MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), members of the House Financial Services Committee,  led 50 House Democrats in sending a letter to Travis Hill, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), opposing the Trump Administration’s effort to undermine the agency’s critical role of ensuring financial stability and protecting consumers from financial harm.

This letter follows ongoing reports that the Trump Administration and Elon Musk are planning to move forward with a proposed merger of the FDIC with other key banking regulators, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Reserve’s supervisory division. In recent weeks the Administration fired hundreds of bank examiners, failed to put forward Acting Director Hill’s nomination to officially lead the agency before the U.S. Senate, and reportedly asked the Treasury Department to draft recommendations streamlining the role of other banking regulators in order to excerpt more control over them.

“The notion that the President would consider merging or consolidating the FDIC is an outrageous, reckless, and profoundly irresponsible attack on the financial security of millions of Americans,” said Congressman David Scott (GA-13). “The FDIC has been the backbone of our banking system for nearly a century, ensuring that depositors’ money is safe and protected against bank failures. To dismantle the institution by firing the very people tasked with overseeing bank soundness and safety, is to invite chaos, economic instability, and financial ruin for working families and small businesses across Georgia and the nation. Acting Chair Travis Hill must immediately rebuff any attempt to blunt or politicize the mission of the FDIC, oppose the mass layoff of key examiners and reaffirm his commitment to the agency’s independence.”

“Since the Great Depression, the FDIC has played a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of American families and the economy, promoting stability and confidence in the banking system and guaranteeing that hard-earned deposits are protected,” said Congressman Cleaver (MO-05). “Having been in Congress during the 2008 financial crisis, I’ve seen the horrible consequences that follow reckless deregulation and inadequate oversight of America’s financial system. While I pray to never see such an economic collapse again, the Trump Administration’s efforts to put special interests over the interests of everyday Americans by gutting the FDIC and those responsible for ensuring our financial system is sound leave me properly petrified. It’s imperative that the Acting FDIC Chair protect the mission and integrity of the independent agency before another tragedy occurs.”

“Once again, President Trump is showing his laughable ignorance of our financial system,” said Congresswoman Williams (GA-05). “The FDIC’s independence is essential to protecting confidence and stability in our banking system. Chairman Hill’s willingness to entertain consolidating the FDIC with other banking regulators, while it is already understaffed, is a direct threat to that stability. Dismantling this agency is another thinly veiled attempt to attack working families, many who look like my constituents in Atlanta, and a deliberate attempt to widen the racial wealth gap.”

“The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing the employees at FDIC, OCC and CFPB, is grateful for Representatives Scott, Cleaver, Williams and others for their letter to Acting Chair Hill.  The current Administration is playing reckless games with the bank deposits of hard-working Americans.  Firing hundreds of experienced bank examiners puts every American’s bank accounts at risk.” Doreen Greenwald, National President, National Treasury Employees Union.

“It is gravely misguided and dangerous to undermine the independence of the FDIC which has tirelessly and capably protected depositors and the economy for almost a century. People rely on the FDIC seal of approval and communities across the country rely on the FDIC to preserve the safety and soundness of local banks.” Patrick Woodall, Managing Director of Policy, Americans for Financial Reform.

The letter was endorsed by: Americans for Financial Reform (AFR), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and Public Citizen.

Full list of signers include: David Scott (GA), Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Nikema Williams (GA), Balint, Beatty, Boyle, Brown (OH), Carson, Carter (LA), Casar, Casten, Cisneros, Conaway, Davis (IL), Evans (PA), Fields, Foster, Garcia (TX), Goldman (NY), Green (TX), Ivey, Jackson (IL), Jayapal, Hank Johnson (GA), Julie Johnson (TX), Kelly (IL), Khanna, Latimer, Lynch, McBath, McGovern, Meeks (NY), Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pettersen, Pressley, Quigley, Ramirez, Ross, Schakowsky, Sewell, Bennie Thompson (MS), Mike Thompson (CA), Tlaib, Tokuda, Vargas, Velázquez, Wilson (FL)

The text of the letter can be found HERE.

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

Student seemingly arrested for her political views, lawmakers demand due process and answers

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about the arrest and detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and similar incidents across the country.

“The Administration should not summarily detain and deport legal residents of this country merely for expressing their political views. Absent compelling evidence justifying her detention and the revocation of her status, we call for Ozturk’s release and the restoration of her visa,” wrote the lawmakers. 

A total of 34 lawmakers signed the letter. In addition to Rep. Pressley and Sens. Warren and Markey, the following members joined in signing: Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Don Beyer (D-Va.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), along with Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

On March 25, 2025, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested on her way to a Ramadan dinner event by masked, plainclothes officers. Surveillance video shows officers loading Ozturk into an SUV and departing in three unmarked vehicles. Bystanders observed that the incident “looked like a kidnapping.”

For almost 24 hours, Ozturk’s location was unknown and her lawyer could not locate her. On the afternoon of March 26, more than twelve hours after a district court judge ordered the federal government not to remove Ozturk from Massachusetts without at least 48 hours’ notice, ICE’s locator system was updated to show that she was being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

This arrest appears to be one of the latest examples in a string of ICE arrests of university students with valid green cards and visas, seemingly on the basis of their political views. Ozturk was one of four authors of a 2024 op-ed in the Tufts student paper, which called for the university to “engage with and actualize” Israel- and Palestine-related resolutions passed by the university’s Student Senate.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the Administration will deny visas to those who “participate in that sort of activity,” referring to protest movements on campuses. Following Ozturk’s arrest, Tufts was informed that her “visa ha[d] been terminated” — similar to other recent cases in which ICE agents have declared, without a judicial or administrative hearing, that they were “terminating” or “revoking” students’ green cards and visas.

The lawmakers asked the Departments of Homeland Security and State, along with ICE, to provide explanations for Ozturk’s arrest and visa revocation; her transportation to Louisiana despite a court order; officials’ use of unmarked vehicles, face coverings, and plain clothing; the federal government’s policies for terminating a student’s visa without a request from a university; and more.

This week, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement condemning reports that ICE arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. Earlier in the week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after across-the-board cuts were announced throughout the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Secretary Kennedy and DOGE’s illegal assault on public health is going to harm the American people, weaken American leadership, and destroy our ability to combat diseases and research groundbreaking cures and treatments. He is circumventing Congressional authority and putting culture wars over science. His actions are going to harm our national biosecurity, stop cures for cancer, and leave everyday Americans unable to access the care they need.

“Thanks to the world-class research conducted at and supported by the NIH, we have new treatments for sickle cell disease and spinal muscular atrophy. We are on the cusp of a breakthrough in type 1 diabetes that could cure the disease. Scientists have promising early results from an mRNA therapeutic vaccine that might revolutionize treatment for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers. Already this administration has been slashing research that supports work like this. These cuts will devastate biomedical research and delay the cures that millions of patients are desperately waiting for.

“These illegal attacks on Americans’ public health must stop. As the top Democrat on the Health Subcommittee, I reiterate my demand for a meeting with Secretary Kennedy to address my immense concerns with these actions.”

Following Secretary Kennedy’s confirmation, Ranking Member DeGette led the Health Subcommittee Democrats in calling for a meeting with Secretary Kennedy. He never responded to that request.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Sherman Oaks, CA – On March 26th, over 7,000 residents joined Congressman Brad Sherman’s (CA-32) Telephone Town Hall to hear updates from Sherman and his key guests, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senior Advisor for Democracy Forward Nikki McKinney, on collective efforts to challenge the Trump-Musk dismantling of our government and critical services.

“This is a distressing time for our country – but the overwhelming participation we saw in last night’s Town Hall is a testament to our community’s engagement and resilience,” said Congressman Sherman. “Together, we are standing up against actions that undermine our democracy.”

In a detailed address to open the event, Congressman Sherman spoke on the community’s concerns regarding the brazen and destructive actions by Donald Trump and Elon Musk and highlighted the key legal battles and other substantial efforts that are being deployed to stop them.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta detailed ongoing legal efforts against the current administration’s overreaches: “Our legal actions are not just about opposition; they’re about protection, defending our state’s values, rights, and freedoms under the law,” Bonta stated.

Nikki McKinney from Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing and protecting the fundamentals of democracy, discussed the organization’s role in challenging the Trump-Musk actions through strategic litigation. “We’re on the front lines in the courts, fighting to preserve the integrity of our democratic institutions against unprecedented challenges,” McKinney highlighted.

As the Representative of Pacific Palisades, Congressman Sherman also provided updates on our recovery from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. “As we navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial to address the immediate needs of our community, especially those affected by recent wildfires,” Sherman explained. He stressed the importance of applying for Federal wildfire disaster assistance before the upcoming deadline on March 31. “While I’ve fought and continue to push for more time, another extension is unlikely. Apply now to receive the assistance you need,” Sherman urged.

During the Telephone Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns. The results of the survey questions are as follows:
 

Do you approve of President Trump’s performance as President so far?

-Approve: 6%

-Disapprove: 93%

-Unsure: 1%

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The Trump tax law limited deduction of State and Local Taxes (“SALT”) like property taxes on federal income tax returns to $10,000 per filer. That provision is set to expire this year. As Congress considers revising our tax laws, do you support eliminating the SALT deduction, keeping it at $10,000, or removing the $10,000 limit on the deductibility as was the case before 2017?

1.    SALT with no limit on deductibility of state and property taxes: 56%

2.    SALT with $10,000 limit on deductibility of state and property taxes: 14%

3.    Eliminate SALT deduction: 2%

4.    Unsure: 27%

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Should your Member of Congress vote for legislation that he thinks is good for the county, or should he vote NO on everything that Republican Speaker Johnson is willing to propose, and President Trump is willing to sign?

1.    Obstruction and Resistance: Vote NO on all of Speaker Johnson and President Trump’s legislation: 51%

2.    Negotiate with Republicans but only vote for a bill Democrats think is good: 44%

3.    Vote with the Republicans: 1%

4.    Unsure: 3%

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s address at the Joint Session of Congress.

“Tonight, as President Trump stood before Congress, I walked out of the chamber because I could not, in good conscience, dignify a speech so detached from reality and so disrespectful to the American people. Once again, President Trump demeaned the dignity of his office and embarrassed our nation with his ignorance of real-world problems and his open contempt for the democracy he swore to protect.

“Rather than offering a vision to unite our country or solutions to the very real challenges facing working families, President Trump instead demonstrated – yet again – that he is unfit to lead the free world. He has neither the capacity nor the desire to meet the pressing needs of families across our nation. He spent more time boasting about his self-serving agenda than addressing the crushing costs keeping families up at night – costs that are rising because of his administration’s disastrous economic policies.

“The tariffs he announced this week threaten to ignite a devastating trade war, driving up prices on everything from groceries to gas, hurting small businesses, and leaving working families to pay the price. Meanwhile, the Republican budget passed last week handed out trillions in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and big corporations, shifting the burden onto middle-class families – all while slashing critical programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance that millions of families rely on just to get by. This President is dangerously out of touch with the reality of American life – and by reiterating his radical, self-serving agenda tonight, he made clear he has no intention of changing course.

“Even more disturbing than the President’s rhetoric is his relentless assault on the truth itself. His remarks tonight were riddled with falsehoods and deliberate misinformation – part of an ongoing effort to divide Americans against one another and erode public trust in our institutions. His crass language, misleading claims, and blatant disregard for facts are not just beneath the office he holds – they are an attack on the very foundation of our democracy.

“But this President’s reckless behavior does not exist in a vacuum. It is enabled every day by the silence and complicity of my Republican colleagues. As we stand on the brink of a government shutdown that could devastate our economy and hurt millions of Americans, House and Senate Republicans refuse to stand up to this President’s overreach and abuse of power. Instead of serving as a check on his reckless dismantling of vital government services, they applaud it – turning a blind eye to his unconstitutional schemes and the unchecked influence of an unelected, unvetted billionaire pulling the strings behind the scenes.

“Rather than providing the steady leadership our country desperately needs, Republicans in Congress have chosen to shield this President from accountability at every turn – even as he disgraces us on the global stage, undermines our democracy, and wages war on the very values that make America strong. Their refusal to confront the dangers posed by this administration is a profound betrayal of their oath and a direct threat to the future of our nation.

“Republicans have made their priorities clear: they are willing to sacrifice our nation’s future to cling to political power. With majorities in both chambers of Congress and control of the White House, they can no longer hide behind excuses for their failures. They own this chaos.

“The American people deserve better. They deserve leaders who put country over party – leaders with the courage to defend our democracy and fight for the hard-working families who built this nation. I urge my Republican colleagues to reflect on their responsibilities – not to their party, but to their constituents and to the Constitution itself. I urge the President to reflect on his own duty to our nation. 

“If and when they are ready to put the American people first, House Democrats stand ready to work together to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and build safer, healthier communities. Until then, we will not waver in our fight to protect our democracy, defend working families, and stand up for the fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and equality for all.”

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Issues: 119th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced that Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner will be her guest at this year’s Joint Session of Congress, taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM Pacific. Chief Gardner leads the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), an all-hazards department of 658 personnel dedicated to protecting Ventura County. Chief Gardner has served with VCFD since 1998.

“Chief Gardner has shown unwavering dedication in protecting Ventura County during some of the most devastating wildfires and emergencies we’ve faced,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “His leadership has been crucial not only in Ventura County, but also in coordinating firefighting efforts across Los Angeles County and throughout California.

“Chief Gardner’s expertise, steady leadership, and calm under pressure embody the bravery and selflessness of our first responders. As President Trump addresses Congress tonight, I am honored to have Chief Gardner as my guest to remind us that protecting communities from wildfires and natural disasters must remain a national priority. Federal support for our firefighters and emergency responders is essential – and disaster assistance should never be politicized. When disaster strikes, our communities deserve timely and effective federal support, regardless of politics.

“As wildfires continue to devastate our state and communities face unprecedented disasters, the bravery and commitment of firefighters like Chief Gardner are more important than ever,” Brownley continued. “Ensuring that our first responders, emergency personnel, and disaster recovery teams have the resources and support they need is essential to improving crisis response and safeguarding our communities.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Congresswoman Brownley at the Joint Session,” said Dustin Gardner, Ventura County Fire Chief. “The fires that destroyed thousands of homes in Southern California recently demonstrate the need for wildfire prevention efforts, coordinated responses and effective recovery measures. The federal government’s involvement and support in such efforts across the country is important, because no single agency is equipped to deal with disaster-level events alone.”

Congresswoman Brownley is pleased to welcome Chief Gardner as her guest as an important way to recognize him and the heroic first responders across the nation who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief, Local Issues

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Camarillo, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) was proud to join Planned Parenthood California Central Coast at its annual Power of Love Brunch to celebrate the organization’s work in Ventura County. Below are Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks as prepared.

“After the week we’ve all had, I can say it is truly a pleasure to be among friends!

“It’s an honor to be here today to celebrate the incredible work of Planned Parenthood – and to recognize the transformative impact all of you do everyday – especially here in Ventura County.

“From opening the new health center in Oxnard to expanding access to primary care and mental health services, your work is fundamental to the health and well-being of people – from all walks of life – across our region.

“Now, more than ever, we must ensure Planned Parenthood can not only continue its vital work – but continue to grow.

“Because we are all clear – we are facing an evil, relentless, coordinated assault on our fundamental freedoms.

“We have all lived through the Trump administration’s all-out war on reproductive rights – a campaign of utter cruelty driven by right-wing extremists who are hell-bent on turning back the clock.

“They tried to dismantle Planned Parenthood at every turn.

“They pushed gag rules, defunded critical programs, and used the full power of the federal government to attack our rights, our bodies, and our dignity.

“And I think we are all clear – they are not done.

“House Republicans are once again gearing up to try to defund Planned Parenthood – but this fight isn’t new to any of us.

“For decades, you have stood strong in the face of these relentless threats, fighting not just for reproductive freedom, but for all vulnerable communities – immigrants, LGBTQ people including trans youth, low-income families, and communities of color.

“When our country has failed to provide essential health care – when our federal safety net has fallen short – Planned Parenthood has always stepped up.

“You’ve opened your doors to all who need care, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money they have.

“And in doing so, you have saved lives!

“That’s why keeping the doors to Planned Parenthood health centers open – no matter what – is not just a priority. It is an act of resistance.

“Planned Parenthood has always been at the forefront of the fight for what is right.

“For reproductive freedom, for bodily autonomy, for dignity and justice – not just for some, but for everyone.

“Last Wednesday, I met with Alexis McGill Johnson to talk about how we move forward together in this fight.

“And I want to be clear – this is not just my fight, and it’s not just Alexis’ fight.

“This is the fight of the entire Reproductive Freedom Caucus, the Democratic Women’s Caucus, House Democrats, and every single person in this room.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Planned Parenthood on the front lines – every step of the way.

“I had the privilege of knowing Cecile Richards, and her passing this year was a profound loss for all of us who care about reproductive rights and justice.

“Cecile was a fearless advocate, a champion, and a visionary. As these attacks intensify, we must honor her legacy – and the legacy of all those who have stood for justice and equality – by continuing the fight for reproductive freedom and the right to access essential care.

“This is a fight for our lives – but we are not backing down. Not now. Not ever.

“Together, we will keep fighting at every level of government to protect and expand access to the life-saving care that millions rely on.

“And together, we will fight for a future where everyone – no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have – has the freedom to make the best decisions for their bodies, their lives, their families, and their futures.

“Thank you and thank you for everything you do.”

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Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare, Local Issues

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced the reintroduction of the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act, a bill that establishes a federal grant program at the U.S. Department of Education to recognize high-level student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language. Under this program, states would be able to establish or improve their own Biliteracy Seal programs to award seals to K-12 students.

This recognition not only boosts students’ global workforce competitiveness but also helps employers, colleges, and universities identify candidates with valuable bilingual skills. The initiative is also vital for U.S. diplomacy, intelligence, and military readiness by ensuring a workforce proficient in critical languages.

“Being proficient in two or more languages can be a critical advantage in today’s globalized, competitive economy. By supporting Seal of Biliteracy programs, we can better equip students with essential language skills that enhance their future opportunities and strengthen our national security,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “I have seen firsthand the benefits of this program across California, especially in my district, where bilingualism is very prominent. Preparing our students with multilingualism will open doors to success in both their academic and professional futures.”

“Proficiency in more than one language is a skill of great importance to our nation’s economy and businesses,” said Amanda Seewald, Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS). “The BEST Act will help implement and scale Seal of Biliteracy programs that provide this credential to American students. We thank Congresswoman Brownley for her continued leadership on this legislation and for furthering language education nationwide.”

Background

California’s State Seal of Biliteracy program was first established in 2011 when legislation sponsored by then-Assemblywoman Brownley was signed into law. Since then, over 500,000 high school students have graduated with this seal in California. In the 2023-2024 school year, 490 districts in California participated in the program. Since then, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have established their own statewide Seal of Biliteracy programs. 

The BEST Act is endorsed by the National Council for Languages and International Studies, National Education Association, California Language Teachers’ Association, and Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. 

Read the full text of the bill, here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Education

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act, legislation to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Displacement Assistance program. The bill ensures that disaster survivors can access critical housing support without delays caused by insurance determinations.

“In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, survivors who cannot return to their homes often need urgent financial assistance to secure a safe place to stay and begin rebuilding their lives,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “While FEMA’s Displacement Assistance program provides up-front funds to help with these immediate housing needs, current rules prevent assistance from reaching individuals with insurance unless it is confirmed that their policy does not cover similar expenses. Survivors often face delays in receiving timely responses from insurance companies, leaving them without the support they need to secure temporary housing. This bill removes this unnecessary red tape, ensuring that insurance is not a barrier to receiving critical assistance when it is needed most.”

Background

In 2024, FEMA launched the Displacement Assistance program to address the immediate housing needs of survivors who cannot return to their homes after a disaster. The program provides eligible survivors with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, such as costs associated with staying with family or friends, until they can secure rental housing and focus on long-term recovery. Displacement Assistance helps survivors transition from congregate shelters to more permanent housing solutions like hotels or rentals.

The Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act seeks to improve the program by clarifying that insurance should not be considered a duplication of benefits when determining eligibility, ensuring that all those in need receive the assistance they deserve. FEMA’s current interpretation of the Stafford Act prevents the agency from offering Displacement Assistance to anyone with insurance unless they can confirm that their insurance policy does not cover the expenses typically covered by the program. However, Displacement Assistance is designed to address immediate needs after a disaster, and most survivors are unable to get a timely decision from their insurance company when they most need the assistance.

If enacted, the Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act will ensure that survivors have access to Displacement Assistance, regardless of their insurance status, allowing them to receive this support alongside resources from FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance program.

Read the full text of the bill, here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

March 25, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON – ICYMI: U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced a joint resolution yesterday authorizing the use of military force against certain Mexican drug cartels. This resolution will permit the Trump administration to utilize the U.S. military in the fight against Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the Northeast Cartel, the Michoacán family, the United cartels, the Cartel del Golfo, and the Clan del Golfo.

From Fox News:
“Congressman Greg Steube, R-Fla., is introducing a resolution today to empower the Trumpadministration to “take a sledgehammer” to the cartels by authorizing the president to use the “full force of the American military” against nine of the largest migrant criminal groups that have been wreaking havoc on American cities.  
“One of the criminal groups included in the resolution is Tren de Aragua – also known as “TdA” – which is an international gang tied to the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley as well as the violent takeover of at least one apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, last year. The group is also suspected of having ties to Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro. 
“The resolution authorizes President Donald Trump to unleash the American military on Tren de Aragua, MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel and several other gangs, which it says have “violated the territorial integrity of the United States” and present “a clear and evident danger” to the American people.”
With more Americans concerned than ever before about the border and opioid crises, swift and decisive action is needed to protect lives and defeat the cartels. More than 200 Americans die every day from fentanyl overdoses as Mexican drug cartels have established operations in all 50 states. Not only have the cartels trafficked in record amounts of narcotics, but their members have kidnapped and murdered U.S. citizens. 
“We can no longer ignore the deliberate invasion of Mexican drug cartels into our neighborhoods and communities. These are not ragtag bands of low-level lawbreakers but organized criminal enterprises that profit off death and addiction. Far too many innocent people have suffered at the hands of the cartels,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “Until such time that the Mexican government finally steps up and squashes the drug cartels who use Mexico as their home base, Congress must give President Trump and Secretary Hegseth the green light to take a sledgehammer to these criminal networks and their supply chains. My joint resolution will authorize the Trump administration to use the full force of the American military against the nine largest drug cartels operating out of Mexico.”
Read the full bill text here.