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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Gwen Moore (WI-04), members of the Ways and Means Committee, announce the reintroduction of the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act. This legislation will amend the nation’s tax code to ensure survivors of sexual abuse and unwanted and illegal sexual contact do not have to pay taxes on settlement income when they prevail legally against their abuser. 

Under current law, damages awarded for personal physical injuries or physical sickness are excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes. However, to qualify for this exemption, the IRS requires evidence of a “physical injury,” often interpreted as visible harm –such as bruising, cuts, or bleeding. This “observable harm” standard can be especially difficult and unjust in cases of sexual assault or sexual contact, where such physical injuries may not be visible or may have already healed. 

Representatives Smucker and Moore’s legislation makes a targeted change to fix the disparity in current law by aligning the IRS tax exemption with the federal criminal code’s definitions of sexual act and sexual contact. This would extend tax-free treatment to survivors of sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact without requiring them to demonstrate visible physical injuries. 

“This legislation brings much-needed clarity and fairness to the tax code by ensuring that all survivors of sexual assault are not taxed on the monetary settlements they receive. These individuals have already endured unimaginable trauma. They should not be further burdened by a tax code that treats survivors of the same crime differently, simply based on whether their injuries are outwardly observable. I urge my colleagues to stand with survivors by supporting this narrowly crafted, bipartisan legislation. I grateful to Rep. Gwen Moore partnering with me to champion this important effort,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

“I am determined to support survivors of abuse using all available tools. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue working to advance this bipartisan legislation, which will change the tax code to better serve all survivors who receive settlements after prevailing against their abusers by not saddling them with a tax bill,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).  

The legislation is supported by a number of organizations who are calling for the legislation to be passed swiftly. 

“On behalf of the thousands of courageous survivors of gender-based violence that the YWCA network supports each year, I applaud Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Gwen Moore for championing this legislation to provide certainty to all victims of sexual violence that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax,” said YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell. “We stand with survivors in all their steps of healing and this thoughtful and bipartisan bill is a helpful step.” 

“At YWCA Lancaster we support this common sense proposed tax code change. Representative Smucker has met with our team and this concrete step is a solution that means the world to survivors,” said Stacie Blake, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Lancaster.

“On behalf of the members of the American Association of Settlement Consultants (AASC), whose professional efforts protect injured parties’ long term financial interests, we are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Smucker and Moore in advancing the commonsense and bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act. Their efforts to support survivors are deserving of praise. We call on their colleagues to support this legislation which should be advanced without delay,” said AASC President Louis Masry.

“As a survivor and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how civil judgments provide a rare form of justice that can help survivors reclaim some control over their lives and begin to heal,” said Grace French, founder and president of the Army of Survivors. “But taxing these settlements forces survivors to give back part of what they sacrificed so much to attain. This legislation will allow us to receive full settlements, unencumbered by tax burdens that devalue the painful journey to justice. It’s a crucial step in helping survivors move forward.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order: 

“Pennsylvania’s 11^th Congressional District is home to exceptional public-school districts, private schools, and parochial schools. That is not by accident. Our schools are great because of engaged parents, dedicated educators, and communities who care—not because of any mandates from Washington. I look forward to reviewing the Trump administration’s proposals to return additional oversight and control of education policy to the states and involved parents at the local level.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) are urging the Trump administration to take swift action to address the failures of the Biden administration that have undermined the nation’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. They are joined by House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-4) in a letter calling for comprehensive reforms to restore accountability, prevent fraud, and ensure timely support for job seekers. 

The letter emphasizes the need for a partnership between Congress and the Trump administration to reverse “the damage caused by the prior administration by encouraging states to build strong UI systems that verify identities, deliver benefits quickly, and return claimants to meaningful work.” 

The lawmakers specifically call for an end to the ineffective ‘pay and chase’ model, a reevaluation of federal funding formulas that support state UI administration, and greater transparency in the Biden administration’s handling of nearly $1 billion in UI modernization grants. Additionally, they stress the need for urgent congressional action to extend the statute of limitations for recovering fraudulent pandemic UI payments. The theft of taxpayer dollars from these UI programs is estimated by the Government Accountability Office to total between $100 billion and $135 billion. 

A copy of the letter is available here. The full text is below: 
 

The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary  United States Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer,

We write to address the pressing issues facing our nation’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. Under the leadership of former Acting Secretary Su, waste, fraud, and a consistent lack of transparency defined the unemployment compensation system. The pandemic exposed many weaknesses in our nation’s UI system, and it will take a strong partnership between Congress and the Trump Administration to prepare state UI offices for present and future challenges. Despite increased attention, fraudulent and improper payment rates have continued to persist well above pre-pandemic levels. The UI program had the third highest improper payment rate of all federal programs in fiscal year (FY) 2023 at 32 percent of outlays, totaling $48 billion in improper payments.[1] The improper payment rate for the UI system was 16.5 percent in FY 23 and 35.9 percent for pandemic UI.[2] Together, we must redress the damage caused by the prior administration by encouraging states to build strong UI systems that verify identities, deliver benefits quickly, and return claimants to meaningful work.

First, the “pay and chase” model that has defined benefit delivery in recent years must end. It’s a model well-exemplified by former Acting Secretary Julie Su, who oversaw the pay and chase model in California and permitted states to forgive outstanding fraudulent payments through state finality laws when she became acting secretary.[3] Instead of permitting and forgiving pay and chase models, DOL must provide guidance that helps states identify fraud schemes while removing confusing and overbearing pieces of guidance, such as Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-21. As long as states deliver payment when is administratively feasible,[4] they should not be coerced by DOL rules to pay claimants on appeal, particularly when backlogs are high. 

Second, DOL should promote the general program integrity and quality of state UI systems. DOL must reexamine the Resource Justification Model,[5] the formula for distributing administrative funding to states. The formula allocates more money to states that take longer to process claims and less to the ones that deliver benefits quickly and stop fraudulent claims immediately. Reforms to this antiquated and overly complicated model should accompany improved data metrics that accurately show improper payment rates, benefit timeliness, the quality of appeals, and cybersecurity strength. For example, DOL says, “Slightly more than 80 percent of the fraud overpayments were not detectable through normal agency procedures” during performance year 2023.[6] The vulnerabilities inherent to the Resource Justification Model jeopardize the UI system’s preparedness for economic downturns and its ability to prevent fraud on the front end. Ensuring states are properly incentivized to process claims will lead directly to more effective administrative outlays.

Third, DOL must provide Congress with relevant information to reform the UI system. The Biden Administration DOL did not release details of the $780 million in UI modernization grants funded by the American Rescue Plan.[7] Congress has not been informed of the details of these grants, such as the recipients, the amounts, the purpose for receiving the grant, or the date the grant was given. It’s unclear how state UI offices have improved or regressed as a result of these grants.

Finally, Congress must also play its part. Absent immediate action, the statute of limitations for recouping improper pandemic UI payments starts to expire on March 27, 2025. Roughly just 0.8% of fraudulent pandemic unemployment payments were recovered.[8] The Senate is considering a bill to extend the statute of limitations to prosecute and recoup fraudulent distribution of all pandemic program funds from 5 to 10 years. The House passed a bill to extend the statute of limitations for pandemic unemployment insurance programs from 5 to 10 years. These bills respond to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that estimated fraud totals from pandemic UI programs to be between $100 billion and $135 billion.[9] Moving forward, we must work in tandem to identify and enact reforms that ensure accurate administration of the UI system so that we can restore integrity to this important program.

The lack of accountability shown by the previous administration inflicted lasting damage on the unemployment compensation system, hurting taxpayers and those who actually needed benefits. The only viable path forward is to reshape the UI system by prioritizing program integrity, fiscal responsibility, and efficient reentry into the workforce. We look forward to opening a dialogue on saving taxpayer dollars and more effectively serving American workers.

Sincerely,                                          

James Lankford                                                                       Lloyd Smucker

United States Senator                                                              Member of Congress

                                                                                             

Jodey Arrington                                                                      Aaron Bean

Member of Congress                                                              Member of Congress

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

The Paying a Fair Share Act would set a simple 30 percent minimum effective tax rate for the wealthiest Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

 ”Our number one constituent service issue by far is always Social Security — the calls and the emails and the walk-ins the last few weeks have been through the roof,” said Congressman Boyle. “If we lose even one Social Security office in Philadelphia, it will have a devastating impact for those retirees who rely on Social Security. I’m gonna call it like it is. Social Security is under attack, and it is under attack by Donald Trump and Elon Musk and the other billionaires in his administration,” continued Congressman Boyle. “Now is the time for we, the American people to fight back.”

The event highlighted the serious impacts of Musk’s actions, including workforce cuts, compromised personal data, and reduced service quality at Social Security offices. Boyle reiterated his longstanding commitment to defending the program and supporting the federal workers who deliver essential services to the community.

“Reducing field offices, cutting staff, as is happening up here – this is a plan to soften the support that Social Security has around the country,” said Max Richtman, President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “What he’s doing is undermining the support of all the people that support the program so that he can cut the program, privatize the program, raise the age for benefits, and reduce the Social Security cost of living,” continued Richtman. “How else can you explain Elon Musk talking about Social Security being a Ponzi scheme?”

“ We stand with Congressman Boyle here and our other friends in Congress,” said Richard Gennetti, AFGE District 3 National Representative. “This is one of the most important programs that the government has ever created. It’s one of the most successful and it has lifted millions of people out of poverty for several generations. To mess with it is completely foolish. The people who are messing with it have no interest in efficiency or getting rid of fraud, waste, and abuse. They simply want to destroy it so they can privatize the trust fund.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced the bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services—working in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs—to conduct a comprehensive interagency review of lung cancer in women. The review will assess current research, evaluate women’s access to preventive services, and support public awareness campaigns. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women and disproportionately affects women who have never smoked.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women, yet the decline in incidence and mortality rates for women continues to lag behind those for men,” said Congressman Boyle. “Every eight minutes, a woman in the United States loses her life to this disease. That is unacceptable. This bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward addressing this disparity by strengthening research, improving access to preventive services, and raising public awareness. We must ensure that every American—regardless of gender—benefits equally from the progress we’ve made in combating lung cancer. The time to act is now.”

“Every day, American women valiantly battle for their health against lung cancer — Congress needs to be fully committed to ending the inequities that have left too many women in my community and across the nation vulnerable to this devastating disease,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This legislation represents a decisive step forward in advancing groundbreaking research, improving prevention, and ensuring access to lifesaving care for women battling lung cancer. I implore my colleagues to recognize the urgency of this fight and stand united to deliver real progress for women’s health across our nation.”

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, and increasingly, even women who don’t smoke develop lung cancer,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is an important step to help us address the root causes of lung cancer in women. More research is necessary to raise public awareness and advance lung cancer screenings, diagnosis, and treatments. I’ll continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make progress in the fight against cancer.”

“As a state, West Virginia is disproportionately impacted by lung cancer. While our numbers have improved in recent years, we must continue to expand both preventive efforts, as well as management. I’m proud to join my colleagues to once again support this legislation that will work to improve treatment and prevention of lung cancer in women,” said Senator Capito.

“This week’s reintroduction of the bi-partisan bi-cameral Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 builds on the momentum established last Congress with a renewed commitment to accelerate life-saving change for women impacted by lung cancer,” said GO2 for Lung Cancer President & CEO, Laurie Fenton Ambrose. “Thank you, Representatives Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senators Smith (D-MN) and Capito (R-WVA) for your continued leadership to advance this vital legislation for women and the general public.  With your leadership we can gain a better understanding of lung cancer’s unique and devasting impact on women and drive more effective therapies and prevention strategies that will forever change the trajectory of this disease for all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

 Fly Eagles Fly.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after Donald Trump announced he will sign an illegal order dismantling the Department of Education:

“Donald Trump’s illegal executive order dismantling the Department of Education is a reckless assault on America’s children and middle-class families. Republicans claim this move promotes government efficiency and savings, yet simultaneously push a $4.5 trillion giveaway to billionaires like Elon Musk. Cutting critical educational resources for children while pushing handouts for the ultra-wealthy isn’t just irresponsible — it’s unconscionable.

Dismantling the Department of Education would increase education costs for middle-class families already struggling financially. It would threaten teachers’ jobs, worsen classroom overcrowding, and reduce essential school services nationwide. If Republicans succeed, their plans would strip away protections for students with disabilities and limit access to college and vocational training by eliminating Pell Grants and critical career education programs.

House Democrats stand united — in Congress and in the courts — to oppose this damaging agenda and defend public education for every child, regardless of their zip code.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Juuso Young, of Port Allegany, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Young is a senior at Port Allegany High School, he is the son of Ink and Andrew Young of Port Allegany, Pa. He is the grandson of Pat and Paul Young of Clearfield, Pa. 

“Juuso is an accomplished young man in the classroom, on the football field, and throughout his community. His commitment to excellence will enable him to compete among the top students at the Military Academy,” Rep. Thompson said. “Juuso has proven himself as a leader, and I wish him the very best in this next chapter.”

Young is currently serving as his Senior Class President. He is a varsity athlete in two sports, captain of the varsity football team, and a member of Keystone Boys State.

 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Ms. Avary Powell of Punxsutawney, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

Powell is a senior at Punxsutawney Area High School, and is the daughter of Melissa and Mark Powell. She is the granddaughter of Margaret and David Young of Punxsutawney, Pa and Carol and Gary Stonbraker of Punxsutawney, Pa.

“Avary is an outstanding young woman who excels academically and demonstrates strong leadership in her community,” Rep. Thompson said. “Her dedication and work ethic as a student will undoubtedly serve her well as she embarks on her military career at the United States Naval Academy. I have no doubt that she has the potential to one day lead the Academy. I wish her the very best as she begins her journey as a midshipman in Annapolis.”

Powell is currently serving as her Senior Class Secretary and Vice President of the National Honor Society. She is a varsity athlete in two sports, captain of the varsity basketball and softball teams, and a member of Keystone Girls State.