MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) thanked President Trump for issuing a disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties in response to flooding and rain that devastated the region in March of this year. The Congressman, in concert with local officials across the 34th Congressional District, requested federal relief for the Rio Grande Valley following widespread property damage to the area.  

“I thank President Trump for granting a major disaster declaration for our region,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I hope that FEMA will swiftly deliver desperately needed aid and relief to our communities. I will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to ensure those affected by this disaster receive the necessary resources to begin the recovery and rebuilding process.” 

This declaration comes after an April 29, 2025, letter Congressman Gonzalez sent where he urged the President to immediately issue a declaration and empower FEMA to dispense urgently needed assistance. Congressman Gonzalez wrote to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 28, 2025, urging him to issue a disaster declaration, and an April 17, 2025, letter from Governor Abbott to President Trump, requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration. South Texans have been waiting over two months for a determination and final decision from the Trump administration.   

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Partisan Bill Lowers Taxes for the Ultra-Rich and leaves South Texas Seniors, Veterans, and Families in the Dust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after the passing of long-time KCRA 3 news anchor Stan Atkinson. 

 

“Stan Atkinson lived a remarkable life. He was a Sacramentan through and through – a trusted voice who delivered the news with integrity and unparalleled charisma. For generations of Sacramentans, coming home, turning on our TV and getting our news from Stan was a sense of immense comfort,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I got to know Stan when my late husband Bob Matsui started his career as a local elected official. There was no one like him – he was the consummate gentleman, always available, gracious, with an unmatched passion for storytelling. We have truly lost a Sacramento Icon. My prayers are with all of his loved ones during this difficult time. Thank you for everything Stan – the Sacramento community will miss you dearly.”

 

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement on last night’s shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. 

“I am heartbroken and outraged by the horrific shooting that took place last night in our nation’s capital that killed two Israeli Embassy employees. This act of hate and violence has no place in our communities, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community during this deeply painful time,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “We must unequivocally condemn antisemitism — and we all have a responsibility to confront it wherever it appears. An attack on one community is an attack on us all. In Congress, I remain committed to standing against hate in all its forms and working to ensure that every person — regardless of faith, background, or identity — can live safely and free from fear.”

                                               

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, released the following statement after Senate Republicans passed H.J.Res. 87, 88, and 89, overturning the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act waivers for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Cars II, and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus rules, effectively blocking these rules from being implemented. 

 

Senate Republicans forced through these dangerous and short-sighted attacks on California’s air pollution regulations despite clear and consistent warnings that these attacks constitute an unlawful abuse of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Last month, the Government Accountability Office reiterated a 2023 decision that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the CRA. The Senate Parliamentarian has affirmed this determination, ruling that the CRA cannot be used to overturn California’s waivers. Congresswoman Matsui strongly condemned Senate Republicans’ unprecedented and unlawful actions.  

“Despite clear rulings by the Government Accountability Office and the Senate Parliamentarian – Senate Republicans have chosen to abuse their power to illegally attack California’s right to set stronger air pollution standards,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The science is clear – pollution kills. In my district and across our state, these emission standards are a matter of life and death. That’s why California has done the hard work to address the root causes of toxic air pollution and set strong, forward-looking standards. We have shown time and again that we can drive innovation while we protect families from harmful pollutants. Now Republicans want to drag us backward—all to help their polluter friends. This is an unprecedented assault on state authority, public health, and our fight against climate change.”

  

Congresswoman Matsui has spearheaded efforts in Congress calling for stronger emissions standards for cars and trucks. Under the first Trump Administration, the Congresswoman led opposition to then-President Trump’s attempts to revoke California’s pollution standards, and the Congresswoman successfully fought for the reinstatement of California’s authority under the Biden Administration.

 

In March of 2021, she led a letter with 70 of her colleagues urging the Biden Administration to take action to reinstate California’s Clean Air Act waiver and restore the Obama-Biden tailpipe emission and fuel economy standards. In July of 2021, she led a follow up letter with then Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone and 139 of her colleagues to reiterate the importance of reinstating the California Clean Air Act waiver.

                                               

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after she voted NO on House Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill. The bill will cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and take health care away from millions of Americans. 

“Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill is a disaster. It rips away health care coverage from millions of Americans, targeting the most vulnerable among us. From kids to parents, grandparents, cancer patients and people with disabilities – Medicaid represents hope and a healthier future. It represents the ability to be proactive about their health. It represents living with dignity and independence. That’s what this bill will take away. At the same time, it forces hospitals, emergency medical services, birthing centers, and other care facilities across the country to close. It forces Americans on private insurance to pay more in premiums, copays, and deductibles.

“Bottom line: this bill is an all-out assault on American families. It takes food away from millions of kids, older Americans, and people with disabilities by gutting SNAP. It jeopardizes our future by halting clean energy projects and next-generation manufacturing in communities across the country. That means less jobs, less investment in our communities, and a less prosperous future. And, it sabotages our ability to support public safety communications, protect national security, and close the digital divide. That means delaying lifesaving 9-1-1 upgrades and blocking affordable internet access.

“Republicans have been pushing their extreme agenda under the cover of darkness for a reason. They are ashamed of what is in this bill – and they should be. They don’t want the American people to find out what they just frantically pushed through the House – but I will not stop exposing the lies and deceit. This bill does permanent, irreversible damage all to give tax cuts to the ultra-rich. With the health and future of my constituents at risk, I will not back down. This battle is not over.” 

                                               

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, environmental champions in the House of Representatives held a press conference at the Capitol blasting House Republicans’ Tax Scam as a massive giveaway to billionaires and mega-polluters, funded entirely by selling out our health, economy, and children’s future. This corrupt Republican scheme is an attack on every American who values reducing costs, clean air and water, public health, and a thriving American economy. 

These members included Rep. Doris Matsui, House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Co-Chair and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Rep. Paul Tonko, House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Co-Chair and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment; Rep. Don Beyer, SEEC Vice Chair; Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, SEEC Vice Chair; Rep. Sean Casten, SEEC Vice Chair; Rep. Mike Levin, SEEC Vice Chair; Rep. Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee; Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, Ranking Member of the House Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process; and Rep. Mike Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax. 

WATCH: The full press conference here.

“This bill is not reform. It’s legalized bribery,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The Republicans are auctioning off our public lands to the highest bidder, prioritizing profit over our environment, and sacrificing the health and future of our communities. You’d think that would be enough, but no. In addition, they have chosen to wreck our economy and end billions of dollars in federal investments that were working to ensure that our infrastructure doesn’t collapse. To this I ask my Republican colleagues: is your endgame really permanent and irreversible damage for the sake of temporary tax cuts for the rich?”

“This bill is a lose-lose. It’s bad for people’s wallets, and it’s bad for building a strong, competitive economy,” said Congressman Tonko. “It sells out current and future generations of Americans to fund tax cuts for billionaires and undermine fossil fuels’ biggest competition— clean energy. Americans will pay more down the road through higher energy bills, dirtier air, worsening climate disasters, and rising health care costs.”

“Let’s be clear about what’s happening: the billionaire-backed reconciliation bill is the single most extreme, anti-environment piece of legislation Congress has ever seen,” said Congressman Huffman. “And here’s the kicker: the same Republicans who claim to be fiscally responsible — the same ones who wring their hands about deficits when it’s time to fund food assistance or climate resilience — are about to add $3.8 trillion to the national debt according to CBO to bankroll billionaire tax cuts and fossil fuel handouts. The same folks who say they’re putting the conservative back in conservation are destroying national parks, public lands, and sacred Tribal sites just to please the oil lobby. The hypocrisy is staggering — and the American people see right through it.”

“This bill is going to raise energy costs for every American household,” said Congressman Beyer. “It’s a bad deal for America. It’s a bad deal for our climate. It’s a bad deal for economic growth. It’s a bad deal for our future government. And it’s a bad deal for all those people that voted for Donald Trump.”

“This massive big bad bill, advanced in the dead of night, is a blueprint to bulldoze many of the natural resources Oregonians treasure and rely on for their livelihoods,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Oregonians know what’s at stake – our coast, forests, and future. We will not back down from the fight for our planet and our people.”

“We had the fastest-growing economy in the world just a couple months ago. We had surges of manufacturing in America. We’ve now got people saying, if I build a factory in America am I going to be able to plug into a grid that’s going to have reliable supply? Can I build resources in America and know that the price of energy is going to come down,” said Congressman Casten. “This is a self-inflicted wound. We’re going to fight with every fiber of our being to make sure that we do the policy right, that we look out for the dignity of this institution the way that Gerry Connolly taught us to.”

“My message to you today is simple: House Republicans want to raise your energy bills, cut jobs, and kill the planet to give bigger tax breaks to polluters and billionaires like Elon Musk. That’s not what House Republicans want you to believe, but it’s the truth,” said Congressman Levin. “Over the past year, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have been talking about how the cost of living is too high. But they’ve been all talk and no action. Instead of working to lower costs and pass policies that uplift Americans, they are pushing one of the most harmful, misguided, and backward bills I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ve been here since one o’clock in the morning because House Republicans wanted to make sure that — in the dark of night — they could push through the rule. But Democrats have shown up and made sure that this bill sees the light of day, so that we can shine a light on what House Republicans are actually doing,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “They are focused on making sure we keep the dirtiest energy dominant. When they say energy dominance, it’s not about energy, which includes the sun, and geothermal, and the wind, and those things that we know can power our homes cheaper, more affordable, while also creating the kinds of jobs communities like mine need and want.”

“It’s important to note that over half of the new clean jobs created by those provisions in the IRA are in red states and Republican districts,” said Congressman Thompson. “So House Republicans’ one big, ugly bill that we’ve been debating nearly around the clock, cuts all the clean energy production. It’ll raise electric costs by about $110 per year per household. And I did the math quickly. People making under $50,000 are going to get about $260 in tax cuts. If you subtract the energy cost increase, that just about cuts their tax cuts in half. So talk about giveth with one hand and taketh with the other.”

 # # #

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

Program brings healthy food, grocery stores to both urban & rural communities; Evans helped create Pa. program that became national model

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

PHILADELPHIA (May 22, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) said the fight isn’t over to stop a bill pushed by President Trump that would kick more than 50,000 Philadelphians off Medicaid health coverage. The House of Representatives passed it Thursday morning.

“This bill now goes to the Senate, and if they change it, the bill will have to survive another vote in the House. All of that provides more time for Americans to find out what’s in this ‘Reverse Robin Hood’ bill that would steal from the working class to give the richest another tax cut,” Evans said. “So I and my Democratic colleagues are going to KEEP fighting!”

“I fought this bill in a nearly 18-hour committee markup that went overnight, and I voted against it repeatedly in the overnight House session where Republicans narrowly passed it. A House Republican 31 years younger than me missed the vote because he fell asleep, but I stayed up to fight for the 26,000 people in my district who would lose Medicaid coverage. Denying health coverage for 259,000 Pennsylvanians will NOT ‘make America healthy again!’”

Evans said the Center for American Progress estimated the bill would take Medicaid coverage away from more than 50,000 people in Philadelphia and about 259,000 Pennsylvanians overall. CAP also estimated the Medicaid denials would result in more than 150 deaths per year in Philadelphia and 819 deaths statewide.

“Trump and his House Republican enablers’ bill would pile on work documentation requirements – basically, more paperwork – that would kick millions of Americans off Medicaid. This program is vital for kids, seniors, and many people who are unable to work because of disabilities, illness, school, or serving as a caregiver for children or other relatives. And the Republican cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food aid in the bill roughly equal their $1 trillion in tax cuts for people making over $500,000 per year.”

“The Trump-Republican bill would also force $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, which covers nearly 3 million Pennsylvania seniors. I think protecting health care for kids, seniors, and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians – and keeping our hospitals open – are both more important than giving another tax cut to Elon Musk and others who don’t even need it!” Evans said. 

Evans urged Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators, John Fetterman (D) and David McCormick (R), to oppose the bill.

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.

Evans serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health. The committee oversees Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and trade. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on YouTube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [5/22/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici condemned the House Republican reconciliation bill, which passed the house on a partisan vote.

Bonamici denounced the legislation on the House floor ahead of the vote. The video can be found here, and the full remarks are below.

“The news today is about a bill. It’s a big bill. The Republican’s big, bad bill, which is cruel, cold-hearted, and completely unnecessary. And it’s not even fiscally responsible; it’s actually going to add to the deficit.

“This massive bill, which is more than a thousand pages, was – and is being – negotiated behind closed doors. The debate started at 1 o’clock in the morning in the darkness of night. This bill is going to strip health care and food assistance from millions of Americans so billionaires can get trillions of dollars in tax breaks. Mr. Speaker, who’s afraid of the big, bad bill? Well a lot of people are, and for good reason.

“Make no mistake, if you rip health care away from millions of Americans, people will die. Right now, this is the largest Medicaid cut in history. In fact, the headline today summarizing the score on this bill from the Congressional Budget Office said, ‘Wealthy gain, low-income people lose from GOP megabill.’ They’re right. There are about 1.4 million Oregonians on Medicaid, including 1 in 3 children. I challenge my colleagues to go to a pediatric cancer wing and tell a child with leukemia and their parents that they can’t afford life-saving treatment. If you don’t have the courage to tell them to their face, then don’t support this bill. 

“This bill takes food from hungry children. SNAP helps more than 775,000 Oregonians, 50 percent of whom are children, to put food on their table. This bill would lead to a significant reduction in food benefits for families. 

‘I tell you, billionaires can eat caviar in their mansions, on their yachts, and while launching celebrities in rockets on vanity tours of space, but everyday Americans will be left unsure about whether they’ll have enough to feed their families.  

“The top 20 percent of income earners will get at least 68 percent of the benefits in this bill while Oregonians and Americans who benefit from Medicaid and SNAP will be left to suffer.  

“Because of this big bad bill for billionaires, student loan borrowers could be in debt until they die. Many students who get Pell grants will be harmed. This bill will raise monthly student loan payments for working and middle-class borrowers, affecting 15 million people across the country. That includes more than 50,000 Oregonian students and families who with this bill will have limited options for repayment relief. And no question – unless they are from a wealthy family, this bill will close the doors of opportunity for the next generation to access affordable college education. 

“Families will pay more for groceries, gas, insurance, and utilities, but oil companies and corporate executives will be getting tax breaks.

“This bill will hike the average household electricity bill by about 10 percent, forcing families to pay more while corporate polluters get a windfall. Nationwide, families would pay an extra $6 billion.  Republicans are going to make it easier for corporate polluters to poison our water and air. We’ll see an increase in the number of wildfires and floods that devastate communities, and that will lead to continued skyrocketing insurance premiums and property damage. 

“Farmers and ranchers are collateral damage. This bill greenlights more drilling and mining that will spoil water supplies used for irrigation and livestock – poisoning the land while fossil fuel CEOs profit. 

“Public lands belong to all Americans – not billionaire donors. But Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are going to privatize, drill, and destroy them for profit and that will eviscerate the very spaces that make us ‘America the beautiful.’  

“And finally, tucked into this bill is a 10-year block on state regulation of artificial intelligence, which might make sense if we had policies at the federal level for safety, security, and bias, but we don’t. And the public will face unchecked harm.

“For all these reasons and more, I oppose this misguided legislation and urge my every one of my colleagues to vote no.”

###