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

Letter Comes as More Than 20,000 Children Have Been Treated for Acute Malnutrition in Gaza since April

“This moment of crisis demands moral clarity and decisive action.”

Text of the Letter (PDF)

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), led 101 of their colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to use its full power and authority to demand that Israeli government immediately facilitate a massive surge in all humanitarian aid, and in particular infant formula, into Gaza to address the crisis of starvation. The letter follows Friday’s official declaration of famine in Gaza, with the United Nations warning that more than half a million people are on the brink of starvation.

In their letter, the lawmakers sounded the alarm over the catastrophic shortage of baby formula and the Israeli military’s severe restrictions on humanitarian aid distribution, which is starving people in Gaza. Infants in particular are especially vulnerable to death by starvation. The letter cites alarming figures, including the deaths of 18,500 children in Gaza since October 2023, more than 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition since April 2025, and widespread famine conditions that have deprived mothers the basic nutrition required to sustain breastfeeding, rendering formula the only option for infant survival in many cases.

“We the undersigned stand united in our fundamental American moral values that we must do everything possible to ensure children are not starving and that infants are not denied critical food aid,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “This crisis is not one of funding or resources, but of access and political will. While we push for a long-lasting resolution and we are devastated that previous ceasefires were not upheld, we believe it is absolutely necessary to prioritize the safe delivery of the pallets of baby formula, specifically ready-to-feed formula, sitting at the border of Gaza to ensure that we do not lose another newborn or infant to starvation.”

The lawmakers also condemned the Israeli government’s restrictions on aid delivery, including a complete blockade earlier this year and its new system of aid delivery, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation system, which has resulted in a catastrophic decrease in food supplies and other humanitarian aid. According to the Israeli government’s own data, the GHF has delivered only a tiny fraction of the aid previously distributed under the U.N.-coordinated system, while average daily truck entries remain far below the 500–600 trucks the U.N. says are required to meet humanitarian needs.

“We therefore urge you to demand that the Israeli government immediately facilitate a massive surge of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including but not limited to baby formula and medical equipment required to treat infant and child malnourishment.,” the lawmakers continued. “This moment of crisis demands moral clarity and decisive action.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Joining Congresswomen Pressley and Pettersen in sending the letter are Representatives Adams, Alma; Ansari, Yassamin; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Beyer, Donald; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Budzinski, Nikki; Carbajal, Salud; Carter, Troy; Casar, Greg; Casten, Sean; Castro, Joaquin; Chu, Judy; Clarke, Yvette; Cohen, Steve; Conaway, Herbert; Courtney, Joe; Crockett, Jasmine; Crow, Jason; Davids, Sharice; Davis, Danny; Dean, Madeleine; DeGette, Diana; DeLauro, Rosa; Deluzio, Christopher; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Doggett, Lloyd; Escobar, Veronica; Evans, Dwight; Fields, Cleo; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Frost, Maxwell; Garamendi, John; García, Jesús; Garcia, Sylvia; Hayes, Jahana; Himes, James; Hoyle, Val; Huffman, Jared; Jackson, Jonathan; Jacobs, Sara; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Henry; Johnson, Julie; Kaptur, Marcy; Kelly, Robin; Khanna, Ro; Krishnamoorthi, Raja; Larson, John; Lee, Summer; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Liccardo, Sam; Lynch, Stephen; Magaziner, Seth; Matsui, Doris; McBride, Sarah; McClellan, Jennifer; McCollum, Betty; McDonald Rivet, Kristen; McGovern, James; McIver, LaMonica; Mfume, Kweisi; Min, Dave; Nadler, Jerrold; Norton, Eleanor; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Omar, Ilhan; Panetta, Jimmy; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pocan, Mark; Pressley, Ayanna; Quigley, Mike; Ramirez, Delia; Raskin, Jamie; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Scholten, Hillary; Sewell, Terri; Simon, Lateefah; Smith, Adam; Sorensen, Eric; Stansbury, Melanie; Subramanyam, Suhas; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Bennie; Thompson, Mike; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Trahan, Lori; Tran, Derek; Vasquez, Gabe; Velázquez, Nydia; Watson Coleman, Bonnie

Relevant background regarding Rep Pressley’s work

Rep. Pressley has long advocated for safe and accessible baby formula. Rep Pressley has consistently called for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza to save the lives of civilians, hostages, Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans.

In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with and Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16)  and Grace Meng (NY-06), urged President Biden to use all applicable executive authorities to end the baby formula shortage. In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03), Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05) and the Massachusetts delegation, sent a letter to Abbott Laboratories Chairman and CEO Robert Ford requesting urgent information on the company’s plans to replenish its Similac baby formula in Massachusetts.

Since the horrific October 7^th attack, Congresswoman Pressley has consistently and stridently called for a ceasefire to save lives, return all hostages, and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza. Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she called for urgent de-escalation in the region and renewed her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to prevent a broader regional war.  Rep. Pressley introduced a pair of amendments to increase funding to global humanitarian assistance and place a one-year moratorium on the transfer of offensive weapons to the Israeli military.

• Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) and their colleagues on a resolution condemning Hamas’ brutal attack and hostage-taking, and demanding Hamas immediately release all hostages.
• Rep. Pressley joined Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), and 50 colleagues on a letter condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel, calling for Israeli military operations to follow the rules of international humanitarian law, and continuing to work toward peace in the region.
• Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in announcing a resolution urging the Biden Administration to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to save as many lives as possible. She later joined her colleagues and a multi-faith, multiracial coalition of faith leaders and organizers for a prayer and press conference to renew their calls for a ceasefire. Rep. Pressley also joined dozens of rabbis and Members of Congress for a press conference to renew calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Instead of attending Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, Rep. Pressley spent the day centering people directly impacted by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza
• Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate on college campuses.
• Rep. Pressley joined a coalition of nearly 100 interfaith clergy and faith leaders on a joint statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley joined Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and nearly 150 colleagues in urging the State Department to use all tools at its disposal help get Americans out of Israel and back home to the United States. She applauded the State Department for heeding her calls on October 12, 2023 and continues to press for the urgent evacuation of Americans in Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement following the safe evacuation of Massachusetts constituents Wafaa and Abood Okal and their one-year-old Yousef from Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley and Rep. Jamie Raskin led a group of 60 House lawmakers in urging the State Department to affirm the United States’ strong opposition to the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and to support an increase in humanitarian aid to the region.
• Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Betty McCollum (MN-4) and 20 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden, asking him to support a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza to protect the one million children living there.
• Rep. Pressley joined a coalition of interfaith clergy and faith leaders for a vigil to mourn the tens of thousands of Palestinians, Israelis, and innocent civilians killed since October 7^th, and to renew calls for a ceasefire to save lives, return all hostages, and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
• Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues at a press conference to condemn the Israeli government’s pending invasion of Rafah and continued her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in calling for full funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to provide urgent humanitarian relief to Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Joaquín Castro, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky and 33 House Democrats to President Biden urging him to prevent an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah.
• Rep. Pressley, amid heightened tensions in the region, delivered a floor speech in which she called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East and renewed her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a broader regional war.
• Rep. Pressley filed a pair of amendments to increase funding to global humanitarian assistance and place a one-year moratorium on the transfer of offensive weapons to the Israeli military. The amendments were not adopted in the final legislation. 
• Rep. Pressley voted against HR 8034 to send more offensive weapons and funding to the Israeli military, citing the Israeli military’s callous disregard for human life in Gaza and significant human rights violations.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the peaceful student protests taking place in Massachusetts and across the country.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Boston City Council for passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and 54 additional lawmakers in calling on the Biden Administration to use all tools possible to dissuade the Israeli government from moving forward with an offensive invasion into Rafah.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.
• Rep. Pressley joined impacted families, faith leaders, and advocates to observe the anniversary of the horrific October 7, 2023 attack and commemorate the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas, the hostages killed and those still kidnapped, and the over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza killed by the Israeli military over the past year.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7^th attack.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement urging the Senate to support Senator Bernie Sanders’ Joint Resolutions of Disapproval that would block the sale of offensive arms to the Israeli government.
• Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the ceasefire-hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in January 2025.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced a $4,593,322 grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support critical infrastructure improvements at Greenwood-Leflore Airport (GWO) in Carroll County, Mississippi.

The funding, awarded through the FY25 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), will be used to support a portion of the final phase of the airport’s runway rehabilitation project. This project will rehabilitate 6,501 feet of Runway 18/36, to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimizing foreign object debris. 

Funding is provided through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation.

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 – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO– Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement in response to Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago:

“This is not about public safety–it’s about creating chaos to consolidate power. It’s a show of force, an exercise in authoritarian control. Trump is targeting Chicago to punish us for our inclusive, progressive values,” said Congressman Jesus “Chuy” García.“As the nation’s first sanctuary city, Chicago stands as a symbol of resistance. We will not allow fear and division to become excuses for an authoritarian agenda. Federal troops have no place in our beloved community–and they will not be welcomed here.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement on the details of the trade framework between the United States and the European Union:

“I applaud the United States and European Union for crafting and delivering a trade framework that offers many points of benefit to both sides and a window into countering China and other non-market economies, while simultaneously benefiting long-established cross-border agreements, such as the critically important USMCA. 

“This agreement has a provision that, if applied, has great potential to offer significant enhancement to our North American trade arrangement under the USMCA, whereby the United States, Canada, and Mexico could each scrutinize any dumping of critical components into our highly secure, interconnected supply chain. As a representative of a state that is a large agricultural producer, I was also pleased to see the framework recommit to transatlantic work on addressing non-tariff barriers affecting trade and food in agricultural products.

“Further, it’s encouraging to see the framework take steps to ensure its corporate sustainability directive and reporting do not pose restrictions on transatlantic trade, which would ease the burden on U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses. 

“Our goal of countering mercantilist, anti-competitive trade policies is better achieved when the U.S. and the EU can work together cooperatively, ultimately improving the economic and national security for the citizens of our nation and the countries of the EU.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Last Friday, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) hosted a “SLO County Medicare Forum” at Cuesta College. The Forum brought together local health care providers, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the value of Medicare programs, the challenges they face, and how to improve healthcare access in the region. Attendees heard updates from both Congressmen on their work in Washington and had the opportunity to share their perspectives. Download photos here. 

“It was great to be back at Cuesta College to discuss how to improve Medicare access for seniors in San Luis Obispo County, as well as the damaging impacts of President Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on our country’s health care system,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’d like to thank all of our panelists and attendees for sharing their knowledge and perspectives. I’ll take the insights we gathered back to Washington to inform legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Medicare access, especially for our rural communities who need it most.”

“Medicare hasn’t kept up with the costs of healthcare, leaving too many seniors without proper access to ready and reliable doctors,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Today’s forum was important to give providers, patients, and community leaders a chance to share their experiences, highlight what’s at stake, and discuss actionable solutions.  I appreciated all the people who came out and spoke up.  I’m motivated to continue my work to pass my bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act that would stop harmful cuts, tie reimbursements to inflation, and make sure seniors can continue to count on their healthcare.”

The Forum’s panelists included: Dr. Tim Auran, CMA; Sue Anderson, President and CEO Dignity Health; Dr. Steve Clarke, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Dr. Jason Sanders, Movement for Life Physical Therapy; Dr. Penny Bornstein, Public Health Director San Luis Obispo County Health Department and San Luis Obispo Health Counts; and Ryan Ashlock, Adventist Hospital President and CEO. 

In February 2025, Congressman Carbajal co-sponsored Congressman Panetta’s bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Last Congress, Carbajal co-sponsored the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, which would tie physician payments to inflation and offer them long-term financial stability.

Carbajal is also a co-sponsor of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. The bipartisan legislation would combat the nation’s doctor shortage and improve access to health care by expanding the number of Medicare-supported medical residency positions by 14,000 over seven years.

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

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Joseph I. Castro, former President of Fresno State, and Chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system. 
“Dr. Joseph I. Castro dedicated his life to expanding opportunity through education. A grandson of immigrants, his story is the American story. Raised by a single mother, Joe grew up in Hanford, California, and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He knew his journey reflected the story of so many in the Valley striving for a better life, and he made it his mission to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.From professor to President of Fresno State, and ultimately Chancellor of the California State University system, Dr. Castro worked tirelessly to improve higher education opportunities for students and made a difference. Joe understood that educating children provided a foundation for future success and was the key to unlocking doors for themselves, their families, and America’s future. His vision, passion, and deep love for the Valley touched countless lives.To me, Joe was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend. I will remember him not only for his many accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and heart. He was a true son of the Valley who never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students whose lives he changed, and in the friends and loved ones who will miss him deeply.My thoughts go out to Joe’s wife, Mary, his family, and all who knew him over the years. I was honored to call him my friend.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — As American schoolchildren head back into the classroom, the One Big Beautiful Bill will ensure American families are in the best possible position to succeed. 

House Republicans have delivered once-in-a-generation pocketbook relief and educational freedom to American families with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The One Big Beautiful Bill slashes taxes for working families, expands school choice, makes it easier to start and support a family, encourages first time homeownership, expands Pell Grants for certificate and license programs, and empowers parents to make decisions that are best for their children.

“At its core, the One Big Beautiful Bill is a distinctly pro-family piece of legislation. It represents a monumental victory for hardworking families across America,” Speaker Johnson said. “Families are of course the foundation of any flourishing society, and Republicans are advancing in this Congress an agenda that values them—just as our principles and policies always have.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Invests in American Families:

Historic Tax Relief

• Delivers an average 15% tax cut for Americans earning $15,000-$80,000 per year.
• Puts up to $13,000 back into the pockets of the typical American family.
• Increases the Doubled Child Tax Credit to $2,200, providing relief for over 40 million families.
• Permanently raises the Doubled Standard Deduction to $31,500 for American families, a key middle-class benefit to reduce tax burden.

Supporting Educational Freedom

• Gives parents more flexibility to use education savings accounts for the school that best suits their child’s needs.
• Expands eligible expenses for 529 education savings accounts.
• Expands Pell Grant eligibility for students entering a certificate or license program.

More Options for American Families

• Launches Trump Investment Accounts for Newborns, tax-advantaged savings accounts to help families invest in their child’s future from birth.
• Raises the cap on Dependent Care Assistance Plans, providing breathing room to families budgeting for childcare.  

Stronger, Smarter Safety Nets

• Implements commonsense work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid, strengthening and preserving this vital program for the eligible Americans who truly need and deserve it: pregnant women, single mothers, children, low-income seniors, and Americans with disabilities. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Kingman, AZ  — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Justice providing updated claim forms for Downwinders exposed to radiation during nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era: 

“The new applications for the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) are now live on the Department of Justice’s website for constituents residing in Mohave County. Claim forms for Downwinders under the amended RECA are available by clicking here.

As I previously reported, Congress included my legislation to reauthorize and expand RECA in the One Big Beautiful Bill.   Immediately following President Trump’s signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill into law, I contacted the Department of Justice to request they provide immediate guidance for claimants in Mohave County to apply for their RECA restitution and move quickly to reopen applications.  

I am very pleased that the Department of Justice honored my request and wasted no time updating their guidance for new claimants in Mohave County wishing to file under RECA who developed serious illness following radiation exposure from nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era.

Now, if you reside in Mohave County and were sickened by U.S. nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era, you could be compensated up to $100,000 from the federal government for their negligence.

The United States Department of Justice administers the RECA program, reviews applications, and makes payments.  The application window will close on December 31, 2027, however, filed claims are expected to be paid out after that date.

If you need assistance getting the compensation you deserve, please call my district office at 623-707-0530 or click here.   Time is limited, so please don’t wait to file,” stated Congressman Gosar.