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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate

14 bipartisan House Members will travel to the Vatican to celebrate the first American Pope

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) left this morning for Rome as part of the official Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Vatican to attend the Inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is the first American ever elevated to the papacy — a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and American Catholics.

“I’m honored to join this congressional delegation to witness a historic moment for the Catholic Church,” said Rep. Barragán. “As a Catholic and someone who represents a diverse district with a large Catholic population, it is especially meaningful to be at the Vatican for the inauguration of the first American Pope. This is a moment of pride, reflection, and hope for millions of people who look to the Church for guidance, compassion, and moral clarity. My prayers are with Pope Leo as he begins this monumental duty and spiritual journey.”

The Inaugural Mass will take place on Sunday, May 18^th at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR), also includes Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Mike Kelly (D-AR), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO). 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Brings Guest from New Jersey Republican Congressman’s District to Demand Republicans Vote Against Cuts to Medicaid

Washington D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) brought a guest from Republican Congressman Tom Kean’s (R-NJ-07) district to speak out against the cruel Republican cuts to Medicaid in the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee’s mark-up on their portion of the partisan reconciliation bill. In her opening remarks, Congresswoman Barragán shared the story of Sasha, a young constituent from Rep. Kean’s district, who was born with cerebral palsy. Since birth, Sasha has experienced grand mal seizures and is a survivor of a perinatal stroke. Medicaid has helped Sasha access the care and support services she needs to survive — and thrive as a college student and Special Olympics athlete. Congresswoman Barragán shared Sasha’s story with Rep. Kean and asked him to oppose the Republicans’ proposed reconciliation bill that has at least $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid and health care. Rep. Kean, who also sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has over 70,000 constituents in his district who currently rely on Medicaid, like Sasha.

During today’s E&C mark-up session, House Democrats will offer amendments to the House Republicans’ budget to protect Medicaid and highlight the harm of the Republican cuts. If Republicans refuse to support these amendments, their cuts to Medicaid and healthcare of at least $715 billion— the largest proposed cut to Medicaid in U.S. history — would kick at least 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance. 

“House Republicans have the opportunity to make things right — so that the millions of Americans like Sasha who depend on Medicaid can continue to have access to the basic right of healthcare,” said Rep. Barragán. “Sasha, and the millions of Americans who see Medicaid as a lifeline, are real human beings whose lives will be devastated by these cuts, not just numbers on a page. House Democrats are committed to doing what House Republicans seem too afraid to do — listening to the stories of their constituents and amplifying them so that we can defeat these dangerous Medicaid cuts.” 

“Thanks to Medicaid, I have been able to live an active and full life, going to college and even competing as a Special Olympics athlete. I’m speaking out because no one should have to fight this hard just to get the care they need to live. I ask that our Members of Congress remember that Medicaid provides essential support for millions of Americans across the country, and to please stand against any cuts to the program,” said Sasha, guest and constituent from Rep. Kean’s district.

To see Sasha’s original story submission, see here. 

To tune into the livestream of the mark-up, click here. 

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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

Representatives Barragán and Garcia hold Press Conference in Response to Trump’s Tariffs and Comments on Port Traffic Slowdown

Long Beach, CA — Today, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Robert Garcia (CA-42), along with Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, held a press conference on the harmful effects of President Trump’s tariffs on the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, local workforce, and working-class communities. 

The Congress Members and Mayor Richardson were responding to Donald Trump’s comment yesterday that “it’s a good thing” that ports across the United States are experiencing a slowdown in traffic. Port of Long Beach Chief Operating Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba also participated in the press conference to speak on how the tariffs have caused a drastic decline in container traffic to the Port, setting off a chain reaction of supply shortages, price spikes, and job cuts for longshoremen, truck drivers, and warehouse employees. 

“It is outrageous to claim that the traffic slowdown at our ports is a ‘good thing’ when we have already seen how it’s hurting our middle and working class families,” said Rep. Barragán. “When traffic slows down, people lose their jobs and every family has to pay more at the checkout line — the American people are paying more for everyday essentials because of Trump and House Republicans’ harmful policies. House Democrats will continue to shine a light on the true costs and the impact on our hardworking families.”  

For photos of the event, click here.

For videos of the event, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) last night introduced an amendment to the Republican budget bill to rescind a provision by Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei that would sell off 65,000 acres of public lands in Clark County for private development. The Amodei provision would have no conservation benefits for Southern Nevada and would force local taxpayers to pay the costs of extending infrastructure to far-flung developments. 

The House Budget Committee late Sunday night passed a Republican budget bill that includes the Amodei amendment to sell public lands in Southern Nevada with proceeds going directly into the U.S. Treasury.

“This Republican budget includes a massive land grab in Southern Nevada to pay for tax breaks for the rich,” Congresswoman Titus said. “There are no provisions for setting aside lands for conservation or preserving critical ecosystems. The lands proposed for sale are distant from urban areas and would require expensive extensions of infrastructure that Nevada taxpayers would be forced to bear. These developments also would strain our fragile water resources. Retaining the Amodei amendment in this legislation would make a bad bill even worse. I intend to do everything I can to stop this rip-off that benefits no one in Southern Nevada.”

Later this week, Congresswoman Titus’s amendment will be considered during the House Rules Committee’s consideration of the Republican budget, scheduled for 1 a.m. Wednesday. House Republican leadership is seeking to bring to the House floor by Memorial Day its budget proposal containing massive cuts to Medicaid, education, housing assistance and other vital services.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement welcoming a decision by Judge Beryl A. Howell protecting the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) from executive overreach. Judge Howell’s decision found that the Trump Administration and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) acted unlawfully in removing USIP Board members, thereby nullifying subsequent actions, including the Board members’ replacement by officials affiliated with DOGE, the mass firing of USIP staff, and the transfer of USIP property to the General Services Administration (GSA):

“The Court rightly concluded the Trump Administration and DOGE’s hostile takeover of the Institute was executed without legal authority and in direct violation of congressional statute. This ruling is a decisive victory for the United States Institute of Peace, its dedicated staff, and the rule of law.

“Congress established the Institute of Peace with the support of Ronald Reagan to advance a safer, more peaceful world. In doing so, it defined the Institute as an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit and placed clear restrictions on presidential authority to remove Board members. Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s brazen attempts to disregard these legal protections and dismantle this organization inflicted unnecessary trauma on the Institute’s committed leadership and employees, threatened the independence of more than 232,000 other 501(c)(3) non-profits across the country, and undermined American diplomacy.

“This decision restores the rule of law and protects the Institute’s ability to fulfill its mission of resolving conflict, training peacemakers, and advancing America’s interests through global stability. I will continue to support the United States Institute of Peace and the dedicated professionals who carry out this essential work.”

Beyer served as a U.S. Ambassador during the Obama Administration. He went to the United States Institute of Peace to conduct congressional oversight amid DOGE’s illegal power grab. He has been an outspoken defender of the United States Institute of Peace, and critic of illegal attempts by the Trump Administration and “DOGE” to dismantle it.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Venezuelan TPS holders fled the Maduro regime and built lives in America. They sought refuge in America from his oppression and tyranny. This atrocious decision allows Trump to deport non-criminals back to this murderous dictator. This fight is not over. We must pass my Venezuela TPS Act to keep our community safe.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released a statement to celebrate the grand opening of the Mary Ann Wardlow Center for Community Nutrition in Gloucester Township. Congressman Norcross secured $475,000 in Community Project Funding to help fund this new center. 

“I’m honored to have secured funding to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Camden County has done great work to tackle food insecurity. The new Mary Ann Wardlow Center for Community Nutrition will expand the reach of the current food program and better serve families and seniors throughout our community. I will continue to fight in Congress for funding to reduce food insecurity in South Jersey and around the nation.” 

The center was created to expand upon the county’s growing need for home delivered meals to residents in need. The building is named after nutrition activist and Lawnside Mayor, Mary Ann Wardlow, who has been a long-time organizer and advocate for Meals on Wheels. Wardlow was instrumental in creating a congregate site offering nutritional programs to her town. 

Too many families in South Jersey are affected by food insecurity. In 2024, the Food Bank of South Jersey distributed 23.4 million pounds of food, provided 19.5 million meals, and served 185,000 people, including 67,000 children, per month. In Camden County, 87,052 residents rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families.   

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

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

Last night, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted to advance the full budget reconciliation bill in the House Budget Committee – which passed the committee 17 – 16. He delivered remarks in support of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act last Friday in the Budget Committee markup.
 
“The bill we’re marking up here today is the culmination of years of work to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, secure our borders and rein in wasteful Washington spending,” said Rep. Estes. “It’s a bill that meets the mandate provided to this Congress by the American people last November. It’s a bill for the American people, and my friends on the left have only empty talking points to try and paint this legislation as something that it’s not.”

Watch video of Rep. Estes’ remarks here. 

Full Remarks
 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s good to be here with you and our colleagues as we work to advance the America First policies that are embedded in this One Big, Beautiful Bill.
 
The bill we’re marking up here today is the culmination of years of work to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, secure our borders and rein in wasteful Washington spending.
 
It’s a bill that meets the mandate provided to this Congress by the American people last November. It’s a bill for the American people, and my friends on the left have only empty talking points to try and paint this legislation as something that it’s not.
 
Today, I want to take a brief moment and refute some of the lies with some of the facts.
 
First, let’s look at the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While nearly half of my Republican and Democrat colleagues were not here in 2017, I remember the quote “crumbs” Nancy Pelosi claimed the middle class Americans would be receiving because of the Trump Tax Cuts. The reality is those “crumbs” were really thousands of dollars in lower taxes, increased wages, and stronger economic opportunities for Americans at all economic levels.
 
On Tax Day of this year, I wrote an op-ed about the left’s deceit on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Mr. Chairman, I’d like to submit that op-ed for the record.
 
In it, I said, “The New York Times noted in 2019 that most Americans received a tax cut from the 2017 tax reform but simply didn’t believe it. “Their quote was: “To a large degree, the gap between perception and reality on the tax cuts appears to flow from a sustained—and misleading—effort by liberal opponents of the law to brand it as a broad middle-class tax increase,” the paper wrote. 
 
“And in 2021, then-House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries told MSNBC, “83% of the benefits went to the wealthiest 1%, and they saddled us with approximately $2 trillion in debt to subsidize the lifestyle of the rich and shameless.”
 
“The statement was so bad, The Washington Post upgraded its fact check from two “Pinocchios” to three and called it a “zombie claim.” That’s because Jeffries and Democrats were relying on projections of what would happen after significant provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expired—the same provisions Republicans are trying to save and Democrats are trying to stop.”
 
In the op-ed, I went on to say that the flow of misinformation has convinced a broad swath of Americans that they didn’t receive a tax cut – which they did – and the same cast of deceivers is trying to dupe Americans by promoting the extension of the law as a tax giveaway for millionaires and billionaires – which it isn’t. The Joint Committee on Taxation says that Americans making between 30,000 and 80,000 dollars would pay 15 percent less in taxes in 2027 under our bill, a nearly double higher percentage than those making over 1 million dollars.
 
Nevertheless, we’re already seeing success in our physical and financial security.
 
This week we learned the annual inflation rate is the lowest it’s been since Joe Biden first took office more than four years ago. Let me clear – prices are too high, and the impact of inflation is still hurting Americans and hurting Kansans, but we’re finally turning the page.
 
Mr. Chairman, this bill – particularly the pro-family, pro-worker, pro-growth provisions – is critical to preventing a massive tax increase for everyday Americans, to give our economy a boost, secure our border and bend the curve on decades of Washington’s waste, fraud and abuse spending. I urge my colleagues to support this One Big, Beautiful Bill.