MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of the late Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

Today, New York City and the nation mourn a giant with the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Known as the Lion of Lenox Avenue, and to me as a friend and mentor, Chairman Rangel was truly one-of-a-kind. He was a patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice who made his beloved Harlem, the City of New York and the United States of America a better place for all.

Mr. Rangel’s matchless career began in the Korean War, where his brave and courageous actions in battle earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He brought the same spirit to his time as a federal prosecutor, where he stood up for the rule of law and held the powerful to account.

In Congress, Mr. Rangel broke barriers as the first African American to Chair the Ways and Means Committee. As the author of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, he helped facilitate the development of millions of affordable housing units across the nation. In 1987, the “Rangel Amendment” denied foreign tax credits to U.S. companies investing in South Africa and was instrumental in dismantling apartheid. He was clear-eyed about his responsibility to look out for the least, the lost and the left-behind and made it his life’s work to deliver on their behalf.

Myself and countless others stand on his broad shoulders because of his transformational approach to political empowerment. From serving as a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus to establishing the historic Rangel Program to ensure the Foreign Service reflects the great diversity of our country, Mr. Rangel’s impact can be seen and felt through the generations of new leaders in all levels of government.

There are many who will attempt to imitate, but the great Charlie Rangel will never be replicated. Whether in the United States Army, the federal courtroom, the halls of Congress or the streets of Harlem, Congressman Rangel led a life of public service that is second to none. The prayers of a grateful nation are with his family and the legions who loved this iconic leader. May Charles B. Rangel forever Rest in Power.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – This morning, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Congresswoman Miller voted in favor of the legislation, and spoke in support of the bill’s passage on the House floor. Her speech can be viewed here and is transcribed below:

“Thank you for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

Ways and Means Republicans have worked tirelessly for two years, traveling across America and hearing from real people about the impact that the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts had on them.

Working families got more money back in their pay checks from a simplified tax code, Main Street America was able to utilize the small business deduction to weather the storm of high inflation during the Biden years, and larger businesses were able to invest more of their money domestically because of a globally competitive corporate rate.

This One, Big, Beautiful Bill builds on all of that successful tax policy – and then some. 

This bill gives the average working family a $1,300 tax cut. It delivers on President Trump’s promises of no tax on tips and no tax on overtime pay. It makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to keep our economy humming.

It also provides relief to gig workers by ending the Democrats’ ridiculous $600 1099-K reporting threshold and reverting back to the time-tested standard of $20,000 and 200 transactions. 

I have worked tirelessly to fix this problem since Democrats created it – and I am glad to see it included in this bill.

This legislation will undoubtedly make the life of the Average American better, and I am proud to support it on the House floor and help get it to President Trump’s desk. I urge my colleagues to do the same.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced legislation to reauthorize critical reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008 to support reentry efforts including housing, career training and job placement, and substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize critical programs to reduce recidivism, invest in communities, and promote public safety.
 
Over 95% of the prison population will eventually be released, with more than 600,000 individuals returning to their communities from prison each year and an even higher number entering and exiting local jails. To address this need and to improve reentry services and lower recidivism rates, the Second Chance Act was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Bush in April 2008. The Act was last reauthorized by President Trump in 2018.
 
Senators Capito (R-WV) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
 
“Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, formerly incarcerated West Virginians reentering our communities have received the vital services and support they needed to return home successfully,” said Rep. Miller. “We have seen the benefits of the Second Chance Act in West Virginia and across the country. When we put in place strong reentry programming, we are creating safer communities where individuals feel supported and empowered to break the cycle of recidivism.”
 
“Second Chance reentry programs and services have reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the country, creating healthier families and safer communities,” said Rep. Davis. “Continuing to invest in these evidenced-based interventions is a commonsense approach to strengthen individuals, re-build families, and grow our economy.”
 
Joining Representatives Miller and Davis are Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nydia Velásquez (D-NY), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Mike Turner (R-OH), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Andre Carson (D-IN).
 
“As a former federal prosecutor, I understand the importance of accountability to the law, but I also believe that individuals deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Second Chance Act to invest in rehabilitation programs to strengthen services provided in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District to reduce recidivism rates and provide substance abuse treatment for those who need it most.”
 
“Last month, I was honored to work with colleagues across the aisle to declare April as Second Chance Month, and today’s introduction of the Second Chance Act builds on our bipartisan efforts to break down barriers for formerly incarcerated Americans,” said Rep. McBath. “The goal of our justice system is to reduce and prevent recidivism, which is why we must make smart federal investments to support programs and organizations that assist individuals with reentry. We in Congress can and must be leaders in breaking the stigma and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals to once again make vital contributions to their communities. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.”
 
“It is incredibly important to create pathways for incarcerated Arkansans and Americans who have paid their debt to society and are now experiencing the arduous barriers to re-enter their communities. Congress must work towards reducing recidivism rates and breaking the cycle of crime,” said Rep. Westerman. “There is no doubt that each of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect among their peers. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act which will promote second chances and in turn, create safer communities and brighter futures.
 
“Thousands of citizens return from incarceration to our communities every year,” said Rep. Johnson. “I know how difficult it is for people to get back up on their feet after getting out of the system. We need to fund programs that can remove barriers for returning citizens. That’s what Second Chance Act is all about, and I’m proud to support this critical, bipartisan legislation.”
 
“Stabilizing services and employment opportunities are critical for recently incarcerated individuals. We know these programs get people back on the right track and facilitate successful reentry,” said Rep. Scott. “The Second Chance Act reduces recidivism and provides critical support for those returning to society and I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort with me.”
 
“I am pleased to support the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which demonstrates our commitment to the power of forgiveness and rehabilitation,” said Rep. Bacon. “Second Chance programs have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.”
 
“Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life after incarceration, and that means real support, not roadblocks. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act invests in the housing, job training, and mental health services that make successful reentry possible,” said Rep. Velázquez. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to break cycles of incarceration and uplift communities across the country, and I thank Representatives Danny Davis and Carol Miller for their leadership on this important legislation.”
 
“America is the land of opportunity and second chances. Previously incarcerated individuals who take accountability for their actions and improve their lives should be able to count on our support,” said Rep. Smucker. “By passing the Second Chance Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, we can help more Americans successfully reenter and become productive members of their communities.” 
 
“I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization of 2025. In Northeast Ohio we know first-hand how the cycles of incarceration can negatively impact families and communities,” said Rep. Brown. “By investing in reentry programs and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, the Second Chance Act has reduced recidivism, strengthened families, and invested in communities that are far too often left behind. We need to build on that progress and ensure more people have a real path to opportunity and stability.”
 
“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 represents a principled and measured approach to criminal justice reform, one that reaffirms our commitment to accountability while acknowledging the vital role of rehabilitation and successful reintegration,” said Rep. Turner. “When we invest in programs that prepare individuals to return to society with purpose and responsibility, we not only restore lives, but strengthen the foundations of our communities.”
 
“For many incarcerated Alabamians and Americans, paying their debt to society after committing a crime is just the start of a long, burdensome process toward re-entering society,” said Rep. Moore. “The Lord shows each of us grace daily, and that same grace should be shown to those who are committed to breaking the cycle of crime and reintegrating into communities. We must do all we can to help reduce recidivism rates and provide pathways to opportunities that will help incarcerated individuals see a brighter future. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act and look forward to seeing the positive impacts it makes on incarcerated individuals and their communities.” 
 
“I’m honored to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization. These programs have a proven track record of reducing recidivism and helping returning citizens come back home to become productive members of our communities,” said Rep. Carson. “Over half of all Second Chance participants enrolled in re-entry programs for employment, housing and education services. My home state of Indiana has seen a 21% drop in re-incarceration rates since the bill was first enacted, and if we continue to boldly invest in Second Chances, our families and communities will grow stronger with opportunities for everyone.

“For too long, our country’s criminal justice system has focused on punitive measures that do nothing to reduce recidivism or actually make our communities safer. We need to invest in initiatives that center rehabilitation and reentry – which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Second Chance Reauthorization Act,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This legislation will continue giving formerly incarcerated individuals the tools and support they need to come back to their homes and communities and successfully rebuild their lives.” 
 
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
 
Background:
The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:

1. Reauthorize key grant programs that provide vital services, supports, and resources for people reentering their communities after incarceration;
2. Expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individuals reentering the community from prison and jail; and
3. Enhance addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention.

 
Since its passage 16 years ago, Second Chance has supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism. To date, Second Chance grants have reached more than 442,000 justice-involved individuals who participated in reentry services or parole and probation programs. From 2009 to 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded over 1,300 Second Chance Act grants to states, local, and tribal governments, as well as reentry-focused community organizations. Second Chance grants have been administered to 871 agencies across 49 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
 
The legislation is supported by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Correctional Leaders Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Conservative Political Action Conference, American Correctional Association, American Jail Association, Prison Fellowship, National District Attorneys Association, American Parole and Probation Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National League of Cities, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, Unify.US, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Last week, after an 18-hour markup session, the Ways and Means Committee voted to build upon the 2017 Trump tax cuts, averting a 22 percent tax hike on American families. The Republican-led bill will deliver meaningful tax relief for average working families, including an additional $1,300 tax cut, increasing annual take-home pay by $4,000 to $5,000, and raising annual real wages by roughly $3,000. This One, Big, Beautiful Bill keeps President Trump’s promises of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, no tax on auto loan interest, and tax relief for seniors.

This bill will also bolster small businesses throughout the country by increasing the 199A small business deduction to 23 percent and making the deduction permanent, provide relief to gig workers by ending the $600 1099-K reporting threshold imposed by Democrats, and encourages domestic manufacturing by allowing 100% expensing for new factories and improvements to existing factories. The legislation also ensures taxpayer benefits are going to legal American citizens by requiring a Social Security number for individuals claiming tax credits and deductions.

“Ways and Means Committee Republicans are committed to ensuring that American families are once again put at the forefront of our country’s economic policies, rather than foreign governments and illegal immigrants. By passing this tax package through our committee, we are one step closer to securing President Trump’s promises and ushering in a golden age of American manufacturing and economic success. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this bill so that we can continue to work toward getting it to President Trump’s desk,” said Congresswoman Miller.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to restore independence to the nation’s highest court, today Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) reintroduced the Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization (TERM) Act, which would establish term limits for Supreme Court justices and a regularized appointments process. Under the TERM Act, a new justice would be nominated every two years and spend 18 years in active service, while preserving constitutional protections for judicial independence in decision-making.

“We are a nation of laws grounded in the independence and impartiality of our judicial system. This independence is designed to ensure that our justices are shielded behind a veil of neutrality, free from pressure and influence,” said Rep. Johnson, ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet. “Creating 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, with a new justice taking the bench every two years, would help ensure that the justices are able to make decisions based solely on law and fact, all while depoliticizing the confirmation process. At a time when federal courts are acting as the protectors of our democracy, this is a necessary step toward bolstering confidence, faith and independence to our nation’s highest court.”

The Supreme Court TERM Act would:

•    Establish terms of 18 years in regular active service for Supreme Court justices, after which justices who retain the office will assume senior status;
•    Establish regular appointments of Supreme Court justices in the first and third years following a presidential election as the sole means of Supreme Court appointments;
•    Require current justices to assume senior status in order of length of service on the Court as regularly appointed justices receive their commissions; 
•    Preserve life tenure by ensuring that senior justices retired from regular active service continue to hold the office of Supreme Court justice, including official duties and compensation; and
•    Require a randomly selected Supreme Court justice who has assumed senior status to fill in on the Court if the number of justices in regular active service falls below nine.

America is alone among modern constitutional democracies in allowing its high-court justices to serve for decades without term or age limits, resulting in some presidents appointing no justices and others appointing as much as a third of the Court. Regularizing appointments every two years will ensure a Supreme Court that is more representative of the nation and decrease the partisan stakes of the confirmation process. Term limits for Supreme Court justices are an essential tool to restoring a constitutional balance to the three branches of the federal government.

The Supreme Court TERM Act would also preserve judicial independence by ensuring Supreme Court justices who assume senior status remain fully compensated members of the federal judiciary for life, capable of exercising official duties on and off the bench for as long as they choose.

Cosponsors: Jamie Raskin (MD-08); Madeleline Dean (PA-04); Rose DeLauro (CT-03); Suzan DelBene (WA-01); Chris Deluzio (PA-17); Dwight Evans (PA-03); Valerie Foushee (NC-04); Maxwell Frost (Fl-10); Jesús García (IL-04); Dan Goldman (NY-10); Jared Huffman (CA-02); Pramila Jayapal (WA-07); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08); Greg Landsman (OH-01); Summer Lee (PA-12); Mike Levin (CA-49); Kevin Mullin (CA-15); Jerrold Nadler (NY-12); Eleanor Norton (DC); Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14); Ilhan Omar (MN-05); Chellie Pingree (ME-01); Pat Ryan (NY-18); Andrea Salinas (OR-06); Mary Scanlon (PA-05); Jan Schakowsky (IL-06); Adam Smith (WA-09); Melanie Stansbury (NM-01); Mark Takano (CA-39); Shri Thanedar (MI-13); Rashida Tlaib (MI-12); Ted Lieu (CA-36); Kweisi Mfume (MD-07); Maxwell Frost (FL-10); Ayanna Pressley (MA-07); Delia Ramirez (IL-03).

Read the bill HERE.

As Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, Rep. Johnson has worked tirelessly to address the need to bolster the independence of the Judiciary.

GROUPS SUPPORTING THE TERM ACT: Accountable US; All* Above All; Alliance for Justice; Black Voters Matter Fund; Blue Future; Brennan Center for Justice; Center for Common Ground; Citizen Action of New York; Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW); Climate Hawks Vote; Community Change Action; Court Accountability; Courage California; DemCast USA; Democracy 21; Demand Justice; Disability Victory; End Citizens United; Enough of Gun Violence; FFRF Action Fund; Free Speech For People; Greenpeace USA; Indivisible; League of Conservation Voters; MoveOn; National Association of Consumer Advocates; National Women’s Law Center; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; New Disabled South; Newtown Action Alliance; NextGen America; Our Revolution; People For the American Way; People Power United; Progress Arizona; Project On Government Oversight; Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK); Public Citizen; Reboot Our Democracy; Reproaction; Reproductive Freedom for All; Reproductive Rights Coalition of Charlotte; Stand Up America; State Democracy Defenders Fund; Take Back the Court Action Fund; Term Limit the Court; The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights; The National Vote; The Workers Circle; Transformative Justice Coalition; Transparency International; UltraViolet Action; Voices for Progress; Voters of Tomorrow; Walking to Fix Our Democracy; Women’s March.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“Term limits for Supreme Court justices are a commonsense, widely supported, and deeply necessary reform to restore trust in this institution,” said Maggie Jo Buchanan, Interim Executive Director of Demand Justice. “There is a reason why 49 out of 50 states impose term limits, elections or mandatory retirement ages on their high courts and we applaud Rep. Johnson for leading this important effort. With trust in the Court plummeting to all-time lows and the president attacking the judiciary at nearly every turn, the need for reforms that would strengthen the Court’s independence have only become all the more clear.”

“The TERM Act would go a long way to strengthen the Supreme Court and the public’s confidence in the rule of law,” said Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center for Justice. “We urge members of Congress of both parties to advance this bill. A wide majority of Americans favor term limits for the Supreme Court. The TERM Act is consistent with the fundamental American value that no one should hold too much power for too long.” –

“We need a Supreme Court that works for all of us and fulfills its promise of equal justice under law, and the TERM Act would go a long way to modernize the Court,” said Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program and an advisor at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Indeed, the creation of 18-year terms of active services for Supreme Court justices would create more accountability at a time when the majority on the Court has curtailed many of our civil and human rights and when there is an escalating ethics crisis at the Court. The TERM Act would help build confidence in the Court and help future generations have the opportunity for a more fair and just Court. We thank Congressman Hank Johnson for introducing this common-sense legislation, and we will continue to work with him and others on additional important changes that would strengthen our democracy and give all people in America reason to trust that our federal judiciary will one day work to protect and advance the rights of all people, not just the wealthy and powerful.”

“The Supreme Court has become dangerously unbalanced,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “Unlike nearly every other democracy in the world, we allow justices to serve indefinitely, with no limits on their terms as justices. Some presidents have appointed no justices; others appointed a third of the Court in a single term. That imbalance has fueled growing public distrust in the legitimacy of our nation’s highest court. The TERM Act is a move in the right direction, aligning the Court with the will of the American people, the majority of whom across the political spectrum support Supreme Court term limits. We thank Rep. Johnson for reintroducing this practical, widely supported reform.”

“Supreme Court term limits are common sense– in fact, 49 states already impose fixed terms or mandatory retirement ages on their highest judges,” said Brett Edkins, Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs for Stand Up America. “With term limits, every president would have the chance to choose two justices during their 4-year term, promoting long-term ideological balance and preventing nominations from turning into all-out partisan warfare. Stand Up America is thankful for Representative Johnson’s leadership and will fight alongside him to advance the TERM Act.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a part of his ongoing effort to protect and bolster the U.S. Supreme Court’s independence, impartiality and accountability, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) – ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet — today re-introduced his Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act.

The bill requires justices of the Supreme Court to adopt and follow a binding code of ethics with an enforcement mechanism for resolving ethics or misconduct complaints, creates a process to investigate and enforce violations of the code, mandates improvements to the recusal process, places transparency standards on gifts and travel, and prevents shadow lobbying by litigants and amici curiae by requiring amici to disclose more information about who is funding their amicus briefs.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“A judiciary whose members are accountable for their conduct, that is transparent to its citizens, and that is free from bias or partiality is truly independent,” said Ranking Member Johnson. “Americans need to feel confident that when serious concerns arise, the judiciary can diligently investigate and correct judicial misconduct, no matter who might be implicated. That is a judiciary whose judgements will be accepted, observed and respected. An independent judiciary is crucial to our democracy now more than ever.”

“Supreme Court justices have repeatedly gotten caught red-handed receiving extravagant gifts from politically active billionaires and refusing to report the gifts as required by law.  It’s not even clear proper taxes were paid.  Despite these ethical problems, the Court does not allow basic fact-finding regarding the justices’ behavior, or any neutral process to resolve ethics questions,” said Sen. Whitehouse.  “This Court has repeatedly proven that it cannot police itself, so it’s time for fair and transparent guardrails, with clear procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving ethics complaints. With Trump’s persistent improper pressure on the judiciary, it’s now urgent to get this right.”

As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Rep. Johnson has been committed to bringing more independence, accountability and transparency to this nation’s highest court. The SCERT Act will do just that.

Original cosponsors include: Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03); Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04); Jill Tokuda (HI-02); Lloyd Doggett (TX-37); André Carson (IN-07); Madeleine Dean (PA-04); Julia Brownley (CA-26); Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02); Maxwell Frost (FL-10); Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC); Chellie Pingree (ME-01); Dan Goldman (NY-10); Jerrold Nadler (NY-12); Deborah K. Ross (NC-02); Ted W. Lieu (CA-36); Cleo Fields (LA-06); Summer Lee (PA-12); Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05); Eric Swalwell (CA-14); Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11); Greg Stanton (AZ-04); Juan Vargas (CA-52); Jamie Raskin (MD-08); Dave Min (CA-47); Angie Craig (MN-02); Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Joe Neguse (CO-02).

Supporting Groups: Fix the Court, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, Common Cause, Demand Justice, Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW, End Citizens United/Let America Vote, New York City Bar Association, People’s Parity Project, League of Conservation Voters, Court Accountability Action, Free Law Project, American Governance Institute, Lawyers for Good Government, Stand Up America.    

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“Ethics reform for the Supreme Court is long overdue,” said Maggie Jo Buchanan, Interim Executive Director of Demand Justice. “The American people deserve a Court they can trust and respect–not one that is beholden to special interest groups and billionaire donors. Scandal after scandal has shown that the Court is unwilling to hold itself to the ethical standard that all other federal judges are sworn to uphold. Congress can and must act, and this bill is a necessary first step.”

“Nearly 80 percent of voters want Congress to pass a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court. Congress must prioritize ensuring a Supreme Court free of corruption,” said Brett Edkins, Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Stand Up America. Passing the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act is an essential step toward guaranteeing high ethical standards and restoring trust in our nation’s highest court. Representative Johnson has been a steadfast leader on Supreme Court reform, and we look forward to continuing rallying support around this effort with our two million members across the country.”

“Americans deserve a legal system that isn’t influenced by billionaires, big corporations, and special interest backers advancing an agenda that shifts power away from ordinary families,” said Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW Executive Director Tony Carrk. “But the Supreme Court’s corruption crisis has repeatedly made clear how broken our Courts are and the urgent need for reform. That has been especially clear in recent months, as President Trump’s unconstitutional and self-dealing actions have made the need for public trust in our judiciary even more critical. The SCERT Act would substantially strengthen ethics standards. We applaud Senator Whitehouse and Representative Johnson and their cosponsors for leading the charge to restore credibility and integrity to our highest Court.”

“In a democracy the Supreme Court must be able to issue rulings independently and without misconduct, bias or undue influence,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act (SCERT) helps to achieve this goal.  By establishing a process for filing and investigating misconduct complaints, preventing abuse of those procedures, creating strict requirements for disclosing and accepting gifts and mandating robust transparency and disqualification measures, SCERT ensures that the public has important information about the justices’ activities, eliminates questions about what conflicts might lie behind closed doors and serves to restore the Court’s shaken credibility. CREW applauds Senator Whitehouse and Representative Johnson for reintroducing this critical legislation and urges both houses to pass it expeditiously.”

“There are countless examples across the ages of Congress regulating certain institutional features of the Supreme Court, from its calendar to its funding structure to its financial disclosure responsibilities. Sen. Whitehouse’s and Rep. Johnson’s bill maintains that history and tradition by strengthening the justices’ conflict-of-interest rules, toughening gift and travel rules and instituting real enforceable ethics. It might be a tautology but raising the bar raises the bar, and the Court should welcome this opportunity — thanks to the continued efforts led by Sen. Whitehouse and Rep. Johnson — to reassert some ethical leadership,” said Fix the Court’s Gabe Roth.

“The Supreme Court has been evolving into the most powerful branch of government, dictating what is and is not constitutional, with no oversight and no popular reprieve.  Political partisans who cannot win at the polls have tapped into this and stacked the unaccountable court in their favor.  Public Citizen wholly endorses this legislation that would help restore the balance of power between the three branches of government,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.

Read the bill HERE.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after House Republicans jammed through their partisan budget bill, which would add $4 trillion to the national deficit, while cutting vital relief for families in the San Joaquin Valley. “Republicans talk about fiscal responsibility, but their actions tell a different story. Trump’s so-called ‘big, beautiful’ budget would add $4 trillion to the deficit by 2034. While my constituents were sleeping, Republicans jammed their partisan bill in the middle of the night, because they know their policies are wildly unpopular.I represent one of the most SNAP and Medicaid-dependent districts in the country. This bill threatens meals for kids, healthcare, and housing stability for thousands of Valley families, all to protect tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. I call on the Senate to step up to fix this bill. This moment demands bipartisanship and common sense, not political games.”The Republican Budget proposal threatens the healthcare and well-being of the people of California’s 21st Congressional District.

456,532 people on Medicaid are at risk of losing their healthcare, including 133,709 children under 19 years old, and 22,577 seniors over 65 years old.
131,000 people would lose their food stamps/SNAP benefits.
25,000 people who receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would see their average premium go up by $1,870 per year, a 91% increase. 

In total, there are 1.8 million Medicaid recipients across the San Joaquin Valley, including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern. 

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on the Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Dean of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11):

“It was with immense sadness that I learned of Gerry’s passing. He was a relentless advocate for his constituents and a true public servant who loved America, the Commonwealth of Virginia and his hometown of Fairfax. I will miss our friendship and his infectious energy and humor. This is a true loss for Virginia and our entire nation.  I am praying for his family, his staff and his other loved ones at this time.”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Leads House in Honoring Congressman Gerry Connolly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Dean of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, led a moment of silence on the House floor to honor the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11).

 
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order for one minute… 

“I gather here with colleagues from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and others, with a heavy heart to announce to the House the passing of our friend and colleague Congressman Gerry Connolly.

“I have had the distinct honor to serve alongside Gerry for many years. Gerry served in this chamber since 2009, and before that he served for 14 years on the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County, including 5 years as its chairman.

“Gerry was a tireless fighter for his constituents, an unwavering advocate for the federal workforce, and a true steward of our democratic institutions. He loved America, the Commonwealth of Virginia and, of course, his beloved hometown of Fairfax. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he has spent the last few months on the frontlines as the chief advocate for our federal civil service workers. 

“I deeply valued Gerry’s partnership. We worked together to champion polices that strengthen our communities, protect workers’ rights, and expand opportunities for all Americans.

“As his friend, I know I speak for all of us here, when I say we will miss Gerry’ infectious energy, his humor and his unique ability to connect with people.

“This is a loss for the chamber, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our entire nation. Our condolences go out to his wife Smitty, his daughter Caitlin, his staff and the rest of his family and loved ones.

“Mr. Speaker, I now would like to yield to my colleague from Virginia, Mr. Wittman…”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Votes Against GOP’s Big, Bad Billionaires’ Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce and a member of the House Committee on the Budget, issued the following statement after voting against the Republicans’ Big, Bad Billionaires’ Bill:

“House Republicans have voted to add $3.8 trillion to the national debt in order to shovel massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. And they will make America’s middle class and working families pay the price. Under the Republicans’ Big, Bad Billionaire’s Bill, over 4 million students are estimated to have their Pell Grants reduced or eliminated, over 18 million children are estimated to lose access to free school meals, and over 13 million people are set to lose their health care coverage.  

“Specifically, it will cut students’ access to Pell Grants, drastically lower the amount of federal loans students can take out, that will either deny them the opportunity to get a college degree or force students into unaffordable repayment plans with no opportunity for debt relief for thirty years and push them into high-cost, predatory private loans.

“For years, we have heard Congressional Republicans preach about fiscal responsibility and complain about the national debt and deficits. Yet they just voted for a bill that will add trillions of dollars to the national debt. And that comes as no surprise, because Every Republican administration since President Nixon has left for their Democratic successors a worse budget deficit than the one they inherited. And every Democratic administration since President Kennedy has left for their Republican successors a better deficit situation than they one they inherited. All without exception.

“This Big, Bad Billionaires’ Bill is a collection of terrible policies. It kicks millions of people off their health care, threatens food security for millions of families, and makes it harder for students to afford a college education. It does all of this to fund tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and corporations.  And it makes the national debt and annual deficits worse than it would be if we did nothing. It is no wonder why Republicans rammed this bill through multiple committees in the dead of night.”

 

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