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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/12/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced legislation to reduce hunger among college students.

The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act will require institutions of higher education to inform students who receive federal work-study or who are eligible to receive the Pell Grant that they may qualify for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also give qualifying students official documentation of their eligibility, overcoming a common hurdle students face when applying for SNAP benefits.

“Students can’t reach their full potential if they don’t have enough to eat,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I benefited from Food Stamps while I was working my way through college, and all eligible students should have that same opportunity. I introduced this legislation to help the many college students who have told me about the barriers they face when trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families.” 

“Students have enough to worry about, putting food on the table should not be one of them,” said Representative Mark Takano. “This bill would make it easier for students to have access to basic needs by notifying them of their eligibility and helping them apply for SNAP benefits. In a time when government programs are being rolled back, I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Bonamici that would make a noticeable difference in the life of college students.” 
 

Bonamici and Takano first introduced the legislation in response to concerns they heard from community colleges and universities about students struggling with food and housing insecurity. According to 2023-2024 survey data from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, food insecurity affects about 43 percent of students at two-year institutions and about 37 percent of students at four-year institutions, up from 39 percent and 29 percent respectively three years prior.

The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats’ campaign to reform America’s higher education system for students and families. The “roadmap” brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and—once students are in school—providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

The Government Accountability Office has recommended USDA Food and Nutrition Service improve its SNAP eligibility information for students and share best practices for notifying students of their potential eligibility. 

The legislation is endorsed by Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Bread for the World, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the Institute for Higher Education Policy 

The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D- MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Paul Tonko (D-NY). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, hosted “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress.” Moderated by Law360 Reporter Courtney Bublé, the panel discussion included three government accountability experts.

As the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, Quigley has spent 16 years in Congress leading bipartisan efforts to increase honesty and trust in government.

“The cost of corruption is dollars, but the real cost of corruption is the loss of public trust. That trust has been on steady decline for the last 20 years,” shared Quigley in his opening remarks. “If we can improve the openness in communication between the government and the people, we can build a government that works better for the people.”

The panel’s experts represented a diverse range of views across the political spectrum, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the National Taxpayers Union, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

“Another thing we need to pay attention to is the destruction of records and agencies discontinuing the practice of maintaining certain records,” said Lauren Harper, Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. “You can not get a FOIA response if an agency has destroyed those documents. Or if it has opted to stop creating those records.”

“[Members who commit crimes] don’t lose their pensions until they’re finally convicted. That means many can sit in jail, and appeal, and still collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union. “The last piece of transparency we need for that is from the Office of Personnel Management, but they haven’t answered my emails since 2020.”

“Sunlight in government is essential to a functioning democracy,” said Jason Powell, Policy Director at CREW. “As part of DOGE’s efforts to reshape the government, on April 1st the CDC’s entire FOIA office was suspended without prior notice or without a plan for how the statutorily required work would continue. The CDC is now not able to respond to new [FOIA] requests, existing requests, or make statutorily-required proactive disclosures.”

To watch a recording of the event, click here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Josh Harder (D-CA) introduced the NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 in the House of Representatives. This bill will ensure due process protections for universities and individuals under investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for rule infractions.

“College sports not only unite communities, but help prepare our next generation for the future,” said Congressman Kustoff. “For too long the NCAA has operated with unchecked authority over college athletics, often treating its member universities and student athletes unfairly. That is why I introduced the NCAA Accountability Act. This bill will help ensure the due process, transparency, and fairness our universities and student-athletes deserve. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will hold the NCAA accountable.”
 
“For too long, the NCAA has operated without transparency, accountability, or fairness—leaving student-athletes, coaches, and universities vulnerable to inconsistent and biased enforcement. The NCAA Accountability Act levels the playing field by guaranteeing due process, restoring trust, and holding powerful institutions to the same standard we expect from everyone else. I’m proud to once again lead this effort with Representative Kustoff and look forward to continuing the fight to support those who make college sports great,” said Congressman Owens.
 
“College athletics bring out the best in our students and inspire communities across the country,” said Congressman Harder. “It’s only fair that student-athletes get the support and protections they need to succeed both on the field and in the classroom. This bill makes sure they do.”
 
Background:
With nearly 1,100 member universities and 460,000 student athletes, the NCAA is the largest collegiate athletic association in the U.S. It governs the athletic programs of and competition between member universities. Through its monopoly power and lack of oversight, the NCAA investigates and punishes its members with little regard for fairness, due process, or transparency. Its rules are irregularly enforced, and its investigations lack established procedures. Further, the NCAA punishes universities inconsistently and unpredictably.

The NCAA Accountability Act will: 

Due Process: 

• Require the NCAA to provide its member universities with fair notice regarding enforcement proceedings.
• Require the NCAA to complete any investigation no later than one year after it begins.
• Establish a two-year statute of limitations.
• Prohibit information from confidential sources from being offered into the NCAA’s enforcement decisions.
• Prohibit the NCAA from publicly disclosing information relating to an ongoing investigation until formal charges are filed. 

 
Fairness, Consistency, Accountability: 

• Provide member universities the right to resolve disputes (over sanctions for bylaw infractions) with the NCAA through arbitration. The 3-person arbitration panel will provide an independent, unbiased review and legally binding decision.
• Require the NCAA to conduct its enforcement proceedings and investigations in a fair and consistent manner. The penalties issued against member institutions for bylaw infractions shall be equitable with respect to severity of the infraction and the institution’s history of infractions.
• Direct the NCAA to submit an annual report to the DOJ summarizing its enforcement proceedings. The NCAA must also submit separate reports to each state’s Attorney General summarizing its interactions with member universities headquartered in their respective states. 

Enforcement:

• Direct the DOJ to establish supervisory and investigatory procedures to determine the NCAA’s compliance with this bill.
• Authorize the DOJ, through an administrative law judge, to fine the NCAA or individuals on staff up to $15,000,000 for violating the provisions of this bill.
• Authorize the DOJ to order the permanent removal of any member on the NCAA’s Board of Governors.

 

Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) recently introduced the Clear the ROADS (Reckless Obstructions and Dangers on Streets) Act in the House of Representatives. The Clear the ROADS Act would withhold federal funding if a state does not make reasonable efforts to prohibit protestors from obstructing traffic.

The Clear the ROADS Act is a direct response to the increasing trend of unlawful traffic-obstructing protests that have popped up across the United States. Recently, rioters and those protesting the removal of criminal illegal immigrants in California shut down the 101 in downtown Los Angeles.

“The Clear the ROADS Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure our highways remain clear and safe for traffic,” said Congressman Kustoff. “On multiple occasions, protestors have shut down highways in cities across the U.S. This causes major delays for commuters, prevents emergency services vehicles from saving lives, and puts innocent civilians in danger. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation that will ensure President Trump has the tools he needs to restore law and order.”

“The Clear the ROADS Act would provide the Trump Administration with another tool to hold states accountable for ensuring federally funded roads aren’t overrun by these dangerous roadblocking activities,” said Congressman Huizenga. “If States are neglecting their duties to keep their federal taxpayer-funded roads free from these traffic-obstructing actions, then federal taxpayer funds should be withheld from those States. My legislation recognizes that endangering the free flow of ambulances, fire trucks, and other drivers is not an option. Based on Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the recent road-blocking riots in California, the Clear the ROADS Act would provide President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and the Administration with the ability to penalize California’s access to roughly 400 million in taxpayer-funded federal transportation dollars.”

Background:
Currently, states are required to meet certain criteria and conditions to receive their federal transportation funding. These standards are used to encourage basic road safety and traffic laws, or even the national minimum drinking age. In a similar manner, the Clear the ROADS Act would:

• Withhold 10% of a State’s federal highway funds if the State has not made reasonable efforts to prohibit the reckless obstruction of lawful vehicle traffic on their federal-aid eligible roadways
• Require the Secretary of Transportation to annually certify whether a State has met this requirement prior to federal highway funds being apportioned

The Clear the ROADS Act is supported by the America First Policy Institute.
 

Click here for the full text of the bill. 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

Trump proposal would eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting

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

GOP’s Big Ugly Bill Would Gut Food Assistance and Healthcare, Restrict Judiciary from Enforcing Court Orders and Holding Trump Administration Accountable

“This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned the Trump Administration’s lawless behavior—including their unlawful mass deportations and attacks on immigrant communities—and criticized Republicans’ efforts to undermine the judiciary’s authority to hold Administration officials accountable.

Congresswoman Pressley highlighted how public interest lawsuits have successfully blocked much of Donald Trump’s harmful anti-immigrant agenda, and explained how Republicans’ big, ugly reconciliation bill would further dismantle checks and balances by restricting the judiciary from enforcing court orders against Trump officials.

The Congresswoman also criticized Republicans for holding the hearing and dragging Democratic governors away from their states at a time when many governors are having to figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s question line is available below and the video can be watched here.

Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump’s Lawless Immigration Agenda and Republican Attacks on Judiciary, Checks and Balances
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
June 12, 2025

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you to our Democratic Governors for being here today. 

This hearing is an utter and complete waste of your time. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars. 

Republicans have called you here alleging that you are circumventing federal law. You are not. 

But you know who is the poster child who is violating federal law daily? The current occupant of the Oval Office, Donald J. Trump. 

To make matters worse, these hardworking governors had to leave their states to be here in a moment when their work is incredibly difficult. Because Donald J. Trump and his accomplices and co-conspirators, who by the way, Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn about your constituents.

He doesn’t give a damn about you, he doesn’t even respect the seat you hold and Congress as a co-equal branch of government. 

But Donald Trump and his accomplices, many of whom are in this room, are hell bent — what you your legacy to be — is that you’re tearing food away from our babies and medical care from our elders. 

These Democratic Governors have to stand in the gap and figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

Constituents like this precious little soul that I wish I didn’t have to leave to come be here. Layla, who drew me this rainbow, a five-year-old who lives with a rare liver disease, had a successful liver transplant at Boston Medical Center. Thank God she is thriving today. But Layla will need immuno-suppressant drugs for the rest of her life that are paid for by Medicaid.

And without Medicaid, well I shudder to think what might happen to Layla. But for sure her family would at least go bankrupt trying to do everything to keep their baby alive. 

That’s what these governors, that’s the situation that they’ve been put in because your big a** ugly bill and if it comes to pass. 

And they’re dealing with the fall out of this White House pulling federal grants recklessly. Grown men throwing temper tantrums.

So again, let me be plain: The Trump Administration is breaking the law, not these Democratic governors. 

Ms. Perryman, how many legal challenges is the Trump Administration currently facing? 

MS. PERRYMAN: I believe there’s over 300 right now. 

REP. PRESSLEY: And Ms. Perryman, can you explain how litigation like this has helped to shield and defend vulnerable communities?

MS. PERRYMAN: Absolutely, without our courts upholding the rule of law and upholding the rights of people, right now there could be federal funds frozen across the country that would endanger things like Head Start and Meals on Wheels and community safety programs, including community safety programs that help prosecutors and help law enforcement in states and communities across the country. The Administration has terminated over $800 million in Office of Justice program grants that we are having to challenge in court, and the list goes on and on and on.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Ms. Perryman. Thank you for your good work.

That’s right: in case after case, the media might not want you to know, but we are winning.

Trump tried to end birthright citizenship – blocked. 

He tried to shut down asylum – blocked.

He tried to defund cities – blocked.

And because we are winning in court, Republicans are trying to change the rules to rig the system. 

Tucked in the Big, Ugly bill that Republicans voted for is a provision– Section 70302 titled Restriction on Enforcement – that would restrict the judiciary from enforcing court orders and holding government officials accountable. 

This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.

Republicans, Ms. Perryman, pretend to care about law and order. But this provision is the exact opposite. 

What message does this send to people who count on the courts to protect their rights? 

MS. PERRYMAN: It suggests that the people that voted for the bill don’t want the American people protected, and that they don’t want them to access their courts and access the ability to protect their rights.

REP. PRESSLEY: Don’t want the American people protected. That part. 

Allegedly all in the name of law and order and safety. This is about nothing but power and control and abuse of power and terror, which makes everyone less safe.

The shame and the sham of it all. I yield back

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) released the following statement responding to the forceful removal of Senator Padilla from Noem Press Conference:

“The assault on Senator Padilla is part of a continuing pattern of authoritarian, dictatorial behavior.

“[The authoritarian Trump Administration] goes into communities masked and in unmarked cars to disrupt restaurants and workplaces, to separate families, and people with no criminal backgrounds.

“They call in the National Guard without the consent or authority of the Governor of California. They bring in unprepared Marines, who are not trained in civil de-escalation tactics, and they come armed with weapons.

This is an outrage. This is authoritarian behavior spreading throughout the nation. It is a poison. It is a cancer. This has to end.

“We need to stand up, every one of us, as Americans, against this authoritarian dictatorship. Because if it’s not us today, it’s going to be you tomorrow. It’s going to be your neighborhood next.

“We are outraged at how they treated our Senator from California. Californians will stand with our Senator. I will stand with our Senator. We will fight until the very end, until this authoritarian regime is done and over.”

Click here for Congressman Ruiz’s video in English and Spanish, summarizing the march on Senator Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson’s offices, led by Congressman Ruiz and House Democrats, demanding answers on what they are doing to protect Senator Alex Padilla.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Commends Trump Action on Lower Snake River Dams

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s memorandum revoking the Biden administration’s executive actions targeting the Lower Snake River dams.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have stood firm in my support for the Lower Snake River Dams and the critical role they play in our region’s economy,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

“Today’s action by President Trump reverses the efforts by the Biden administration and extreme environmental activists to remove the dams, which would have threatened the reliability of our power grid, raised energy prices, and decimated our ability to export grain to foreign markets. I want to thank the President for his decisive action to protect our dams, and I look forward to continuing to work with the administration for the benefit of the Fourth District.” 

The Memorandum signed today revokes the Biden Administration’s “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin” Memorandum. 

This Memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to withdraw from agreements stemming from Biden’s misguided executive action, including the December 14, 2023, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) filed in connection with related litigation. 

The specified agencies will coordinate with the Council on Environmental Quality to review and revise environmental review processes related to the matters in the MOU, save federal funds, and withdraw from the MOU. 

See the full announcement here. 

Background 

During his tenure in Congress, Newhouse has led the charge in combating efforts to breach the four Lower Snake River dams.

In March of this year, Newhouse led a coalition of lawmakers from the Pacific Northwest, backed by regional stakeholders, in introducing a package of legislation to protect the Lower Snake River dams and strengthen hydropower as a reliable, affordable source of base load energy.

In January of this year, Newhouse and Senator Jim Risch of Idaho introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to require the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Lower Snake River dams remain operational and continue to support the region’s energy needs. 

In October 2024, Newhouse criticized the Biden administration for wasting taxpayer dollars on more studies to find ways to replace the energy produced by the dams. 

In June 2024, Newhouse opposed the Biden administration’s creation of a politically motivated Columbia River Taskforce, made up only of administration officials, to find ways to breach the dams.  

In March 2024, Newhouse called out Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a hearing for refusing to acknowledge the long-term implications of the Columbia River Systems Operation Agreement are a de-facto breach of the Snake River Dams. 

In December 2023, Newhouse slammed the Biden administration’s announcement of a package of actions and commitments in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation. 

In September 2023, Newhouse led a letter to then-Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallary addressing the lack of public and stakeholder input throughout the mediation process of the four Lower Snake River dams. 

In June 2023, Newhouse hosted the House Natural Resources Committee for a field hearing in Pasco, Washington on the importance of protecting the dams on the Snake River. 

In August 2022, Newhouse held a rally with over 100 community members from the Tri-Cities in Howard Amon Park to show support for the Lower Snake River Dams. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)