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Representative Carter Secures $748,000 for Copperas Cove Mental Health Response Team

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

Representative Carter Secures $748,000 for Copperas Cove Mental Health Response Team

Copperas Cove, TX, June 13, 2024

Today, Representative John Carter announced that he secured $748,000 for Copperas Cove Police Department’s Mental Health Response Team in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that was recently signed into law.

Today, Representative John Carter announced that he secured $748,000 for Copperas Cove Police Department’s Mental Health Response Team in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that was recently signed into law.

“As a former judge, I witnessed firsthand the added stress on police officers to respond to mental health crisis calls,” said Representative Carter. “Having a trained team to respond to these difficult calls will help Copperas Cove residents suffering in crisis get the help they need and keep officers focused on community safety. I applaud Chief Wilson and Mayor Yancey for their vision and partnership to get this done. I think the citizens of Copperas Cove will greatly benefit from this responsible use of federal tax dollars.”

“The demand on police officers continue to increase along with the need for a wider skill set to meet all community expectations,” said Copperas Cove Police Chief Eddie Wilson. “With a lack of available mental health resources, our officers have become the primary first responders to a mental health crisis. Police officers are not licensed clinicians but are mandated to make mental health related decisions with minimal training and experience. Most communities like Copperas Cove lack the funding and resources to appropriately manage the increasing number of mental health related calls for service. Numerous attempts for similar grants have failed in previous years. This grant will serve as the single largest amount of funding ever received by the Copperas Cove Police Department and would not have been possible without the help of Congressman Carter’s Office. I speak for the Copperas Cove community when I say we’re truly grateful for the support received from Congressman Carter and his incredible team. I can assure this funding will be put to great use.”

“On behalf of myself and the entire Copperas Cove City Council, we express sincere gratitude and appreciation for this amazing grant opportunity which has been bestowed by Congressman Carter’s Office,” said Mayor Dan Yancey. “Annual budgeting for Municipalities has become routinely challenging, as we attempt to balance available financial resources with increasing community needs and expectations. Approval and awarding of this monumental $748,000 grant will provide an amazing pathway to necessary mental health resources to better allow the City of Copperas Cove and the Copperas Cove Police Department serve those in our community. We are appreciative of the allocation and thankful for the opportunity to better serve our citizens, thank you.”

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Carter Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

Carter Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

Washington, March 4, 2025

Representative John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

Representative John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a clear and unapologetic message: The days of Biden’s weakness and wokeness are over. A new dawn for America is here. He reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing our nation, putting the American people first, and restoring common sense and the American Dream. With President Trump leading the way and congressional Republicans standing beside him, America will be strong, prosperous, and patriotic once again. God bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

 

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Representatives Chuck Fleischmann and Marc Veasey Launch Bipartisan American Energy Dominance Caucus

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), current Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following joint statement announcing the creation of their new, bipartisan American Energy Dominance Caucus. The American Energy Dominance Caucus’ mission is to raise awareness of all forms of American-made energy and bring together Members of Congress, the private sector and public sector, and energy producers to promote the growth of domestic energy production and increase American energy independence and security.

“I am excited to announce the creation of the new American Energy Dominance Caucus that I will Co-Chair alongside Rep. Marc Veasey. Increasing the production of all forms of American-made energy, especially new nuclear energy, should never be a partisan issue. With the growth in AI, cryptocurrency, and new industries, America is rapidly facing a shortage of energy necessary to power our economy and the everyday lives of Americans. Recent nonpartisan studies have estimated that electricity demand is projected to increase by 13-15 percent annually through 2030, leaving the United States with a shortage of power needed to keep our country moving forward,” said Chairman Fleischmann. “To meet our growing electrical demands, America needs an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that utilizes every form of American-made energy to create jobs, grow our economy, and secure our energy independence. I look forward to working with my Co-Chair, Rep. Veasey, and bipartisan Members of the House on the American Energy Dominance Caucus to promote the growth and production of American-made energy and make our country the world leader in new energy production.”

“The American Energy Dominance Caucus represents a crucial step forward in securing our nation’s future—economically, energetically, and strategically. In 2023 alone, the U.S. was importing energy from 86 different countries every day,” said Congressman Marc Veasey. “Rep. Fleischmann and I are honored to co-chair this important caucus. America’s energy security is not a partisan issue; it’s one that requires cooperation from both sides of the aisle. As the world faces rising authoritarian regimes using energy as a weapon, it’s essential that we take control of our energy future. Developing American-made energy will create jobs, lower costs for families, and, most importantly, reaffirm America’s position as a global energy leader. Rep. Fleischmann and I look forward to working together, understanding that the future of our nation’s economic, national, and energy security depends on the work we do here.”

In addition to Co-Chairs Fleischmann and Veasey, bipartisan Members of the American Energy Dominance Caucus include:

Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Luis Correa (CA-36), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Bob Latta (OH-05), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Joe Wilson (SC-02).

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Rep. Chuck Fleischmann Highlighted for 100% Voting Attendance in 2024

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) was highlighted in Roll Call for being one of 13 Members of the House of Representatives out of 435 who had perfect voting attendance in 2024. Congressman Fleischmann maintained a 100 percent voting record in the House while simultaneously Co-Chairing seven energy-related caucuses, Chairing the powerful Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, meeting with constituents, and advocating for all East Tennessee. The specific breakdown of the 13 House Members who cast votes on all 516 roll call Floor votes held in the House of Representatives in 2024 was four Republicans and nine Democrats.

“As a Constitutional Conservative, I take my job representing the people of Tennessee’s Third Congressional District very seriously. If I miss a vote, East Tennesseans do not have a voice in Congress on important issues and legislation that impacts our community, state, and nation. As East Tennessee’s Congressman, I will always remember that the good, hard-working people of East Tennessee sent me to Congress to represent our values and beliefs and do what is best for America,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “Serving as the United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Tennessee is the honor of my life, and as long as I have the privilege to serve my fellow Tennesseans, I will always work hard to give the best representation possible in our government.”

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ICYMI – Energy & Water Chairman Fleischmann Hosts Energy Secretary Wright at Oak Ridge National Lab

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to showcase the groundbreaking, cutting-edge work ORNL is doing to fulfill President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy and innovation. Rep. Fleischmann and Sec. Wright were also joined by U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).

“I’m honored to have welcomed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to East Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to highlight the outstanding work that ORNL is doing to advance breakthroughs in AI and supercomputing, develop new nuclear that will power our nation and economy through the 21st Century, reestablish American Energy Dominance, and strengthen our national security,” said Chairman Fleischmann. Throughout our visit to Oak Ridge and my many meetings with Secretary Wright, I’ve seen his determination to deliver on President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy and innovation. I look forward to continuing to be a close partner with Sec. Wright over the next four years to expand American-made energy, win the AI race, and secure America’s preeminence in new energy technologies and scientific breakthroughs.”

“More than 70 years ago, experts from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Lab joined with innovators from around the United States in one of the greatest scientific and engineering accomplishments in history: the Manhattan Project,” Secretary Wright said. “We’re at the start of a new Manhattan Project. With President Trump’s leadership, the United States will win the global AI race, but first, we must unleash our energy dominance and restore American competitiveness. The collaboration of DOE’s national labs and technology companies is an important step in our efforts to secure America’s future.”

“It was great to join Secretary Wright and Representative Chuck Fleischmann in Oak Ridge,” Senator Hagerty said. “In order for the U.S. to win the Artificial Intelligence race, we need computing power and energy, and Tennessee has both. The U.S. can lead in this space with the Volunteer State at the tip of the spear. I am more than confident that we can achieve this under President Trump’s leadership.”

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Fleischmann Statement on President Donald J. Trump’s Historic Address to Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) released the following statement following President Donald J. Trump’s historic Joint Address to Congress, the first speech to both Houses of Congress that President Trump has delivered in his second term as President of the United States.

“Last night, America and the world heard President Trump’s bold America First Agenda to renew the American Dream across our nation. In less than two months since taking office, President Trump has been moving at a breathtaking pace to make our government work for the American People again, revitalize our economy, secure our borders and end uncontrolled illegal immigration, and make America respected again internationally. Working together, Congressional Conservatives and President Trump have delivered real results for the American People, like the passage of the Laken Riley Act to give law enforcement new tools and resources to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens and laying the groundwork to fulfill President Trump’s and Republican’s promise to cut taxes for workers and families and codify into law ‘no tax on tips,’ ‘no tax on Social Security,’ and ‘no tax on overtime,’” said Congressman Fleischmann.

“Last November, the American People voted overwhelmingly for real change in Washington and demanded an end to the status quo that for too long has failed to meet the needs of citizens. I applaud President Trump’s vision to renew the American Dream, so every American man, woman, and child can achieve their hopes, goals, and aspirations.”

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Congressman Fleischmann Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Defend Nuclear Assets Related to National Security Against Drones

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03), Mark Amodei (NV-02), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act in the House to increase the protection of Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear assets and facilities related to national security, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is leading companion legislation in the Senate.

NNSA is the federal agency responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA has a footprint in Oak Ridge at the Y-12 National Security Complex, which works to ensure a safe and effective nuclear weapons deterrent for the United States.

Currently, the DOE lacks the authority to adequately protect the full range of nuclear facilities from drones. Recent unauthorized drone sightings have highlighted the need for the DOE to have expanded authorities and capabilities to combat evolving threats. DOE currently only has the authority to protect facilities that house nuclear material, but this excludes a wide range of facilities and activities that are critical to the nuclear security enterprise and national security.

The NEDD Act will:

  • Allow DOE to develop systems to defend a broad range of nuclear-related assets and facilities against UAS threats.
  • Expand the definition of covered assets to include facilities that house nuclear weapons components and vehicles owned or contracted by the United States to transport nuclear weapons or components.
  • Give the DOE authorities to acquire UAS technology similar to that of our adversaries to test counter-UAS systems.

“The NEDD Act will strengthen our nuclear security enterprise by enabling the Department of Energy (DOE) to protect against threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations and Co-Chair of the Nuclear Security Working Group, it is my priority to ensure that our entire nuclear enterprise is protected throughout all stages of production. The DOE, through the National Nuclear Security Administration, is the cornerstone of our strategic production capabilities, and this bill ensures it will have the tools to protect our most sensitive security capabilities,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.

“Unauthorized drones pose a serious threat to America’s nuclear resources related to national security, including at the Nevada National Security Site where we maintain America’s nuclear weapons ecosystem,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Our bipartisan NEDD Act bill will give the Department of Energy the tools it needs to defend all its nuclear and national security assets from unauthorized enemy drones.”

“In recent years, there has been a growing threat from both foreign and domestic unmanned aerial systems (UAS) targeting our nation’s nuclear sites, including six reported incidents at the Nevada National Security Site,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “At present, the Department of Energy lacks the authority to intercept these drones and investigate their origins and intentions, allowing them to freely gather sensitive data for malign purposes. This bill empowers us to counter these threats in real-time and ensure they are not equipped to undermine our national security.”

“Our adversaries should not be able to fly a drone over anywhere in this country that makes part of a nuclear weapon. This bill closes down loopholes to make sure the Department of Energy can fully protect our most sensitive national security capabilities against the threat of drones,” said Rep. Seth Moulton.

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Rep. Castro Recognized as Most Effective Democratic House Member in the 118th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

March 25, 2025

The Center for Effective Lawmaking Highlights Rep. Castro for His Continued Legislative Success 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the most effective Democratic House member in the 118th Congress. The Congressman introduced over 30 bills and bipartisan amendments in the 118th Congress and worked effectively behind the scenes to move his proposals through the legislative process. Despite being a member of the minority party, Congressman Castro has prioritized bipartisan relationships and ingenuity–striking compromises to insert his bill language in other legislative vehicles – when standalone bills would not pass in a fractured Congress. 

“I am honored to be recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the most effective Democratic House member in the 118th Congress. None of this would have been possible without my dedicated staff – in San Antonio and Washington, D.C. – and I want to thank them for all their great work on behalf of Texans and the American people to earn our office this recognition,” said Congressman Castro.

“The legislative process is a grind and often one that folks do not see. Over the years, my staff and I have beencommitted to that behind-the-scenes work. I will continue to partner with my colleagues in Congress who share that vision, and find legislative solutions that make a real and lasting impactin the lives of all Americans. 

“Thank you to the Center for Effective Lawmaking for this incredible honor,” concluded Congressman Castro.

Read an excerpt of the report below, and a link to the entire report can be found here.

“At the top of the list, we see Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, who introduced 30 bills into the 118th Congress. Similar to the experiences of Rep. Don Bacon, the scope of Rep. Castro’s success in navigating the lawmaking process seems quite limited at first glance, given that only one of his sponsored bills (the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations with ASEAN Act) passed the House, and none of his sponsored bills became law as standalone measures. 

A deeper consideration of his legislative agenda, however, illustrates the ways in which Rep. Castro, similar to Rep. Bacon, was able to work behind the scenes to move his proposals through the lawmaking process, such that a substantial portion of the language in ten of his sponsored bills were ultimately incorporated into other vehicles that became law. Examples of these bills include the Internet at Hardship Posts Act, the U.S.-ASEAN Center Act, the Intelligence Community Joint Duty Improvements Act, and the Southeast Asia Partnership Expansion Act, all of which were incorporated (in large part) into the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Taken together, Rep. Castro’s Legislative Effectiveness Score places him as the sixth overall in the House, despite being a member of the minority party. His approach of working behind the scenes – to strike compromises and insert his bill language in other legislative vehicles – shows further opportunities for minority-party lawmakers to succeed in Congress.”

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Reps. Castro, Jayapal, Raskin, Scanlon Demand Answers Over Detention and Attempted Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

March 14, 2025

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee, are leading 103 Members of Congress in demanding answers from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio regarding the detention of Mahmoud Khalil and stripping of his Green Card.

Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and detained, and the administration has attempted to revoke his Green Card under an obscure statute in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“The Administration does not allege that Mr. Khalil has committed any crime nor that he has ever been charged with a crime,” wrote the Members. “And the Administration has failed to provide any explanation of what deleterious foreign policy consequences Mr. Khalil has caused by exercising his free speech rights. […] This maneuver evokes the Alien and Sedition Acts and McCarthyism. It is the playbook of authoritarians, not of elected officials in a democratic society who claim to be champions of free speech.”

This arrest comes as Trump has said Khalil’s attempted removal would be “first of many,” with dozens of universities and colleges across the country having received threats from the Department of Education if they protect non-citizen students who have engaged in protest.

“While there may be disagreement with Mr. Khalil’s speech, it is his Constitutional right in our democracy to express his political views. That is why every American should be outraged by this brazen attempt to use the power of the United States government to silence and punish people who do not agree with the sitting President,” continued the Members. 

Judge Jesse Furman issued an order temporarily preventing the government from removing Mr. Khalil while he considers the legality of the arrest and detention. 

The Members are requesting a response from Noem and Rubio by March 27th, 2025.

The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL) (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX) (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

The letter was endorsed by 18 Million Rising; A New Policy; Action Corps; Adalah Justice Project; Alliance of Baptists; America’s Voice; American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends of Combatants for Peace; American Friends Service Committee; American Humanist Association; American Immigration Council; American Immigration Lawyers Association; American Muslims for Palestine (AMP); Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action); Amnesty International USA; Arab American Institute (AAI); Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote); Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Center for Jewish Nonviolence; Center for Victims of Torture; Christians for a Free Palestine; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); CODEPINK; Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP); Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim; Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR); DAWN; Defending Rights & Dissent; Detention Watch Network; Emgage Action; Franciscan Action Network ; Freedom Forward; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA); Hindus for Human Rights; Human Rights First; IfNotNow Movement; IMEU Policy Project; Immigrant Defense Project; Immigrant Justice Network ; Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC); Immigration Equality; Indivisible; International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN); International Refugee Assistance Project; J Street; Jewish Voice for Peace Action; Justice Democrats; MADRE; MoveOn; MPower Change Action Fund; Muslim Advocates; Muslim Legal Fund of America; Muslims for Just Futures; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National Immigration Project; National Iranian American Council; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; New Israel Fund; New Jewish Narrative; Nonviolent Peaceforce; P Street; Partners for Progressive Israel; Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus; Peace Action; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Presente.org; Project South; Rabbis for Ceasefire; ReThinking Foreign Policy; Right to the City Alliance; Rising Majority; RootsAction.org; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Sunrise Movement; T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights; The Nexus Project; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Unitarian Universalist Association; United Church of Christ; United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR); United We Dream Network; US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action; USAHello; Win Without War; Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation ; Arlington For Palestine; Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago; Borderlands for Equity; CAIR- Philadelphia; CAIR-WA; Dignidad/The Right to Immigration Institute; Elmahaba Center; Estrella del Paso; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Jews For Racial & Economic Justice; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; Mennonite Action Philadelphia; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; New York Immigration Coalition; North Carolina Muslim Bar Association; OneAmerica; Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA; Pax Christi New Jersey ; Peace Action Montgomery; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Saratoga Black Lives Matter; Showing Up For Racial Justice Bay Area; SURJ Northern Virginia; West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship; Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; Woori Juntos.

The full letter can be read here.

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Reps. Castro, Tran Lead 40+ Democrats Demanding Immediate Action to Reverse Mass Firings of Veterans, Military Spouses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

March 07, 2025

WASHINGTON — This week, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) led 41 of their colleagues to demand that the Trump administration halt the mass firings of veterans and military spouses from federal agencies and reverse previous terminations. In a letter sent yesterday, lawmakers expressed outrage at the administration’s callous disregard for military families and instructed the Office of Personnel Management to provide comprehensive data on the specific number of veterans and military spouses affected by the administration’s illegal mass layoffs.

This letter comes after reports that the Trump administration is planning to cut over 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs – eliminating key positions that were created to assist with implementation of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act.

“The federal government bears a fundamental responsibility to provide stable, meaningful career paths for these high priority groups — a responsibility that stems from both our national security interests and our obligations to military families. We urge the Trump Administration to reverse the mass firings of veterans and military families and halt further job cuts to protect those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Recent mass terminations not only violate our commitment to those who served, they actively undermine the strength and quality of our federal workforce. Veterans and military spouses bring invaluable leadership experience, diverse perspectives, and proven dedication to public service that enhances government performance at every level. Additionally, federal employment has been essential to addressing veteran unemployment levels and the economic instability that affects military families. The Administration’s indiscriminate firing of probationary employees threatens to reverse decades of progress in building a strong and capable federal workforce. We are alarmed by the Administration’s sweeping termination of probationary employees conducted without transparency or concern about its impact on veterans and military spouses. These widespread dismissals send a clear message to thousands of veterans and military spouses: the government they defended now views them as disposable,” the lawmakers continued.

The full letter can be viewed here.

Additional members signing the letter include Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Greg Casar (TX-35), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Judy Chu (CA-28), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Marc A. Veasey (TX-33), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John B. Larson (CT-01), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Sam T. Liccardo (CA-17), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24).