MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Today Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) announced a new Progressive Deficit Reduction Plan to reduce the deficit by $12 trillion over the next decade – allowing for investment in essential programs for ordinary Americans: childcare, universal healthcare, affordable housing, free college, advanced manufacturing, and good-paying jobs. 

Watch Rep. Khanna’s floor speech unveiling the plan

 

The plan will cut spending by modernizing the Pentagon, tackling Medicare Advantage upcoding and fraud, negotiating drug prices, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. It will also increase revenue through taxing corporations and billionaires fairly while ending the cap that allows the wealthy to stop paying into Social Security each year after their first $176,000. 

The Republican’s reconciliation bill would raise the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 7-8.6% and add $3 trillion to the debt by 2034. On top of that, it doubles interest costs alone to almost $2 trillion over a decade. 

In contrast, Khanna’s Progressive Deficit Reduction Plan brings the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 3% in 2034 and cuts interest payments on the debt by more than $1.9 trillion over a decade, bringing total savings to $14 trillion.

Spending Cuts Over 10 Years

• Modernize Military and Reform Contracting — Nearly $1 Trillion spending cuts
• Get Rid of Upcoding and Fraud in Medicare Advantage — $830 Billion spending cuts
• Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices — $200 Billion spending cuts
• End Fossil Fuel Subsidies — $170 Billion spending cuts
• Implement Smarter Procurement and Contracting — $300 Billion spending cuts

Increased Revenue Over 10 Years

• Tax Corporations Fairly — $2 Trillion increased revenue
• Tax Billionaires — $4.7 Trillion increased revenue
• Protect Social Security — $2.9 Trillion increased revenue

For the full plan, click here.  

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees — joined Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday” to discuss the latest on the war in Ukraine, the threat posed by Iranian nuclear proliferation, and the Trump administration’s efforts to protect the homeland from violent illegal immigrants.

Click to Watch

Excerpts from the interview:

On ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia:

“I think we have to be clear-eyed as to who Mr. Putin is. He has not come to the negotiating table. He is not called for ceasefire like Zelensky. And if you look at the targets that were hit by Ukraine — these were the bombers that carried the cruise missiles …. As opposed to [Putin’s targets]: apartment complex buildings, schools, you know, maternity hospitals and churches. Killing civilians is a criminal act actually, according to the Geneva Convention. So, it’s a very different playing field.

“How do we get them to the table though? I do think we need a negotiated settlement. We’re not going to have a storm to Berlin like in World War II [with an] unconditional surrender. So you have to put pressure [on Putin]. How do you do that? Secondary sanctions, and secondly, keep the flow of weapons going into Ukraine to pressure Mr. Putin to act in good faith. I have little confidence in him.”

On Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb and the United States’ ability to respond to similar threats:

“I think what we saw take place was a mastermind counter offensive. It was a seismic change in modern warfare technology — where you can take a very inexpensive little drone and take out a very expensive, big bomber that drops cruise missiles. I mean, it changes everything on its head, and I know the Pentagon’s looking at this from a standpoint of ‘how can we defend [against] this?’ We don’t have the countermeasures to block these UAVs, and we need to develop those because that will be the future of warfare.”

On the threat of Iranian nuclear proliferation:

“Trump says [any deal must have] zero enrichment. He is right about that because if [the Iranians] have enrichment, they get a bomb. So, you know, I think you have to give the diplomats a chance, right? And then when diplomacy breaks down, you have war. There’s no question in my mind, coming out of that meeting, what Mr. Netanyahu’s intentions are, and that is to strike Iran when the negotiations go bad. The question [for Israel] is going to be, what will be the United States’ role? … The retaliation from Iran will be severe, and we have a lot of troops there — US citizens there. They’ll hit Jordan, they’ll hit Saudi Arabia, and they’ll hit Israel. And we are the only country along with Israel that can stop all this from coming in.”

On the Trump administration’s efforts to protect the Homeland from violent illegal immigrants:

“The Supreme Court had its order. He was returned to the United States, but now it’s time for our justice. … For 20 years he had a smuggling operation, including smuggling MS-13 gang members, according to the indictment when he came back in. I would argue, to him, you’re probably better off than El Salvador than facing these kinds of charges, and this is precisely the [type of] case that Donald Trump ran on that got him a mandate from the American people.

“They’re tired of seeing this, and what I’m amazed at — and I saw it at our hearing with Secretary Noem — is seeing the Democrats hold Mr. Garcia up as if he’s some golden boy poster child that they all rally behind when he’s in fact related to MS- 13, a trafficker, he beats his wife. I mean, it’s hardly a model for the Democratic party. I think they’re making a terrible mistake politically, and we saw that play out in the last election.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to the Middle East. The delegation was led by Congressman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and joined by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), ranking member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. The congressmembers met with heads of state, defense officials, and diplomats in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan.

Building on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region, the CODEL engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East. They also explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

“Amidst President Trump’s efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East,” said Chair Emeritus McCaul. “These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East.” 

“This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”

In Riyadh, the delegation held high-level meetings with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir and engaged with key U.S. defense and technology companies.

On Memorial Day, while in Saudi Arabia, McCaul met with and thanked airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing out of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, who are operating in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and received a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem on U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.

In Jordan, the delegation met His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

“I remain deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of members of our community as ICE continues to terrorize California cities with dangerous, extra-legal immigration raids, including activity today in Contra Costa County that targeted individuals who were in the process of going through the proper judicial and legal immigration systems – exactly what proponents of immigration enforcement purport to advocate for. 

This targeting has been cruel, unnecessary, at times lacking due process, and is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to punish California over policy disagreements and to pursue a vendetta against its forward-looking, tolerant vision. 

Californians will not back down in the face of intimidation and authoritarianism. My office is closely monitoring the situation, and constituents can visit my website to familiarize themselves with their rights.”

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the independent agency responsible for investigating chemical disasters, including fatal fires and explosions.

“It is unconscionable that in his drive to amass more and more power, the President would dismantle an agency whose sole purpose is safety. Unfortunately, our community knows all too well what happens when safety is overlooked at oil refineries: death, injuries, unbreathable air, and more. Having spent my career fighting to regulate nearby refineries, I know the vital role the CSB plays in probing the root causes of chemical incidents and in issuing recommendations that have helped keep workers and communities safer. I will do everything possible in Congress to fight this dangerous executive overreach and protect the Chemical Safety Board.”

Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. During his tenure on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, he played a pivotal role in the Industrial Safety Ordinance and the Refinery Flare Rule for local refineries and chemical facilities following a deadly explosion at the Tosco refinery in 1997. When President Trump previously tried to eliminate the CSB in 2018 and Congressional Republicans proposed to reduce its funding, Congressman DeSaulnier successfully authored an amendment that passed into law to ensure it was fully funded.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA – Following reports that Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California President David Huerta was violently arrested and injured while peacefully observing an ICE raid in Downtown Los Angeles, Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

“I am outraged at the ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles that not only targeted immigrant workers and spread fear throughout our community, but also attempted to silence those who dare to speak out against the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful immigration agenda.”

“It is clear that SEIU President David Huerta was exercising his right to observe law enforcement activity and stand with community in peaceful protest to these raids. I stand with David and with immigrant communities across this country, and demand his immediate release along with the release of those detained in the raids. I will not allow this administration to tear apart families and terrorize neighborhoods. Immigrants strengthen our nation and every person in this country has a right to due process. We need answers. We need accountability. And we need to put an end to Donald Trump’s inhumane and disgusting attacks on immigrant communities.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement after H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, passed the House in a bipartisan 366–57 vote:

“Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Families in my district and across the country are still struggling with the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic, and this bill renews critical funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs that help save lives and support individuals working to overcome addiction.

While I support reauthorizing these important programs, I am outraged by the Trump administration’s brazen efforts to dismantle the very services we are working to preserve, and by House Republicans’ refusal to stop them. Even as Congress moves to reauthorize critical mental health and substance use programs, the Administration is executing an unauthorized and unlawful plan to dismantle the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): firing hundreds of experienced public health professionals, shutting down congressionally mandated offices, and rescinding over $1 billion in committed funding to states and local communities. These programs are being gutted in real time, and the same House Republicans who claim to support them are standing by in silence.

At the same time, just two weeks ago, Republicans pushed through the largest cut to Medicaid in U.S. history, slashing the very program that covers nearly 40 percent of all nonelderly adults living with substance use disorder.

I will continue to fight to protect Medicaid and hold the Trump administration accountable for its cruel, irresponsible assault on mental health and substance use care.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

Introduction comes as Congressional Republicans push to make higher education more unaffordable through their Big Ugly Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Sen. Alex Padilla (CA) reintroduced the Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt (POST GRAD) Act, a bill that would once again make graduate students eligible to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. 

For over a decade, unlike their undergraduate counterparts, graduate students have only been eligible to receive Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans which accrue interest even while they are still in school. This is because the Budget Control Act of 2011 stripped graduate students of eligibility for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. This can cost a student thousands of additional dollars over the life of the loan, particularly as interest rates on graduate loans are now at their highest since 2006. The POST GRAD Act would reverse the provision of the Budget Control Act and restore the eligibility of graduate students to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.

Many professions like mental health clinicians, school administrators, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists often require a graduate degree, but the high cost of borrowing can dissuade potential students from seeking these advanced degrees or discourage students from entering lower-paying public service jobs after graduation. 

Instead of addressing this higher education affordability crisis, Congressional Republicans are pushing to make the problem even worse. Recently, House Republicans passed a reconciliation bill that, among other harmful provisions, would eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program, a vital source of federal support for graduate students. Nationally, over 1.6 million student borrowers have Grad PLUS loans, amounting to $91 billion in debt. California has nearly 57,000 Grad PLUS borrowers, according to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

“Many of the most rewarding and in-demand jobs in the U.S. require advanced degrees, but do not always come with high earning potential. A lifetime of debt should never be the cost for obtaining a graduate degree,” said Rep. Chu. “At a time when our country is facing a shortage of specialized workers in critical fields, we should be doing everything we can to encourage students to enter these fields, rather than creating additional barriers to higher education. Democrats in Congress are committed to lowering costs and reducing debt, and that’s why I’m proud to be joined by Senator Padilla in introducing the POST GRAD Act as one important step in making higher education more attainable to everyone in America.”

“Graduate students help fuel our economy, filling workforce shortages in critical sectors like health care, education, and STEM that often require advanced degrees. Yet, too many talented students in California and nationally cannot afford to pursue advanced degrees due to the rising cost of higher education,” said Senator Padilla. “As Republicans threaten to slash the Grad PLUS program entirely, we are taking a stand to make graduate school more affordable by reinstating subsidized federal student loans for graduate students so they don’t accrue interest while they are in school. We did this for decades, and now is the time to support our 21st century graduate workforce and expand educational opportunities for low-income communities.”

“The cost of graduate education often serves as a barrier to pursuing advanced degrees, including in psychology, where shortages of qualified, culturally competent providers persist. By reinstating subsidized federal student loans for graduate students, the POST GRAD Act would relieve a portion of the financial burden associated with financing a graduate degree. APA applauds Congresswoman Chu and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this important legislation, which would make graduate study more affordable and help build a workforce ready to meet the growing needs of our population,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association.

The bill is endorsed by: American Psychological Association, National Association of School Psychologists, National Education Association, AccessLex, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, American Physical Therapy Association, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, American Occupational Therapy Association, Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, Physician Assistant Education Association, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Council on Social Work Education, American Dental Education Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Association of the Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, University of California System.

Click HERE for bill text

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, in leading a bipartisan letter to Senate leaders urging them to promptly consider the United States–Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. This legislation would eliminate burdensome double taxation between the United States and Taiwan, which is one of our largest and most important trading partners, and is a key step toward strengthening our economic partnership. Rep. Chu has long advocated for this legislation as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. 

The letter was signed by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

“The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act is essential to U.S. economic and national security interests and would have immediate, tangible benefits in fostering U.S.- Taiwan commerce and mitigate double taxation imposed on multinational businesses, investors, and workers. By removing double taxation with Taiwan, we can unlock new investment into the United States—especially from Taiwan’s world-class advanced manufacturing sector,” wrote the Members. 

This bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the 118th and 119th Congresses. Lawmakers are now urging swift Senate action to ensure the bill becomes law without delay.

The letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) led 27 California Delegation Members in a letter sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging the agency to conduct comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for properties impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County.

Recent testing by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and independent testing by the The Los Angeles Times, revealed alarmingly high levels of lead and other toxic metals in properties cleared through federal debris removal operations. According to the findings, 27% of soil samples from the Eaton Fire burn area exceeded California’s residential lead standards — a number that rose to 44% in unscraped areas. Independent investigations by the Los Angeles Times corroborated these findings, with some sites showing lead levels more than three times the state benchmark. Nearly 16,000 structures were destroyed in the two fires combined.

The Members wrote, “Thousands of homeowners, particularly in Altadena where nearly 96% of homes destroyed by the fire pre-dated the 1978 ban on lead paint, now face the difficult choice of incurring the significant personal expense of soil testing and remediation, or living with the potential threat of long-term exposure to hazardous substances. As experts have stressed, lead exposure, especially for children, can cause irreversible cognitive, developmental, and behavioral damage.”

In the letter, the Members call on FEMA to:

1. Provide federal funding to offer comprehensive soil testing, on a voluntary, opt-in basis, to property owners whose properties were destroyed or impacted in the Eaton and Palisades Fire.
2. Establish a process to remediate properties that exceed California’s safety thresholds for lead and other toxins, including redeploying cleanup crews to perform soil bioremediation or further soil removal as needed.
3. Work with federal and state health agencies to provide clear guidance to homeowners and builders regarding safe rebuilding practices, soil management, and personal protective measures on properties with marginal contamination levels.

The Members concluded, “Without these steps, disaster survivors are being left with an undue financial burden and potential health risks. We appreciate FEMA’s longstanding commitment to disaster recovery and urge you to act swiftly to ensure that the residents of Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, and surrounding communities can safely rebuild their homes and lives with confidence that their properties are free of toxic contamination.”

California Delegation signers include Representatives Brad Sherman (CA-32), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), John Garamendi (CA-08), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Derek T. Tran (CA-45), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Dave Min (CA-47), George Whitesides (CA-27), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Ami Bera (CA-06), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ro Khanna (CA-17). 

Rep. Chu’s full letter to FEMA can be found here.

On May 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched a new, county-funded soil testing program in response to these alarming findings. “I commend the County for stepping up to protect public health by offering free soil testing to residents within and downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area. This program is a critical first step, but we need FEMA’s full partnership to ensure all affected homeowners—including the thousands whose homes were destroyed in the fires—have access to testing as well as remediation,” said Rep. Chu.

For more information about soil contaminants and testing conducted by Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/eaton-soil-testing/