condition disaster aid. Costly natural disasters like these fires will continue growing worse with climate change, endangering lives, properties, and communities.

Across the country, and especially for the people we represent in California, climate change is not a theoretical harm—our constituents are living it every day in the contaminated air they breathe, the sea level rise eroding their coastlines, and the increased costs they must pay. The Endangerment Finding is an essential tool in the federal toolbox for protecting the health and welfare of the people of California.

By proposing to repeal the Endangerment Finding, the administration aims to undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. It means giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families across the country. It means our constituents will face more climate chaos and more pollution, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution, more health harms, and higher costs.

We urge you to maintain the Endangerment Finding and protect the health and welfare of Californians and communities all across the country.

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