MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 9, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s deployment of United States Marines to the streets of Los Angeles is an authoritarian escalation unlike any before in American history. Let’s understand the facts. This all started with peaceful protests against the inhumane kidnapping of our immigrant neighbors. The LAPD had largely contained this situation before it was exacerbated by National Guardsmen whom the president illegally seized control over. And now, under the pretense of crushing the very chaos he created, the president has ordered 700 active-duty Marines to engage in so-called law enforcement, which they have no legal or ethical right to conduct. 

“We must recognize, and recognize quickly, that Los Angeles is only the beginning. In a matter of months, weeks, or even days, some contrived crisis may reach our cities. And then we’ll find the Armed Forces on our soil, with their guns trained on our people. That’s always been his goal – to ensure every American knows the fear our immigrant neighbors now feel. As he threatens to arrest a sitting governor and readies to brutalize protestors to feel like the strongman he never will be, we all must understand that Trump established a dangerous new precedent today. Time is running out to prepare for exactly what that means.

“Whatever lies ahead, Congressional Democrats will stand in solidarity with our California delegation, and we will support any efforts to oppose the president’s overreach. I urge all protestors to remain peaceful and to rise above Donald Trump’s desperation for chaos and confusion. He’s relying on the violence of protestors to justify his own. Do not give him what he wants.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $10,959,422.84 in federal grants for hurricane recovery efforts in Southwest Louisiana.

The funding is made available through the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA), which Congressman Higgins supported.

The reimbursement includes:

• $3,486,986.90 to the St. Nicholas Center for Children for building replacement in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at 90% federal cost-share and authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $3,436,062.30 to the City of Sulphur for permanent repairs to the Waste Water Treatment Generator System and Transfer Switch as a result of Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at 90% federal cost-share and authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $1,323,640.80 to the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association for permanent repairs to the Houma office building in response to Hurricane Ida. The reimbursement is made at 90% federal cost-share and authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
• $2,712,732.84 to the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association for the replacement of the Houma Office building in response to Hurricane Ida. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share and authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

Much of our official Congressional work to advance recovery projects occurs behind the scenes. Funding finalization and the associated formal announcement of funding are the result of constant efforts over many months with FEMA and state and local stakeholders. All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

A more extensive timeline of Congressman Higgins’ actions on hurricane recovery is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“South Louisiana does not let storms destroy our spirit. To date, we have delivered over $5 billion in recovery relief. Our office will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure the economic growth and prosperity of Louisiana through hurricane recovery resources.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

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

Trump Admin. Weaponizing Tax Laws to Silence Dissent, Attack Nonprofits Providing Essential Services to Vulnerable People

“This is about Trump and Republicans punishing people who disagree with them. It is about attacking nonprofits of all sizes that serve the vulnerable and marginalized and stand in the gap for our communities. It’s about trying to intimidate every charity and nonprofit in this country and spark a fear that if you speak up – if you do something the Republicans don’t like – you could be next.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned Donald Trump’s targeted, authoritarian assault on nonprofit organizations it disagrees with. Congresswoman Pressley discussed the Trump Administration’s efforts to revoke the tax-exempt status of Harvard University as part of Republicans’ broader campaign to punish dissent and attack organizations that serve vulnerable communities.

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

Transcript: Pressley Condemns Trump’s Authoritarian Assault on Harvard, Nonprofits

House Oversight DOGE Subcommittee

June 4, 2025

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

What we are witnessing from Occupant Trump, his Administration, and Republicans writ-large is not governance – it is a targeted, dangerous assault on the independence of our nonprofit organizations. 

We’ve seen these attacks take many forms, perhaps most visibly in my own district – the Massachusetts 7th – as the administration continues its unlawful campaign against Harvard University. Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, freeze billions in federal funding for scientific research to save lives, might I add, and publicly vilify students and faculty – all part and parcel of his attacks on education. 

But let me make it plain: this isn’t just about Harvard and it’s definitely not about government efficiency – the name of this subcommittee. 

This is about Trump and Republicans punishing people who disagree with them. 

It is about attacking nonprofits of all sizes that serve the vulnerable and marginalized and stand in the gap for our communities. 

It’s about trying to intimidate every charity and nonprofit in this country and spark a fear that if you speak up – if you do something the Republicans don’t like – you could be next.

A hospital that provides abortion care. A local food pantry that feeds immigrants. Or an advocacy group that fights for civil rights.

Donald Trump is weaponizing our tax laws to attack nonprofits at the same time he is pushing for tax cuts for Elon Musk and billionaires.

Ms. Yentel, can the President or Executive Branch legally revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status simply because it disagrees with that organization’s lawful speech or mission?

DIANE YENTEL: They can’t. The statute is very clear that that is illegal.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. Republicans think the answer is yes, but that would mean every nonprofit in America is just one tweet away from being targeted by the federal government.

I am proud that in the Massachusetts 7th, community-based organizations are speaking up and fighting back against Republican attacks. And I know they are doing it at risk of serious threat.

Ms. Yentel, can you make plain what are the consequences to charities and nonprofits losing tax-exempt status?

MS. YENTEL: Well, tax exempt status is given to nonprofit organizations that do essential work to meet needs in their local communities, in exchange for significant transparency and accountability. And if nonprofit organizations lose their tax exempt status, it could create significant challenges for them to be able to do their work related to how and where they get their funding, and it could cause them to have to shut down their work altogether.

REP. PRESSLEY: Their work which is to the betterment of us all, which is to the collective, our shared constituents. 

MS. YENTEL: Yes.

REP. PRESSLEY: Very good. Let’s put this in perspective:

Trump is firing government workers that administer programs like Head Start and Social Security while also attacking non-profits that provide resources and supports to vulnerable populations.

Trump and his Republican cult do not care about helping people who are struggling. Instead, they want to make them suffer more.  

Now, before I yield back, let me ask the Republican witnesses: if you all think Trump is right for revoking tax-exempt status for nonprofits for their political views, raise your hand then if you think the Heritage Foundation – who wrote Project 2025 – should also lose their tax-exempt status? 

Show of hands, by the logic that is being applied. 

MR. WALTER: I’m not aware of any nonprofit that’s had its status revoked. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Again, the question that I’m posing is, would you please raise your hand if you think the Heritage Foundation who wrote Project 2025 should also lose their tax exempt status? 

Show of hands.

MR. WALTER: It’s a perfectly a reasonable speech by a nonprofit. 

REP. PRESSLEY: So none of you, so none of you, none of you.

The shame and the sham of it all.

Before I yield back, Ms. Yentel, I know that you have been harangued intensely throughout today’s proceedings. Is there anything that you would like to set the record straight on or respond to in my remaining time? 

MS. YENTEL: Thank you, Congresswoman. I would like to use the remaining time to remind us all and every member of this committee of the vital, essential work that nonprofit organizations do in each of your communities, for your constituents, and the work that we do to support them in that work. Nonprofit organizations are local. They are transparent and accountable. They are non-partisan, by law and in practice, and they do essential work to meet the needs of all of your communities and all Americans. Thank you.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. I yield back.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

Collegeville, PA – Today, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44), led a roundtable discussion with local leaders and stakeholders impacted by the Trump Tariffs and Republican threats to cut Medicaid and SNAP. Witnesses warned that the Republican ‘One Big Ugly Bill’ would only exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for Pennsylvania’s working families.

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) hosted the committee’s field hearing, and took testimony from community leaders who work directly helping people meet their basic needs to hear how the cost-of-living crisis would worsen with the Republican tax scam to slash Medicaid and food assistance while giving huge new tax breaks to billionaires.

“At a time when families need stability, President Trump has thrown our economy into turmoil with reckless tariffs that continue to decimate retirement and college savings accounts,” said Dean. “Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans are pushing their ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which will kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their healthcare and rip away food assistance from 140,000 of our neighbors. We should be fighting to lower costs for working families — not spiking prices and financing another tax break for the wealthy.”

“Republicans are not interested in making life more affordable for American families. Trump’s One, Big, Ugly bill will take away food and rental assistance, and life-saving health care from millions of Americans,” said Barragán. “House Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to deliver solutions that support hardworking Americans. Seniors, children, and veterans will bear the burden of higher costs of food, healthcare, and housing while Trump’s billionaire donors get richer.”

“Grocery checkout lines and the fear of falling ill are still major sources of financial anxiety for families, yet the Republican response is to give the wealthiest Americans a tax break windfall and pay for it by taking affordable health care and food assistance from millions of people. It’s a cruel, deplorable and fiscally irresponsible response, and we heard that message loud and clear today in Pennsylvania,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Far from lowering costs, Trump’s chaotic economic policies are driving recessionary fears, and Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill’ would steal health care from 16 million Americans and deny food assistance to millions more. The net effect makes life even harder for paycheck-to-paycheck workers.”

“President Trump promised to lower the cost of living on Day One. He lied,” said Kelly. “Instead, Americans are paying the cost of his shortsighted trade war at the checkout counter while Republicans in Congress attack food assistance and healthcare. This is a recipe for a cost-of-living disaster, yet Republicans’ solution is to give more tax breaks to the well-off and well-connected. I, alongside my Democratic colleagues, will continue to travel across the country to hear directly from the American people and bring their concerns back to Washington with real solutions.”

The Steering and Policy Committee has gone on the road to hear from the American people, convening a town hall in California and a hearing in Virginia exposing the extreme Republican agenda. The Steering and Policy Committee will continue to travel the nation in the months ahead to reach the American people where they live and hear from them directly.

The full video of today’s hearing can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), alongside Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), announced the introduction of the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act. The bill expands access to music and arts education for students across the nation, particularly in historically underserved and underfunded communities.

The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act will provide Department of Education grants to support the professional development of arts educators. The bill allows program funding that expands inclusive curricula, innovative adaptation of lesson plans, and unique arts lesson accommodations for a wider variety of students. Importantly, the bill prioritizes funding for Title I schools to ensure educators with fewer resources have access to professional development opportunities.

“Decades of research show that students who are involved in arts education perform better academically, have improved emotional well-being, and are better prepared for careers in a 21st-century economy,” said Congressman David Scott. “Regardless of their abilities, students deserve equal access to visual Arts, theatre, dance, and music, all of which are all integral components to a well-balanced curriculum. The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act will provide arts educators with the tools needed to make their lessons accessible to all students. The bill has the capacity to push young minds to think critically and socialize—skills that are crucial for students with disabilities who may be left out of other avenues of expression.”

“Art programs in schools can provide important benefits for intellectual development – especially for young people with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. “Unfortunately, many schools lack basic resources and funding to maintain these programs. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Scott, Frost, and Adams on this legislation to help our schools fill the funding gaps, ensure equitable accessibility for students with disabilities, and set up our children for success in the future.”

“The arts provide a platform for creativity and solidarity, and as someone who attended an arts school growing up, I know how important it is for students to have the space and opportunity to express themselves. By making intentional investments in our arts educators and therapists, we ensure that every student, especially those with disabilities, can harness their creativity and thrive,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “I’m proud to cosponsor this Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act so we can build a more inclusive, accessible arts education system where every student can experience the power and joy of the arts.”

“As a former art professor of 40 years, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact arts have when they’re accessible to everyone,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “Every student, no matter ability, should have the opportunity to have arts in their life. I’m proud to support the Inclusive Arts Education Act so we can create inclusive, art-filled classrooms in schools across the country.”

“The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) stands in strong support of the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act, reintroduced by Congressman David Scott (GA-13)” said NAfME President Deb Confredo. “This bill speaks to the fundamental right of all children to effective arts education. Grants stemming from this bill would fund professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists in their mission to provide innovative, inclusive, high quality, and accessible arts education experiences for all and, in particular, those children with disabilities. Research demonstrates that the outcomes of systematic and purposeful arts education are highly positive and far-reaching, often fostering growth in social skills, problem solving, creativity, team building, and cooperation, while physical, mental, and emotional health are often fortified. Funds designated through this bill would substantiate that the arts benefit all children, and especially those with disabilities. NAfME urges the 119th Congress to adopt this legislation as an investment in humanity and a demonstration of the belief in unity made more attainable through the arts.”

“The American Music Therapy Association is very pleased to support the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act,” stated Judy Simpson, Director of Government Relations. “This important legislation will support innovative and inclusive creative arts therapies provided by credentialled music therapists, art therapists, dance/movement therapists, and drama therapists for children with disabilities.  Expanding opportunities for these unique learning interventions will improve students’ ability to successfully access education and achieve academic goals.”

“The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act opens doors for students with disabilities to engage fully in high-quality arts education,” said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. “This legislation strengthens mental health, boosts academic success, and nurtures the development of well-rounded individuals. We’re proud to support Congressman Scott’s leadership in advancing professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists—building more inclusive classrooms where all students can succeed.”

Endorsing Organizations: American Music Therapy Association, Americans for the Arts, Arkansas Music Education Association, Arts Alliance Illinois, Arts Ed NJ, Arts Education in Maryland Schools, Arts North Carolina, California Music Education Association, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Cure SMA, DC Music Education Association, Delaware Music Educators Association, Education Theatre Association, El Sistema USA, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Florida Music Education Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom, Hip-Hop Education Center, Ingenuity Inc., JazzSLAM, J.W. Pepper, Kansas Music Educators Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association, Kindermusik International, The Lang Lang International Music Foundation, League of American Orchestras, Maryland Music Educators Association, Massachusetts Music Educators Association, Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Michigan Music Educators Association, Montana Music Educators Association, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Will, National Arts Education Association, National Association for Media Arts Education, National Association for Music Educators, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Dance Education Organization, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Guild for Community Arts Education, National Music Council of the United States, Nevada Music Educators Association, New Hampshire Music Educators Association, New Jersey Music Educators Association, New York State School Music Association, North Carolina Music Education Association, Ohio Music Educators Association, OPERA America, Oregon Music Educators Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, Rhode Island Music Educators Association, Save the Music, South Dakota Music Educators Association, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, TASH, Utah Music Educators Association, Vermont Music Educators Association, Vermont Music Educators Association, The Viscardi Center and Henry Viscardi School, Young Audiences Arts for Learning

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

June 09, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Federal Government Reform Act of 2025, a comprehensive bill that codifies five of President Trump’s executive orders addressing waste, restoring accountability, and modernizing the federal government.“This bill locks in President Trump’s America First reforms and strikes at the heart of the bloated federal bureaucracy. For too long, unelected bureaucrats have operated without consequence, pushing regulations that punish the American people while protecting themselves. My bill puts a stop to it,” said Rep. Steube. “We are eliminating useless agencies, restoring accountability in the federal workforce, reducing overcriminalization, and modernizing government operations. To put it simply, this bill delivers the accountability that the deep state fears.”The Federal Government Reform Act of 2025 codifies:

The elimination of the outdated Federal Executive Institute (EO 14207)
The modernization of Treasury payment systems (EO 14247)
Stronger probationary periods for federal employees (EO 14284)
A crackdown on overcriminalization in federal regulations (EO 14294)
Efficiency upgrades at the Office of the Federal Register (EO 14295)

The bill strengthens the federal workforce by enforcing performance standards, improves regulatory transparency, and modernizes how the federal government serves the American people.
Rep. Steube serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and continues to lead on efforts to shrink government and defend taxpayers.Read the full bill text here.

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

30-Year-Old Pregnant Mother Declared Brain-Dead at 9 Weeks Pregnant Mandated to Remain on Life Support Under Georgia’s Cruel Abortion Ban

“This is cruelty. The latest episode in a long history of the experimentation and exploitation of Black bodies. I grieve for Adriana’s family. For the torture they are experiencing, layered with the daily uncertainty they are navigating as they try to do right by their daughter and lay her to rest peacefully. Her parents are by her bedside. Her 5-year-old asks when will mommy wake up.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and forcibly remains on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. She underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom.

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

Transcript: In Impassioned Speech, Pressley Calls for Justice for Adriana Smith, Condemns GOP’s Cruel Abortion Bans

U.S. House of Representatives

June 5, 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Adriana Smith.

Adriana Smith was a 30-year-old nurse from Georgia. 

The mother of a vibrant 5-year-old boy. 

She started to experience debilitating headaches, and she sought medical care. 

She was discharged, her pain dismissed – as is so often the case in this country and certainly in our healthcare system for Black women. 

The next morning, Adriana woke up gasping for air and was taken to Emory Hospital where she was declared brain dead.

There are no words to provide healing for a pain this deep. 

A dedicated and loving mother, a compassionate nurse, gone at the age of 30. 

In the days that followed, Adriana’s family and son should have been able to make a solemn independent decision about what happened next as they celebrated her life, as they mourned this devastating loss, as they pieced their lives back together and began helping their 5-year-old cope with the grief and loss of his precious mother.

But the state of Georgia denied Adriana her bodily autonomy and dignity in death. In the days and weeks that followed her family found themselves in a desperate battle with Emory Hospital. 

The hospital believed that the anti-abortion bill that Georgia enacted in 2022 following the gutting of Roe v. Wade tied the hospital’s hands, mandating that Adriana’s body – her brain-dead body – remain hooked to machines, not because there was any chance of survival – she had already transitioned. 

But because Adriana was 9 weeks pregnant, about a month past a missed period. 

Adriana’s body has been turned into an incubator. 

An incubator with no medical rationale, no ethical reason, and no compassion.

Mr. Speaker, from the days of enslavement Black women’s bodies have been subject to medical abuse, assault, and degradation in this country. 

We are more likely to die in childbirth. We are routinely denied medical care. We are dehumanized. And like the case of Adriana Smith, our bodies and our dignity are desecrated in death.

This is cruelty. The latest episode in a long history of the experimentation and exploitation of Black bodies.

I grieve for Adriana’s family. For the torture they are experiencing, layered with the daily uncertainty they are navigating as they try to do right by their daughter and lay her to rest peacefully. 

Her parents are by her bedside. Her 5-year-old asks when will mommy wake up.

Adriana should be here today – her blood clots treated, her voice trusted, her pain believed. 

She should be decorating a nursery for her little son with her family and celebrating her son’s last day of kindergarten. 

But Adriana’s body lies hooked to machines, in a hospital bed as part of an unjust medical experiment for more than 3 months. 

No family should have to endure this. None of us are free until all of us are free. 

I yield.  

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