MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, U.S. Representative and Vice-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Mike Quigley (IL-05) reintroduced the Trafficking Reduction and Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Act to help the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reduce the trafficking of illegal firearms and prevent criminals from obtaining these weapons.

By repealing restrictions on gun trace data, the TRACE Act will enable the ATF to track the movement of illegal firearms across state lines and to share that data with state and local law enforcement. The bill will also hold gun dealers accountable by requiring them to monitor their inventory and report lost or stolen inventory to the ATF. The TRACE Act will help law enforcement crack down on the gun ‘black market,’ which often funnels firearms to states and cities with stricter gun laws in place, including Chicago.

Quigley first introduced the TRACE Act in 2011 and has continued to revive the bill in each Congress since. 

“The Chicago Police Department alone recovers roughly 7,000 illegal guns every year, but current law requires gun buyer background check records to be destroyed after 24 hours. My bill will stop the madness and require these background checks to be maintained for at least 180 days,” said Quigley. “I’m proud to reintroduce the TRACE Act this Gun Violence Awareness Month. Together, we can stop guns from ending up in the wrong hands.”

In September 2022, Quigley led and passed the NICS Denial Notification Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The law now requires background check denials to be reported to state authorities to help enforce gun laws. Quigley also cosponsored the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Passed in June of 2022 with Quigley’s support, the law provided $250M for community violence intervention, $750M for crisis intervention, expanded background checks, closed the “boyfriend” loophole, and more. 

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, a key advocate for gun violence prevention, has endorsed the legislation. 

“Huge quantities of firearms are recovered in the illegal market and at crime scenes every year, providing law enforcement the opportunity to trace these weapons and better understand where they are coming from. Yet, Congress has shielded the gun industry from public scrutiny and has deprived law enforcement of key data needed to truly understand and address the flow of crime guns. The TRACE Act will remove these barriers, allowing law enforcement to stymie the flow of firearms into our communities and hold lawbreaking gun industry actors accountable,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “Brady applauds Rep. Quigley for reintroducing the TRACE Act and is proud to support this legislation.” 

The TRACE Act would:

• Require background check records to be maintained for a minimum of 180 days. The Tiahrt Amendments currently require 24-hour record destruction, making it nearly impossible to catch law-breaking gun dealers who falsify their records or to track straw purchasers who buy guns on behalf of criminals.
• Require gun dealers to perform inventory checks to report lost and stolen guns, a measure currently prohibited under the Tiahrt Amendments. If law-abiding dealers reported inventories, the ATF would be much more effective at identifying lost and stolen weapons and proactively combating corrupt gun dealers.
• Repeal restrictions on gun trace data disclosures. Currently, members of the public, including researchers and litigants, cannot get trace data from the ATF under Tiahrt restrictions. Trace data is also inadmissible as evidence in civil proceedings under the existing policy. The TRACE Act would repeal these restrictions.
• Require that new firearms have a second, hidden serial number located inside the frame or receiver that is only visible under infrared light when the firearm is fully disassembled. This would make it harder for criminals to remove serial numbers from firearms in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

Bill would help victims & survivors hold companies accountable in court, discourage illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) stood alongside members of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence during a press conference on the House Triangle as part of a national Day of Action. The event highlighted the urgent need to protect and expand federal funding for victim service organizations that are the backbone of survivor support across the country.
Rep. Costa underscored the critical role these programs play in helping survivors recover—mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially—especially in underserved communities like those in California’s Central Valley.

The Day of Action brought together lawmakers, advocates, and service providers calling on Congress to prioritize long-term, sustainable funding for the infrastructure that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
Rep. Costa has long championed efforts to protect survivors and expand access to legal aid, mental health care, housing assistance, and crisis response services.
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Congressman Jim Costa is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Over the last few weeks, Americans have been hearing endless mentions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Although the Republicans’ reconciliation proposal is certainly big — so big it would add over $4 trillion to our national debt — it is by no means beautiful.
There is no way to hide the ugly reality of this bill. It allows for $2.8 trillion in new borrowing over the 10-year budget window, adds $3.3 trillion to the already more than $36 trillion national debt, and cuts over $700 billion from federal health care spending, primarily Medicaid.
By 2034, our debt-to-GDP ratio would be at 125 percent. Interest payments could exceed $2 trillion a year, making it impossible to pay off the debt. Considering we already spend more on servicing our debt than on stewarding American defense capabilities and health care, we are accelerating down an unsustainable and dangerous path. 
Unrestrained fiscal policy has plagued the U.S. for decades, and it has not been limited to one side of the aisle. While members of Congress sit insulated on Capitol Hill and alternate between irresponsible tax cuts and excessive spending, life gets worse for everyday Americans.
Moody’s recently lowered the U.S. long-term credit ratings to AA1 from AAA. At the same time, the world is moving further and further away from the American dollar. This means Americans are left with a smaller economy, less economic mobility, and a lower standard of living.
As we know all too well, excessive borrowing leads to inflation and drives up interest rates, making it harder for Americans to finance a home, start a business, and put food on the table.
This is unsustainable and has to change very quickly. Don’t just take it from us: In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) wrote called it “essential that Congress deviate from its current path. Under every scenario now being considered, federal debt continues to skyrocket from its current level of almost $37 trillion.”
So far in the 119th Congress, the majority hasn’t shown much of an appetite to deviate from this trajectory. In order to hand out tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, the Republican reconciliation package would make devastating cuts to food assistance programs, health coverage, and other federal resources that hard-working Americans rely on to make ends meet. Is it so important to our colleagues across the aisle to give a handout to their mega-wealthy buddies that they would strap everyday Americans with even more crushing debt?
The national debt and our federal government’s spending deficit may seem like far-off, intangible concepts when D.C. bureaucrats and television talking heads drone on about them for weeks on end. But the American people know perfectly well how debt adds up. Our constituents have to balance their budgets every month — why can’t the federal government do the same?
The truth is, we can. For decades, Congress has chosen not to do so, perhaps because it isn’t politically expedient or it just takes too much hard work. Regardless, Congress and our federal government broadly are derelict in our duty to responsibly manage the government’s finances.
Since our coalition was founded in the 1990s, the cornerstone of the Blue Dogs’ work has been our relentless focus on fiscal responsibility. For years, Blue Dogs supported legislation to curb reckless spending, hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable to our constituents, and require that Congress balance the budget. We had a willing partner in President Bill Clinton, who remains the most recent example of real fiscal discipline in the federal government. Now, as then, Blue Dogs know that the American people have one demand for their legislators as prices continue to rise and reckless fiscal policy threatens their livelihoods: “It’s the economy, stupid!”
As this cry goes unanswered by a majority in Congress that proposes to drive our national debt to truly harrowing heights, Americans who work hard to pay their bills and take care of their families are losing confidence in their government. Each day this irresponsible spending continues, young Americans’ dreams that they can achieve the economic prosperity their parents did slip further and further away.
The Blue Dogs’ vision to solve this problem is proving that our government can work. We believe that change is not only possible but essential. It doesn’t have to be this way.
There’s another way forward: a bipartisan, commonsense way that pays down our debt while extending tax cuts to working Americans who need them most. Evidently, our offers to Republican leadership to work together on this fell on deaf ears this time.
But with costs rising, confidence in government is sinking. Americans are eager for change, and we remain committed to using a steady hand to deliver pragmatic policies that most Americans agree on. In that spirit, our offer still stands. We are eager to work with our Republican colleagues to solve the issues facing our country and deliver results to the American people.
We ask our colleagues: Will you work with us to deliver results?

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 Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) introduced the bipartisan Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025, which would require drug companies to include the list price of prescription drugs in all direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements. This bill is the identical House version of its Senate companion, which was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in the United State Senate on January 23, 2025.

“For years, Big Pharma has poured billions of dollars into advertisements to push overpriced prescription drugs on consumers. The United States is one of just two countries in the world that allows pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to patients. These heavily advertised drugs are often some of the most expensive on the market, driving huge costs on patients,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Consumers deserve to know the price of a product before they buy it. This is why Congressman Taylor and I are introducing the Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act to ensure that the costs of medications are made clear in ads.”

“The price of medicine should not be a secret,” said Congressman Dave Taylor. “Disclosing the price of prescription drugs in advertisements will empower patients to make informed decisions and ultimately lead to lower health care costs. Not only will it increase competition, it will ultimately empower Americans to make the best decisions for their health and budget.”

“Transparency is important to driving competition and lowering costs, and older Americans are tired of being kept in the dark about the high prices of prescription drugs they see advertised every day,” said Bill Sweeney, AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “This bipartisan bill is a commonsense step toward giving consumers the information they need to make more informed choices and to push back against skyrocketing drug costs. AARP applauds Reps. Taylor and Schakowsky for putting patients first and standing up to the drug companies’ marketing practices.”

“CSRxP commends Rep. Taylor and Rep. Schakowsky for their introduction of a U.S. House companion to the bipartisan Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, that will help deter price-gouging by requiring disclosure of the prices set by brand name drug companies on blockbuster products in advertising directly targeting consumers,” said a spokesperson from the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP).

​​In 2023, pharmaceutical companies in the United States spent nearly $14 billion on DTC drug advertising, including advertisements on TV, in magazines, and on social media. Yet over 70% of prescription drugs that were advertised are rated as having “low therapeutic value,” meaning that these advertisements exist to increase demand for drugs a doctor might not otherwise prescribe. Analysis has additionally shown that DTC advertising produces a return on investment of 100-500% for drug companies, as patients are directed to ask their doctor to prescribe a drug they’ve seen advertised.

By increasing demand for largely low-benefit drugs, costs to government health programs also increase, leaving taxpayers on the hook. A GAO report found that from 2016 to 2018, Medicare spent $320 billion on drugs that were DTC-advertised (58% of Medicare’s total drug spending).

This proposal has garnered support from consumers across the Nation, with a Kaiser Family Foundation survey finding that 88% of Americans support requiring drug companies to include the list price of medication in advertisements.

AARP, the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing are supporting organizations of this bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after several people were detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) agents outside an office of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) in Chicago:

“Chicagoans reported to a routine immigration check-in yesterday — and instead were taken by ICE,” said Kelly. “These unlawful detentions caused chaos, and multiple aldermen and community members tried to protect their neighbors. They were following the law — but the Trump administration does not care about law and order. ICE only cares about meeting random deportation quotas. They’re detaining moms and separating families. It’s cruel and reckless.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 6, 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, District Press Secretary
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, DC Press Secretary
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

Rep. Cuellar Statement on Bipartisan Push to Protect Job Corps
Strongly Opposes Disruption to Laredo Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), joined with House colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse its decision to pause operations at contract-operated Job Corps Centers, including the nationally recognized Laredo Job Corps Center.

“I joined with my Democrat and Republican colleagues in sending a strong, bipartisan message to the Department of Labor: Congress created the Job Corps program, Congress funds it, and Congress must be involved in any decision about its future,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is not a decision for the Department to make unilaterally.”

Despite Congress appropriating nearly $1.8 billion for Job Corps in FY2024, and continuing that funding through FY2025, the Department of Labor recently announced a phased pause in operations at contract-operated centers, effective June 30, 2025. This action would displace nearly 20,000 young people across the country who rely on Job Corps for housing, high school completion, workforce credentials, and pathways into higher education, apprenticeships, and military service.

In Laredo, the impact would be immediate and severe. Nearly 200 students would be sent home at the beginning of the summer, cutting them off from vital support systems and career training programs. The Laredo Job Corps Center serves approximately 220 students on an 18-acre campus near the Rio Grande and employs nearly 200 staff. The center is a cornerstone of opportunity in the region, offering comprehensive training, dormitory housing, a full-service cafeteria, counseling, medical care, and access to community college classes.

“Job Corps provides career training in high-demand fields like skilled trades, health care, protective services, and accounting,” Rep. Cuellar continued. “For many young people in our community, this program is the bridge to a better future. Cutting them off at the start of summer, right when they need stability and support the most, is plain wrong.

“Apprenticeships are important, but they are not a substitute for what Job Corps already delivers. Rather than eliminate Job Corps, we should strengthen it with better oversight and the resources it needs to thrive. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to fighting for this life-changing program and the young people it serves.”

To read the full letter, click HERE.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
Viernes, 6 de Junio de 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, Secretaria de Prensa del Distrito
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, Secretario de Prensa de DC
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

Declaración del Representante Cuellar sobre el esfuerzo bipartidista para proteger a Job Corps
Se opone firmemente a la interrupción del Centro de Laredo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, el congresista Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), se unió a sus colegas de la Cámara de Representantes para enviar una carta bipartidista urgiendo al Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos a revertir su decisión de detener las operaciones en los Centros Job Corps operados por contrato, incluyendo el nacionalmente reconocido Centro Job Corps de Laredo.

“Me uní con mis colegas demócratas y republicanos para enviar un mensaje fuerte y bipartidista al Departamento de Trabajo: El Congreso creó el programa Job Corps, el Congreso lo financia, y el Congreso debe participar en cualquier decisión sobre su futuro,” dijo el Congresista Cuellar. “Esta no es una decisión que el Departamento deba tomar unilateralmente.”

Aunque el Congreso asignó casi 1.800 millones de dólares para Job Corps en el año fiscal 2024, y continuó esa financiación hasta el año fiscal 2025, el Departamento de Trabajo anunció recientemente una pausa gradual en las operaciones de los centros operados por contrato, a partir del 30 de junio de 2025. Esta medida desplazaría a casi 20.000 jóvenes de todo el país que dependen de Job Corps para obtener vivienda, terminar la escuela secundaria, obtener credenciales laborales y acceder a la educación superior, el aprendizaje y el servicio militar.

En Laredo, el impacto sería inmediato y grave. Casi 200 estudiantes serían enviados a casa al principio del verano, lo que les impediría acceder a sistemas de apoyo vitales y a programas de formación profesional. El Centro Job Corps de Laredo atiende a unos 220 estudiantes en un campus de 18 acres cerca del Río Grande y emplea a casi 200 trabajadores. El centro es una piedra angular de las oportunidades en la región, ya que ofrece formación integral, alojamiento en dormitorios, una cafetería con todos los servicios, asesoramiento, atención médica y acceso a clases en colegios comunitarios.

“Job Corps ofrece formación profesional en campos de gran demanda como los oficios cualificados, la atención sanitaria, los servicios de protección y la contabilidad,” continuó el Congresista Cuéllar. “Para muchos jóvenes de nuestra comunidad, este programa es el puente para un futuro mejor. Cortarlos al comienzo del verano, justo cuando más necesitan estabilidad y apoyo, es un error.

“Los programas de aprendizaje son importantes, pero no sustituyen a lo que ya ofrece Job Corps. En lugar de eliminar Job Corps, deberíamos fortalecerlo con una mejor supervisión y los recursos que necesita para prosperar. Como miembro del Comité de Apropiaciones, me comprometo a luchar por este programa que cambia vidas y por los jóvenes a los que sirve.”

Para leer la carta completa, haga clic AQUÍ.

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 – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced H.Con.Res. 35, the Exposing Congressional Drug Abuse Act, which requires members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to participate in random drug screenings.

“Elected officials in Washington, D.C. should be subject to the same kind of random drug screenings that every blue-collar, working-class American endures,” said Congressman Higgins. “As representatives of our constituencies across the country, we must live by the same rules. This legislation is about maintaining accountability and service to We, the People.”

The legislation requires members of Congress to be subject to a random drug test once per term. If a member tests positive for an illegal substance, they would be reported to the Committee on Ethics, where subsequent action would be taken. This screening will cost the American taxpayers nothing, as Members of Congress would be required to reimburse all costs of the program.

Read the legislation here.