MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a rally where he emphasized that while Republicans are focused on giving tax cuts to their billionaire donors and Elon Musk, Democrats are going to continue to defend Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and stand up for everyday Americans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Are you ready to put families over billionaires? Are you ready to stop the GOP Tax Scam dead in its tracks? Is SEIU in the house right now? What an honor and a privilege to be here with all of you as we stand in the midst of this righteous fight, just a few steps away from the Capitol where I work, a Capitol, of course, that has turned into a hostile work environment. Because half the people want to bury their heads in the sand. Act like they don’t know what their responsibilities are. They believe, some of these sycophants, they believe that they work for Donald Trump. Congress doesn’t work for Donald Trump, we work for the American people, and all of you.

And so we got a very different vision about what we need to do at this moment. We want to move the country forward, they want to turn back the clock. We’re fighting hard to bring people together, they want to tear us apart. We believe in an economy that works for everyday Americans. They want an economy of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. That’s what the GOP Tax Scam is all about. That’s why we’re going to stop the GOP Tax Scam dead in its tracks and put families over billionaires. We’ve got a vision of America, we believe that in this country, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live a comfortable life, provide for your families, educate your children, purchase a home, have access to high-quality health care, go on vacation every now and then and one day retire with grace and dignity, that’s the American dream, and we’re gonna fight hard to make sure we bring that dream to life for every single person in this country, and put families over billionaires.

Nobody told us that the road would be easy. And so we know we have trouble all around us. Trouble in the White House. Trouble with the Congress. Trouble the cabinet. And by the way, Pete Hegseth needs to resign or be fired immediately. Trouble in the cabinet and trouble with Elon Musk. Can I park right there for a moment? Elon Musk is unelected, unaccountable, unhinged, unpopular and un-American with his out-of-control behavior. And so he wants to, and the extreme MAGA Republicans, they want to take a chainsaw to Social Security, a chainsaw to Medicare, a chainsaw to Medicaid, a chainsaw to public schools, a chainsaw to veterans’ benefits, a chainsaw to the American way of life. But here’s the thing, we’ve got to show up, we got to stand up, we’ve got to speak up and when we do, we’re going to take a chainsaw to Project 2025. Families over billionaires.

Let me end with this observation. Earlier this month, several of us, many in this crowd, many Members of Congress had an opportunity to visit Selma for the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I also had the chance to stop by Montgomery, which was the start of the Civil Rights Movement. And when I was there, we thought about the courage and the conviction and the character of those civil rights heroes and foot soldiers. They had trouble all around them. The odds were stacked against them. But they knew that their cause was a righteous one and they were able to prevail. And that’s exactly what we’ve got to do right now because our cause, the cause of putting families over billionaires is a righteous one in the United States of America. And so when the Civil Rights Movement started early in 1956, shortly after the Montgomery Bus Boycott had started in December of the previous year, Dr. King was gathered at a church with thousands of people shortly after he had been arrested. They tried to intimidate them and bully them and stop the movement in its tracks. And Dr. King said to a gathering of folks that they’ve got to press on and keep pressing. And Dr. King said that if you can’t fly, run. If you can run, walk. If you walk, crawl. But at all times, press on, and keep pressing.

And here’s the thing, they want to intimidate us. They want to bully us. They want to threaten us. They’re trying to stop us. But our cause is a righteous one, and we’ve got to press on and keep pressing. Press on for our children, press on for our seniors, press on for our veterans, press on for our unions, press on for our Dreamers, press on for working families, press on for the middle class, press on for poor, press on for sick, press on for the afflicted, press on for least, press on for lost, press on for left behind, press on for voting rights, press on for civil rights, press on for economic justice, press on for social justice, press on racial justice, press on for families, press on for freedom, press on for our future, press on for democracy. We’re going to press on until victory is won. Families over billionaires.

Full rally can be watched here.

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

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to demand a serious investigation into the Trump administration’s reckless and dangerous security breach.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let’s bring in right now the House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. He sent a letter out yesterday to President Trump calling for the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to be fired. This morning, Leader, the details are even more shocking as Jeffrey released and, this morning, a chain, a text chain that was sent to him while he was sitting at a Safeway parking lot. The Secretary of Defense, using a commercial app, telling people on this chain, all of whom he did not know that this mission was a go. That F-18s were about to launch at this time, that the target terrorist was in sight. He then described when the second F-18s were launching, again all over a commercial app. He said this is definitely when the first bombs will begin dropping. And on and on and on. Your response? Just this stunning turn of events this morning.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a stunning breach of America’s national security. The lives of our servicemen and women were put into danger. And this is all being done by the person, the Secretary of Defense, who is charged with protecting the safety and national security of the American people. The problem is we could all see this coming, those who are paying close attention, as opposed to my Republican colleagues who are burying their heads in the sand. Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified person ever to lead the Department of Defense. Mitch McConnell knew it. Lisa Murkowski knew it. Susan Collins knew it. Democrats knew it, and we warned the Trump administration. And now the consequences are being felt. And this is a situation where the Trump administration is both arrogant and incompetent. That’s a toxic combination and American lives are at risk.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Chris Matthews, you have the next question.

CHRIS MATTHEWS: Congressman, we all know that the Republicans echo whatever President Trump says. They wait for him to speak and then they echo it. Now, back in 1960—I actually remember this—President Eisenhower had to deny that our U-2 flights over Russia, which began in Pakistan and flew to Norway. We were clearly violating their airspace at a very high level. He initially lied about it and said that wasn’t a case of a spy mission. And later he changed his mind and said it was. Do you think Trump, President Trump, is capable of recognizing that his people—Hegseth and Waltz—screwed up, that they went on the Signal line, that they opened it up to Jeffrey Goldberg, who is not one of their friends? They did it all themselves. He had nothing to do with this. Why won’t he come out like Nixon did and said, wait a minute, Haldeman and Ehrlichman screwed up. I’m firing them. Do you think there’s any chance Trump will come clean?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The only chance is if the public pressure continues, is relentless and intensifies. During the Intel Committee hearing that’s going to take place today, you’re going to see House Democrats aggressively press the Trump administration and demand that there are consequences that occur. Ultimately, the buck stops with the President of the United States of America, which is why I made clear to President Trump yesterday in my correspondence that the Secretary of Defense should be fired immediately if he’s not man enough to own up to his mistakes and resign in disgrace.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Tina Brown is with us and has a question.

TINA BROWN: Mr. Leader, my question also—somewhat similar to Chris’, but at what point do the, you know, do the Republicans themselves break ranks? I mean, is this going to be the one thing that means that they do, as Senator Warner said, find their voice. Is there anybody? Is there anybody there now who is going to lead some kind of, you know, pushback to Congress having been turned into a party of ones? I mean, what is going to happen now in the Caucus?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah. You know, privately, several do express concerns and shake their head on the Floor of the House of Representatives. But publicly, there’s been a lack of courage and that’s unfortunate, because the Congress should be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. And the Trump administration is completely and totally out of control. But here’s the problem with the modern-day Republican Party. Facts don’t matter. They’ll lie with ease. Facts don’t matter. Hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior. They’ll say one thing and do another. All of them had their hair on fire when we’ve had other national security incidents in the past, particularly when there was concerns related to Democratic administrations, and now they’re burying their heads in the sand, because hypocrisy is never a constraint to the behavior of the modern-day Republican Party. And they’ve actually concluded that shamelessness is a superpower, which is why you’ve seen such a shameless reaction, an attack on Jeffrey Goldberg, as opposed to owning up to the horrific facts of this case.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: So, Leader Jeffries, if I could just lay out the four layers that I see in terms of a breach of security here and then follow it up with a question. Number one, this was done on Signal. Totally wrong to be doing on Signal. Number two, this included top levels of this administration in many locations around the world, including Russia, instead of inside a SCIF. Number three, they included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and never noticed throughout the course of this entire chat. And then, four, there was an admission during a hearing yesterday that there are other similar chats like this out there. So with the administration saying that they are not concerned about this, nothing’s going to happen. Just a mistake, no big deal. Are our troops safe? Are we safe?

LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s every reason to be concerned that the safety and security of our American troops across the world, many of whom are in conflict zones in dangerous places like the Middle East, are at risk. And that’s the reason why we need a full investigation. It should be swift. It should be serious. And it should be substantive. We’re demanding that. We have this Intel Committee hearing that’s getting ready to take place. And that is just the beginning of what we will continue to push for. We need a full and complete investigation and inquiry. These phones should be turned in to the national security professionals to try to figure out what else has been compromised, and what other types of reckless chats are taking place. You know, I’m a member of the Gang of Eight. It’s a high honor to be part of that. We have these classified conversations. We’re not even permitted to bring our phones into any secure location, let alone have conversations on our phones.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: All right. House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Thank you.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Thank you so much for coming this morning.

Full interview can be watched here. 

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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 – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after his legislation, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, to keep the government operational and continue support for Americans passed the House of Representatives:

“The choice before us was simple: you either support keeping the government open and working for the American people – or you want a reckless government shutdown. House Republicans acted to meet the nation’s fiscal deadline. My vote reflects a steadfast commitment to continuing operations for our military, veterans, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, child nutrition, public safety, and other critical services relied on by our constituents. I’m also proud to have supported the largest pay raise for our brave junior enlisted heroes since President Reagan. With no poison pills or unrelated riders, the bill is a straightforward extension of funding and certainty for the nation. We asked for Democrats to join us at the table. Instead, they sat at the joint address, sat on the sidelines, and sat in their general contempt for President Trump. It is ironic that by rejecting all the priorities this stopgap put forward, they are showing exactly where they do stand. I ask the Senate to act on this bill quickly and ensure responsible governance,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva:

“I was sad to learn of the passing of my colleague and friend, Raul Grijalva of Arizona. Raul and I disagreed on almost everything – he was a proud progressive Democrat, and I am a stout conservative Republican. However, there was one topic where Raul and I did agree and worked together seamlessly. We were both fierce defenders of Indian Country. Each of us believed strongly in tribal sovereignty and the U.S. government’s trust responsibility with respect to tribal nations,” said Congressman Cole.

“Raul and I collaborated on tribal issues for many years, especially when he chaired the National Resource Committee, which has the most jurisdiction over Native American issues than any other committee in the House,” said Congressman Cole.

“Raul took his legislative responsibilities seriously. He was a knowledgeable, principled, and pragmatic lawmaker. I will miss him as a partner on Indian issues, as a serious legislator, and as a friend. I extend my sympathy to Raul’s family and his many friends and supporters,” said Congressman Cole.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Wes Watkins: 

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of my dear friend and distinguished public servant, Wes Watkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

“Wes was a remarkable man and had a brilliant career in Congress, serving on two of the House’s most powerful committees, the Appropriations Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Amazingly, he did so first as a Democrat (1977-1991) and then as a Republican (1997-2003). Wes also served as a State Senator in the 1970s and twice ran for Governor of Oklahoma (1990 and 1994), first as a Democrat and then as an Independent.

“Even though they ran against one another in a three-way race, former Governor Frank Keating nominated Wes for a cabinet level position in his first Administration. However, the Democratic dominated State Senate of that era refused to confirm his nomination – but Wes had the last laugh the next year when he reclaimed his old congressional seat as a Republican.

“Wes was the only person in Oklahoma history to carry a congressional seat as a Democrat, as an Independent in his 1994 Governor’s race, and finally as a Republican. No politician was ever as popular in the historic Third District, also known as Little Dixie. Wes Watkins’ remarkable electoral journey both symbolized and propelled Oklahoma’s own political transformation.

“I was privileged to serve as Wes’ lead political consultant in his final three congressional campaigns. I never worked for a more popular figure in a congressional district or a harder working man or a more energetic and effective campaigner than Wes. He was an institution in southeast Oklahoma, serving his constituents ably, honorably, and tirelessly throughout his political career.

“Wes Watkins may have changed political parties, but he never changed his political principles. He also never lost his passion for public service or let down the people he worked so hard to represent.

“Wes Watkins loved three things above all else – his family, the people of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. He served all of them with love, dedication, and genuine distinction.

“The soulmate and cherished partner of Wes Watkins’ life was his beloved wife, Lou. You literally cannot think of one without thinking of the other. Their marriage was truly a match made in heaven.

“I will miss my friend Wes. The people of Oklahoma will miss him more. As one of his television ads once claimed, there simply was ‘no better man.’

“I extend my deepest sympathies to Lou, Wes’ children and grandchildren, and to all of Wes Watkins’ countless friends, former staffers, and admirers. Oklahoma has lost one of its favorite sons, most distinguished public servants, and ardent champions,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the full-year Continuing Resolution to keep the government open and working for the American people:

“House Republicans don’t just act—we deliver for the American people. I’m proud the clean funding extension we led is now headed to President Trump’s desk. This win for the country was secured by those who made an informed choice to support their constituents. I am extremely grateful for each vote that strongly supported critical operations and programs, our communities, and the military.

“Ensuring our government remains open and working for the nation is not a partisan issue, but many Democrats made it one. Their strategy of trying to empower and enable a reckless shutdown did not win with votes, or the public’s opinion. They counted on leveraging chaos and fearmongering—but were only met with a unified voice and product absent of poison pills. This point reiterates that there are people to acknowledge and important lessons to learn. Thank you to those who voted for the legislation in each chamber, our members and staff—and most of all—the President and Vice President, who pushed the bill across the line.

“As we look ahead to the next fiscal year, we must remember: Republicans win when they stick together, Democrats are more effective when they negotiate rather than provoke partisan confrontations, and the country is better off when Republicans and Democrats actually work together. I look forward to continuing to chart a responsible fiscal path forward and working to deliver on America’s golden age. Each policy victory advances a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced that he has secured a total of $10 billion for economic assistance for farmers through his legislation, the American Relief Act. An estimated total of over $230 million of that dollar amount will go to farmers and producers in Oklahoma specifically. After securing the funding, Congressman Cole released the following statement: 

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know firsthand just how important our farmers, ranchers, and producers are. While the agriculture industry does drive our state’s economy, farmers are essential to not only Oklahoma, but to the entire country. Therefore, today, I am proud to announce that I have secured over $230 million in economic assistance for farmers in the state of Oklahoma, which will bridge the gap until a new Farm Bill is passed through Congress,” said Congressman Cole. “As the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in Oklahoma’s Fourth District alone, I will always ensure that these farmers and ranchers are properly represented in Congress. I would also like to thank both House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania and former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Frank Lucas of Oklahoma for helping target the money in ways that would most benefit the hardworking producers that are the backbone of the rural economy.”

How to apply for assistance:

Producers must submit Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) applications to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office by August 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax, or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
• Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
• Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).  
• AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
• SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

For any questions regarding the application and forms above, please contact your local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard, an Army Reserve veteran and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the Director of National Intelligence:

“I congratulate my good friend and former colleague, Tulsi Gabbard, on her confirmation as the next U.S. Director of National Intelligence. Tulsi has devoted her life to serving her country. Whether in the military, serving multiple deployments in the Middle East and Africa, or as a public servant in local, state, and federal elected office, Tulsi exemplifies honor and a love of country to which all public servants should aspire. As our next Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi will bring a fresh perspective to the Intelligence Community that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the American people and supports President Trump’s mission of keeping the homeland safe.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (Mo.) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to examine the use of reciprocal tariffs on imports from any country that currently applies tariffs or other unfair barriers on similar exports from the United States:

“President Trump understands that American workers and manufacturers can outcompete those of any other nation, but for far too long they have been held back by a lack of reciprocity because other countries impose much higher tariffs and other barriers than the United States imposes on imports. We must look at every avenue – including reciprocity – to ensure that U.S. interests are treated fairly. This new initiative by the Trump Administration follows a steady stream of bold actions to secure commitments from key trading partners to help safeguard our communities, halt China’s attempts to skirt U.S. tariffs, and initiate a wholesale review of America’s trade policies to thwart unfair practices by other nations and bring in additional revenues to our country. President Trump and congressional Republicans will continue working tirelessly to restore American leadership by standing up for working families, farmers, and small businesses here at home and in markets around the world.”

READ: Trump Administration Closes the Door on China Skirting U.S. Tariffs Through De Minimis Shipments

READ: Smith: President Trump’s Tariffs Show He Is Keeping His Promise to Protect America’s Communities

READ: Smith Applauds President Trump’s Early Action to Protect American Workers and Businesses from Unfair Trade Practices