MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following statement:

Today, every single House Democrat voted to stop the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history. The GOP Tax Scam rips healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people in order to provide tax cuts to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. 

House Republicans promised to lower costs. Instead, Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill will mean millions of families will pay higher premiums, copays and deductibles. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and communities will suffer. It will take food out of the mouths of children, seniors and veterans at a time when too many families are already struggling to live paycheck to paycheck.

The GOP Tax Scam is deeply unpopular, which is why Republicans made every effort to advance it during the dead of night. For more than 28 hours, beginning with Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern, Democrats forced Republicans to debate this toxic legislation before the American people. This fight is just beginning, and House Democrats will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the GOP Tax Scam is buried deep in the ground, never to rise again.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

This morning, Rep. Ron Estes and the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Estes was instrumental in crafting the tax provisions in the legislation that lower taxes for working families and support small businesses. Before the vote, Rep. Estes spoke in support of the bill during debate.

“[The bill] ends benefits for illegal immigrants. Instead of giving Medicaid to able-bodied adults, it prioritizes the benefit for children, seniors and low-income Americans. It provides a tax credit for seniors, exceeding President Trump’s plan to end taxes on Social Security. It provides funding for more border security to keep our country safe,” said Rep. Estes. “And perhaps more importantly, it extends the pro-family, pro-growth policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that even the New York Times and Washington Post admitted gave tax cuts to middle class Americans.”

Watch video of Rep. Estes’ remarks here.

Full Remarks

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support our One Big, Beautiful Bill.

First, let me outline what this bill doesn’t do. It doesn’t take away Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security from Americans who need it. And it doesn’t give lavish tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires.

Here’s what it does do. It ends benefits for illegal immigrants. Instead of giving Medicaid to able-bodied adults, it prioritizes the benefit for children, seniors and low-income Americans. It provides a tax credit for seniors, exceeding President Trump’s plan to end taxes on Social Security. It provides funding for more border security to keep our country safe.

And perhaps more importantly, it extends the pro-family, pro-growth policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that even the New York Times and Washington Post admitted gave tax cuts to middle class Americans.

And how do we know this will work? Because we saw TCJA boost wages, job growth and tax revenue, despite the CBO’s biased and inaccurate scoring in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to vote in favor of One Big, Beautiful Bill. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott DesJarlais (4th District of Tennessee)

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) released the following statement praising passage of H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  

“What a tremendous day for our great Nation! House Republicans passed H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act!

 

This legislation: Gives the largest PERMANENT tax cut in history to the middle class, unleashes American energy production, secures our southern border and strengthens our military. 

 

The good folks of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District have given me one mandate: advance President Trump’s agenda. This morning, I am proud to say I have done just that.”

 

 

Last night, Rep. DesJarlais oversaw the rule debate on H.R. 1. 

The bill now moves on to the Senate for final passage.

 

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

“You could save lives. You can look your kids in the eye, you can say that when everything was at stake, that you had clarity and you did the right thing.”

“I’m not begging you for benevolence. I’m asking you for decency. Do right by the people that sent you here.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Early this morning on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) made a direct, final appeal to her Republican colleagues to oppose their budget reconciliation bill, which would gut Medicaid, slash food assistance, and make millions of people in America poorer, sicker, hungrier, and more vulnerable. The Congresswoman’s remarks came during debate on the bill and ahead of the House’s vote on final passage.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s speech is below and video is available here.

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Makes Final Appeal to Republicans to Reject Cruel, Callous Budget Bill
House of Representatives
May 22, 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise in vigorous opposition to this bill that is callous and cruel and clueless about what the American people are dealing with.

This bill, if passed, we’re talking about generations of harm, lives lost because of defunded cancer research, pregnant mothers denied essential health care, school lunch programs gutted, our babies hungry.

And for what? To line the pockets and stroke the egos of a few petty billionaires?

I believe in the promise of this nation. 

I believe in the possibility that government can and can do right by people and help us through our most vulnerable moments. 

This bill, this bill is the antithesis of that. 

This bill is a threat to the lives and livelihoods of so many people. 

The mood up here is somber. Y’all are gleeful. It’s somber, because this is shameful. 

Republicans, we just need four of you to be people of conscience, to stand up against this.

And in exchange, you could save lives. You can look your kids in the eye, you can say that when the world, when everything was at stake, that you had clarity and you did the right thing. 

I’m not begging you for benevolence. I’m asking you for decency.

Do right by the people that sent you here. 

I yield. 

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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 Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. This bill aims to support our farmers and strengthen our agriculture industry by increasing federal investment in agriculture research institutions such as Washington State and Central Washington University. Congresswoman Schrier was joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), and a companion bill was introduced by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). 

“Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success – they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.” 

Today’s farmers face unprecedented challenges such as extreme droughts and floods, increased pest and disease pressures, and feeding a growing population with less working land. Research institutions play a crucial role within the agriculture industry, providing innovative solutions to the obstacles that our farmers face. Unfortunately, funding for these institutions has stagnated, with the United States falling billions of dollars behind China and other nations in agriculture research investment. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill solves this issue by authorizing $2.5 billion in mandatory spending and authorizing an additional $1 billion in discretionary appropriations over 5 years to provide infrastructure grants to agricultural research facilities.

“Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Congressman Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

“Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Senator Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

“For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

“Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

Washington, D.C — Today, the House Budget Committee rejected the Republican tax plan, which will kick 13.7 million Americans off of their healthcare, by a vote of 21-16, with all Democrats and five Republicans voting against. During the committee’s consideration of the bill, Representative Peters urged his colleagues who have traditionally preached fiscal conservatism to reject the bill because it adds to the massive government debt and annual deficits. Many of the Republicans who voted no echoed Rep. Peters’ fiscal concerns. The Budget Committee is expected to reconsider the legislation on Sunday evening.

 

During his remarks, Rep. Peters stated, “Unfortunately, this is from a budget perspective, a disaster for the United States, despite the flowery language you hear. Every year this country has been racking up $2 trillion of debt because we don’t pay our expenses. And that means, the national debt, unless we do something about that, will grow from 36 to 38 to 40 to 42 trillion. And despite all the cuts you hear about, none of them are applied to lowering that annual deficit number that adds to our national debt, not any of them.” 

 

He continued, “Scott Besant, the Treasury Secretary, says we need to get our deficits down to 3% of GDP to dig out of this hole. Today, without this law, that’s going to take about $7 trillion of savings and revenues over the next 10 years. But when you add in the cost of this bill, this budget busting bill, that number goes to $11 to $12 trillion, we’re going to have to save over the next 10 years. This is not going in the right direction at all. 

 

And he concluded, “The tax gap, the difference between what is owed and what we collect, is $697 billion. And what are we doing about that? We see DOGE cutting the IRS’s ability to collect taxes. This is irresponsible. It’s the wrong thing to do budget. We need a bipartisan process that deals with this honestly, with revenues and cuts. We don’t have it. Please vote this down.” 

 

Representative Peters is the co-author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to create a bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. 

 

CA-50 Medicaid Facts:  

1.       156,100 people in the district rely on Medicaid for health coverage—that’s 20 percent of all district residents. 

a.       34,700 children in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

b.       17,700 seniors in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

c.       64,900 adults in the district have Medicaid coverage through Medicaid expansion—that includes pregnant women who are able to access prenatal care sooner because of Medicaid expansion, parents, caretakers, veterans, people with substance use disorder and mental health treatment needs, and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. 

2.       At least five hospitals in the district had negative operating margins in 2022. These hospitals would be especially hard-hit by cuts to Medicaid. For example: 

a.       Scripps Mercy Hospital had a negative 25.3 percent operating margin—and nearly 22 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

b.       Sharp Coronado Hospital had a negative 3.5 percent operating margin—and over 36 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

c.       University of California San Diego Medical Center had a negative 2.4 percent operating margin—and nearly 19 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

3.       There are 54 health center delivery sites in the district that serve 529,944 patients. 

4.       Those health centers and patients rely on Medicaid—statewide, 69 percent of health center patients rely on Medicaid for coverage. 

5.       Health centers will not be able to stay open and provide the same care that they do today, with more uninsured and underinsured patients. They are already operating on thin margins—in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins. 

6.       Medicaid cuts put health centers at risk, including: 

a.       Family Health Centers of San Diego 

b.       Neighborhood Healthcare 

c.       North County Health Project 

d.       San Diego American Indian Health Centers 

e.       St. Vincent De Paul Village 

  

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

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Would Worsen Maternal Health Outcomes, Restrict Access to Essential Care Like Prenatal Care, Contraception, and Cancer Screenings

“I just need four Republicans – four people of conscience – to listen to their constituents, to look into the eyes of pregnant mothers praying for a safe delivery, to show a shred of humanity and oppose this horrific bill.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide. She demanded Republicans consider the mothers, babies, and families that stand to be harmed by their devastating Medicaid cuts, and urge them to oppose this cruel legislation.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening remarks, as delivered, is available below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley in Powerful Floor Speech: Republican Bill Gutting Medicaid Would Decimate Reproductive Healthcare
House of Representatives
May 20, 2025

Mr. Speaker,

This Republican Administration claims to care about babies and families – claims.

But I cannot hear the words they speak because I see the things that they do.

The birth of every baby should be a joyful transition defined by compassion and whatever healthcare is required for the baby and the mother.

America’s broken, for-profit healthcare system denies far too many this basic dignity.

But Medicaid has been a lifeline.

Today, 42 percent of births in America are funded by Medicaid.

Republicans who claim to be pro-family are coming for Medicaid with a sledgehammer.

And what would this mean for families across America?

Even worse maternal health outcomes.

States rescinding policies that improve access to reproductive care.

Decimating access to prenatal care, contraception, and cancer screenings.

This big, shameful, unconscionable bill is unacceptable, but it is not inevitable.

I just need four Republicans – four people of conscience – to listen to their constituents, to look into the eyes of pregnant mothers praying for safe a delivery, to show a shred of humanity and oppose this horrific bill.

If you aren’t here to fight for the people who sent you, give up your damn seat.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Testimony of Congressman Danny K. Davis (As Prepared) 

In Support of His Amendments to Reimburse Working Parents Up to $8,000 for Child Care, 

Help Cost-Burdened Renters Earning Up to $100,000, Ensure Foundations Fund Charitable Giving Rather Than Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, and Give Tax Cuts to Workers Who Are Single, Noncustodial Parents, Aged 19 and Older, Seniors, Foster Youth, or Homeless

Committee on Rules Meeting on H.R. 1 – May 21, 2025

The Good Book teaches us to care for the least among us.  My four amendments do just that. 

For parents, child care is the work-related expense. My amendment would reimburse working parents up to $8,000 in child care costs. The meager, current maximum of $1,200 was set at the turn of this century.  Now, the cost of center-based care for two children is more than the average annual rent in all 50 states. Yet, the Republican bill fails to directly help struggling parents with the crushing burden of child care. Instead, the bill gifts $731 million to businesses and ignores the tens of millions of working parents whose employers will never offer child care.  And the small, temporary $500 bump in the Child Tax Credit excludes the poorest parents and is dwarfed by the $8,000 in relief offered by my amendment. If Republicans want parents to work, then you should accept my amendment. 

My second amendment would provide life-changing help to hardworking, rent-burdened Americans earning up to $100,000.  Rent unaffordability is at an all-time high with about half of all renters being cost-burdened – especially extremely low-income households, seniors, and rural Americans.  My amendment would create a new tax credit for low- and middle-income renters that would cover a percentage of the gap between 30 percent of their adjusted gross income and their actual rent. For renters earning less than $25,000, the credit would cover the entire 30-percent-income-to-rent gap and then phase out.  The Republican bill offers nothing to help struggling renters.  Supporting my amendment would provide financial relief to tens of millions of Americans so they can thrive without fear of eviction. 

 

My third amendment would provide a tax cut to tens of millions of low-income workers by enhancing the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is a powerful tool to reduce poverty.  Although the Republican bill gives an increased EITC for some purple-heart recipients, it ignores the vast majority of individual workers.  Workers aged 65 and older represent one of the fastest-growing groups in our labor force. Millions of people younger than 24 serve in the labor force. My amendment gives permanent tax relief to seniors and younger workers by removing the EITC age cap and lowering the eligibility age to 19, while also enhancing the credit for all childless workers.  Further, my amendment includes important flexibilities for foster and homeless youth.  If the GOP bill can spend $211 billion on tax breaks for wealthy heirs, surely it can help vulnerable workers who are young, old, single, homeless, or foster youth. 

My final amendment would strike the permanent tax hike on foundations that would rip $15.8 billion in charitable aid from our communities – aid that supports food banks, houses of faith, veterans, disaster relief, rural health care, emergency assistance during economic downturns, and other critical needs.  Policies that hurt foundations reduce grantmaking to charitable nonprofits across the country.  Forefront, the association of grantmakers for the state of Illinois, estimates that the proposed tax increase on private foundations would result in $168 million less in grants made to Illinois nonprofits each year.  Charitable giving represents the best of American generosity. At the exact time when charitable giving and philanthropy are needed the most to offset the cuts in federal investment, Congress must strike this charity-reducing provision. 

Government should help people, not harm them.  My amendments would help lift the burdens of tens of millions of families and workers as well as promote charitable service.  I hope you will support them.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG – This weekend, the Chicago Sun-Times highlighted Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s (D-IL) recent tour of Illinois food distributors and farms, where he spoke to business leaders, farmers, and distributors who are feeling the negative impacts of President Donald Trump’s reckless trade war. During his April 24 tour, Congressman Krishnamoorthi visited Testa Produce in Chicago and Kindred Farms in Atlanta, Illinois, to speak about how President Trump’s tariff policies are causing higher prices for families and stretching the bottom lines of small and local agricultural and business producers.

“We’re not going to grow bananas in the U.S. or coffee. But it feels like food is being used as a weapon,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “It shouldn’t be used as a weapon, especially when everybody needs it.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s comments were echoed by local agricultural and business leaders, who spoke in detail about how the tariffs are shrinking margins, inflating input costs, and throwing a wrench into supply chains.

“Many customers are wondering how this will all end. I don’t have answers for them,” Peter Testa, CEO of Testa Produce, said. “There’s mass confusion.”

“We’re just out here, caught in the crossfire,” Ron Kindred, owner of Kindred Farms and chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, said. “[Tariffs] drive the price of everything up.”

Illinois is the number one soybean-producing state in the country, with over 60 percent of the soybeans exported to countries such as China and Taiwan. However, price volatility and retaliatory tariffs put in place during President Trump’s first term cost U.S. agricultural producers $27 billion worth of lost exports in 2018 and 2019 alone, according to reporting by the Sun-Times.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has continued to call attention to the issues agricultural producers are facing in the wake of President Trump’s trade war since his state tour in April, using his position in Congress to help lead efforts to have these dangerous and irresponsible policies reversed for the betterment of small businesses and working families in Illinois.

WHAT THEY’RE READING:

Chicago Sun-Times: Illinois food businesses in the crosshairs of trade war Trump says will boost U.S. manufacturing

• President Donald Trump says his tariffs will reshore U.S. manufacturing, yet food businesses, including those in Illinois, are especially hard hit by his trade war since supply chains are tied to local agricultural conditions and can’t easily be shifted, say business leaders and officials.

• Food buyers such as Testa Produce are unsure whether to buy now or to wait, in case Trump rolls back his tariffs. That makes planning and budgeting very difficult, Testa said during Krishnamoorthi’s visit to the food distributor.

• “Fresh produce trade is uniquely complex, shaped by seasonal and regional factors that require a well-functioning market for year-round availability,” the International Fresh Produce Association said last month in a statement. Broad application of tariffs as a “blunt tool disrupts markets, raises consumer costs and places unnecessary strain on growers and producers across the supply chain,” the association added.