MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse released the following statement: 

The criminal charge against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact.

Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch wherever and whenever it is needed. We are lawfully permitted to show up at any federal facility unannounced to conduct an inspection on behalf of the American people. By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office. They didn’t assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals. 

Shortly after the alleged altercation took place, administration officials escorted Congressmembers LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez on a tour of the detention center that lasted approximately an hour. There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong.

The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever. 

Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions. An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing. 

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

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representative Scott Peters’ (CA-50) Veterans Claims Education Act (VCEA), which provides educational resources to steer veterans to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredited entities instead of scammers. This will limit the ability of predatory companies to take advantage of and unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits. The House passed the legislation by voice vote.  

The VCEA is inspired by a constituent who wrote to Rep. Peters seeking assistance after he hired a for-profit company to maximize his VA benefits, but ended up having to pay more money to the company than benefits he was receiving.  

Speaking in support of his legislation, Rep. Peters said, “It is unconscionable that for-profit entities, known as ‘claims sharks,’ prey on the trust and goodwill of our veterans to line their own pockets. Republicans and Democrats may have sincere policy disagreements about how to provide world-class care to our nation’s veterans and their families, but I know we all agree that no one should be able to profit from the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” 

Multiple veterans service organizations have endorsed the VCEA, including the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  

Specifically, the bill requires VA to:  

1. Inform all veterans filing a claim that there are accredited entities that can assist them.  

2. Provide the web address of an online search tool that lists accredited entities that can assist veterans with filing a claim.  

3. Provide a publicly accessible web address where veterans can file a complaint to report entities that are unaccredited and target veterans by charging a fee for their services.      

Background:  

Upon separating from military service, veterans may file a disability claim with the VA on their own or by utilizing VA-backed resources, such as an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). An accredited representative or VSO must pass an exam, complete a background check, and take continuing education courses to ensure they provide up-to-date information to veterans. These accredited resources may file an initial claim with VA on the veteran’s behalf free of charge. Unfortunately, an ecosystem of non-accredited for-profit entities has emerged which preys upon veterans’ frustrations with VA’s claims process. These companies often provide “consulting” services to help veterans prepare and present relevant paperwork needed to file a claim with VA in exchange for lump sum payments, a percentage of the total dollar amount awarded for a successful claim, or some other payment mechanism. Such fees lead many veterans to receive far too little of the benefits to which their service entitles them. Current legislative proposals designed to curb the excess of these companies focus on more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations.   

Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

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

One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Win for Hardworking Americans

Middle Class Americans will benefit from substantial tax relief

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:

“With a single shameful Supreme Court ruling, more than 350,000 Venezuelans who were promised and granted refuge from the brutal dictatorship they fled will find themselves in the grips of that regime again. Make no mistake: this is a humanitarian betrayal of unprecedented proportions. 

“Weaponizing the suffering of the most vulnerable people on the planet just to appear tough on immigration to his base is a new level of despicable behavior from this president. To add insult to injury, while Trump shuffles Black and Brown people back to their countries, kidnaps legal residents, and condemns others to the most notorious prisons in the world, he chooses to offer asylum to South African Apartheid sympathizers. 

“Trump’s cruel and xenophobic agenda has been built on misinformation, scapegoating, and labeling all those looking for a better life as criminals. Today, the judicial branch has given him a pass to continue politicizing the struggles of migrants and furthering his unconstitutional immigration policies, and that is truly disgraceful.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Congressional Croatian Caucus Co-Chairs Barragán and Joyce Host Prime Minister Plenković and Ambassador Šimunović to Strengthen U.S.-Croatia Relations

Washington D.C. — On Wednesday, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Croatian Caucus, Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), hosted Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia and Croatia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović, to discuss how to best strengthen the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the U.S. and Croatia. This was then followed by a reception to celebrate the re-launch of the Congressional Croatian Caucus for the 119^th Congress. Vice-Chairs Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) were also in attendance. 

“In California’s 44th District, we’re proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest and most vibrant Croatian communities in the country. I welcome every opportunity to strengthen the ties between our two nations — through trade, security, and shared values.  By working together, we can increase collaboration across areas of shared interest and build a stronger future for both our countries,”said Rep. Barragán. 

In the 118^th Congress, the Caucus led a letter to the Senate urging ratification of the U.S.-Croatia Treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, to further deepen the economic partnership between the U.S. and Croatia. The Caucus will continue to advocate for ratification in the 119^th Congress. 

Photos from the event can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán Leads Congressional Letter Opposing Trump Administration’s Semiconductor Tariff Proposal

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led a group of her Democratic colleagues on the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee in calling on President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to abandon proposals to impose sweeping tariffs on the semiconductor industry.

The letter, signed by House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui and subcommittee members Greg Landsman and Jennifer McClellan, warns that the proposed tariffs would increase costs for consumers, disrupt American manufacturing, undermine U.S. competition, and strain relationships with key international allies—all without achieving the stated goal of boosting domestic production.

“These tariffs will increase the cost of essential technologies like smartphones, laptops, and broadband equipment, and will act as a direct tax on American consumers,” wrote the group of Democratic lawmakers. “The result: reduced productivity, limited access to essential tools, and slower economic growth.” 

“Rather than resorting to punitive trade measures that risk backfiring economically and geopolitically, the United States should double down on policies that support domestic semiconductor production and strengthen our long-term competitiveness,” they continued. “We urge you to abandon these ill-conceived tariff plans and instead work with Congress, industry leaders, and international allies to bolster American innovation, secure our supply chains, and build a technology economy that serves American workers and consumers.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

President Trump and Secretary Lutnick:

We have serious concerns with your reported plans to impose sector-specific tariffs on semiconductor products, including chips, telecommunications equipment, and consumer electronics. These tariffs would raise prices for consumers, disrupt American manufacturing, and damage our nation’s global competitiveness—all while failing to meaningfully strengthen national security or domestic production.

These tariffs will increase the cost of essential technologies like smartphones, laptops, and broadband equipment, and will act as a direct tax on American consumers. The result: reduced productivity, limited access to essential tools, and slower economic growth.

The United States currently lacks the capacity to rapidly relocate large-scale technology manufacturing to our country. Structural challenges—including a shortage of workers trained in high-tech manufacturing and underdeveloped semiconductor infrastructure—make such a transition unrealistic in the short term. Tariffs will not solve these issues and could instead deepen them by inflating costs, discouraging investment, and weakening the long-term position of the United States technology industry.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding this tariff plan has already disrupted financial markets and injected instability into critical sectors of our economy. The technology industry depends on predictable, long-term policy—not abrupt changes that create confusion for investors, suppliers, and businesses.

These tariffs could also provoke diplomatic fallout with some of our most trusted allies. Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia are potential targets for these tariffs. These are all vital partners in our technology supply chains and unnecessary tariffs could jeopardize the resilience of our supply chains and the strategic alliances that have long supported American leadership in innovation.

Additionally, a disruption to American technology imports from allied nations could undermine the Federal Communication Commission’s efforts to implement the Secure and Trusted Networks Reimbursement (“Rip and Replace”) Program. Rip and Replace, which has received strong bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, strengthens our national security by supporting providers who are working to replace insecure network equipment from Chinese vendors like Huawei and ZTE, while simultaneously maintaining network connectivity for consumers across the country. By disrupting global supply chains and raising the overall cost of replacing network infrastructure, the proposed tariffs could needlessly strain the Rip and Replace program’s budget and delay program implementation.

The consequences of supply chain disruptions would also be particularly acute in the race to deploy 5G infrastructure and to lead in artificial intelligence. Access to cutting-edge components is essential to maintaining leadership in 5G, as well as in AI development. Disrupting access to these components would not only slow American progress but would also give China an unnecessary—and avoidable—strategic advantage.

We are especially alarmed by reports that these tariffs will be enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, a provision designed to protect national security. This seems incompatible with the imposition of tariffs that damage alliances and delay technological innovation – that would in fact compromise our national security. As the Department of Defense made clear in its 2022 report Securing Defense-Critical Supply Chains, disruptions to allied supply lines—particularly in microelectronics—pose a direct threat to military readiness.

Rather than resorting to punitive trade measures that risk backfiring economically and geopolitically, the United States should double down on policies that support domestic semiconductor production and strengthen our long-term competitiveness. Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act precisely for this purpose—to revitalize American semiconductor manufacturing, create high-quality union jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign supply chains, especially those vulnerable to authoritarian influence or geopolitical instability.

We urge you to abandon these ill-conceived tariff plans and instead work with Congress, industry leaders, and international allies to bolster American innovation, secure our supply chains, and build a technology economy that serves American workers and consumers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 8, 2025 

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS REP. BARRAGÁN, WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, AND KELLY HOLD HEARING ON IMPACT OF TRUMP TARIFFS ON SMALL BUSINESSES

Washington, DC – Today, the House Democratic Steering & Policy Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) led a hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration’s policies and tariffs on U.S. small businesses. The committee heard from small business owners on how Republican schemes raise their costs and make it difficult to budget, plan, or make ends meet due to rampant federal instability, cutbacks, and tariff threats.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar attended the hearing and said Democrats would marshal legislative, legal and community opposition to Republican policies that stifle Main Street merchants and strangle smaller entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are essential to our economy — they power our communities, create jobs, and make the American Dream possible. But Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs are punishing the very people who keep our economy running. They’re forcing small business owners across the country to make impossible choices — raise prices or shut their doors,” said Rep. Barragán. “When prices go up, working families pay the price. These destructive Republican economic policies do nothing to strengthen our economy, they only lead to job losses and businesses closing their doors.” 

“Donald Trump and Republicans, who continue in this Congress to rubber stamp his extreme agenda, are crashing the economy in real time, driving us toward a recession. Why? So that they can provide tax breaks for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk, instead of supporting small businesses,” said Leader Jeffries. “They are knowingly inflicting economic pain on hard-working entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s unconscionable, unacceptable, and un-American. House Democrats will not quietly stand by while working families, entrepreneurs, middle-class folks, small business owners and everyday Americans are being forced to suffer at the hands of the extreme policies that are being unleashed on the American people. We will continue to push back publicly and aggressively.”

“Small business owners and entrepreneurs keep America’s economy thriving and make life better for their customers and workers,” said Wasserman Schultz. “But Trump’s extreme economic policies have created a chaotic, confusing landscape for small businesses, with huge price hikes and a horizon filled with uncertainty, higher costs and recessionary fears.”

“Small businesses create good jobs and drive innovation — they are they backbone of local economies,” said Kelly. “We heard directly from small business owners who are telling President Trump that his short-sighted tariffs have raised costs and created uncertainty.  Simply put, Americans — small business owners, workers, and consumers alike — will pay the cost of President Trump’s trade war at the check-out counter.”

This year, the Steering & Policy Committee has held hearings on Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security and Veterans. Each one shared personal stories of how everyday Americans are being harmed by this administration. To continue to collect and share more of their stories, the Steering & Policy Committee will execute a series of events across the nation in the months ahead to reach the American people where they live and hear from them directly.  

The full video of today’s hearing can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) issued the following statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his historic appointment as the first American Pope:

“Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV — the first American Pope. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church and for millions who look to the Church for moral leadership in an increasingly complex world. I hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue the powerful legacy of Pope Francis — a leader who reshaped the global Church through compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

“Pope Francis challenged the Church to defend the dignity of the poor and marginalized, to welcome the immigrant and the refugee, to care for our planet as a common home, and to embrace those who have too often felt excluded — including LGBTQ+ individuals. He advanced a Church more rooted in mercy than judgment, more engaged with the real-world struggles of its people, and more committed to peace and dialogue across all faiths.

“As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, I pray he continues that spirit — one of justice, humility, and love in service to all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) signed a discharge petition to force consideration of a special rule to prevent the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history — just so Donald Trump and Republicans can pay for massive tax giveaways to their billionaire donors. The petition is led by Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. The petition is now open for signature by any Member of the House who is committed to protecting access to Medicaid and SNAP for millions of Americans.

Under House rules, once a discharge petition receives 218 signatures, it triggers a vote on the House Floor. Ranking Member Boyle’s petition would trigger a special rule that includes the text of his Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act—amending the Congressional Budget Act to protect Medicaid and SNAP from any reduction in coverage or benefits in the reconciliation process.  

“This is the chance for House Republicans to do the right thing and prove that they do indeed work for the American people,” said Rep. Barragán. “Donald Trump and House Republicans’ budget would cut healthcare and food assistance for the hardworking families who struggle more than ever to put food on the table and secure the care that they deserve. House Democrats will fight and take every possible path of action to prevent this budget from passing, because we believe that working- and middle-class families having access to essential benefits is far more important than funding tax breaks for Republicans’ billionaire donors.” 

“Instead of working to lower the high cost of living, Donald Trump and Rubber Stamp House Republicans are advancing their deeply unpopular budget scheme to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors like Elon Musk while sticking everyday Americans with the bill,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “They are planning to enact the largest cut to Medicaid and food assistance in American history, but House Democrats will continue pushing back with the fierce urgency of now. If House Republicans are telling the truth that they do not support taking food out of the mouths of children and slashing healthcare, our bill does just that.”

“The Republican budget includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in our nation’s history—cuts that would jeopardize health care and food assistance for millions of Americans,” said Budget Committee Ranking Member Boyle. “This discharge petition is an opportunity for every Member of Congress to show where they stand. We intend to gather 218 signatures from both parties, and I sincerely hope my colleagues across the aisle will join us. If they truly believe in protecting these essential benefits, this is their chance to prove it.”

“Republicans have repeatedly claimed they’re not going to take away people’s health care by cutting Medicaid,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Pallone, Jr. “If they’re telling the truth, Republicans should join Democrats in signing this discharge petition to bring our bill to the House floor to ensure Medicaid will not be cut to pass tax breaks that help the rich get richer.”

“Slashing $230 billion from SNAP will take food assistance away from children, seniors and veterans,” said Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Craig. “Supporting the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP discharge petition is a way to protect their access to food and health care at a time when all Americans are struggling with rising costs.”

“House Democrats oppose taking food and health care from working people to pay for tax cuts for billionaires,” said Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Casar. “Now the question is: will any House Republican join us, or will they all support taking health care and food from millions of Americans?”

“Signing this discharge petition should be as easy as saying you support Medicaid and SNAP, but so far not one Republican is willing to put health care and food assistance for millions of people above tax cuts for billionaires,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Schneider. “If our colleagues across the aisle truly support hardworking families over President Trump’s billionaire buddies, they’ll join us in signing this petition.” 

“In my district alone, nearly 80,000 residents rely on SNAP and food assistance programs to keep their families fed. Under this budget plan, they would be left behind. And the 34,000 CA-46 residents who receive Affordable Care Act coverage would see their premiums go up by over $2,000 every year. That is unacceptable, unconscionable, and un-American,” said Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Policy and Legislative Strategy Lou Correa. “We’re introducing this discharge petition to block these harmful cuts and ensure that tens of millions of our constituents continue to receive the health care and food assistance they need and deserve. And we hope our colleagues across the aisle will join us in signing it.”

The Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act is led in the House by Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee; Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee; Angie Craig (MN-02), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee; Greg Casar (TX-35), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition; and Lou Correa (CA-46), Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Policy and Legislative Strategy.

More information about the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act is available here.

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