{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"NY\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-50-years-of-the-hyde-amendment/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON 50 YEARS OF THE HYDE AMENDMENT", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 30, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nBROOKLYN, N.Y. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday marks 50 years of harm, hardship, and uncertainty under the Hyde Amendment. Since its adoption in 1976, the Hyde Amendment has relentlessly and brutally restricted a woman\u2019s right to make her own healthcare decisions. Its vile legacy can be seen in the countless women it has affected over this painful past century, as well as in every regression in this nation that its very existence has made possible. Indeed, the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and deny millions of women their right to an abortion could only have arrived in the wake of a post-Hyde America, where women\u2019s autonomy has remained under siege, and our personal medical decisions are offered to all hands but our own.\n\n\u201cWhile there is no shortage of cruelties lurking in the laws of this nation, the Hyde Amendment is particularly sickening because its negative impacts are felt mostly by those with the least. For half a century, it has blocked low-income Americans from having access to insurance when seeking abortion coverage. For Black and brown women, as well as those belonging to rural communities who have long navigated systemic discrimination and contended with trauma and hardship in their struggle to receive care, its impact and consequences have been especially devastating.\n\n\u201cSystemic injustice does not occur spontaneously. It is born in the cruel and controlling hearts of politicians who steal our power and pretend it is their own. As Members of Congress, we have a moral responsibility to stop the Hyde Amendment before it reaches one more year and harms any more women. Now is the time we come together to put an end to this vicious chapter in our history. That starts with passing the EACH Act and ensuring that every American can access affordable abortion care, no matter what.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-gillen-langworthy-schrier-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-rare-disease", "Reps. Gillen, Langworthy, Schrier Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Rare Disease Screenings for Newborns", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GARDEN CITY, NY \u2014 Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), alongside her colleagues Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA-8), introduced the bipartisan Surge to Save Newborns Act to provide states with federal funding and resources to conduct newborn screenings for rare health conditions on the national Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). These screenings identify newborns at risk of serious and treatable rare health conditions to prevent irreversible brain damage, lifelong disability or even death.\n\n\u201cNewborn screenings give families a critical opportunity to detect rare and deadly conditions in the first days of a child\u2019s life,\u201d said Rep. Gillen. \u201cCatching rare illnesses and treating them early can be lifesaving and prevent costly, lifelong disabilities. I\u2019m proud to partner with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to ensure every state has the funding to provide proven, effective newborn screenings and give every child a fighting chance.\u201d\n\n\u201cOne of our most sacred duties as a society is to protect our newborn babies. We already have the technological advancements to detect serious conditions\u2014now we must do everything in our power to ensure that every single newborn has access to them,\u201d said Rep. Langworthy.\u201cAdding a condition to the federal recommended panel is a good first step, but we need to make sure that states have the resources to put the screenings into practice. This bill will literally save lives and help get these precious babies into treatment before it\u2019s too late. We have to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a pediatrician, I\u2019ve taken care of patients whose conditions were discovered early on their newborn screen,\u201d said Rep. Schrier. \u201cBecause we had the resources to screen for these diseases, we were able to help babies right away and save lives. However, states often lack the resources to screen for each condition listed on the recommended panel, which puts our children at risk. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that newborns in Washington state and across the country are screened for all of these treatable conditions at birth.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services oversees the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, a national list of rare conditions that experts advise states to include in newborn screening. It includes 40 core conditions with proven, effective screening and treatment options and 26 secondary conditions that may be identified through core screening or follow-up testing. Conditions are added to the RUSP upon rigorous, evidence-based evaluation and confirmation of an effective treatment option.\n\nThe Surge to Save Newborns Act would:\n\nProvide dedicated funding to states: establish a federal grant program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to help states implement newborn screening for conditions included on the RUSP.\n\nTarget funding directly to state implementation: allow a state's chief health executive, their designee or a state governmental agency to apply for funding and explain how the grants would be used to implement recommended screenings.\n\nTrack state-level progress: require annual reports to Congress from FY2027 through FY2031 identifying which recommended conditions each state screens for, which have not yet been implemented, the effectiveness of the grants and recommendations for legislative or administrative action.\n\nInvest in newborn screening infrastructure: provide $35 million annually from FY2027 through FY2031, with funds remaining available until expended.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of rare-disease patient advocacy organizations, family foundations and children\u2019s health organizations including the Children\u2019s Hospital Association, ALD Alliance, ALD Connect, Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Advocacy Association, Association for Creatine Deficiencies, Believing for Bryleigh Foundation, Conner's Crusade, CTX Alliance, Cure ALD, HCU Network America, Hunter\u2019s Hope Foundation, Judson's Legacy, Katelynn\u2019s Butterfly Kisses, Krabbe Connect, Little Hercules Foundation, MLD Foundation, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Project Alive, the RARE Foundation, Remember The Girls, The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders, United Leukodystrophy Foundation, United MSD Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).\n\nIn Congress, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for children\u2019s health. In 2025, she co-led a letter with a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and National Cancer Institute Deputy Director Douglas Lowy, urging their agencies to reconsider proposed federal funding cuts to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/30/leader-jeffries-at-the-capitol-donald-trump-and-republicans-have-broken-the-economy-and-the-american-people-are-paying-the-price/", "LEADER JEFFRIES AT THE CAPITOL: \u201cDONALD TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS HAVE BROKEN THE ECONOMY AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE PAYING THE PRICE\u201d", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference on the steps of the Capitol, where he highlighted the contrast between Republicans, who have done nothing to end the affordability crisis that is crushing the American people, and House Democrats, who are committed to fighting for an affordable America.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Housing costs are up. Gas prices are up. Mortgage insurance rates are up. Inflation is up. Healthcare premiums are up. Donald Trump and Republicans have broken the economy, and the American people, unfortunately, are paying the price. Republicans have failed to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. In fact, housing costs, grocery costs, utility costs, child care costs and healthcare costs have all gone in the wrong direction as a direct result of policies enacted by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.\n\nThe American people have had enough, and our message to them is that help is on the way. House Democrats are committed to fighting for an affordable America, lowering the high cost of living, lowering the cost of groceries, lowering the cost of gas, lowering the cost of housing and fighting to make healthcare affordable for every single American.\n\nThe American people have understandably had enough with failed Republican policies that actually hurt everyday Americans simply to benefit the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. It\u2019s time for Congress to put the American people first, and that\u2019s exactly what House Democrats intend to do.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-presses-faa-and-dot-address-persistent-airplane-noise-around-jfk-and", "Suozzi Presses FAA and DOT to Address Persistent Airplane Noise Around JFK and LGA in New Letter", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013Congressman Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) last night sent a follow up letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford urging immediate action to reduce persistent airplane noise affecting communities surrounding John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. This letter follows a response Congressman Suozzi received regarding his April 2026 letter to Secretary Duffy, Administrator Bedford, and Regional Administrator Kennington-Gardiner requesting a reduction in airplane noise surrounding both airports. The response failed to adequately address the problem for residents living under flight paths from both airports.\n\n\u201cI appreciate the FAA\u2019s response and willingness to engage, but the problem has not been fixed,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cAirplane noise isn\u2019t just an annoyance, it\u2019s a real quality-of-life and public health issue, and my constituents deserve relief. I am again asking the Federal Aviation Administration to do more to reduce airplane noise and protect the quality of life of families in my district. This is a serious issue, and I will not stop pressing the FAA until they bring meaningful relief to my constituents.\u201d\n\nSince coming to Congress in 2017, Congressman Suozzi has made reducing airplane noise a priority, working with federal officials, airlines, and local stakeholders to maintain consistent pressure on the FAA to substantively address noise issues. Congressman Suozzi serves as Vice Chair of the bipartisan congressional Quiet Skies Caucus, where he recently led a bipartisan letter demanding a reduction in airplane noise ahead of the summer months.\n\nRead Suozzi\u2019s full letter here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford,\n\nThank you for your response to my April 6, 2026, letter regarding aircraft noise surrounding John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). I appreciate the FAA\u2019s efforts to address this ongoing issue with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airports, airlines, and our communities. Since receiving your response, I have continued tracking aircraft noise complaints and hearing directly from my constituents to determine whether conditions have improved. They have not!\n\nMy constituents are increasingly frustrated. Aircraft noise remains a major quality-of-life concern. Research has linked aircraft noise to sleep disturbance, stress, cardiovascular disease, and poorer learning outcomes in children. This is not just an annoyance, and these grievances are not isolated. It affects the health, well-being, sleep quality, and daily lives of citizens under these flight paths.\n\nI have three specific requests:\n\nRequire arrivals using JFK Runway 22L and 22R to remain at 3,000 feet until they are within 15 miles of the airport at all times. I appreciate the FAA\u2019s decision to begin keeping arrivals into JFK Runways 22L and 22R at or above 3,000 feet until they are within 15 miles of the airport during \u201cnighttime hours\u201d, when conditions allow. But this does not go far enough. In 2018, I brokered a deal with the FAA to do exactly this all day, not only at night. The FAA must honor this agreement and explain why the 3,000-foot procedure is now only being applied during the night. Constituents continue to report a decline in their quality of life and repeated low-flying planes over their neighborhoods. Constituents deserve relief from persistent aircraft noise at all hours of the day, not just at night.\n\nStricter oversight of air traffic rotation of runways 22L and 22R every eight hours when conditions permit.This can help communities under the 22L/22R flight path from shouldering noise pollution constantly, but stricter oversight is needed to ensure these procedures are consistently followed. I respectfully request the FAA provide information on how often this strategy is deployed, and what alternative solutions the FAA considers minimizing noise when airport volume does not allow for runway rotation.\n\nMinimize the use of the TNNIS climb. I also appreciate the FAA\u2019s efforts to minimize use of the TNNIS departure procedure between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. This is a productive step, yet just as residents under JFK flight paths experience noise at all hours, the problem does not end at 8:00 a.m. Residents in Queens are awake, working, going to school, and living their daily lives. In fact, flight activity around JFK and LGA remains substantial throughout the day; the busiest period being afternoon hours when residents are spending time with their families, and simply trying to enjoy their homes and communities. The FAA must consider how to reduce use of the TNNIS climb beyond these early morning hours. I welcome a discussion to understand any barriers the FAA faces.\n\nThere is no single solution to airplane noise. Safety, weather, traffic, and airport operations must always be considered, but these challenges cannot become an excuse for inaction. Residents have dealt with persistent aircraft noise for far too long, and they are rightfully asking when they will see results. Continued delays in addressing this issue only prolong the burden on these communities and undermine Congress\u2019s efforts to address aviation noise. The FAA must move beyond monitoring the problem. It must take action and follow through on the commitments it has made to our communities. My constituents deserve meaningful relief.\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-calypso-icon-slinger-mighty-sparrow-francisco/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CALYPSO ICON, SLINGER \u201cMIGHTY SPARROW\u201d FRANCISCO", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 29, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nBROOKLYN, N.Y. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the passing of singer, composer, and calypso icon, Slinger \u201cMighty Sparrow\u201d Francisco:\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the people of the 9th District of New York, the Clarke family, and myself, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the many loved ones and countless fellow fans of the internationally renowned Mr. Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, as we grieve this peerless icon\u2019s transition to paradise. Though he was born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, the Mighty Sparrow\u2019s talent was so substantial and his art so impactful, it could not be confined to the nations of the Caribbean, but instead came to be beloved across the globe. Indeed, the \u201cCalypso King of the World\u201d earned his crown through his remarkable talent, generous spirit, and unrelenting commitment to his craft. I have no doubt that incomparable legacy will persist long past the loss of our Legend. We will remember the Mighty Sparrow as a consummate entertainer, celebrate him as a cultural institution, and honor him as the trailblazer, charitable soul, and innovator he was. And, though our sorrow is great, may we find comfort in knowing that tonight, the Kingdom of Heaven will ring alive with sweet steel melodies and the songs and sounds of our people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWell done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.\u201d \u2013 Matthew 25:23", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/29/leader-jeffries-on-pbs-everyday-americans-need-us-to-decisively-act-in-order-to-make-life-more-affordable/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ON PBS: \u201cEVERYDAY AMERICANS NEED US TO DECISIVELY ACT IN ORDER TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE\u201d", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on PBS News Hour, where he made clear that House Democrats are committed to fighting for an affordable America and holding the crooks accountable who are ripping off the American people.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: The latest national polling shows Democrats with a solid shot of regaining control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. If they do, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries could go from Minority Leader to Speaker of the House, with debates over the economy, government funding and President Trump\u2019s agenda all unfolding. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins us now. Thanks for being with us.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: I want to start with AI, what with President Trump meeting with those tech leaders at the White House today. You have said that Congress needs to lean in on AI safety. What does that mean in practice? What guardrails should Congress put in place?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Our fundamental responsibility as Members of Congress is to protect the general welfare, the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people. And you have industry stakeholders raising alarms that the pace of AI development is going so fast that the ability to make sure we ensure the safety of the American people is in question. And that, of course, in our view, means that congressional action that is decisive, working with all of the relevant parties involved, is important. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has come to the conclusion that self-policing is appropriate. It is not. This is a nation of laws, and Congress is here for a reason: to ensure, yes, of course, that science and innovation and technology can continue to develop at a pace that exceeds what\u2019s going on in China with the Chinese Communist Party. At the same period of time, we also want to make sure we protect the American people from bad actors and harms that could befall them.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: Let\u2019s shift our focus to the economy because Democrats are making affordability central to the midterm argument. What would Democrats actually do with control of the House that would make life less expensive for the American public?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Life is far too expensive for the American people, and everyday Americans need us to decisively act in order to make life more affordable. There are too many people\u2014they\u2019re working hard, they\u2019re playing by the rules, they can\u2019t thrive and can barely survive. People are drowning in this failed Trump economy and have had enough. There are a variety of different things that need to happen. One, we need to end the Trump Tariffs, which have cost everyday Americans thousands of dollars per year in additional expenses, particularly as it relates to groceries and goods. We need to stop this reckless war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed gas prices on the American people and also had an impact on increasing food prices because of the increase in fertilizer expenses, as well as the increase in diesel prices. And certainly, we need to reverse the Medicaid cuts, which have ripped healthcare away from more than 10 million Americans or is threatening to do so. And at the same period of time, we certainly need to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits so we can reverse the increases in health insurance premiums that tens of millions of Americans are experiencing.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: Another fight playing out in Washington right now is over Congress\u2019s power of the purse. And I raise this because for the second year in a row, President Trump is trying to cancel money that Congress has already approved, this time more than $800 million. If this money expires before Congress or the courts can act, hasn\u2019t the White House found a way around Congress\u2019s power to appropriate funds?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It has been incredibly unfortunate that my Republican colleagues have become nothing more than a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump\u2019s extreme agenda and, as opposed to behaving like separate and co-equal parts of a branch of the federal government that is not subservient to Donald Trump but is co-equal to the executive branch, they continue to allow the President to try to get away with anything he wants to do, including changing the allocation of funds that Congress previously appropriated in a bipartisan way. And so, in connection with the upcoming spending debate and agreement that we\u2019ll need to reach by December 11, certainly, I think it\u2019s important for the American people that Congress reasserts its authority.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: If the White House can simply refuse to spend parts of a bipartisan funding agreement, I\u2019m sure people will ask the question: why should Democrats ever make another deal, another spending deal with Republicans?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly, it\u2019s the case that we cannot proceed in entering into an agreement when it\u2019s clear that the other side of the aisle is not going to, in good faith, adhere to that agreement. It\u2019s going to be one of the things that certainly will be part of the discussion as we move forward, because when decisions are made to allocate taxpayer dollars in ways that are designed to uplift the health and the safety and the economic well-being of the American people, that money should be spent in a manner consistent with what the law says should happen. And when that doesn\u2019t occur, of course, Congress is going to have to respond, in our view, and certainly the courts are going to have to respond as they\u2019ve previously done in other instances.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: If Democrats retake control of the House come November, what\u2019s the first bill a Democratic House under your leadership would pass?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We\u2019ll have that discussion at the appropriate time. Right now, we are running through the finish line, but we\u2019re going to make sure that dealing with the affordability crisis is a top priority. And we\u2019ve established working groups in five different areas where we believe action needs to be taken on affordability. That\u2019s housing. That\u2019s healthcare. That\u2019s gas and utilities and energy affordability. It\u2019s groceries and goods. And it\u2019s caregiving. We believe that decisive action needs to be taken at minimum in all five of these areas and that certainly will be our intention.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: On accountability, there are some Democrats who are already talking about impeachment. Of course, as you well know, you were a former House impeachment manager. The President was impeached twice, acquitted twice in the Senate. How are you thinking about impeachment or, more broadly, accountability, if Democrats take control of the House?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We certainly haven\u2019t ruled anything in and we haven\u2019t ruled anything out because our focus is going to be delivering accountability in areas where you have individuals who have stolen from the American people, are shortchanging the American people or have been screwing over the American people. And when you have people in high office who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then what it means is that they\u2019re not actually doing the job to make life more affordable, more comfortable and more livable for everyday Americans. And so, we\u2019ve promised on the accountability front, beginning on day one, to make sure that we\u2019re holding the crooks accountable. We will follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution and then, of course, let the chips fall where they may in the best interest of the American people.\n\nGEOFF BENNETT: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thanks again for joining us this evening.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-demands-trump-stop-using-taxpayer-dollars-political", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE DEMANDS TRUMP STOP USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Rochester, N.Y.)\u2014Today, Congressman Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, led top senior House Democrats in demanding President Donald Trump immediately stop airing a new television advertisement bearing the disclaimer \u201cPaid for by the U.S. Government\u201d amid serious questions about whether taxpayer dollars and federal resources are being illegally used for political purposes. Members are demanding the Trump Administration disclose who authorized and paid for the advertisement, what legal authority was used to fund it, and whether it underwent a legal review before being broadcast.\n\n\u201cAt a time when families are struggling with the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare, and other everyday necessities, taxpayer dollars should be used to make their lives easier\u2014not to bankroll political advertising,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cThe American people deserve to know who authorized this advertisement, how much it cost, where the money came from, and whether federal laws designed to protect taxpayers from political misuse of government resources were followed. We are demanding answers, accountability, and an immediate end to this advertisement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis advertisement indicates a potential significant misuse of taxpayer funds and federal government resources for what appears to be political advertising. Given the proximity to the November midterm elections, this advertisement\u2014and the circumstances surrounding its development and production\u2014warrants an immediate investigation,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nThe Members further emphasized that while presidents have broad authority to publicly advocate for their policies, federal resources cannot simply be treated as political campaign funds.\n\nAs chair of the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force, Congressman Morelle has consistently pushed for greater transparency and accountability in government and, as the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, has worked to protect the integrity of American elections and ensure government institutions serve the public interest.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-leads-letter-to-revlon-demanding-answers-following-findings-of-dangerous-contaminants-in-cosmetics/", "CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO REVLON DEMANDING ANSWERS FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF DANGEROUS CONTAMINANTS IN COSMETICS", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 28, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led a letter signed by nine Members of Congress to CEO of Revlon Group Holdings LLC, Michelle Peluso, following the FDA\u2019s recent findings that the cosmetics company failed to adequately test products for the presence of contaminants \u2013 including cancer-causing chemicals and mold \u2013 putting the health of its customers at risk, particularly its Black customers who are disproportionately represented in the beauty and personal care market.\n\n\u201cBlack consumers, specifically women and girls, occupy a significant space within the overall U.S. beauty landscape. In 2026, beauty spending among Black consumers reached $16.2 billion, representing a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Given their prevalence in your customer base, it is our serious concern that Black women and girls would be disproportionately exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in contaminated beauty products,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cProducts that pose a risk to consumers have no place in our markets. Black women and girls should be able to use beauty and personal care products, including over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, without worrying about potential exposure to harmful chemicals.\u201d\n\nThe letter was signed by: Representatives Clarke, Carson, Crockett, DeLauro, Grijalva, Holmes Norton, Thanedar, Tlaib, and Wilson (FL).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-announces-he-secured-15464700-new-york-city-public-housing-authority", "Goldman Announces He Secured $15,464,700 for New York City Public Housing Authority", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Daniel S. Goldman", "G000599", "goldman.house.gov", "goldman", "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "New York, N.Y. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) announced that he has secured $15,464,700 for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) through the Community Funding Project award program. This funding will go towards improving the standard of safety, security and quality of living at New York City Public Housing developments.\n\nThis funding will advance several key goals to improve quality of life in public housing developments across New York's 10th Congressional District. Working alongside Senator Schumer, Congressman Goldman secured $5 million to remediate mold conditions at Red Hook East in Brooklyn and won $1.5 million to restore the community center at the Jacob Riis Houses in partnership with Vision Urbana.\n\nGoldman also secured grants to upgrade safety infrastructure at eight NYCHA developments, funding improvements to fire safety technology, security cameras, elevator upgrades and lighting systems.\n\nGoldman secured $39,344,968 for 49 community projects in NY-10 across the three appropriations processes during his time in office.\n\nRepresentative Goldman was joined by NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt at the press conference.\n\n\"From the moment I was elected to Congress, representing the historically underserved working-class neighborhoods in my district has been my top priority,\" said Congressman Dan Goldman. \"I am proud to announce that my office has secured more than $15.4 million in federal grants for NYCHA residents at 11 different developments. Public housing should be safe and livable, and I'm proud to have worked alongside so many incredible community leaders to make that a reality. A special thank you is in order for NYCHA, as well, whose leaders have worked with me to pass these projects into law. I am proud to share their commitment to a better future for their residents.\u201d\n\n\"Every New Yorker deserves a safe, healthy, and dignified home, and this investment will help to make meaningful improvements in the quality of life for thousands of NYCHA residents,\" said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. \"From making safety and security upgrades to restoring vital community spaces, these projects reflect the kinds of investments that make a significant difference in residents' everyday lives. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Goldman for his ongoing partnership and unwavering commitment to NYCHA residents.\"\n\nManhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: \"NYCHA's capital needs have never been greater. I\u2019m deeply grateful to Congressman Dan Goldman for his advocacy in Washington on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Manhattanites who call NYCHA home. This $15.4M investment, which includes fire safety upgrades, security camera installations, and refurbished community centers, will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Manhattanites who depend on NYCHA for safe, affordable housing. I look forward to working with my elected colleagues and NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt to continue advocating for the needs of Manhattanites living in NYCHA units.\u201d\n\n\"On behalf of the Board of Directors of Vision Urbana, Inc., I extend our profound gratitude to Congressman Dan Goldman for securing this historic $1.5 million federal investment to transform the former Virginia Day Care Center at the NYCHA Jacob Riis development into a Community Resiliency Center,\" said Rev. Dr. Marcos Rivera, Chairperson of Vision Urbana. \"This is a NYCHA development recovering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy making this investment more than just a renovation of a center\u2014it is an investment in the resiliency of a community facility designed for families and older adults who have called Jacob Riis their home for generations.\u201d\n\n\"Vision Urbana now has an executed agreement with HUD providing us a critical foundation from which to develop this facility into a fully functional resource hub that will continue beyond any future superstorm Sandy for NYCHA residents at Jacob Riis and throughout the Lower East Side\", said Eric Diaz, Executive Director of Vision Urbana. \"Community stakeholder sessions have started this Summer with support from sister agencies and the tenants themselves to ensure this facility becomes a resilient center Jacob Riis himself would have been proud to report as a prime example of social infrastructure within NYC public housing.\"\n\nThe projects for which he\u2019s won funding are:\n\nFiscal Year 2024\n\nJacob Riis / Vision Urbana Community Center - $1,500,000\n\nFiscal Year 2026\n\nRed Hook East Building Line Initiative - $5,000,000\n\nRed Hook Community Center Elevator Upgrades - $1,100,000\n\nGowanus Fire Upgrades - $850,000\n\nBaruch Fire Upgrades - $850,000\n\nLES Group V Windows - $850,000\n\nFirst Houses Cameras - $1,031,000\n\nWyckoff Gardens Cameras - $1,039,000\n\nFiscal Year 2027 - (Yet to be signed into law)\n\nLaGuardia Fire Upgrades - $850,000\n\nWald Fire Upgrades- $850,000\n\nVladeck Cameras- $772,700\n\nBaruch Addition Lighting- $772,000\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/28/leader-jeffries-on-squawk-box-people-are-drowning-in-this-failed-republican-economy/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ON SQUAWK BOX: \u201cPEOPLE ARE DROWNING IN THIS FAILED REPUBLICAN ECONOMY\u201d", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNBC\u2019s Squawk Box, where he made clear that unlike Donald Trump and Republicans, House Democrats are committed to fiscally responsible behavior in the fight for an affordable America.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Welcome back to Squawk Box. We are just five weeks away now from the midterm elections. Joining us right now is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning to you. Really wanted to spend some time thinking about what you think the Democratic agenda would be if you do win the House and how things change or shift under those circumstances.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning, great to be with you. Our focus right now, of course, will be over the next 36 days making our case to the American people that we are committed to fighting for an affordable America. The cost of living in this country is way too high. Life is way too expensive. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. That\u2019s what they said. Of course, costs haven\u2019t gone down, costs have gone up. So we\u2019re committed to driving down the high cost of groceries, driving down the high cost of gas, driving down the high cost of housing and also fighting to make healthcare affordable for every single American.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, how much of the next two years do you think, if you\u2019re to win in the House, would be a series of hearings effectively about Trump, about Trump\u2019s family, about business executives, about giving to ballrooms and all of that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We\u2019re committed to an affordability agenda. As I travel the country, speak to people whether that\u2019s in urban America, rural parts of America, the heartland of America, small-town America or Black and Brown communities throughout America, the one thing that is clear is that people are struggling. They are drowning in this failed Republican economy.They\u2019re working hard, they\u2019re playing by the rules, but they cannot thrive and can barely survive. It\u2019s an unacceptable situation. And so, when we say we\u2019re focused on affordability, we mean it. At the same period of time, we have seen unprecedented corruption unleashed on the American people. And if you have folks who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then it means they\u2019re not focused on making life more affordable for the American people. And we have a responsibility to visit the type of accountability that is consistent with the House as a separate and co-equal branch of government.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: The reason, Leader, I raised this question is because there is a question about just how much of this will be about recrimination versus affordability, and where the energy in the party comes from right now. I found\u2014I don\u2019t know if you agree with this, you\u2019re talking about affordability now. One of the things that\u2019s been very interesting about watching some of the folks, maybe on the far left, considered sort of the DSA world is they rarely actually talk about Trump or talk about Republicans per se or the family or all of these things. They almost always simply talk about affordability or other kinds of sort of forward-looking issues. How do you think about that versus this accountability issue? Because I know that there are others in the Democratic Party that have a real, you know, thirst for both accountability\u2014maybe it\u2019s a blood, but they want something.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, in the new Congress, there are going to be progressives, there are going to be New Dems, moderate Democrats, centrist Democrats, Blue Dogs, more socially conservative Democrats. But what does unite everyone is this commitment to lowering the high cost of living, to making sure that we can actually bring the American dream back to life for people all across this country. When it comes to the accountability aspect of what needs to happen, cleaning up the rampant corruption that exists in Washington, D.C., wherever that may be, whether that\u2019s the Congress, the Supreme Court or certainly with the Trump cartel, our view is that we\u2019re going to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution and then let the chips fall where they may on behalf of the American people. We have a responsibility, of course, as a Congress, to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. That\u2019s not partisan, that\u2019s patriotic.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Where do you think AI and the debate around data centers, but increasingly\u2014the conversation we were just having with Jensen Huang around regulation around some of these models, agentic models, getting out of sandboxes and the like\u2014how much of that do you think is going to become a political football, not just in the midterms, but over the next two years?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Congress, pursuant to the Constitution, has a responsibility to provide for the common defense of the American people and protect the general welfare of the American people. So when it comes to AI safety, it certainly seems to me that we need to actually lean in boldly and responsibly now. That\u2019s why it was so extraordinary that, in light of pleas coming from people within the artificial intelligence industry itself that Congress needs to act, that Speaker Johnson, Republicans decided to get out of town and cancel votes for two weeks so they could save themselves on the campaign trail, as opposed to trying to save the American people from pending harm if this thing gets out of control with respect to AI safety.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, I want to go back to the affordability issue because one of the big issues\u2014we\u2019re watching the price of treasuries right now, which is also affecting mortgages and the like. One of the things that clearly, at least, the bond investor community is demanding, is that we get our fiscal house in order. And my question to you is whether you think Democrats have any plan to spend less money rather than more.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, here\u2019s the thing. The American people have made clear throughout the last several months that they trust Democrats on the economy, trust us on fighting inflation, trust us on lowering the high cost of living, trust us on ending this reckless war of choice in Iran, trust us on immigration and trust us on the deficit because what they\u2019ve seen from Republicans is fiscally irresponsible behavior. They ripped away, these Republicans, Medicaid from 14 million Americans in order to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors and then skyrocket the debt and the deficit by trillions of dollars. You\u2019re not going to see that type of fiscally irresponsible behavior from Democrats. We\u2019re going to put the American people first.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Do you see or could you imagine over the next two years any kind of real fiscal responsibility, also Democrats and Republicans coming together to try to deal with this budget?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I don\u2019t want to get out ahead of what we\u2019ll talk about as Democrats in the new Congress, but what is clear is that we can\u2019t continue down this unsustainable path that Republicans have brought us along. I mean, when you think about a $40 trillion debt, 25% of that debt has basically been accumulated during the approximately six years that Donald Trump is President. That\u2019s extraordinary. It\u2019s unacceptable. It\u2019s hurting us. And, certainly, we\u2019ve got to find a path forward to change course from what Republicans have done\u2014\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, I think people want to understand what that path looks like. Obviously, a lot of Democrats have talked about taxes. They\u2019ve talked about wealth taxes, raising money on one end. But I\u2019m asking, is there a balanced approach where, and maybe it includes tax increases, but is there any effort in your mind, are there things that you could point to today that you can say to yourself, you know, we\u2019ve got to cut this, it\u2019s the only way?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: What I\u2019m saying, and of course, as Democrats, we\u2019ve repeatedly made clear that we actually are authentically interested in dealing with waste, fraud or abuse where it exists. And we certainly have seen an unprecedented amount of waste, fraud, abuse and corruption unleashed on the American people by Donald Trump and the Trump cartel. But our focus has to be on lowering the high cost of living. That is what the American people want us to address decisively. Republicans have failed in that regard. Democrats will not.\n\nANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader Jeffries, we\u2019re going to leave the conversation there. We appreciate it. Good to see you.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-month-left-congressman-pat-ryan-invites-hudson-valley-middle-and-high", "ONE MONTH LEFT! CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INVITES HUDSON VALLEY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENTER 2026 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Congressional App Challenge encourages tech innovation among middle and high school students as they compete for a chance to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol\n\nHudson Valley middle and high school students are encouraged to submit by October 26, 2026; more information on submission can be found on Congressman Ryan\u2019s website\n\nLast year\u2019s winner, \u201cHudson Connect,\u201d was designed by New Windsor 11th grader Aarna Patel; the app is a community resource navigation tool designed to help residents quickly find local services and programs across New York\u2019s 18th Congressional District\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is encouraging Hudson Valley middle and high school students to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students in each congressional district to learn coding and develop their own software applications, fostering STEM education and engagement with their local Representative.\n\nThis challenge is open to middle and high school students; students must either attend school or reside in NY-18. Submissions are due October 26, 2026; the portal can be found on Congressman Ryan\u2019s website.\n\n\u201cI look forward to this every year. The Congressional App Challenge gives young people across the Hudson Valley a chance to build and demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of the community we love,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cI am consistently so impressed with what our students submit \u2013 it truly gives me hope for the next generation of innovators growing up right here in the Hudson Valley. There\u2019s one month left to submit, and I can\u2019t wait to see what everyone comes up with!\u201d\n\n\u201cParticipating in the Congressional App Challenge and attending the House of Code has been an incredible honor. I created Hudson Connect to help people find local and accessible resources and to bring the community closer together,\u201d said Aarna Patel, New Windsor, 2025 winner. \u201cHaving the app recognized on a national stage was both exciting and deeply meaningful. Connecting with other student innovators and speaking with Congressman Ryan and his team reinforced how powerful technology can be in supporting and uplifting a community. The support from Congressman Ryan\u2019s team throughout the process made the experience even better and truly memorable.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for middle school and high school students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding.\n\nSubmissions are due by October 26, 2026; more information and submission instructions can be found on Congressman Ryan\u2019s website.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/26/leader-jeffries-on-cnn-the-american-people-are-disgusted-with-the-performance-of-donald-trump-and-republicans/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: \u201cTHE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE DISGUSTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF DONALD TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS\u201d", "2026-09-26", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN This Morning Weekend, where he made clear that House Democrats are relentlessly focused on fighting for an affordable America.\n\nMANU RAJU: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who wants to be the next Speaker of the House, he is joining me live now to talk about the midterm elections 38 days away. Mr. Jeffries, good morning to you and thanks for being here. As you know, Cook Political Report is now predicting that Democrats will take the House in November. You\u2019ve actually been saying that for months, making that prediction. So right now, what are you exactly predicting? Are you\u2014do you anticipate a Democratic wave or a narrow victory?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We\u2019re going to work as hard as we can to get to 218, and then win as many seats on top of that as possible because we\u2019re focused on fighting for an affordable America. Life is way too expensive, Manu, here in the United States of America. There are too many people, millions of folks, working hard, playing by the rules, can\u2019t thrive and can barely survive. The Republican economic policies have been a disaster. They promised to lower costs on day one, costs haven\u2019t gone down, they\u2019ve gone up. Democrats are determined to do something about that.\n\nMANU RAJU: Mr. Leader, are you worried about the amount of GOP spending that is coming in late from Trump\u2019s outside organization and GOP outside groups? They\u2019re really bombarding the airwaves and they\u2019re dwarfing Democrats by nearly $200 million in House and Senate races. How concerned are you about that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We always understood that MAGA Republicans were going to try to unload as much of their special interest money as possible. This is part of the problem with why Republicans have failed. They\u2019re not interested in promoting the public interest. They haven\u2019t done a damn thing to make life more affordable for the American people. Instead, they spend all their time raising money from their MAGA big donors, who they rewarded with a massive tax break in the One Big Ugly Bill, while at the same time ripping Medicaid, healthcare and nutritional assistance away from the American people. We\u2019re going to stay focused, continue to communicate our message. We know the most important issues in this election are not going to be about MAGA money. It\u2019s going to be about the economy, the high cost of living and combating inflation, which Donald Trump and Republican economic policies have dramatically worsened in this country.\n\nMANU RAJU: Mr. Leader, let\u2019s talk about the generic ballot. The CNN poll from this week has Democrats with an eight-point advantage when voters are asked which party should control Congress. But in 2018, that\u2019s when Democrats had picked up 41 seats, at this time, Democrats had a 12-point advantage in the generic ballot. Now, given how bad the environment is for Republicans, why aren\u2019t Democrats holding an even bigger advantage now?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: The plus-eight advantage is incredibly strong, and we\u2019re going to continue to run through the finish line. And remember, Manu, in 2018 we needed to flip 24 seats. We were at 194, we needed to get to 218. Right now we\u2019re at 215. It\u2019s one of the reasons why Republicans are running scared all across the country because we only need to flip a handful of seats to take back control of the majority, and that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re going to do at minimum.\n\nMANU RAJU: But does the fact that your advantage isn\u2019t even higher have anything to do with your own approval ratings, Mr. Leader? In that same poll, the approval of Democratic leaders is abysmal. It stands at 26%. And that is just two points better than GOP leaders. So why are the approval ratings of Democratic leaders still so low?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: We\u2019re not running a popularity contest. We\u2019re working hard to run Republicans out of power because they\u2019ve done so much damage to the American people. And the American people clearly deserve better. They clearly deserve a party\u2014House and Senate Democrats\u2014which are going to focus on making life better for the American people, Manu. Those are the stakes at this moment.\n\nMANU RAJU: But do you think the public is not sold yet on Democrats leading Congress?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I think that we\u2019ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, we have to accomplish the mission. And the mission is to make sure that we take back control of the House, which we\u2019ve maintained we were on track to do now for months. In fact, we were very confident about our ability to change direction in January 2025 and began to say so publicly. And we\u2019ve had two goals: push back against the Republican extremism that has been unleashed on the American people and chart a better course forward, so that the American people actually can live a comfortable life, an affordable life and a good life.\n\nMANU RAJU: I want to drill down to one critical district that you know very well: New York\u2019s 17th congressional district. That\u2019s where the incumbent Republican Mike Lawler\u2014one of the top Democratic targets in the country\u2014he\u2019s one of three Republicans who sit in districts that Kamala Harris won last cycle. You need to flip that seat. And just last week, a member of your Caucus, Jared Golden, Democrat of Maine, issued an endorsement of Lawler. Are you okay with that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I issued a statement making clear that I thought the endorsement effort by Mike Lawler was a desperate attempt to head off what\u2019s coming on November 3, which is that Cait Conley, a decorated combat veteran, a patriotic hero, is about to flip that seat. In fact, I was with Cait last evening. I\u2019ll be spending some time with her in the district at some point soon. We\u2019re all in to make sure that she wins. Mike Lawler is an unmitigated fraud. He voted to cut Medicaid of his own constituents. He\u2019s consistently voted to rubber-stamp Donald Trump\u2019s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed gas prices\u2014\n\nMANU RAJU: What about the fact that you have a member of your Caucus endorsing him?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: You have to talk to Jared Golden about that. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Democrats, leadership, the members of the New York congressional delegation across the ideological spectrum\u2014we all stand behind Cait Conley. And mark my words, she\u2019s going to win.\n\nMANU RAJU: Okay, I want to ask you about something many people saw last night when watching the Northwestern-Indiana college football game. There\u2019s a taxpayer-funded ad from the White House. Watch this.\n\nRECORDING OF AD: And nothing was going to stop him from fighting so hard for the country he loves.\n\nMANU RAJU: Mr. Leader, the administration says that these are public service announcements with the goal of educating Americans and to ensure they are unapologetically patriotic. Any issue with that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: These aren\u2019t public service announcements. These are ads designed to elevate Donald Trump because he has record-low approval ratings across the board. Certainly, the American people are disgusted with the performance of Donald Trump and Republicans in the House, who are nothing more than reckless rubber stamps for his extreme agenda. And this is another example of how taxpayer dollars are being misused by the Trump cartel to try to elevate themselves or enrich themselves, their family members, their friends and their donors, as opposed to actually doing what Democrats will be focused on, which is spending taxpayer dollars to make life more affordable for hardworking American taxpayers.\n\nMANU RAJU: Trump is also saying that he wants this election to be about him. He said, \u2018Vote like I\u2019m on the ballot.\u2019 He is suggesting he could be in a few dozen battleground districts as well. Do you want Trump on the campaign trail?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Yes. And the reality is, Donald Trump is effectively on the ballot. His failed economic policies are on the ballot. The Trump Tariffs, which have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year, on the ballot. His One Big Ugly Bill that ripped Medicaid away from about 14 million Americans\u2014that\u2019s on the ballot. The Epstein cover-up is on the ballot. The failure of this administration to actually keep its promise not to start wars in the Middle East, but to stop them, is on the ballot because they turned around and did the exact opposite with the reckless war of choice in Iran. So certainly, Republican policies are on the ballot. The Democratic vision to make life more affordable for the American people, that\u2019s on the ballot as well.\n\nMANU RAJU: I do want to ask you about the Wall Street Journal. It\u2019s reporting that President Trump has told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the midterm election. So if you become Speaker, will you vow to end the Iran war?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Absolutely. In fact, we\u2019ve made that clear. We\u2019ve now successfully on the House Floor passed three different War Powers Resolutions to end this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran. That\u2019s in the best interest of the American people\u2014\n\nMANU RAJU: You would cut off all funding?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Listen, we\u2019ll deal with the appropriations process when we deal with the appropriations process. Right now, the mechanism that is in front of us will be to aggressively move War Powers Resolutions until we end this war in the best interest of the American people.\n\nMANU RAJU: Alright, we\u2019re going to have to leave it there. Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you so much for joining me this morning. Really appreciate it.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Manu.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-craters-economy-meng-and-duckworth-reintroduce-resolution-empower", "AS TRUMP CRATERS ECONOMY, MENG AND DUCKWORTH REINTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO EMPOWER MOTHERS IN THE WORKFORCE", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 As Donald Trump\u2019s reckless policies continue to crater our economy and leave families behind, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced the Mom Economy Resolution to promote and empower mothers in the workforce across the nation. While the Trump Administration cuts critical lifelines that so many depend on and offer nothing to support Americans struggling to get by, the lawmakers\u2019 bicameral resolution lays out a plan to support moms who enter and stay in the workplace through investments in childcare, the child tax credit, SNAP, increasing the minimum wage and paid leave. The legislation also includes additional provisions seeking to assist LGBTQ+ mothers and maternal care/family planning resources.\n\n\u201cMoms are the backbone of our economy, but too often, the economy doesn\u2019t work for them,\u201d said Congresswoman Meng. \"Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even as so many are bringing home half\u2014or all\u2014of their family\u2019s income. That has to change. I\u2019m proud to introduce the Mom Economy Resolution with Senator Duckworth, which builds on my Marshall Plan for Moms, to recognize the burdens working moms face and renew the call for paid leave, affordable childcare, and the support families need to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cCosts are climbing, childcare is more expensive and too many moms are feeling left behind by an Administration that promised to help,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cIf we want to build a stronger economy, it\u2019s past time we stop treating moms\u2019 time as both expendable and endless. Our resolution recognizes the urgent need to invest in moms and make it easier for them to succeed in our workforce by advancing policies like universal child are, paid leave and beyond. Republicans in Congress must stop prioritizing harmful tax cuts that only benefit the ultra-wealthy and start working with Democrats to pass meaningful legislation that meets the needs of mothers across the country.\u201d\n\n\"The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long \u201d said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First. \"I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms \u2014 we're growing the economy.\"\n\n\u201cThe Mom Economy Resolution offers solutions to many of the devastating challenges moms and families are facing as our country\u2019s care and affordability crises deepen,\u201d said MomsRising Together Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. \u201cIt makes a powerful case for the measures that will open avenues for moms, families, small businesses, and our economy to thrive, including fair wages; affordable child care and health care, including maternal and reproductive care; improved access to nutritious food; paid family and medical leave; a permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit; and a higher minimum wage. This is a finger-on-the-pulse Resolution and America\u2019s moms are deeply grateful to Rep. Grace Meng for leading on it and championing the initiatives we urgently need.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Mom Economy Resolution highlights an essential, and often forgotten, principle that mothers, who face a persistent gender wage gap, are critical to our nation's workforce and economy,\u201d said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR). \u201cIWPR is proud to support this resolution that recognizes the crucial role mothers, especially mothers of color, play in their families\u2019 economic security. By investing in care infrastructure, expanding inclusive tax credits, and improving workplace supports, we can strengthen families and the economy. The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms \u2014 we're growing the economy.\u201d\n\nSupported by MomsRising Together the Institute for Women\u2019s Policy Research, Moms First, National Partnership for Women and Families, A Better Balance, and National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, this resolution comes at a time where the labor force has 20% fewer women in it than men, while at least four out of every ten women report having experienced gender discrimination at work. Moreover, the median earnings for women who work full-time is 84 cents and part-time 78 cents, for every dollar paid to men. The rate of the wage gap is even higher for Black women, Latinas, Native women and other communities of Asian American and Pacific Islander women.\n\nAlong with Meng, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nMeng has long been a leading advocate for policies that strengthen working families\u2014supporting affordable childcare, paid leave, paid sick days, and family-friendly workplaces. Meng is a cosponsor of the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation to expand the supply and quality of childcare while lowering costs for families. She also reintroduced the Honoring Family-Friendly Workplaces Act, which would encourage employers to adopt policies such as paid family leave, paid sick days, child care subsidies, flexible work arrangements, and support for pregnant and postpartum workers.", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4667", "Tonko, Cammack Introduce Bipartisan TIME Act", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Kat Cammack (R-FL) today introduced H.R. 10611, the Temporary International Movement of Equines (TIME) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that modernizes federal requirements governing the temporary international movement of elite competition and racehorses.\n\nThe TIME Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a science-based, risk-based regulatory framework that reflects internationally recognized standards while maintaining strong protections for equine health and biosecurity.\n\n\u201cAligning with international safety standards benefits fans, athletes, economies, and the sport as a whole, which is what drove me to introduce the TIME Act,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThis bill prioritizes equine health and safety while pushing venues like my district\u2019s own Saratoga Racetrack and its athletes further onto the international stage. I thank Congresswoman Cammack for joining me to champion this bill, and urge my colleagues to join us in this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarion County is the Horse Capital of the World, and the best horses on the planet should be able to come here and compete without getting tangled up in red tape. The TIME Act brings our rules in line with proven international standards and keeps strong protections in place for the horses already here. I\u2019m proud to partner with Congressman Tonko on this bill and to keep working with the American Horse Council to get it across the finish line,\u201d said Congresswoman Cammack.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Representatives Tonko and Cammack for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the TIME Act. Their willingness to listen to the equine community and champion this issue marks an important step toward ensuring the United States remains a leading destination for international equine competition for years to come,\u201d said Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council.\n\nThe United States is a major destination for international equestrian sport and racing, a role that will become even more visible as the country prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and other major international competitions. Current U.S. import requirements, however, can create obstacles for international horses traveling temporarily to compete in the United States.\n\nElite international competition horses are subject to rigorous health, identification, traceability, and biosecurity protocols. The TIME Act recognizes those safeguards and directs USDA to establish requirements appropriate to the health profile and temporary nature of their entry into the United States.\n\nThe legislation draws on the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) High Health, High Performance (HHP) framework, an internationally recognized approach to the temporary movement of elite competition horses. The approach also has support within the U.S. animal-health community. The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) has formally urged USDA to recognize HHP horses as a distinct subpopulation and use the WOAH framework to implement the concept in the United States for qualified competition and racehorses.\n\nSpecifically, the TIME Act would:\n\nDirect USDA to establish regulations for the temporary international movement of high-health, high-performance horses.\n\nEstablish a risk-based system incorporating identification, traceability, and biosecurity measures.\n\nProvide expedited entry procedures and modified quarantine protocols consistent with international best practices.\n\nImprove the efficiency of USDA animal health oversight by reducing duplicative requirements and allowing agency resources to remain focused on higher-risk disease concerns.\n\nAHC spearheaded an industry coalition working to advance the policy, bringing together organizations from across the equine sector around the shared goal of facilitating international competition while protecting the health of the domestic horse population. Early supporters of the TIME Act include the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), The Jockey Club, and other industry stakeholders.\n\nWith the bill now introduced, AHC will continue working with congressional leaders, federal policymakers, and stakeholder organizations to build support for the legislation and advance the initiative through Congress.\n\nSupport for the Legislation\n\n\u201cThe US Equestrian Federation looks forward to working collaboratively with the USDA to improve policies for international movement of high-performance horses. In our capacity as a national governing body via the Ted Stevens Act, we recognize the complexities that come with temporary international travel overseas and similar challenges for competitors from other countries. The United States has become one of the largest international competition hosts in the world. Our goal is to keep all horse populations safe and healthy, and the proposed joint partnership between government and private resources is a big step in the right direction.\u201d David O\u2019Connor, Olympic medalist and US Equestrian Chief of Sport\n\n\u201cModernizing these requirements means a reduction in quarantine time and post-arrival restrictions for the temporary entry of competition and racehorses that are already among the healthiest and most closely monitored in the world. That\u2019s a win for equine welfare and for the health of horses.\u201d Dr. Sarah Reuss, AAEP President\n\n\u201cThe TIME Act recognizes that modern identification, traceability, and biosecurity tools can support both horse welfare and international competition. By creating a framework for the temporary movement of high-health, high-performance horses, this legislation would reduce unnecessary barriers to international participation in U.S. racing while maintaining rigorous animal health safeguards. As the United States prepares to host some of the world\u2019s premier racing and equestrian events, a science-based approach to equine movement helps ensure our entire equine industry remains competitive on the global stage while protecting the health and welfare of horses.\u201d Kristin Werner, Vice President of Thoroughbred Strategy & Industry Initiatives; The Jockey Club\n\n\u201cThe Breeders\u2019 Cup World Championships are built on bringing together the best horses and their connections from around the globe, and efficient international movement is essential to making that possible. The world\u2019s elite horses are also among the most rigorously tested, health-certified, and examined equine athletes, with extensive veterinary oversight surrounding their international movement and participation.\n\n\u201cWe support the TIME Act\u2019s effort to modernize the process for high-performance horses while maintaining rigorous protections for equine health and biosecurity. A science-based framework that reflects the realities of international competition will help strengthen the United States\u2019 position as a destination for world-class racing and other equestrian sports.\u201d Drew Fleming, President & CEO, Breeders\u2019 Cup Limited", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-introduces-legislation-support-students-facing", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT STUDENTS FACING FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.)\u2014Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of legislation to help ensure unexpected financial emergencies do not prevent students from continuing their education and completing their degrees. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) also introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act establishes an emergency grant program for institutions of higher education to efficiently provide small grants to support students with unexpected expenses that may otherwise jeopardize their ability to complete their education.\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cFor too many students, an unexpected car repair, medical bill, housing expense, or other emergency can be the difference between staying in school and being forced to leave their education. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would give colleges and universities the tools they need to respond quickly when students face these challenges and help ensure a temporary financial setback does not derail years of hard work.\u201d\n\nThe Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would establish a new grant program through the U.S. Department of Education. The program would prioritize institutions serving students with significant financial need, including community colleges, rural and under-resourced institutions, and institutions where at least one-third of enrolled students are eligible for Federal Pell Grants.\n\nParticipating institutions would determine student eligibility and award assistance based on individual circumstances, with grants available up to the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the academic year. The legislation also ensures this emergency assistance would not reduce a student\u2019s eligibility for other federal financial aid or public benefits and would not be counted as taxable income.\n\nRead more about this legislation here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-markey-reintroduce-civilian-climate-corps-jobs-and-justice", "Ocasio-Cortez, Markey Reintroduce Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice to Rebuild America", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act, legislation that would establish a Civilian Climate Corps (CCC), administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service within AmeriCorps, which follows in the footsteps of the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, with important equitable updates. The CCC would provide good-paying service opportunities to a diverse group of 1.5 million Americans over five years to complete clean energy, climate resilience, environmental remediation, conservation, and sustainable infrastructure projects, while providing transformational educational benefits and career pathways in good union jobs.\n\n\u201cThe impacts of the climate crisis are being felt across our country, with extreme weather events taking lives and causing billions in devastating losses. We need a massive public investment to combat the toll of wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act alongside Senator Ed Markey, which puts 1.5 million people to work forging climate-resilient communities. The urgency of this moment requires us to respond with robust and reliable solutions,\u201d said Representative Ocasio-Cortez.\n\n\u201cAs Americans face frequent extreme weather disasters, a job market disrupted by the expansion of artificial intelligence, and other economic challenges, the Civilian Climate Corps presents an opportunity to support meaningful job opportunities and efforts to combat the climate crisis,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cI am proud to work with Representative Ocasio-Cortez to continue to fight for this program, which would provide an opportunity for more than a million Americans\u2014especially young people\u2014from every walk of life to earn a good wage while serving their communities and working toward a climate-resilient future.\u201d\n\nThe Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and in the House of Representatives by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Summer Lee (PA-12), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30).\n\nSenator Markey and Representative Ocasio-Cortez first introduced the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act in April 2021. This CCC proposal, and others like it, inspired the Biden administration to launch the American Climate Corps in 2023. Trump dismantled the American Climate Corps on his first day back in office.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by: AFSCME; Appalachian Mountain Club; Evergreen Action; Food & Water Watch; the Forum for Youth Investment; Grid Alternatives; Indivisible; Louisiana Green Corps; Partnership for the Civilian Climate Corps; SEIU; Sierra Club; Sunrise Movement; Union of Concerned Scientists; United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America (UE); WE ACT for Environmental Justice.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s workforce has tremendous potential to fight climate change and build a safer future. The Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act will help unlock that potential by creating pathways to good-paying jobs to boost our economy while building pollution-free communities across the country,\u201d said Evergreen Action Executive Director Lena Moffitt. \u201cWith the support of this legislation, the next generation of the energy and climate workforce will have the skills they need to withstand climate disasters and to lead the clean energy transition.\u201d\n\n\u201cYoung people are desperate for good-paying, meaningful jobs that allow us to build a future worth living in. We\u2019ve spent a summer choking on wildfire smoke and watching our communities flood, while housing and food become increasingly unaffordable. Now, as AI threatens to upend entire industries, young people are spending years in college preparing for jobs that may not even exist. We need jobs that provide stability, purpose, and a livable future. We need a Civilian Climate Corps, now,\u201d said Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement.\n\n\u201cThis is timely legislation as communities across the nation are struggling with worsening climate impacts and rising energy costs and urgently need policymakers to help protect them by boosting resilience and clean energy. Investing in a civilian climate corps is a huge opportunity to create good paying jobs with on-the-job training while advancing the solutions frontline communities need and deserve,\u201d said Rachel Cleetus, Interim Program Director for Climate & Energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-ocasio-cortez-pressley-bera-senators-murray-hirono-cortez", "Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley, Bera, Senators Murray, Hirono, Cortez Masto, Reintroduce Bill to Expand Coverage of Birth Control in America", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), and U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act.\n\nThe Affordability is Access Act would require insurers to fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs, once it\u2019s FDA-approved. The legislation also includes a new provision to require health insurance to cover every FDA-approved contraceptive drug or drug-led combination product without cost sharing unless the health plan also covers a therapeutically equivalent generic without cost sharing\u2014this would significantly eliminate barriers that some patients face in accessing contraceptives prescribed by their provider.\n\nThis reintroduction comes as the Trump administration continues their senseless attacks on reproductive care, family planning, and contraception. Throughout the press conference, speakers discussed the administration\u2019s moves to cancel teen pregnancy prevention grants, their attempts to decimate Title X, and their attacks on contraception\u2014including the State Department\u2019s extremist decision to falsely label birth control products as abortifacients.\n\n\u201cI am proud to reintroduce the Affordability is Access Act alongside Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senator Patty Murray, which will make birth control widely accessible and affordable without a prescription,\u201d said Rep Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cAs this administration continues to attack bodily autonomy, we will continue to fight to ensure that people everywhere have access to reproductive care.\u201d\n\n\"While Trump and his Republican co-conspirators attack our bodily autonomy and make life less affordable, we\u2019re fighting hard to protect reproductive freedom, lower costs, and ensure contraceptives are affordable nationwide,\" said Rep. Pressley. \u201cOur bill would make over-the-counter birth control accessible to all who need it, without the burden of prescriptions or out-of-pocket costs. Reproductive justice means protecting and expanding reproductive healthcare, and I'm proud to partner with Senators Murray, Cortez Masto, and Hirono, alongside Reps. Bera and Ocasio-Cortez, and our colleagues to make that a reality for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to birth control, the challenge we face isn\u2019t just to stop Trump from setting up new barriers. We have to tear down the barriers that have been standing for far too long\u2014like cost,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cWe have to put forward our own vision for the future\u2014not just reject Trump\u2019s far-right dystopia. That\u2019s why we are re-introducing the Affordability is Access Act. This bill would require insurance to fully cover safe, over-the-counter birth control for patients. And this year we made a big update: our bill will also make sure all other FDA-approved forms of contraception are covered for patients. No fees. No hurdles. No out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important because, as of March 2024, there is an over-the counter birth control pill that women can buy at pharmacies and grocery stores. Trump has made his vision painfully clear, he wants to take women\u2019s rights away, he wants to set birth control on fire. Well, this bill is our vision as Democrats. We want to protect women\u2019s rights. And we want to protect your birth control.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Trump regime continues to attack reproductive freedom, fighting for contraception access has never been more important,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \"FDA approval of over-the-counter birth control is a major step forward, but approval alone does not guarantee access. By requiring insurance companies to cover over-the-counter contraception at no cost and without a prescription, this legislation will help to ensure women nationwide have the power to control their bodies and their lives.\"\n\n\u201cCongress must pass the Affordability is Access Act to expand Americans\u2019 reproductive freedoms even as this Administration tries to shrink them,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cBirth control has helped thousands of Nevadans and millions of Americans live healthy lives. It\u2019s past time we made sure every woman who wants it has an affordable over-the-counter option they can buy.\u201d\n\n\u201cBirth control is essential healthcare that everyone, no matter their insurance or income, should be able to get when they need it,\u201d said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. \u201cThis act is a crucial first step in removing cost barriers and expanding access to contraception. As anti-reproductive health lawmakers continue to do everything in their power to restrict access to care, we\u2019re grateful to Sen. Murray for reintroducing this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cContraception is a fundamental part of reproductive health care and autonomy\u2014 it gives people the power to shape their own futures,\u201d said Daria Neal, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights. \u201cEveryone who needs contraception should be able to access and afford it. Yet the Trump Administration has repeatedly put that access at risk, from subverting the federal family planning program and ending teen pregnancy prevention grants, to letting millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded contraceptives go to waste overseas. We're grateful to Senator Murray and her colleagues for standing up for reproductive rights and supporting this critically important legislation.\"\n\n\u201cWith the sudden termination of AccessMatters\u2019 teen pregnancy prevention initiative, over 2,500 adolescents in Philadelphia immediately lost access to everything this program provided over the last three years \u2013 including evidence-based education programming, parent workshops, connections to local healthcare providers, assistance setting up medical appointments and accessing contraceptives, and leadership opportunities for the Youth Advisory Board,\u201d said Audrey Ann Ross, Senior Manager of Communications and Policy at AccessMatters. \u201cThis loss of access coupled with the shifts in Title X program priorities further underscore the need for policies that support access to contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health care and information. We urge Congress to pass policies like the Affordability in Access Act and to also demand that HHS immediately restore this funding so that adolescents nationwide can continue benefitting from these programs.\u201d\n\nUnder the Affordable Care Act, all private health insurance plans are required to fully cover \u2014 without copays or out-of-pocket costs \u2014 prescribed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, granted, or cleared methods of contraception. The Affordability is Access Act would change this to apply to over-the-counter birth control that women can get without a prescription. The Affordability is Access Act would also maintain the FDA\u2019s sole authority to determine the safety and efficacy of drugs and make them available over the counter without a prescription, and ensure retailers provide contraception without a prescription. The legislation states that any retailer that stocks contraception that the FDA has approved, granted, or cleared without a prescription may not interfere with a consumer\u2019s access to or purchase of such contraception.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by: Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI), National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Upstream USA, Reproductive Health Access Project, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Partnership for Women & Families, Healthy Teen Network, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, Reproductive Freedom for All, Power to Decide, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The Center for Biological Diversity, National Council of Jewish Women, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Advocates for Youth, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, AIDS United, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Network of Abortion Funds, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Organization for Women (NOW), Religious Community for Reproductive Choice, The Guttmacher Institute, Population Connection Action Fund, American College of Nurse Mid-Wives, and Ibis Reproductive Health.\n\nRead the full text of the Affordability is Access Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/24/riley-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transit-access-in-rural-communities/", "RILEY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE TRANSIT ACCESS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) and Representative James Gallagher (CA-01) introduced the Improving Rural Transportation Act. This bipartisan bill will create a federal grant program to fund rural transportation infrastructure and help communities deploy ride-share and micro-transit programs with a focus on public-private partnerships.\n\n\u201cIn Upstate New York, getting to the doctor, the grocery store, or the post office can mean driving 20 or 30 miles. If you don\u2019t have a car or can\u2019t drive, that becomes a real problem real fast,\u201d said Riley. \u201cSmall towns should have the tools to come up with solutions that work for them. This bill gives rural communities more options, brings local leaders and businesses to the table, and helps make sure folks can get where they need to go.\u201d\n\n\u201cRural communities deserve transportation options that actually work for them, not one-size-fits-all solutions designed for big cities. The Improving Rural Transportation Act gives smaller communities more flexibility to develop transportation services that fit their needs while bringing the private sector to the table. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Riley and give rural America a better shot at the transportation investments it deserves,\u201d said Gallagher.\n\nThe Improving Rural Transportation Act would:\n\nCreate a Department of Transportation grant program for communities with populations under 200,000.\n\nHelp fund rideshare, microtransit, flexible-route, and other transportation programs.\n\nGive priority to projects that bring together local governments, private-sector partners, and nonprofit organizations.\n\nRequire state or local partners to cover at least 20 percent of project costs.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE).\n\n\u201cThe Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is proud to endorse the bipartisan \u2018Improving Rural Transportation Act.\u2019 This proposed legislation represents a critical opportunity to invest in advanced transportation technologies outside of urban centers, positioning rural communities at the forefront of American technological innovation in the transportation sector. CTE\u2019s work supporting rural fleets across the country as they plan for and deploy advanced transportation technologies has reinforced the importance of improving transportation access and quality in rural communities. We applaud Representatives Riley and Gallagher for advancing legislation that responds to the needs of their constituents while encouraging continued innovation in the transportation sector,\u201d said CTE Executive Director Dan Raudebaugh.\n\nYou can read the text of the Improving Rural Transportation Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/23/leader-jeffries-in-the-capitol-house-democrats-are-running-toward-the-finish-line-and-republicans-are-running-scared/", "LEADER JEFFRIES IN THE CAPITOL: \u201cHOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE RUNNING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE AND REPUBLICANS ARE RUNNING SCARED\u201d", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability, where he emphasized that while Republicans have neglected to make life better for the American people and are doing nothing to end Donald Trump\u2019s reckless and costly war of choice, Democrats are focused on rooting out corruption and fighting for an affordable America.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It\u2019s about six weeks until Judgment Day. Democrats are running toward the finish line. Republicans are running scared all across the country. The American people know that the Trump-Republican economy has been a complete and total failure and that Democrats are on their side. Democrats are committed to driving down the high cost of living. Democrats are committed to making sure that healthcare is affordable for every single American. And Democrats are committed to ending this reckless war of choice in Iran that has skyrocketed gas prices, skyrocketed food prices and skyrocketed diesel prices on the American people in the Midwest and beyond. Six weeks until Judgment Day, House Democrats are running toward the finish line and Republicans are running scared.\n\nFull press availability can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397536", "Congressional Jewish Caucus Urges Secretary Rubio To Preserve The Office Of The Special Envoy For Holocaust Issues As A Permanent And Distinct Entity", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", "nadler", "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Co-Chairs Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) led the Congressional Jewish Caucus in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) as a permanent and distinct entity within the Department of State and not for SEHI to be absorbed under the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS). This letter highlights that SEHI is the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf, and the need to appoint a career official as the next SEHI, with the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters.\n\n\u201cSince its establishment in 1999, the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues has been the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cThe office has also been supported on a bipartisan basis in Congress and administrations of both parties have actively affirmed its importance. For decades, SEHI has worked with foreign governments, international institutions, and Jewish organizations to pursue restitution and compensation for survivors and their families, recover Nazi-looted property, preserve Holocaust memory, and address unresolved Holocaust-era obligations. As the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline, this work is only becoming more urgent.\u201d\n\n\u201cThat is why we oppose any effort to consolidate or eliminate SEHI and are troubled by the reported plan for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) to absorb the SEHI office. SEHI and SEAS have clearly distinct mandates and responsibilities,\u201d the members continued. \u201cBoth are full-time responsibilities that require full-time principals with unique areas of focus and full-time staff with unique expertise. Combining them would not streamline efficiency or eliminate any meaningful duplication; it would risk diminishing the focus, experience, and institutional capacity necessary for each.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe SEHI portfolio requires deep institutional knowledge, advanced diplomatic acumen, and sustained relationships with governments and international organizations,\u201d the members added. \u201cWe ask that you appoint, as soon as possible, a senior career State Department official whose sole and full-time responsibility is serving as Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. That official should have the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters and to maintain the relationships that SEHI has built over decades.\u201d\n\nSigners of the letter include Reps. Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Suzanne Bonamici, Steve Cohen, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Dan Goldman, Josh Gottheimer, Sara Jacobs, Greg Landsman, Mike Levin, Jared Moskowitz, Jerrold Nadler, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider, Kim Schrier, Eugene Vindman, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.\n\nView the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nAs members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, we write to urge you to immediately appoint a new Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) and to preserve SEHI as a distinct, permanent office led by a dedicated career State Department official.\n\nSince its establishment in 1999, the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues has been the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf. The office has also been supported on a bipartisan basis in Congress and administrations of both parties have actively affirmed its importance. For decades, SEHI has worked with foreign governments, international institutions, and Jewish organizations to pursue restitution and compensation for survivors and their families, recover Nazi-looted property, preserve Holocaust memory, and address unresolved Holocaust-era obligations. As the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline, this work is only becoming more urgent.\n\nThat is why we oppose any effort to consolidate or eliminate SEHI and are troubled by the reported plan for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) to absorb the SEHI office.\n\nSEHI and SEAS have clearly distinct mandates and responsibilities. SEAS is responsible for confronting contemporary antisemitism around the world, while SEHI focuses on Holocaust-era restitution, historical justice, remembrance, and accountability. These missions are complementary, but they are not interchangeable. Both are full-time responsibilities that require full-time principals with unique areas of focus and full-time staff with unique expertise. Combining them would not streamline efficiency or eliminate any meaningful duplication; it would risk diminishing the focus, experience, and institutional capacity necessary for each.\n\nThe effort is also especially troubling given the highly specialized nature of SEHI\u2019s work and the longstanding success of having it led by a career diplomat with the expertise and continuity necessary to conduct sensitive restitution negotiations. The SEHI portfolio requires deep institutional knowledge, advanced diplomatic acumen, and sustained relationships with governments and international organizations. This unique mandate needs an independent office, fully integrated within the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and without additional or perhaps superseding agenda items both with external interlocutors and internal stakeholders.\n\nStrong institutions must outlast individual officeholders and administrations. We are troubled by the suggestion that the plan to merge these offices may be motivated, at least in part, by a desire to expand the influence of certain personnel within the State Department.\n\nJewish organizations across the ideological and institutional spectrum have recognized the importance of maintaining a dedicated SEHI. In their letter to you, leading organizations including the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, World Jewish Restitution Organization, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, B\u2019nai B\u2019rith International, and more urged you to appoint a senior diplomat promptly and preserve the uniqueness of this important office. Their concern is shared by former SEAS and Holocaust experts who understand that preserving the distinct mission of SEHI is not bureaucratic duplication\u2014it is an essential part of the United States\u2019 commitment to Holocaust survivors and their families.\n\nWe urge you to heed their call and to reject any effort to eliminate, consolidate, or dual-hat the SEHI position. Instead, we ask that you appoint, as soon as possible, a senior career State Department official whose sole and full-time responsibility is serving as Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. That official should have the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters and to maintain the relationships that SEHI has built over decades.\n\nThis appointment should be made with urgency. The recent departure of Special Envoy Germain creates a vacancy at precisely the moment when continuity is most important. There are fewer Holocaust survivors with each passing year. Every delay risks losing opportunities for restitution, accountability, and historical preservation that may never return.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-hosts-roundtable-discussion-hudson-valley-gun-violence", "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN HOSTS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH HUDSON VALLEY GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION LEADERS IN POUGHKEEPSIE", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Ryan \u2013 an Army combat veteran and member of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force \u2013 has been a consistent advocate for gun violence prevention throughout his time in Congress\n\nGuns remain the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States; Ryan is a proud co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban and has championed legislation promoting universal background checks and safe gun storage\n\nRoundtable participants included representatives from Moms Demand Action, Family Services, local elected officials and more\n\nPOUGHKEEPSIE, NY \u2013 Last week, Congressman Pat Ryan \u2013 an Army combat veteran and member of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force \u2013 joined Hudson Valley community leaders and gun violence prevention advocates for a roundtable discussion in Poughkeepsie. As violent crime rates continue falling in the Hudson Valley, advocates and leaders discussed efforts to build upon that progress and keep communities safe.\n\nGuns remain the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States; in 2026, there have already been 83 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 27 deaths and 47 injuries nationwide.\n\nRyan is a proud co-sponsor of several bills curtailing the gun violence epidemic, including the Assault Weapons Ban.\n\nRoundtable participants included representatives from Moms Demand Action, Family Services, local elected officials and more.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so grateful to everyone who gathered for today\u2019s conversation. From local law enforcement, to elected leaders, to nonprofits dedicated to keeping our communities safe, this coalition has done amazing work toward ending the scourge of gun violence in Dutchess County and beyond. Tackling this epidemic requires all-hands-on-deck, and we recommitted to working together to save lives.,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cThere is nothing more important than keeping our communities \u2013 especially our kids \u2013 safe. As a combat veteran I know the weapons I carried in war have no place on our streets or in our schools. That\u2019s why I proudly co-sponsor the Assault Weapons Ban, and support legislation promoting red flag laws, safe firearm storage, and universal background checks. We\u2019ve made encouraging progress, but there\u2019s still more work ahead. While the Trump administration tries to roll back our efforts, I\u2019m continuing to fight for commonsense gun safety legislation and to help make sure the people doing the work to keep our communities safe have the resources they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt Family Services we see firsthand the devastating impact that violence has on children, families, and entire neighborhoods, and we also see the incredible strength and resilience of the people working to create safer communities,\u201d said Leah Feldman, CEO, Family Services, Poughkeepsie. \u201cThat is why sustained investment in community violence intervention is so important. Programs like SNUG provide a critical connection between communities and the resources, support, and opportunities that can prevent violence. We are grateful for leaders like Congressman Ryan who recognize the importance of this work and continue to bring attention and resources to the effort to build safer communities.\u201d\n\nWhen young people experience violence in their neighborhoods, schools, or homes, the impact can extend far beyond the immediate moment, affecting their sense of safety, their ability to learn, and their vision for what is possible for their future,\u201d said Jill Gomez, ED, Poughkeepsie Children\u2019s Cabinet. \u201cAs a Children\u2019s Cabinet, we believe every young person deserves to grow up surrounded by adults, institutions, and systems that work together to create safe, connected communities. Preventing gun violence requires that same collective commitment: listening to young people and families, strengthening the places and relationships that protect them, and aligning our community\u2019s resources around the conditions that allow every child to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am a Survivor Lead working out of MOMS Demand Action in the Hudson Valley. MOMS Demand Action continues to support initiatives that afford for our voices to be raised on Gun Violence prevention legislation and supporting candidates who wear GunSense on their sleeves. Boots on the ground advocacy for the support of Gun violence prevention is crucial, Gun Violence does not discriminate and we have to STAND ten toes down on electing those in office that will advocate endlessly to end Gun Violence. MOMS Demand Action will continue to advocate, be visible and support those entities that are working in sync to END GUN VIOLENCE,\u201d said Kenya Gadsden. \u201cStatistics often mention that on average 130 people are killed by guns every day in the U.S. with 200 shot and wounded. Guns are the leading cause of deaths among children and teens in this country. We can be the change!\u201d\n\nCongressman Ryan is a proud member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, which makes it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess semiautomatic assault weapons or large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Existing owners of these weapons must store them securely. It also authorizes the use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds to run buyback programs to compensate people who surrender their covered weapons or large-capacity magazines.\n\nIn addition to the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, Congressman Ryan proudly co-sponsors:\n\nH.R.2368 \u2013 Raise the Age Act of 2025 raises the minimum age to buy a semiautomatic firearm from 18 to 21 and prohibits a licensed gun dealer, importer, collector, or manufacturer from selling or transferring a semiautomatic center-fire shotgun to an individual under 21.\n\nH.R.18 \u2013 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 requires background checks for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals) and prohibits the transfer of firearms between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer takes possession of the firearm first and conducts a background check.\n\nH.R.1564 \u2013 Ethan\u2019s Law creates a framework to regulate firearm storage on residential premises at the federal, state, and tribal levels. At the federal level, it establishes requirements for firearms on residential premises to be safely stored if a minor can gain access or if a resident is ineligible to possess a firearm. Individuals who violate this rule face criminal penalties, and firearms stored in violation of the requirements are subject to seizure and forfeiture. At state and tribal levels, the bill requires the Department of Justice to award grants for the safe storage of firearms.\n\nH.R.3018 \u2013 Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act authorizes federal courts to issue federal extreme risk protection orders, which allow certain individuals (such as law enforcement officers and family members) to petition a court for a temporary order prohibiting an at-risk individual from purchasing or possessing firearms.\n\nH.R.4261 \u2013 Stopping the Fraudulent Sales of Firearms Act makes it illegal to sell or attempt to sell firearms or ammunition under pretenses. It strengthens regulations on the sale and distribution of firearms to improve overall safety and accountability in the firearms market.\n\nCongressman Ryan also knows that the intersection of gun violence and domestic abuse cannot be ignored. Women in the United States are five times more likely to be murdered if their abuser has access to a firearm, and someone is shot and killed by a current or former intimate partner every 12 hours. In May, Ryan introduced groundbreaking domestic violence legislation to protect victims and their families. Ryan\u2019s bill works to expand New York State\u2019s Melanie\u2019s Law nationwide. Melanie\u2019s Law, signed into law in New York in 2024, is named for Wappingers Falls woman Melanie Chianese. In 2022, Melanie was killed by her mother\u2019s abuser after an egregious gap in the law left her unable to obtain an order of protection. Ryan\u2019s legislation incentivizes states to adopt laws similar to Melanie\u2019s Law through the creation of a new federal grant program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-trump-administrations-additional-31-million-aid-nepal", "MENG STATEMENT ON THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION\u2019S ADDITIONAL $31 MILLION IN AID TO NEPAL AND TIBET", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to provide an additional $31 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal and Tibet following the deadly flooding on August 26:\n\n\u201cAfter devastating floods struck Nepal and Tibet, the United States initially sent only one advisor and $500,000 in assistance. Trump Administration officials themselves acknowledged that the U.S. response was \u2018slow.\u2019\n\nAfter I pressed Administration officials during an Appropriations Committee hearing to increase aid and strengthen rescue support, the Administration is now delivering a total of $36 million in humanitarian assistance. While this remains far below what affected communities need, it is a significant improvement over the Administration\u2019s original response.\n\nAs families continue searching for loved ones and communities begin the difficult work of recovery, I will continue standing with Nepali and Tibetan communities in Queens and advocating for the robust assistance they need to rebuild.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2484", "Stop Trump\u2019s Tariff Tax: Kennedy Warns Escalating Trade War with Canada Threatens Western New York Manufacturing Jobs", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Timothy M. Kennedy", "K000402", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Standing at Northland Workforce Training Center, Kennedy Highlights How Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Cross-Border Materials are Raising Costs for WNY Manufacturers\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. \u2013 Today Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), joined by local employers and advocates at the Northland Workforce Training Center, warned that the escalating trade war between the United States and Canada is raising costs and creating uncertainty for Western New York\u2019s manufacturing sector, one of the region\u2019s largest employers. Manufacturing is the third-largest industry in the Buffalo Niagara region, employing tens of thousands of workers, and Northland trains the next generation of workers pursuing advanced manufacturing and energy careers.\n\n\u201cManufacturing built this region, and the workers training right here at Northland are the reason Western New York\u2019s manufacturing sector has a future,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cBut that future is at risk when the materials that cross the border during production get taxed each time. This is a Trump tax on Western New York manufacturers and the workers who rely on them for stable, good paying jobs in an increasingly unaffordable America. Canada is our closest ally and our neighbor, not our enemy, and it\u2019s long past time to end this petty trade war before it costs us more manufacturing jobs.\u201d\n\nWestern New York\u2019s manufacturers are especially vulnerable to the cross-border trade war because materials used in manufacturing frequently cross the northern border multiple times during production, subjecting them to tariffs at every step. That two-way exposure shows up clearly in New York\u2019s own trade numbers: the state exports $482 million in aluminum and aluminum articles and $254 million in iron and steel products to Canada each year, while importing $1.1 billion in aluminum and $586 million in copper and copper articles from Canada, according to the Consulate General of Canada in New York. Canada supplied roughly 60% of all U.S. unwrought aluminum imports in the first half of 2026[1], while current tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products can range up to 50% depending on their classification. On September 8th, Canada\u2019s retaliatory tariffs on roughly $20 billion in U.S. goods took effect, covering steel, aluminum, agricultural equipment, appliances, electronics, and other products manufacturers rely on.\n\nErie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, \u201cFor more than 200 years, Canada has been our closest ally politically and one of our most important economic partners. Simply put, Canada is not our enemy and President Trump's trade war against our neighbor is hurting Western New York's economy. The free flow of goods across our shared border supports businesses and good-paying jobs throughout our region. Trump\u2019s unnecessary tariffs are raising costs for local manufacturers, creating uncertainty and threatening the jobs families rely on to pay their bills and put food on the table. I join Congressman Kennedy in calling on the administration to end this dangerous trade war it started and restore stability to our relationship with Canada.\u201d\n\n\"You cannot build a sound financial plan around uncertainty, and our local manufacturers are no different,\u201d said Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick. \u201cWestern New York\u2019s economic relationship with Canada is too important to be undermined by unpredictable trade policies. When our manufacturers struggle to plan, invest, and grow, the consequences are felt throughout Erie County\u2019s economy. Our businesses and workers deserve stability, predictability, and a trade relationship that allows both sides of the border to prosper.\"\n\n\u201cWestern New York\u2019s economy has always been closely connected with our Canadian neighbors,\u201d said New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin. \u201cOur manufacturers should not have to navigate constant uncertainty to do their regular business across the border. When companies cannot reliably plan for their costs and supply chains, it puts jobs, businesses, and people\u2019s livelihoods at risk. Our federal leaders should be helping us strengthen Western New York\u2019s unique relationship with Canada, not undermining it with unpredictable trade policies.\u201d\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, \u201cWestern New York workers are the ones paying the price for the uncertainty and instability created by President Trump\u2019s trade war. The men and women who build, manufacture, ship, and move goods across our region deserve the confidence that comes with stable economic policies and strong cross-border partnerships. Instead, they are facing disruptions to supply chains, rising costs, and growing uncertainty about the future. For generations, Western New York\u2019s economy has been built on the close relationship we have with Canada. When trade policies create unnecessary barriers, it\u2019s our workers, families, and local communities that feel the impact first. I thank Congressman Kennedy for highlighting the challenges facing Western New York workers and for continuing to fight for an economy that puts working families first.\u201d\n\n\u201cWestern New York manufacturers should not be forced to operate under a cloud of uncertainty created by President Trump\u2019s disastrous trade policies,\u201d said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. \u201cOur region\u2019s economy is deeply connected to Canada, and continued volatility in our trading relationship can raise costs, disrupt supply chains, and make it harder for businesses to plan, invest, and grow.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the Erie County Legislature\u2019s Economic Development Committee and a member of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency Board, I know that businesses need stability to invest and create jobs,\u201d said Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard \u201cOur manufacturers should not have to navigate unnecessary uncertainty over the cost and availability of the materials they need to operate. The families who make up our local workforce deserve an economy where businesses can plan for the future, not one where they are left wondering what the next tariff will mean for their jobs, their paychecks, or the cost of living. Buffalo and Erie County have worked too hard to build a strong manufacturing economy to allow needless trade disputes to undermine that progress.\"\n\nThe stakes extend beyond heavy industry. New York and Canada are both key partners in the Northeast Semiconductor Corridor, and a single Quebec facility in Bromont packages and tests more than 80% of all semiconductors manufactured in the United States. This is a stark reminder that the advanced manufacturing careers Northland provides depend on the same cross-border supply chains now caught in the crosshairs of Trump\u2019s tariff fight. Statewide, 816 Canadian-owned companies employ 88,700 New Yorkers, underscoring how deeply integrated the two economies have become.\n\nKennedy will continue pushing the administration to end the trade war with Canada and restore a stable, predictable trading relationship for Western New York\u2019s manufacturers and the tens of thousands of workers whose jobs depend on it.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-xi-white-house-meeting-congressman-pat-ryan-leads-democratic-veterans", "AHEAD OF XI WHITE HOUSE MEETING, CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LEADS DEMOCRATIC VETERANS IN DEMANDING TRUMP HOLD BEIJING ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROVIDING KEY INTELLIGENCE TO IRAN RESULTING IN U.S. TROOP DEATHS", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others; Wall Street Journal reporting has confirmed that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base \u2013 used to carry out the attack \u2013 from Chinese entities\n\nAhead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Congressman Ryan is leading his Democratic veteran colleagues in demanding Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing\u2019s role in U.S. troop deaths\n\nRyan is chair of the Democratic Veterans Caucus, the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress, and served 2 combat tours in Iraq earning him two Bronze Stars; Ryan also sits on the House Armed Services Committee, where he has become the leading voice of opposition to Trump\u2019s war in Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Pat Ryan and 12 fellow Democratic veterans in Congress called on President Trump to publicly condemn China's support for Iranian forces that are killing U.S. troops, ahead of his White House meeting with President Xi Jinping later this month.\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others. Recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities.\n\nAhead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Ryan is leading his Democratic veteran colleagues in demanding Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing\u2019s role in U.S. troop deaths, and that he publicly condemn China\u2019s support for IRGC operations.\n\n\u201c22 brave Americans have lost their lives in Trump\u2019s war with Iran. We now know that at least three of those deaths directly resulted from President Xi sharing key intelligence about U.S. positions with Iran. Instead of holding China accountable, Trump is rolling out the red carpet,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cI served 27 months in combat in Iraq as an Army Intelligence Officer \u2013 I know just how critical and sensitive this information is, and how dangerous it can become in the wrong hands. What\u2019s worse is that Trump knows, too, and hasn\u2019t done a thing to stop it. He said he thinks Xi has been \u2018well behaved.\u2019 We disagree. From intelligence sharing to assistance with weapons manufacturing, President Trump must send a strong clear message to Beijing that aiding the IRGC to kill U.S. troops will not be tolerated.\u201d\n\nRyan\u2019s letter to Trump \u2013 sent alongside Democratic veteran colleagues including Salud Carbajal, Gilbert Cisneros, Herbert Conaway, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, Ted Lieu, Seth Moulton, Mike Thompson, Derek Tran, and Eugene Vindman \u2013 is included here, and in full below:\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nAhead of President Xi Jinping\u2019s upcoming visit to the White House, we implore you to use your meeting to strongly condemn China\u2019s sharing of satellite information that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan on July 17th, and demand that President Xi cease any support, cooperation, and information sharing with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian ballistic missile struck sleeping quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers and wounding four others. The Wall Street Journal has since reported that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities both before and after the attack, intelligence that U.S. officials say was directly connected to the strike that killed our troops.\n\nYour administration knew this coordination was happening. In May, the State Department sanctioned three China-based firms for supplying Iran with satellite imagery of American and allied military facilities. Senior officials in your administration reportedly spent months warning their Chinese counterparts that companies in their country were arming Iran with the targeting data.\n\nThe satellite imagery is only one piece of China\u2019s material support to Iran; Chinese firms have supplied key raw materials for the production of Iranian Shaheds, delivered chipmaking equipment to the IRGC, and sold Iran shoulder-launched missile systems, including the weapon that was likely responsible for the downed American F-15E Strike Eagle.\n\nRather than hold Beijing accountable, you downplayed these findings. When asked aboard Air Force One whether you would raise the issue with President Xi, you told reporters, \u201cI think he\u2019s behaved reasonably well.\" That is a direct and egregious betrayal of our troops.\n\nOur servicemembers are paying the price in blood for this administration's pathetic refusal to confront Beijing. That must end now. Your meeting with President Xi presents an important opportunity to condemn China's role in arming and enabling Iran, and to demand an end to their support.\n\nAs veterans, we know what it means to send Americans into harm's way, and we know what is owed to them in return: the truth, and a Commander-in-Chief willing to hold accountable anyone and everyone who might do harm to our troops.\n\nRyan is chair of the Democratic Veterans Caucus, the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress, and served 2 combat tours in Iraq earning him two Bronze Stars; Ryan also sits on the House Armed Services Committee, where he has become the leading voice of opposition to Trump\u2019s war in Iran.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/ryan-warren-bicameral-lawmakers-urge-armed-services-committee-chairmen-hold", "RYAN, WARREN, BICAMERAL LAWMAKERS URGE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON FATAL PORT SHUAIBA ATTACK FOLLOWING WHISTLEBLOWER REPORTS", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Warren, Ryan, Bicameral Lawmakers Urge Armed Services Committee Chairmen to Hold Public Hearings on Fatal Port Shuaiba Attack Following Whistleblower Reports\n\nNew details reveal DoD was unprepared and failed to support service members and their families in the aftermath of Iranian strike\n\n\u201cIt is critical that Congress gets answers on the failures that led to the attacks, and on the subsequent mistreatment of survivors and families of those killed\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the administration continues to ask Congress for more resources for this war, we can no longer afford to wait for DoD to deign when they are going to answer these questions.\u201d\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Representative Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, led 19 members of Congress in a letter to Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Representative Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Chair of the House Committee on Armed Services, urging them to hold public hearings on the Iranian attack of a U.S. military base in Kuwait that killed six service members and injured more than 30 others.\n\n\u201c(A)llegations reported by whistleblowers to Representative Ryan\u2019s and Senator Warren\u2019s offices, have raised even more concerns about the lack of appropriate medical care for service members injured in the strike, the treatment of survivors and their families, and the DoD (Department of Defense) investigation of this attack,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nIn April, Representative Ryan and Senator Warren led investigations into reports that Secretary Hegseth failed to take basic steps to protect troops during President Trump\u2019s war in Iran, including during a strike that killed six service members and injured dozens in Kuwait. Following reports revealing that service members were warned of safety issues ahead of the strike, the lawmakers pressed for answers as to why the Trump administration reportedly failed to adequately prepare for attacks on troops in the Middle East.\n\nThe lawmakers then expanded the investigation in July following additional new reports that DoD failed to provide adequate medical care to service members injured in the strike. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers asked for clarity on the reports and DoD\u2019s investigation into the Port Shuaiba strike. DoD has not responded to the lawmakers\u2019 questions and has stonewalled oversight by failing to provide Congress with the results of the Army\u2019s investigations into the Port Shuaiba strike despite repeated requests.\n\nThese new reports indicate that:\n\n\u201cThere was absolutely no evacuation plan\u201d in the case of an attack on Port Shuaiba.\n\nInjured survivors of the March 1st strike faced delays in receiving appropriate care in the immediate aftermath of the strike.\n\nSince then, multiple soldiers injured in the strike have waited months for appointments, with at least one still unable to secure an appointment months later.\n\nFamilies of the fallen were misled about meetings with DoD officials\u2014they were told they had been invited to a ceremony instead of a briefing on the deaths of their loved ones.\n\nSome purple hearts were mailed to survivors and families of the fallen, instead of being presented in a ceremony in accordance with Secretary Hegseth\u2019s policy memorandum.\n\nThe service member originally appointed to conduct the investigation into the strike was a public affairs officer under the chain of command of one of the commanders present during the strike. Additionally, the more senior officer who later took over the investigation was reportedly still a lower rank than the commanders of the 103rd Sustainment Command and the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, who were both present during the strike.\n\nThe lawmakers urged the chairmen to hold public hearings on the Port Shuaiba attack to answer the questions already posed by Congress and address the additional allegations regarding the treatment of military families, including whether DoD followed appropriate protocols in briefing the families, informing them of the injuries of their loved ones, and awarding medals.\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that President Trump has dragged the U.S. into a reckless war while failing to properly protect our service members from Iranian attacks and to give them the care they need,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cThese are serious allegations and our service members, their families, and the American people deserve answers,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe full list of signers includes Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.); and Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Derek Tran (D-Calif.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.).\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/ccbwg-announces-new-co-chairs-to-lead-caucus-in-120th-congress/", "CCBWG ANNOUNCES NEW CO-CHAIRS TO LEAD CAUCUS IN 120TH CONGRESS", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 21, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Last week, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), announced that Representatives LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and Shontel Brown (OH-11) will take up the mantle as new Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls (CCBWG) in the 120th Congress.\n\nDespite more than 430 registered Congressional caucuses and Member organizations in 2016, until the creation of the CCBWG, no group on Capitol Hill had sought to make Black women and girls a priority in policy debates. Inspired by the #SheWoke Committee, a collective of seven women leaders with a shared vision of advocacy, equity, and sisterhood; Reps. Clarke, Kelly, and Watson Coleman created the Caucus to advance policies that eliminate barriers and disparities experienced by Black women. With Reps. Kelly and Watson Coleman departing at the conclusion of the 119th Congress, Reps. Brown, McIver and Simon will take their place alongside Rep. Clarke. The Co-Chairs made the announcement at the caucus-hosted panel event titled \u201cReclaiming the Narrative and Building Economic Power\u201d during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation\u2019s Annual Legislative Conference at the Washington Convention Center.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly appreciative of the work Congresswomen Clarke and Kelly and I have accomplished over the last decade,\u201d said Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman. \u201cIt has truly been an honor and a privilege having them as partners as we did our best to help further cultivate a sisterhood here in Congress. Forming this caucus was already critical at the time, but its work and impact is exponentially more important today. And while we\u2019ve made great strides in representation over the years, there is much more to do in order to make our voices heard in every facet of our society and to ensure policies don\u2019t have an unintended negative impact on our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt feels like the last ten years have flown by, but it is indeed time. I am proud to pass the baton to Congresswomen LaMonica McIver, Lateefah Simon, and Shontel Brown \u2013 three outstanding women who have already demonstrated leadership by fighting for the right things and making sure Black women\u2019s voices are heard. I\u2019ll miss the Caucus, but I\u2019m fully confident that we\u2019re leaving it in great hands and that they will take it to the next level. America is primed for a better future when everyone has a seat at the table. Instead of waiting for a spot to open up, my sisters have brought their own chair.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the last ten years, my co-chairs and I, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Yvette Clarke, have put our hearts into building this Caucus from the ground up to highlight both the extraordinary successes and the ongoing plight of Black women across America, ensuring our voices are heard and represented in Congress,\u201d said Representative Robin Kelly. \u201cIt has been a true honor to lead alongside them. While leaving this leadership legacy is bittersweet, I am thrilled to welcome Reps. Shontel Brown, LaMonica McIver, and Lateefah Simon as the new co-chairs, alongside Representative Yvette Clarke. They each bring their own powerful vision, passion, and lived experiences to this work, and I know that the mantle we built together is in wonderful hands as they lead our Caucus into its next decade of progress.\u201d\n\n\u201cWords cannot fully express my gratitude to my fellow Black Women & Girls Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robin Kelly, for their years of hard work, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to bringing greater attention to the systemic challenges facing Black women and girls and ensuring their voices are heard and represented in Congress,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. \u201cWhile I am saddened to see my sisters depart, I am excited to welcome Reps. Shontel Brown, LaMonica McIver, and Lateefah Simon as the new Co-Chairs. I look forward to working alongside them as we pick up the mantle and continue fighting for the equity, opportunity, and justice our Black women and girls deserve, especially as this administration continues to target Black women in the workplace, threaten equitable access to healthcare, and undermine the support systems our communities rely on. The work continues, and I look forward to advancing this important mission with our new Co-Chairs.\u201d\n\n\u201cBlack women and girls play a vital role in shaping politics and policy, bringing invaluable perspectives and experience to the table,\u201d said Representative Lamonica McIver. \u201cToo often, that contribution is undervalued and overlooked. We face barriers to entry, and barriers to success. Under the leadership of Reps. Watson Coleman, Kelly, and Clarke, this caucus has done the important work of amplifying our voices and confronting the systemic inequalities that silence us. I am humbled and excited to carry that legacy forward, and deeply grateful to the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls for what they have built. I am also grateful beyond words to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who has been a light to me personally; my co-chairs and I will do all we can to carry on what she has built.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am deeply honored to join the Caucus on Black Women and Girls as a Co-Chair next Congress and pick up the mantle from Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman, Yvette Clarke, and Robin Kelly,\u201d said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. \u201cI started my career working with young girls who were impacted by the criminal justice system, and I know intimately that in every aspect of life from school to the workplace \u2014 Black women and girls face unique opportunities and challenges. Congress can and should do more to ensure that our federal policies sees and serves Black women and girls equally, and I look forward to working with my Co-Chairs on this caucus to advance these efforts. Thank you to Congresswomen Watson Coleman, Clarke, and Kelly for the pioneering work you have done to advocate for our girls in Congress \u2014 the fight continues.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am honored to become the new Co-Chair of the Black Women and Girls Caucus,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. \u201cAs a Black woman and a Black lawmaker, it is incredibly frustrating to watch the current administration weaponize policies designed to help the very communities they have locked out of the conversation. This Caucus has been critical in countering those efforts by shining a national spotlight on the issues that disproportionately impact our community. But our work has to be about more than defense. We have an opportunity to set a forward-looking agenda that expands opportunity, protects the rights of Black women and girls, and makes sure they have a real voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives. I am so grateful for the leadership of Reps. Clarke, Kelly and Watson Coleman in this Caucus, which has led to the advancement of long overdue legislation that supports Black women. From the Crown Act to the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, the Members have shown that they are fighters for meaningful change for our women and girls. The legacy that they leave behind is one that I am proud to carry forward.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-welch-van-hollen-reintroduce-bicameral-bill-to-create-70-renewable-energy-resource-standard-by-2036-speed-u-s-clean-energy-transition/", "CLARKE, WELCH, VAN HOLLEN REINTRODUCE BICAMERAL BILL TO CREATE 70% RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE STANDARD BY 2036, SPEED U.S. CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 21 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nLegislation would establish ambitious energy standard to rapidly reduce emissions and achieve up to 100% renewable energy generation by 2046\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in reintroducing the bicameral American Renewable Energy Act (AREA), legislation to establish an ambitious 70% renewable energy resource standard by 2036 to drastically reduce emissions, decrease pollution, and promote community resilience. To achieve this goal, AREA prioritizes the development and implementation of solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as marine energy, limited hydropower, and methane digesters for smaller farms and wastewater plants.\n\nThe bill also seeks to ensure the equitable distribution of economic, health, and resiliency benefits of renewable energy deployment by establishing an enforcement mechanism that requires at least 50% of collected funds be spent on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and storage projects in impacted communities.\n\n\u201cAs we witness the devastating impacts of climate change on communities across our nation, we can no longer afford the luxury of inaction. The choices we make today will determine the world we leave to our children and grandchildren. We have the tools, the technology, and the knowledge to build a cleaner future; we need Congress to act,\u201d said Rep. Clarke. \u201cInvesting in renewable energy also means confronting the environmental injustices that have left our nation\u2019s most underserved communities bearing the greatest burden. My legislation puts clean energy technology and innovation to work, reducing emissions, improving air quality and health outcomes, and creating millions of good-paying renewable energy jobs. We cannot leave future generations to pay the price for problems we have the power to solve today.\u201d\n\n\u201cTaking immediate, ambitious action to reduce emissions and build a clean energy future is essential to combating the climate crisis. Now is the time to enact a national renewable energy standard. Vermont has long led the nation in the clean energy transition, passing historic legislation just this summer that puts us on the path to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2046,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cThis bill will help the country follow in Vermont\u2019s footsteps to speed the transition to renewables and build energy independence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Americans face skyrocketing electricity bills and the increasingly harmful impacts of the climate crisis, unleashing the power of clean energy has never been more important. This legislation will help us accelerate bringing cleaner options for consumers online while reducing emissions, lowering our dependence on fossil fuels and volatile global markets, creating new jobs, and cutting costs for working Americans. This is a key step in our fight towards a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable energy future,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nAREA would require retail electricity suppliers to achieve at least 20% renewable energy generation in 2027, with an increase to 70% by 2036, and up to 100% by 2046. The bill would also require retail electricity suppliers to strengthen energy resilience by contributing an increasing share of their generation through distributed renewable energy, such as rooftop solar, starting with 15% in 2027, with an increase to 20% deployment requirement after five years.\n\nAdditionally, AREA also stipulates that electricity suppliers must meet their requirements by submitting renewable energy credits or paying an alternative compliance payment that begins at $50/megawatts per hour (MWh) and increases with inflation. Compliance with the bill would be facilitated by the creation of six regional credit trading markets to track retail electricity suppliers\u2019 transition to renewable energy and ensure the benefits of renewable energy development are spread across the country.\n\nFurther, AREA seeks to ensure the equitable distribution of economic, health, and resiliency benefits and investments created by renewable energy deployment by establishing an enforcement mechanism that requires at least 50% of collected funds to be spent on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and storage projects in impacted communities. The legislation would also require utilities to produce 20% of their energy generation from renewables in impacted communities, reducing the need for polluting fossil fuel power plants in historically marginalized areas.\n\nThe American Renewable Energy Act is endorsed by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network; Evergreen Action; Sierra Club; Indivisible; and Vote Solar.\n\n\u201cThe American Renewable Energy Act (AREA) is a major step toward building an electric grid that is cleaner, more affordable, and more just. By setting a strong national renewable electricity standard while ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition reach frontline and impacted communities, AREA will help reduce harmful pollution, create good-paying jobs, and protect families from the rising costs of fossil fuels. Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund proudly supports AREA and urges Congress to move this bill forward to deliver the clean energy future that American families across the country deserve,\u201d said Quentin Scott, Federal Policy Director, CCAN Action Fund.\n\n\u201cShifting to renewable energy is no longer just an option, it is the necessary next step for the United States to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. The American Renewable Energy Act is the bold legislation we need to meet rising electricity demand, while improving public health, reducing American reliance on fossil fuels, and creating new jobs to supercharge our clean energy economy,\u201d said Lena Moffitt, Executive Director, Evergreen Action. \u201cThe transition to clean energy is well underway and the federal government must be a leader in ensuring Americans benefit from the lower energy costs and cleaner air that renewable energy can deliver.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the last year, electricity cost increases rapidly outpaced the rate of inflation while toxic and deadly emissions from coal plants spiked significantly,\u201d said Patrick Drupp, ClimatePolicy Director, Sierra Club. \u201cIt is more urgent than ever that we invest in affordable, reliable, and clean energy to relieve families from soaring bills and protect our communities from more deadly pollution. Despite Donald Trump\u2019s persistent attacks on clean energy, it is evident that Americans want more clean energy because of how much cleaner, cheaper, and faster it is. We applaud Senator Peter Welch for his work as a steadfast champion of the American Renewable Energy Act and look forward to working together more in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cA strong federal renewable energy standard establishes a clear national floor for clean energy while preserving states\u2019 ability to pursue even more ambitious policies,\u201d said Nathan Phelps, Managing Director, Vote Solar. \u201cThis legislation provides the certainty needed to accelerate investment in affordable, reliable clean energy, expanding access to solar and the benefits of the clean energy transition. By complementing state renewable energy standards, a federal RPS ensures that communities across the country can benefit from lower energy costs, cleaner air, and a stronger economy.\u201d\n\nLearn more about the American Renewable Energy Act of 2026.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-gillen-van-drew-and-kean-jr-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-lower", "Reps. Gillen, Van Drew and Kean, Jr. Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Commuting Costs for Working Americans", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would create the first personal tax deduction of more than $4,000 a year for commuting costs\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) alongside Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07) introduced the bipartisan Lowering Commuting Costs Act to deliver relief from rising commuting costs for working Americans. This legislation would create a federal income tax deduction, more than $4,000 a year or $340 a month, for personal commuting expenses, including the cost of gas, public transit and tolls such as New York City\u2019s congestion pricing.\n\n\u201cHardworking Long Islanders are forced to pay skyrocketing costs just to get to work, making the cost of living crisis even worse,\u201d said Rep. Gillen. \u201cWith the rising price of gas, LIRR fares and the NYC congestion tax, working families are left with no affordable way to get to their jobs. This bipartisan bill will help families save money as they commute to work and contribute to the economy by creating the first-ever tax credit for personal commuting expenses.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor millions of Americans, just getting to work every day is expensive,\u201d said Rep. Van Drew. \u201cGas is expensive, tolls are expensive, and for a lot of families, those costs add up to thousands of dollars a year. If businesses can deduct the cost of doing business, working people should be able to deduct what it takes to get to and from their jobs. I am proud to join Congresswoman Gillen on this bill and give some of that money back to the people who earn it.\u201d\n\n\"Commuting costs strain hardworking New Jerseyans' bottom lines,\" said Rep. Kean, Jr. \"The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would create a new deduction for taxpayers to save thousands of dollars of costs incurred when commuting, whether on train fare, on congestion pricing tolls, and more. I am proud to co-lead this bill to help families keep more of their hard-earned money and reduce the monetary strain of daily commutes.\"\n\n\u201cNew York City Firefighters are struggling with high costs as it is, on top of paying thousands a year just commuting to their stations to save lives,\u201d said Bobby Eustace, President, Uniformed Firefighters Association. \u201cBecause they have to carry heavy gear to work every day, taking public transit to work isn't realistic. Rising gas prices and paying the daily congestion tax have been a massive financial burden. We really appreciate Congresswoman Gillen and her colleagues stepping up for our members and trying to make our daily commutes more affordable.\u201d\n\nThe IRS currently allows taxpayers to deduct the business use of a car, including driving between work locations and running business errands, but it does not allow a federal income tax deduction for personal commuting expenses.\n\nThe Lowering Commuting Costs Act would help relieve rising commuting costs by establishing an above-the-line tax deduction of more than $4,000 a year ($340 a month) for commuting costs, including the cost of gas, public transit, parking and tolls such as New York City\u2019s congestion pricing. The tax credit would also stack with pre-tax commuter \u201cfringe\u201d benefits afforded by employers.\n\nRep. Gillen has consistently advocated for policies that lower costs and provide tax relief for Long Island families. Since taking office, she has led efforts to restore the full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, including a measure to eliminate the SALT cap. She also introduced bipartisan legislation to lower Long Islanders\u2019 taxes by adjusting their federal tax brackets to reflect the local cost of living. Rep. Gillen also recently led bipartisan legislation to help lower car insurance rates by cracking down on staged \u201ccrash for cash\u201d schemes.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-john-mannion-cosponsors-keep-lights-local-act-prohibit-foreign", "Representative John Mannion Cosponsors the \u2018Keep the Lights Local Act\u2019 to Prohibit Foreign Ownership of American Utilities and Keep Ratepayer Dollars Invested at Home", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "John W. Mannion", "M001231", "mannion.house.gov", "mannion", "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SYRACUSE, NY - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced that he is cosponsoring H.R. 5487, the Keep the Lights Local Act, legislation to prohibit foreign ownership of American public utilities.\n\nThe bill would help protect ratepayers, strengthen accountability, and keep more of the money families pay through their monthly utility bills invested in American communities instead of supporting profits overseas.\n\nRepresentative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, \u201cFamilies in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are paying too much to power their homes and businesses, and they shouldn\u2019t be forced to subsidize the profits of foreign corporations. The Keep the Lights Local Act will help lower costs and keep more ratepayer dollars here at home - supporting grid reliability, infrastructure improvements, and local workers. Keeping control of energy production and transmission is essential to American energy and national security. I\u2019ll keep fighting for affordable, reliable energy and real accountability for ratepayers.\u201d\n\nUnder current federal law, foreign corporations and foreign governments are not prohibited from owning public utility holding companies in the United States. The Keep the Lights Local Act would close that gap by barring foreign corporations and governments from owning American public utility holding companies. The legislation was introduced by Representative Josh Riley (NY-19).\n\nMannion has made energy affordability and ratepayer protection a priority in Congress. He recently voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act to prevent data centers from shifting their electricity costs to families and small businesses, cosponsored legislation to end special federal tax breaks for data centers, and has called for data centers to mitigate impacts on local air quality, drinking water and water supplies.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-be-recognized-first-democratic-member-congress-be-awarded-us-chambers", "Suozzi To Be Recognized as First Democratic Member of Congress To Be Awarded U.S. Chamber\u2019s \u201cAdvocate for American Business\u201d Award", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GLEN COVE, NY \u2014 Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) was recognized today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with its \u201cAdvocate for American Business\u201d Award during a stop of the Chamber\u2019s national Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour at Standard Bots in Glen Cove.\n\nU.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley presented Suozzi with the award, recognizing his bipartisan, commonsense approach to governing, his leadership as Democratic Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and his work on affordability, immigration reform, and other issues affecting American families and businesses.\n\nSuozzi is the first Democratic Member of Congress to receive the award during the Chamber\u2019s national Opportunity Tour.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Chamber is proud to recognize Rep. Tom Suozzi as the first Democratic Member of Congress to receive this award on the Free Enterprise Bus Tour. Rep. Suozzi has been a steadfast defender of free market capitalism and his approach to policy prioritizes real solutions for American families and businesses. We look forward to continuing to work with him to advance free enterprise policies that allow businesses, workers, and communities to grow and thrive,\u201d said Bradley.\n\n\u201cI want to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and for bringing the Free Enterprise Express here to Glen Cove,\u201d said Suozzi. I\u2019ve always believed that the best way to grow our economy is to give people the opportunity to work hard, build something, create jobs, and succeed. Companies like Standard Bots are doing exactly that right here on Long Island. We need to work together \u2014 Democrats and Republicans \u2014 to bring down costs, support our small and growing businesses, and create an environment where American innovation can thrive. That\u2019s how we grow our economy, create opportunity, and keep the American Dream alive for the next generation.\u201d\n\nThe event was held at Standard Bots, a growing Glen Cove company that designs and assembles industrial robotic arms in the United States. The company provided a local example of the entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation the Chamber\u2019s nationwide tour is seeking to highlight.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to welcome Congressman Suozzi and the U.S. Chamber\u2019s Free Enterprise Express to Standard Bots here in Glen Cove,\u201d said Evan Beard, Co-Founder and CEO of Standard Bots. \u201cWe believe America can and should lead the world in advanced manufacturing and robotics. By encouraging innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, we can build many more things in America, create good jobs, and compete globally.\u201d\n\nThe Chamber also cited Suozzi\u2019s leadership of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, his five-point affordability plan, his leadership on the Promise to America, and his efforts to advance bipartisan immigration reform.\n\nThe Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour is traveling across the country for six weeks, visiting 20 states and holding more than 50 events highlighting local businesses, employers, workers, and community leaders. The tour is designed to showcase the role of entrepreneurship, innovation, competition, and economic growth in creating jobs and opportunity.\n\nThe tour is part of the U.S. Chamber\u2019s New Fight for Free Enterprise, a multi-year initiative to promote free enterprise and highlight businesses and entrepreneurs in communities across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4662", "Tonko Demands Answers on Buffalo Detention Center Expansion", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 In a follow-up to his August visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko today is demanding answers and transparency on facility operations, namely on the facility expansion announced earlier this year.\n\nThe first letter \u2014 sent to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, as well as the Acting Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Acting Field Director for the Buffalo facility \u2014 requests answers on facility practices as well as the planned construction of the new 100-bed facility. The second letter \u2014 sent to Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC, the construction company that received the federal contract for overseeing the facility expansion \u2014 asks for details on the construction and other information.\n\nFederal records show that ICE awarded the contract for construction just one day after public notice, a clear violation of the statutorily required minimum of 15 days of public notice for federal contracts.\n\n\u201cIn July 2026, ICE announced that it would be constructing a 100-bed facility to expand the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility,\u201d the first letter reads. \u201cICE intends to use taxpayer dollars for this expansion and says that it will operate \u201cin accordance with applicable National Detention Standards,\u201d yet ICE has failed to answer basic questions about what this expansion might look like, estimated construction timelines, and who would be housed in such an expansion. During my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, I followed up for further detail on these questions and was extremely disappointed by the lack of transparency and detail in the responses I received.\u201d\n\nThe letter continues, \u201cThis expansion is especially concerning given the conditions that have been alleged by current and former detainees, including many of my constituents, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Detainees have alleged overcrowding, issues with accessing medical care in a timely fashion, and excessive use of solitary confinement as punishment.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an agency, your practices and standards, as well as the behavior and actions of your employees, have been appalling. For the safety of our communities and my constituents, I demand that you take immediate action to correct the horrific and dehumanizing behavior that your employees have exhibited and pause the plans for this expansion.\u201d\n\nThe full letter to Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Director Venturella, and Acting Director Kurzdorfer can be read HERE and below.\n\nThe letter to Akima Infrastructure Protection President, Laura Mitchell can be read HERE.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin, Acting Director Venturella, and Acting Director Kurzdorfer:\n\nI am writing today to follow up after my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York, on August 3, 2026. My visit to this facility came amid increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and arrests in New York\u2019s Capital Region, as well as across the country, and after I was illegally denied entry to this same facility in August 2025.\n\nIn July 2026, ICE announced that it would be constructing a 100-bed facility to expand the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. ICE intends to use taxpayer dollars for this expansion and says that it will operate \u201cin accordance with applicable National Detention Standards,\u201d yet ICE has failed to answer basic questions about what this expansion might look like, estimated construction timelines, and who would be housed in such an expansion. During my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, I followed up for further detail on these questions and was extremely disappointed by the lack of transparency and detail in the responses I received. Now, federal records show that after just a single day of public notice, ICE awarded a contract for the construction and operation of the expansion of this facility, a decision that was made in clear violation of the statutorily required minimum of 15 days of public notice for federal contracts. I am following up to demand proper and substantive responses to my questions below and requesting that you send my office all records related to the decision to construct the facility, including official memos, cost estimates, and communications with any contractors.\n\n1. What is the full construction timeline for this expansion?\n\n2. Have you completed the environmental review for this planned expansion?\n\n3. What does \u201chard-sided\u201d mean? Will these structures be able to safely house detainees during a Buffalo winter? If yes, provide relevant data to back this assertion. Does the facility have an emergency winterization plan?\n\n4. Will the facility be for temporary or permanent lodging of detained individuals? What is the expected sleeping arrangement? Will detainees be provided individual sleeping quarters? Will the bathrooms in the facility have running water? Will this facility be equipped with air conditioning and heating?\n\n5. Does ICE plan to detain any women or children at the new facility? Do you expect to detain members of the same family at this facility? Do you expect that individuals detained in this facility will interact with individuals detained in the main facility?\n\n6. Please provide all information that allowed you to make the determination that \u201conly Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC can meet the requirement in the required timeframe without unacceptable risk to ERO operations.\u201d Are the costs of the construction and operation of this expansion included in Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC\u2019s existing contract with ICE? Will you be hiring additional staff for this facility? Will prior contracts for the original facility, including those for security, health, and food preparation, be in force for this new facility?\n\n7. What does your organization determine to be an \u201cunacceptable risk to ERO operations?\u201d Please provide all relevant materials that led you to make this determination.\n\nThis expansion is especially concerning given the conditions that have been alleged by current and former detainees, including many of my constituents, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Detainees have alleged overcrowding, issues with accessing medical care in a timely fashion, and excessive use of solitary confinement as punishment. My own constituents have also alleged overcrowding at this facility, including being forced to sleep on the floor, and during my visit I witnessed staff wheeling additional cots inside the facility. I was also particularly struck that you were shackling a detainee at the wrists and ankles even though he was designated as a non-criminal and non-violent detainee, and upon further inquiry was told that this behavior was standard practice for detainees when leaving the facility. This is deeply disturbing and dehumanizing behavior, and I am angered that it is taking place under the federal government\u2019s watch.\n\n8. How often has solitary confinement been utilized at this facility? Please provide the documented reasons for and length of each placement, including whether an individual\u2019s classification (non-criminal, criminal/non-violent, violent).\n\n9. Your most recent publicly available data shows that you are detaining 699 people in the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, which is over your 650-bed capacity. However, your publicly shared data has not been updated in months. How many people are currently detained in Batavia? Do you track the daily population of this facility? How many times in the past six months has this facility been over capacity? How many individuals are sleeping on cots on any given night? Are individuals ever forced to sleep on the floor? Please provide all data for the population of this facility during fiscal year 2026.\n\n10. Do you ever move large numbers of detainees in and out of the facility at a time? Did you move more than 100 detainees out of the facility in advance of my visit? If so, where were those 100 detainees moved during my visit?\n\n11. During fiscal years 2024 and 2025, detention statistics for this facility were updated approximately 22 times. As of September 4, 2026, they have been updated approximately 8 times in fiscal year 2026. Why have these numbers not been updated more regularly over the past fiscal year?\n\n12. Is it standard practice to shackle non-criminal, non-violent detainees at the wrists and ankles when they are leaving the facility? Please provide the relevant statute that directs this behavior.\n\nAs an agency, your practices and standards, as well as the behavior and actions of your employees, have been appalling. For the safety of our communities and my constituents, I demand that you take immediate action to correct the horrific and dehumanizing behavior that your employees have exhibited and pause the plans for this expansion. Your agency is operating with little regard for human life and dignity, and you have repeatedly refused to cooperate with lawful Congressional oversight. As an agency, you report that at least 22 people have died while detained in facilities across the United States this year, which is an unprecedented and horrifying increase. At the same time, my colleagues and I have serious concerns regarding the reliability and accuracy of your data on deaths in custody. Your recent actions, coupled with my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility have raised serious questions, and I demand that you respond with the transparency the American people require before September 30, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPaul D. Tonko", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-recognized-first-democratic-member-congress-be-awarded-us-chambers", "Suozzi Recognized as First Democratic Member of Congress To Be Awarded U.S. Chamber\u2019s \u201cAdvocate for American Business\u201d Award", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GLEN COVE, NY \u2014 Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) was recognized today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with its \u201cAdvocate for American Business\u201d Award during a stop of the Chamber\u2019s national Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour at Standard Bots in Glen Cove.\n\nU.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley presented Suozzi with the award, recognizing his bipartisan, commonsense approach to governing, his leadership as Democratic Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and his work on affordability, immigration reform, and other issues affecting American families and businesses.\n\nSuozzi is the first Democratic Member of Congress to receive the award during the Chamber\u2019s national Opportunity Tour.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Chamber is proud to recognize Rep. Tom Suozzi as the first Democratic Member of Congress to receive this award on the Free Enterprise Bus Tour. Rep. Suozzi has been a steadfast defender of free market capitalism and his approach to policy prioritizes real solutions for American families and businesses. We look forward to continuing to work with him to advance free enterprise policies that allow businesses, workers, and communities to grow and thrive,\u201d said Bradley.\n\n\u201cI want to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and for bringing the Free Enterprise Express here to Glen Cove,\u201d said Suozzi. I\u2019ve always believed that the best way to grow our economy is to give people the opportunity to work hard, build something, create jobs, and succeed. Companies like Standard Bots are doing exactly that right here on Long Island. We need to work together \u2014 Democrats and Republicans \u2014 to bring down costs, support our small and growing businesses, and create an environment where American innovation can thrive. That\u2019s how we grow our economy, create opportunity, and keep the American Dream alive for the next generation.\u201d\n\nThe event was held at Standard Bots, a growing Glen Cove company that designs and assembles industrial robotic arms in the United States. The company provided a local example of the entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation the Chamber\u2019s nationwide tour is seeking to highlight.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to welcome Congressman Suozzi and the U.S. Chamber\u2019s Free Enterprise Express to Standard Bots here in Glen Cove,\u201d said Evan Beard, Co-Founder and CEO of Standard Bots. \u201cWe believe America can and should lead the world in advanced manufacturing and robotics. By encouraging innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, we can build many more things in America, create good jobs, and compete globally.\u201d\n\nThe Chamber also cited Suozzi\u2019s leadership of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, his five-point affordability plan, his leadership on the Promise to America, and his efforts to advance bipartisan immigration reform.\n\nThe Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour is traveling across the country for six weeks, visiting 20 states and holding more than 50 events highlighting local businesses, employers, workers, and community leaders. The tour is designed to showcase the role of entrepreneurship, innovation, competition, and economic growth in creating jobs and opportunity.\n\nThe tour is part of the U.S. Chamber\u2019s New Fight for Free Enterprise, a multi-year initiative to promote free enterprise and highlight businesses and entrepreneurs in communities across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/21/leader-jeffries-in-providence-affordable-healthcare-has-to-be-a-right-available-to-every-single-american/", "LEADER JEFFRIES IN PROVIDENCE: \u201cAFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE HAS TO BE A RIGHT AVAILABLE TO EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN\u201d", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke to reporters following a roundtable in Providence with Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) and local healthcare union leaders about how House Democrats are committed to ending the Republican healthcare crisis and building a healthcare system that works for everyday Americans.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It\u2019s an honor and a privilege to be here in the great state of Rhode Island. Thank you, Congressman Magaziner for convening us and for your incredible leadership in the healthcare area and in many other areas on behalf of the people of the Ocean State. And I want to thank, of course, Congressman Magaziner and Congressman Amo, just for their partnership, their tremendous commitment to improving the lives of the people of Rhode Island and the American people and for the work that they have done and will continue to do to address the healthcare crisis that exists in the United States of America right now. Certainly want to thank Jesse and Lynn and Pat, of course, SEIU 1199, United Nurses, the AFL-CIO\u2014all of the wonderful practitioners and healthcare providers who joined us at a very robust, comprehensive, thoughtful roundtable discussion where I learned a lot about the challenges that the people of Rhode Island are confronting in the midst of a Republican healthcare crisis that is worsening their ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the people that they so ably serve.\n\nAnd unfortunately, it\u2019s a familiar conversation that I\u2019ve had\u2014as I\u2019ve traveled the country\u2014with people all throughout America. The Republican healthcare crisis is devastating the ability of healthcare providers to serve our families, our loved ones, our friends and our neighbors in the way that they are committed to doing, particularly in an environment now where you have so many healthcare providers who are overworked and underpaid, as well as, of course, far too often underappreciated. House Democrats appreciate the work of our healthcare heroes and are committed to making sure that we provide them with the support necessary to enable them to provide the best possible care to people here in Rhode Island and all throughout America.\n\nAs House Democrats, our core principle is that when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life and a good life. And that includes access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. It cannot be the situation where, in this country\u2014the wealthiest country in the history of the world\u2014accessing high-quality, affordable healthcare is simply a privilege available only to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. No, it has to be a right available to every single person here in Rhode Island, every single American. That is our commitment. A lot of work that needs to be done because of the Republican healthcare crisis. So we\u2019re committed, as a top priority as House Democrats, to reversing these Medicaid cuts and extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And then getting to work together with providers, like those we had an opportunity to talk with today, to construct the best possible healthcare ecosystem, a system that the American people deserve so they can go see a nurse and go see a doctor and get high-quality healthcare whenever and wherever they need it.\n\nRepublicans have made a lot of promises to the American people, and they\u2019ve broken them all. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but costs haven\u2019t gone down in the United States of America. Costs have gone up as a direct result of policies, including the Trump Tariffs, which have increased costs on everyday Americans and the people of Rhode Island by thousands of dollars per year. Donald Trump promised not to start endless wars in the Middle East, but to stop them, and then turned around and has gotten us involved in a reckless and costly war of choice in Iran that has skyrocketed gas prices on the people here in Rhode Island and beyond.\n\nIt was Donald Trump who promised to love and cherish Medicaid and then turned around, along with House Republicans and Senate Republicans, and enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, putting a target on hospitals here in Rhode Island, putting a target on nursing homes here in Rhode Island, putting a target on home care workers here in Rhode Island and putting a target on community-based health centers. Enough with this Republican assault on healthcare. We\u2019re committed, as House Democrats, to turning it around.\n\nFull press availability can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/19/riley-helps-pass-bipartisan-bill-to-hold-data-centers-accountable-lower-utility-bills-for-upstate-new-yorkers/", "RILEY HELPS PASS BIPARTISAN BILL TO HOLD DATA CENTERS ACCOUNTABLE, LOWER UTILITY BILLS FOR UPSTATE NEW YORKERS", "2026-09-19", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 With the support of Representative Josh Riley (NY-19), the U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation to stop utilities from charging families and small businesses for the grid upgrades needed to power massive data centers, and make the tech companies driving that demand pay instead.\n\n\u201cUpstate New Yorkers shouldn\u2019t be forced to foot the bill for massive data centers that none of us asked for,\u201d said Riley. \u201cIf Big Tech wants to build in our communities, they can pay their own way. Our power bills are already way too high \u2013 this legislation makes sure that data centers don\u2019t drive them even higher.\u201d\n\nMassive data center projects, which demand huge amounts of electricity, are moving ahead across Upstate New York and the country. Serving them requires costly grid upgrades and under current rules utility companies can pass those costs on to everyday ratepayers instead of the companies driving the demand. In the first half of 2025 alone, utilities across the country requested more than $29 billion in electricity rate increases \u2013 nearly double what they sought the year before \u2013 as they scramble to make infrastructure upgrades and meet increased need.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish new rules ensuring that families and small businesses do not face rate hikes to subsidize new power generation, transmission lines, and other upgrades needed to serve large-load customers like data centers. Instead, the large tech companies building these projects will be responsible for covering the full energy and infrastructure costs associated with them.\n\nThe vote builds on Riley\u2019s own legislation, the FAIR Data Act, which stops data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New Yorkers.\n\nRiley\u2019s has led the fight stand up to the utility monopolies and lower costs:\n\nFebruary 13, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R. 1355) to help families reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills\n\nSeptember 18, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) to ban foreign corporations and governments from owning American utility companies\n\nDecember 10, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act (H.R. 6590) to prohibit utility company executives from receiving bonuses when they raise rates faster than inflation.\n\nApril 17, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8350) to allow Upstate New Yorkers to to allow taxpayers to deduct taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on their gas and electric utility bills.\n\nApril 29, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the Lowering Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8568) to crack down on utility companies overcharging customers.\n\nJuly 13, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655) to stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New York families and small businesses.\n\nSeptember 4, 2026 \u2014 Smart Meter Data Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 10284) to ban utility companies from selling Upstate New Yorkers\u2019 private data and crack down on the misuse of personal information collected through smart meters.\n\n2025\u20132026 \u2014 Served as an intervener in the Central Hudson and NYSEG rate cases, where he participated in proceedings and cross-examined utility companies on behalf of ratepayers.\n\nYou can read the text of the Ratepayer Protection Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/18/leader-jeffries-statement-on-the-rise-of-anti-south-asian-hate/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE RISE OF ANTI-SOUTH ASIAN HATE", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:\n\nThe disturbing rise of targeted, vile and bigoted hate against our South Asian communities shocks the conscience.\n\nJust this week, a Sikh driver in Wyoming was stabbed 17 times after Donald Trump\u2019s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security posted racist propaganda with the message \u201cGet off our roads, you don\u2019t know how to drive, Mr. Singh.\u201d Bo French, a Republican statewide Texas candidate, peddled vile racism towards students celebrating at a University of Texas football game. Right-wing Republicans are repeatedly using derogatory slurs in a casual manner.\n\nMeanwhile, most Republicans are standing by while the GOP traffics in hateful behavior and demeaning rhetoric targeting members of the South Asian community. It is unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American. Our greatness as a nation is connected to the fact that we are a gorgeous mosaic of people from all over the world who come to this country, work hard and pursue the American dream. House Democrats will continue to confront racism and xenophobia whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. It\u2019s time for Republicans to join us.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4658", "Tonko, Kiggans Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution designating September 20th as \u201cPharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day\u201d and recognizing the need to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to mental health services.\n\nAcross the United States, nearly 800,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians provide essential care and medication services to patients across community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The pharmacy workforce experiences significant levels of occupational fatigue given systemic staffing shortages, administrative hurdles, and workplace threats and violence. Suicide rates amongst pharmacists are 20 per 100,000, which is greater than the general population of 12 per 100,000.\n\n\u201cOur pharmacists work hard each day to ensure we are delivered the treatment and care we need,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThey deserve to have their needs met, and that must include addressing any mental health challenges they may experience. I\u2019m proud to be joined by Congresswoman Kiggans to designate September 20th National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. I\u2019ll keep pushing to ensure our healthcare workforce receives the same support, dedication, and compassion that they provide to their patients.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe men and women working in the healthcare space are tasked with long and trying schedules, and pharmacists are no exception. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I understand how important it is to ensure healthcare professionals have the mental and emotional support they need to do their jobs effectively,\u201d said Rep. Kiggans. With over 30% of the pharmacy workforce experiencing significant levels of distress leading to depression, anxiety, and fatigue, I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Tonko in recognizing September 20th as National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Our pharmacists dedicate their careers to helping others and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources they need to care for themselves.\u201d\n\n\u201cAPhA is deeply grateful to Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution and elevating the mental health and well-being of the pharmacy workforce,\u201d said Michael Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. \u201cEvery death by suicide is a heartbreaking loss to families, colleagues, patients, and our profession. This resolution challenges all of us to look more broadly at the conditions contributing to burnout, psychological distress, and isolation. APhA is committed to working with congress and our partners across pharmacy to create environments where pharmacists and pharmacy professionals feel supported and can thrive.\u201d\n\n\"We are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution. Today marks an important step in broadening awareness of the mental health needs and prevalence of death by suicide within our profession. ASHP is proud to partner with members of Congress and other pharmacy organizations in prioritizing the well-being of our workforce,\u201d said Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASHP\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) & American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).\n\nRepresentatives Hayley Stevens (MI-11), Buddy Carter (GA-1), Jonathan Jackson (IL-1), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Seth Moulton (MA-6), and Don Bacon (NE-2) joined the Congressman as original cosponsors.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-celebrates-passage-125-million-federal-funding-authorization-long", "Rep. Gillen Celebrates Passage of $125 Million in Federal Funding Authorization for Long Island Out of House in Bipartisan Water Resources Infrastructure Package", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 out of the House of Representatives, which included $125 million she secured for Long Island water infrastructure project authorizations. The two-year water resources infrastructure investments package previously passed unanimously out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The package includes several of Rep. Gillen\u2019s priorities, such as bolstering flood risk management, storm damage prevention and coastal restoration in communities across New York\u2019s 4th Congressional District.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that this bipartisan water infrastructure package has passed the House with real investments for Long Island,\u201d said Rep. Gillen. \u201cThrough my work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I fought to secure $125 million for critical water infrastructure projects across our communities. That includes replacing lead pipes in Garden City, upgrading aging water mains in Long Beach and strengthening stormwater pumps in Freeport. These investments will protect our drinking water, strengthen our infrastructure and help keep Long Islanders safe for generations to come.\u201d\n\nIn the package, Rep. Gillen secured funding authorization for multiple environmental infrastructure efforts on Long Island. The bill authorizes funding but does not appropriate it; the House Appropriations Committee provides actual funding.\n\nAuthorization of $11 million for the Village of Garden City to replace legacy lead water service lines with new non-lead water service lines.\n\nAuthorization of $25 million for the City of Long Beach to make essential upgrades to its aging water main infrastructure, to ensure that the public has access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water.\n\nAuthorization of $3.3 million for the Village of Freeport to support the installation of additional stormwater pumping stations to mitigate chronic tidal flooding and storm-related inundation that regularly impacts residential neighborhoods, roadways and critical infrastructure.\n\nAuthorization of $130,000 to help mitigate flooding on Rock Hall Road, near Lawrence Avenue.\n\nAuthorization of $65.57 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.\n\nAuthorization of $20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, water reclamation and environmental restoration in Nassau County.\n\nRep. Gillen also advanced the Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation she introduced with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), that directs the Secretary of the Army to research shoreline stabilization and erosion-control technology to prevent coastal erosion.\n\nRep. Gillen additionally secured the following project and study priorities in the legislation. These projects can now proceed at the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or through the appropriations process.\n\nExpediting the Nassau County Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Project Study to protect Nassau County's South Shore from flooding.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for the Reynolds Channel project in the Village of Atlantic Beach to reduce coastal flooding impacts to public street ends, drainage outfalls, open spaces and marine rescue facilities through bulkhead replacement and shoreline stabilization.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for the dredging of Bannister Bay in the Village of Lawrence.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, coastal storm risk management and navigation off the South Shore of Long Island.\n\nAuthorization to expedite a project in the City of Long Beach to remove and replace seven beach groins critically needed to stabilize the beach, reduce damage from future storms and reduce the need for future sand renourishment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/17/leader-jeffries-the-american-people-have-had-enough-of-donald-trump-and-the-failed-republican-economy/", "LEADER JEFFRIES: \u201cTHE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DONALD TRUMP AND THE FAILED REPUBLICAN ECONOMY\u201d", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability with Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, where he emphasized that ahead of the midterm elections, House Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living, making healthcare affordable and holding the crooks accountable who have been ripping off the American people.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump and Republicans promised a Golden Age in America. They\u2019ve failed. They\u2019ve delivered a Rotten Age. The economy is not going in the right direction. It is failing everyday Americans. Gas prices are up, grocery prices are up, interest rates are up, housing costs are up and health insurance premiums are up. The cost of living is out of control. America is way too expensive. Far too many people\u2014millions of everyday Americans\u2014they\u2019re working hard, they\u2019re playing by the rules, but they can\u2019t thrive and they can barely survive.\n\nThe American people have had enough of Donald Trump and the failed Republican economy. And as House Democrats, we\u2019ll continue to make clear that we\u2019re fighting for an affordable America and we\u2019re committed to bringing down the high price of groceries, bringing down the high price of gas, bringing down the high price of housing, making healthcare affordable for every single American and at the same time, making it clear that there\u2019s a cost to the American people of the out-of-control corruption that has been visited upon them by Donald Trump and MAGA extremists. Which is why our commitment to the American people, when it comes to corruption, is that if folks have been stealing from the American people, shortchanging the American people or screwing over the American people, we\u2019re going to hold the crooks accountable beginning on day one.\n\nWhat are Republicans doing in the face of the failed economy and the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that we have an existential situation that has to be dealt with with respect to AI safety? What are Republicans doing? They\u2019re running away from their responsibilities here on Capitol Hill, and they\u2019re running away from their constituents at home because they\u2019ve been ordered by Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise not to hold any town hall meetings, not to engage with their constituents. They continue to, at best, bury their heads in the sand while Rome is burning. That\u2019s a disgrace. And that\u2019s why I believe the American people are going to fire them in November.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-mannion-cosponsors-bill-stop-tax-giveaways-data-centers", "Representative Mannion Cosponsors Bill to Stop Tax Giveaways for Data Centers", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "John W. Mannion", "M001231", "mannion.house.gov", "mannion", "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced he is an original cosponsor of new legislation to stop data centers from claiming special federal tax breaks included in Donald Trump\u2019s partisan budget bill.\n\nLast year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) significantly expanded tax breaks that have helped spur the construction of AI data centers; that same legislation cut over $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. The Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act would exclude data centers from benefiting from those OBBBA tax breaks. Specifically, the bill would exclude data centers from being able to take the 100% bonus depreciation tax deduction, and from being eligible for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.\n\nRepresentative John W. Mannion said, \u201cData centers need to pay their own way, and siting decisions must be transparent, locally driven, and centered on the people who live in these communities. It\u2019s wrong to hand out tax breaks and public resources to data centers, especially while cutting over $1 trillion in food assistance, Medicaid, and health care.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is being led by Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Don Davis (NC-01.)\n\nEarlier this week, Representative Mannion also voted for the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act. That legislation would require state utility regulators to consider policies ensuring data centers cover the full cost of the new power generation and transmission upgrades required to serve them instead of shifting those costs onto families and small businesses.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-secures-351-million-flood-prevention-bronx-and-queens", "Ocasio-Cortez Secures $351 Million for Flood Prevention in The Bronx and Queens", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Funding is a $161 million increase from the Water Resources Development Act of 2024\n\nWashington, D.C. - Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) announced the House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), which includes a provision she requested with her New York Delegation colleagues to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spend $351 million to combat flooding in The Bronx and Queens.\n\nThe funding authorizes projects that would directly improve water and wastewater infrastructure, including new flood control and stormwater infrastructure projects in New York\u2019s 14th District.\n\n\u201cIn 2021, Hurricane Ida devastated New York City, taking the lives of 13 community members in flash floods and causing extensive damage to homes in The Bronx and Queens. Since then, the climate crisis has increased the prevalence and intensity of severe weather events,\u201d said Alexandria Representative Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cI am very proud to have secured $351 million in the House-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2026. This funding will allow us to strengthen our existing flood infrastructure, protect our community from future weather events, and help communities better engage with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.\u201d\n\nIn 2024, Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Grace Meng (NY-06), along with Senator Schumer (D-NY), secured $190 million to combat flooding in Queens. This year\u2019s funding increase adds to that amount.\n\nIn addition to funding for flood management, Representative Ocasio-Cortez and her colleagues secured the creation of a new Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach and support for oyster restoration projects in the East River, Flushing Bay, and the Bronx River.\n\nThe impacts of climate change are being felt across our communities, particularly in The Bronx and Queens. By the end of the century, it\u2019s estimated that sea levels could rise by seven feet along the United States coastline.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act of 2026 provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the authority to carry out development projects and studies that improve water resources infrastructure, including for rivers and harbors.\n\nThis legislation will now be reconciled with the Senate version of the Water Resources Development Act before being signed into law by the President.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-introduces-honoring-sacrifice-troops-war-act-leads-house", "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES \u201cHONORING THE SACRIFICE OF TROOPS IN WAR ACT,\u201d LEADS HOUSE COLLEAGUES IN DEMANDING TRUMP AND HEGSETH STOP HIDING TRUE COST OF IRAN WAR", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Ryan has been the leading voice of opposition to the war in Iran; he has voted to stop the war 6 times, leads the \u201cNo Funds for Iran War Act,\u201d and has repeatedly called on Secretary Hegseth to resign over his massive betrayals to US troops and citizens\n\nRyan sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress, and served 2 combat tours in Iraq earning him two Bronze Stars\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan \u2013 an Iraq War combat veteran and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress \u2013 today led 11 of his Democratic Veteran colleagues in introducing legislation to honor the immense sacrifices made by US troops in the Iran War, and stop Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth\u2019s desperate attempts to obscure the true cost to our troops and the American people. Ryan\u2019s Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act would ban the Secretary of Defense from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our servicemembers and public servants. The bill introduction comes after the Pentagon unprecedentedly recategorized recent casualties suffered in Trump\u2019s Iran war\u2014including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers\u2014under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.\n\n\u201cEvery Patriot deployed to this war in Iran \u2013 the 50,000 still in theater, the hundreds wounded, and especially the 18 killed \u2013 are American heroes. They deserve to be honored as such \u2013 not swept under the rug by a President and SecDef so humiliated by their failure that they\u2019d rather dishonor the troops than tell the truth,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cIt\u2019s a total betrayal of our armed forces by the very people that swore to protect and do right by them. I\u2019m proud to lead so many of my fellow veterans in Congress to make it clear we will not stand for the Trump Administration\u2019s disgraceful disrespect of American heroes \u2013 before, during, or after their deployments.\u201d\n\nTo ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act specifically:\n\nBans Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;\n\nPrevents Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;\n\nRestores Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;\n\nBans Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and\n\nRestores Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.\n\nIn addition to Ryan, the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives and Democratic Veterans Eugene Vindman, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Jason Crow, Herb Conaway, Derek T. Tran, Mike Thompson, Jimmy Panetta, Ted W. Lieu, and Salud Carbajal.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by VoteVets and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).\n\n\u201cFamilies who have lost a servicemember deserve an accurate, permanent record of their sacrifice. Congressman Pat Ryan's companion bill in the House helps ensure that record can't be rewritten. VoteVets is proud to support his leadership on this issue,\u201d said Vote Vets Senior Advisor Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton.\n\n\u201cWe are proud to stand with Congressman Ryan in demanding the Department of Defense be accountable and transparent in their decision to reclassify casualty records,\u201d said Jess Finucan, Director of Policy & Advocacy for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). \u201cIt is imperative to Congress and to the American people that we understand the true cost of war, not just in dollars but in lives forever affected. Purposefully reclassifying records to minimize the impacts of war is negligent and is a disservice to the servicemembers and families who have borne the costs. The Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act ensures transparent, accurate accounting and prevents long-term, negative impact on benefits for those who have served in harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n\nRyan has become the leading voice of Democratic opposition to the war in Iran. He has cosponsored and voted in favor of War Powers Resolutions to end the war in Iran five separate times.\n\nIn May, amid reports that the Pentagon would seek $200B in supplemental funding for the war, Ryan introduced the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress.\n\nIn April, Ryan confronted Hegseth himself during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, pressing him on his failure to protect troops at Port Shuaiba. Following new reporting on the strike on Port Shuaiba, Ryan opened an investigation in August into how the Department of Defense failed to provide adequate medical care to service members injured and demanded answers about the Department's lack of preparation for a strike against Port Shuaiba.\n\nMost recently, Ryan spoke on the House floor against handing Hegseth\u2019s Pentagon a $1.5 trillion blank check through the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He criticized colleagues for again refusing to consider his No Funds for Iran War Act, especially following the successful passage of a War Powers Resolution.\n\nCongressman Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran, served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amid recent threats to veterans\u2019 benefits, national security concerns, and rising threats worldwide, Congressman Ryan led his fellow veterans in Congress to create the Democratic Veterans Caucus. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has led extensive legislation to deliver relief for veterans, servicemembers, and military families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4656", "Tonko Introduces Slate of Affordability Bills to Lower Energy Costs", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, introduced several new bills that would help address the cost-of-living crisis for American households by delivering urgently-needed utility bill relief and establishing a comprehensive energy affordability agenda. The legislation authored by Tonko includes:\n\nThe End Energy Hardship Act: establishes a federal program to fund forgiveness of residential customer utility debt. Roughly 1 in 6 households are behind on their energy bills, and 14 million Americans have utility debt so severe that it has been or will soon be sent to collections. To qualify for funding, utilities must adopt a program to cap eligible customers\u2019 bills at no more than 6% of each household\u2019s income for at least 60 consecutive months. Capping utility bills at a set percentage of income provides customers with predictable and more affordable bills each month and prevents arrears from accumulating. The legislation would also provide federal funding to help offset the potential ratepayer impacts of administering these percentage of income payment programs.\n\nThe Data Center Fairness Fee Act: requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose a charge on the owners of data centers based on electricity consumption. The revenues raised would be made available to State and Tribal Governments to fund energy affordability programs, such as LIHEAP, and electric grid upgrades to benefit residential utility customers.\n\nThe State Energy Oversight Act: creates a Department of Energy (DOE) program to provide financial and technical assistance to state public utility commissions, which are responsible for overseeing utility rates, to support staffing, modeling, analysis, and other activities to increase commission capacity and improve public participation in proceedings. The bill would authorize $50 million for each of Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031 to be allocated to states through a DOE-determined formula.\n\nThe Regional Energy Hubs Act: authorizes the DOE to fund state governments to establish regional energy hubs across the nation that help residents navigate and access energy efficiency incentives and affordability programs. This proposal is modeled after the success of programs like New York\u2019s Capital Region Clean Energy Hub and the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Cooperative Extension System.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of talk in Washington about skyrocketing energy costs; but the American people don\u2019t want more discussion about rising utility bills \u2014 they need action,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThis slate of legislation I\u2019m introducing responds to that need with near-term utility bill relief that provides tangible savings for consumers and puts us on a path to a more affordable energy system. When it comes to lowering energy costs, there\u2019s no time to waste. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this legislation that will deliver relief for countless Americans struggling to pay their energy bills.\u201d\n\nSince President Trump took office, household electric bills have gone up on average 18% nationally, with estimates expecting that number to continue to rise. Tens of millions of U.S. households have reported difficulty paying their energy bills, often reducing or forgoing food or medicine to keep the lights and heat on.\n\nThese latest bills build upon Congressman Tonko\u2019s track record as a leader in the national energy affordability policy conversation. Tonko is a long-time champion of existing federal energy affordability programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). He is the author of H.R. 1355, the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, which would reauthorize and strengthen WAP.\n\nAdditional details, including supporting organizations, bill text, and section-by-section summaries on each of Tonko\u2019s bills can be found below.\n\nH.R.10466: The End Energy Hardship Act\n\nBill text\n\nSection-by-section summary\n\nThis bill is supported by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP).\n\nAlexander Ratner, senior federal policy counsel at the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy, said \u201cNo one should have to choose between paying an energy bill and buying groceries. Rep. Tonko\u2019s bill would help wipe out utility payment debts and put stronger protections in place so bills stay affordable. This is a smart way to give families relief today and more stability tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\"It is absolutely unacceptable that American families are having to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table because of how unaffordable essential utility services have become in our for-profit monopoly utility system,\" said Marissa P. Gillett, Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project and former Chairman of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. \"Rep. Tonko's bill is an important first step in delivering real relief from skyrocketing utility bills. We look forward to continuing working with him and others in the fight for structural change that addresses the roots of the affordability crisis, including excess utility profit.\"\n\nH.R.10467: The Data Center Fairness Fee Act\n\nBill text\n\nSection-by-section summary\n\nH.R.10468: The State Energy Oversight Act\n\nBill text\n\nSection-by-section summary\n\nThis bill is supported by Evergreen Action, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), and the Future of Heat Initiative.\n\n\u201cAt a time when Americans are paying historically high energy costs, the State Energy Oversight Act will help ease their burden by giving states the resources and funding they need to hold utilities accountable for the rates they charge, while putting consumers first,\u201d said Evergreen Action Federal Affairs Director Dani Hupper. \u201cKeeping the lights on at home should not come at the expense of paying for other basic needs. Families deserve affordable energy and a government that will stand up to the utility companies profiting off of them.\u201d\n\n\u201cState public utility commissions are the peoples\u2019 best defense against skyrocketing bills and exploding data center energy use. Unfortunately these commissions are outdated, underfunded, and understaffed, and families and businesses are paying the price. This bill would strengthen states\u2019 affordability arsenal through much-needed funding and technical support for commissions,\u201d said Arjun Krishnaswami, FAS Senior Advisor.\n\n\u201cUtilities come to rate cases with teams of lawyers and expert witnesses. State regulators often have a few staff and a mountain of filings. When they don\u2019t have the capacity to scrutinize a spending request, families absorb the difference on their energy bills. The State Energy Oversight Act gives regulators the support they need and it gives consumer advocates a real seat at the table. We\u2019re glad to support it,\u201d said Jamie Van Nostrand, Policy Director, The Future of Heat Initiative, and former Chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.\n\nH.R.10469: The Regional Energy Hubs Act\n\nBill text\n\nSection-by-section summary\n\nThis bill is supported by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/16/joint-democratic-leadership-statement-on-h-r-5334/", "JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON H.R. 5334", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/16/leader-jeffries-announces-committee-assignment-for-congressman-everton-blair/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN EVERTON BLAIR", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that the House Democratic Caucus has approved Everton Blair to be appointed to the Committee on Financial Services.\n\n\u201cToday, I am honored to announce that the Democratic Caucus has approved Rep. Everton Blair to be appointed to the House Committee on Financial Services. Congressman Blair is an accomplished public servant, educator and fighter for equality who will advocate for the financial industry to work on behalf of everyday Americans. The child of Jamaican immigrants and a proud son of Gwinnett County, Rep. Blair knows the promise of the American Dream and the importance of it remaining within reach. Rep. Blair is a committed champion for working families, and will use his role on the critical Financial Services Committee to support first-time homeowners and expand access to affordable housing for the people he is privileged to represent in Georgia\u2019s 13th Congressional District and folks across America. The House Democratic Caucus family is proud to welcome him to the Congress, and we look forward to his distinguished service on behalf of the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/16/leader-jeffries-on-house-floor-we-will-continue-to-stand-with-the-ukrainian-people-until-victory-is-won/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ON HOUSE FLOOR: \u201cWE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND WITH THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE\u00a0UNTIL VICTORY IS WON\u201d", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in opposition to legislation that would expand Donald Trump\u2019s authority to impose tariffs and continue his failed global trade war that is making life far too expensive for everyday Americans.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I rise in strong support of the underlying bill to honor the heroic, brave, patriotic Tuskegee Airmen, part of the Greatest Generation, who stood up against fascism, authoritarianism and the forces that were trying to bring about totalitarianism all across Europe and to the rest of the world. We can learn and be inspired by the courage, the character and the conviction of the Tuskegee Airmen. And it\u2019s unfortunate that some in this administration are trying to erase their history. But that history is not just Black history. It\u2019s American history. We will never let it be erased. We must continue to be informed by it, encouraged by it and inspired by it.\n\nAs I was thinking about this on the way over\u2014I\u2019m certainly so thankful to Congressman Shomari Figures for his leadership in advancing this legislation and for continuing in every possible way to stand up for his constituents of every race in the great state of Alabama. As I was thinking about the Tuskegee Airmen and the greatest generation who rescued the world from Adolf Hitler, Nazi Germany and fascism, I thought how ironic it is that we\u2019re on the Floor today debating legislation with respect to Russia, Vladimir Putin and their horrific invasion of Ukraine. Now, House Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer and many others, have been at the forefront of standing up for the people of Ukraine, pushing back against the effort to run them over, pushing back against tyranny and propaganda and the horrors that have been inflicted on them by Vladimir Putin and this war of aggression that Russia has launched.\n\nWe will continue to, at all times, stand behind the Ukrainian people, support their courage and their bravery in their fight, an existential one, against Vladimir Putin and Russia. We believe it\u2019s a fight not just for their territorial integrity, but it\u2019s also a battle between the forces of democracy versus the forces of autocracy, the forces of freedom versus the forces of tyranny, the forces of truth versus the forces of propaganda. And the United States of America has always stood on the side of democracy, freedom and truth, which is why we must always continue to stand on the side of the Ukrainian people. And that\u2019s our pledge as House Democrats. We\u2019ve been there with the Ukrainian people from the very beginning. But this legislation that will be before us today, unfortunately, in my view, does not accomplish the objectives that some may, in good faith, in this House or over in the Senate be trying to accomplish.\n\nAll of us, I believe, certainly as House Democrats, will continue to stand up for the Ukrainian people. But the manner in which this bill has been written doesn\u2019t require the President of the United States to impose sanctions on Russia. In fact, there are so many loopholes written into the bill, I believe, that it\u2019s very unlikely that the sanctions relief contemplated in the legislation will ever see the light of day. That\u2019s particularly the case because President Trump has shown great reluctance over the 10 years that he\u2019s been in our faces here in the United States of America to actually side with the Ukrainian people. He recently blamed Ukraine for the increase in diesel prices. No, Mr. President, diesel prices have increased because of your reckless and costly war of choice in Iran. He suggested that somehow President Zelenskyy, who has been a brave and courageous wartime leader, and the Ukrainian people have visited the horror, the terror, the war upon themselves. No, one person bears responsibility for it: Vladimir Putin.\n\nMany of us wonder why the President has been so reluctant to aggressively confront the bully of Eastern Europe. One of the things we\u2019ve learned from the Tuskegee Airmen, from the great leaders of that time, from the Greatest Generation, from FDR, from Churchill, is that you have to confront the bully, not appease the bully. So we find ourselves once again, in 2026, just like the Tuskegee Airmen found themselves in the early to mid-1940s in the FDR, Churchill versus Chamberlain moment: you either are going to confront the bully or appease the bully. That\u2019s what Chamberlain did. And when you appease the bully, it doesn\u2019t work out. We learned that lesson, or should have, in 1939. And yet we find ourselves at this moment in time, some, including the highest reaches of the federal government in the executive branch, seemingly more interested in appeasing Vladimir Putin, not confronting him. And that\u2019s why I\u2019ve got real concerns, and I\u2019m not in a position to support this legislation, notwithstanding the fact that I\u2019m proud to represent more Ukrainian Americans than any other Member of Congress in the country back home in South Brooklyn, in Coney Island and in Brighton Beach, an incredible patriotic community.\n\nI say to my constituents: we will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people in Ukraine until victory is won, but this legislation does not provide a path to secure that. Worse yet, what this legislation will do is give Donald Trump perhaps unfettered authority to unleash tariffs on the American people in ways that have already cost everyday Americans thousands of dollars in additional expense per year. Why in the world, in the middle of an affordability crisis that is not a hoax, it\u2019s very real\u2014far too many people in this country, working hard, playing by the rules, can\u2019t thrive, can barely survive in this failed economy. Life way too expensive in the United States of America. Why in the world would this Congress or the People\u2019s House give this President unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world that will have an adverse economic impact on the American people? I can\u2019t do it, because I\u2019m standing up for everyday Americans who are suffering in this failed economy with a president who promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven\u2019t gone down in America. Costs have gone up. And one of the reasons they\u2019ve gone up is because of the Trump Tariffs that have increased costs on everyday Americans. Thousands of additional dollars in expense per year on groceries, on goods, on cars, even on homeownership. And so why in the world would this Congress give this President additional authority to visit that kind of economic harm on the American people?\n\nAnd so, respectfully, Mr. Speaker, I cannot support the bill\u2026because, substantively, it will not accomplish the objective, which is to stand with the American people, stand with the Ukrainian people, stand with democracy, stand with freedom, stand with truth and push back against tyranny. And this bill at the same time could give the President an additional tool to visit economic harm on the American people. I thank you for yielding. I thank the distinguished gentleman from Alabama for bringing this legislation honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. And at this moment in time, when we see renewed tyranny coming out of Eastern Europe by Vladimir Putin and Russian aggression, let\u2019s summon the courage, the character and the conviction that the Greatest Generation showed and not appease the bully, but confront the bully until victory is won.\n\nFull Floor remarks can be watched here.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/16/leader-jeffries-statement-on-donald-trumps-inflationary-policies/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON DONALD TRUMP\u2019S INFLATIONARY POLICIES", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:\n\nFor the past 605 days, Donald Trump has unilaterally implemented an onslaught of failed, inflationary policies that have blown up our economy, leaving the Federal Reserve with no choice but to raise interest rates for the first time in three years. Make no mistake. Donald Trump owns this rate hike and is to blame for the mortgages and credit card rates that will rise as a result.\n\nRepublicans promised to lower costs and stop endless wars. Instead, Donald Trump\u2019s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran has caused the largest global energy crisis in history. Americans are paying an extra half-billion dollars a day for gas, diesel has never been more expensive and electricity bills are through the roof. At the same time, his on-again, off-again tariffs are causing the price of groceries and everyday essentials to skyrocket.\n\nIn the twenty months since Donald Trump took office, the average family has spent $4,200 more just to get by, inflation is far higher and the Fed is raising rates to clean up his mess. ENOUGH.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/16/leader-jeffries-we-are-committed-to-this-fight-for-an-affordable-america-until-we-win-this-fight-for-the-american-people/", "LEADER JEFFRIES: \u201cWE ARE COMMITTED TO THIS FIGHT FOR AN AFFORDABLE AMERICA UNTIL WE WIN THIS FIGHT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE\u201d", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press event with the House Democratic Caucus and advocates on the Capitol steps, where he emphasized that as people continue to struggle with the high cost of living due to failed Republican policies, House Democrats are committed to fighting for an affordable America.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It\u2019s a high honor and a distinct privilege to stand here today on the steps of the United States Capitol, alongside Whip Katherine Clark, Dr. Raul Ruiz, Nikema Williams, Yassamin Ansari and distinguished, courageous, fighting Members of the House Democratic Caucus. I want to thank Kat as well as Rebecca from the great state of Arizona, Terri from the great state of Georgia and John from the Great State of Nebraska for bravely sharing your stories and advocating for families, farmers and millions of Americans who are struggling throughout the country.\n\nFar too many people are working hard and playing by the rules, but they can\u2019t thrive and can barely survive. Life is way too expensive. People are drowning in Donald Trump\u2019s failed economy. House Democrats are determined to make life more affordable for the American people. We just need a handful of Republicans to stand up to Donald Trump and join us. Instead, they have decided to cancel votes and run out of town without providing any relief to hardworking American taxpayers.\n\nRepublicans have done nothing to lower the high cost of groceries. Nothing to make healthcare more affordable. Nothing to end the reckless war of choice in Iran. Nothing to lower gas prices. Nothing to stop the violent mass deportation machine. Nothing to hold the Trump administration accountable for the unprecedented corruption unleashed on the American people. This is a do-nothing Republican Congress, and it\u2019s about to come to an end.\n\nHouse Democrats believe that here in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life and a good life. You should be able to own a home, educate your children, see a doctor when you need one, go to the grocery store without being stressed out, take a vacation with your family, save for a rainy day and then retire with grace and dignity. That\u2019s the American Dream. It\u2019s broken right now, but House Democrats are working hard to revive it.\n\nTwo years ago, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans promised to bring down grocery prices on day one. They promised to stop endless wars in the Middle East. They promised to bring energy prices down by 50%. They promised to get gas prices below $2 a gallon. But Republicans have done nothing to make life more affordable for the American people. Instead, they\u2019ve made life more expensive. For two years, Americans have been wondering: were MAGA Republicans lying, indifferent or are they just incompetent? We now have an answer. It\u2019s all of the above.\n\nDemocrats know that things need to change dramatically. Our message to the American people is a simple one: we hear you, we see you, we feel you and we\u2019re committed to making life better for you. House Democrats are fighting for an affordable America. House Democrats are fighting to lower the high cost of groceries, gas and housing. House Democrats are fighting to make healthcare affordable because we believe, in this great nation, the wealthiest country in the history of the world, access to high-quality and affordable healthcare can\u2019t simply be a privilege available only to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. Affordable healthcare must be a right available to every single American. We are also here to make clear that it\u2019s time for the corruption to end. Anyone who is stealing from the American people, shortchanging the American people or screwing over the American people, you are now on notice. House Democrats are going to hold the crooks accountable beginning on day one.\n\nDemocrats are here. We outside. We are committed to this fight for an affordable America until we win this fight for the American people. We will continue to show up, we will continue to stand up and we will continue to speak up until we end this national nightmare and restore prosperity, peace and the promise of America for everyone.\n\nFighting for an Affordable America.\n\nFull press event can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2483", "Kennedy\u2019s NEXUS for Families Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Timothy M. Kennedy", "K000402", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Legislation Would Allow Families to Apply and Interview Together, Reducing Unnecessary Barriers to Cross-Border Travel\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Tim Kennedy\u2019s NEXUS for Families Act, H.R. 9382, legislation that would make it easier for families to enroll in and renew their NEXUS memberships. The bipartisan bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to link NEXUS applications for members of the same family, allowing them to apply and interview together. It would also give CBP the ability to waive in-person interviews for children under 14 when appropriate.\n\n\u201cI am proud to lead the NEXUS for Families Act, legislation that modernizes and improves the process and ensures it actually works for families,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cBy allowing families to apply together and conduct joint interviews, this bill makes the travel process simpler for parents, children, and spouses.\u201d\n\nFor families in Western New York, where travel across the U.S.-Canada border is part of everyday life, the current NEXUS process can create unnecessary hurdles. Each family member must submit a separate application, and parents often have to schedule separate interviews for their children, requiring multiple, inconvenient trips to enrollment centers. This results in delays that prevent families from traveling together through NEXUS lanes, adding unnecessary time and bureaucracy to cross-border trips.\n\nNEXUS was created jointly by the United States and Canada in 2000 to provide pre-approved, vetted travelers with expedited processing at the northern border. Today, more than two million people are enrolled in NEXUS, and nearly 328,000 people cross the northern border every day, supporting local economies and strengthening the ties between America and Canada. By allowing families to manage their NEXUS applications and interviews together while preserving the program\u2019s security and vetting requirements, the NEXUS for Families Act cuts through unnecessary red tape and makes cross-border travel more efficient for Western New York families. This legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate.\n\nCongressman Kennedy's floor remarks can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-john-w-mannions-ny-22-legislation-improve-reading-outcomes-0", "Representative John W. Mannion\u2019s (NY-22) Legislation to Improve Reading Outcomes in Elementary and Secondary Schools Passes House With Bipartisan Support", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "John W. Mannion", "M001231", "mannion.house.gov", "mannion", "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced that his legislation, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bipartisan bill, also supported by Representative Erin Houchin (IN-9) and Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-3), aims to strengthen reading outcomes by promoting evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.\n\nRepresentative John W. Mannion said, \u201cAs a teacher for nearly three decades - and the husband of a literacy expert - I know that strong reading skills are the foundation for success in the classroom, in the workplace, and throughout life. The Science of Reading Act gives teachers and students access to proven, evidence-based approaches that help kids become stronger readers. I\u2019m proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass this legislation and move us one step closer to improving reading outcomes for students in NY-22 and across the country. Strong schools and strong readers are essential to America\u2019s ability to compete and win globally.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Erin Houchin said, \u201cReading is the foundation of learning, and we cannot accept declining literacy rates as the status quo. The Science of Reading Act will equip classrooms with proven methods to ensure every student can read. Indiana has shown that the Science of Reading works, and I\u2019m proud to see this important legislation pass the House.\u201d\n\nThe Science of Reading Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require that literacy instruction funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program follows the \u201cscience of reading.\u201d Furthermore, the bill would limit the use of the three\u2011cueing model as the primary model of instruction for states participating in this program. This bill also carefully ensures protections for individualized instructional supports for students with disabilities and English language learners.\n\nThe science of reading uses five evidence-based components of phonemic awareness - phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - to teach students literacy skills. More than 40 states have implemented these methods successfully, helping to create more consistent and comprehensive outcomes for students.\n\nWatch Congressman Mannion's remarks here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-introduces-stamps-staying-connected-act", "MENG INTRODUCES THE STAMPS FOR STAYING CONNECTED ACT", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Stamps for Staying Connected Act (H.R.10129), a bill that provides postage to incarcerated individuals who cannot afford it.\n\nThis legislation would authorize the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide postage for general correspondence to incarcerated individuals who lack sufficient funds in their commissary accounts. While the BOP already provides postage for legal-related mail, this measure would codify that policy and extend it to personal correspondence by providing up to five stamps per week for general mail, in addition to the five stamps currently available for legal-related mail.\n\nFederal prisons currently require individuals to use funds from their commissary accounts to purchase postage. But many incarcerated people have little or no money available. Federal prison jobs can pay as little as 12 cents per hour, meaning it can take several hours of work to earn enough to purchase a single stamp.\n\n\u201cPeople who are incarcerated rely on mail to stay connected with their families and loved ones, prepare for reentry, pursue education, practice their faith, and communicate with their attorneys,\u201d said Congresswoman Meng. \u201cProviding a few stamps each week is a basic but meaningful way to help people maintain those critical connections while they are serving their time. This commonsense legislation builds on an existing BOP policy so that people in prison do not have to spend the little money they earn each day simply to write home.\u201d\n\nStaying connected with family, friends, faith communities, and other support networks can help people successfully return to their communities after incarceration. The Bureau of Prisons encourages people in its custody to maintain these relationships, and research shows that strong support systems can reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes after release\n\n\"Maintaining family and community connections is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry and safer communities,\u201d said Nina Patel, Senior Policy Counsel, Justice Division, American Civil Liberties Union. \u201cHowever, many people in federal prison cannot afford the cost of a postage stamp. The Stamps for Staying Connected Act recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation depends on preserving relationships for people who are incarcerated. Sending a letter home can strengthen a parent's bond with a child, sustain hope, and reinforce the support systems that help people return to their communities successfully. This commonsense legislation will help ensure people in federal prison are not cut off from the very connections that provide meaning and support for rehabilitation.\"\n\n\u201cWhen incarcerated people are able to stay connected to their families, it helps boost their mental health and can ease their transition back home after they\u2019re released,\u201d said JC Hendrickson, senior policy strategist in the Brennan Center's Justice Program. \u201cBut many people incarcerated in federal prison cannot afford stamps, making it difficult to send letters to loved ones. This bill would help make sure that everyone behind bars can communicate with their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunicating with family members in prison should not depend on how much money someone has,\u201d said Shanna Rifkin, FAMM General Counsel. \u201cThis bill would help people in prison foster relationships with loved ones that we know are crucial for improved mental health and also reduced recidivism once people return to the community.\u201d\n\n\u201cNYC Books Through Bars, a prison literacy project, sends free books in response to letters we receive from people who are incarcerated in facilities around the country,\u201d said Daniel Schaffer, NYC Books Through Bars. \u201cWe know that the stamps needed to write to us are a precious resource, and we are likely failing to serve the neediest population\u2014those with nothing in their commissary. If people in federal prisons were regularly provided stamps, they would not have to choose between staying in touch with their families, seeking legal advice from their lawyers, and writing to us to request books that are critical to their survival behind bars.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor many incarcerated people, the cost of postage is a barrier to staying connected with their loved ones,\u201d said Aleks Kajstura, Sr. Policy & Advocacy Analyst, Prison Policy Initiative. \u201cImproving family contact is critical for the health and reentry outcomes of people in prison. Requiring that the Bureau of Prisons provide stamps to people who cannot afford the cost of sending a letter makes it easier for everyone to achieve those goals.\u201d\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Reps. Yvette Clarke, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Eleanor Norton-Holmes, and Nydia Velazquez. It is supported by American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, Citizens Against Recidivism, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), Fortune Society, Justice Action Network, NYC Books Through Bars, Prison Policy Initiative, and Social Workers and Allies Against Solitary Confinement.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-warren-hoyle-wyden-merkley-subramanyam-introduce-bill-ban", "Ocasio-Cortez, Warren, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Ban the Corporate Practice of Medicine", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act would ban corporations and private equity from owning physicians.\n\nThe bill is modeled on the landmark Oregon law that physicians have already used to successfully challenge corporate takeovers.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act to ban the corporate practice of medicine.\n\n\u201cAcross the country, private equity firms and corporate conglomerates are buying up American physician offices. To increase shareholder profits, these entities often cut corners, leading to patients paying more for significantly worse care,\u201d said Representative Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cI\u2019m proud to co-lead the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act to get Wall Street out of Americans\u2019 doctors\u2019 offices and ban predatory noncompete agreements for healthcare workers.\u201d\n\n\u201cPatients want to know that decisions about their health are being made by their doctors, not by Wall Street investors,\u201d said Senator Warren. \u201cIf we\u2019re going to lower costs and un-rig the health care system, we need to stop the corporate takeover of medicine.\u201d\n\n\u201cBillionaire corporations are using sick patients to turn healthy profits, and Americans are fed up,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cIn Oregon, we passed one of the most comprehensive corporate practice of medicine laws in the country, standing up for patients and health care providers. It\u2019s time we take on corporate greed in health care at the federal level by passing our Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act, cracking down on these takeovers that are destroying our health care system.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctor, not dictated by corporate actors and private equity firms focused on maximizing profits,\u201d said Senator Wyden. \u201cI\u2019m proud of Oregon\u2019s pioneering state law that has been used by doctors to protect their independence, and it\u2019s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physicians.\u201d\n\n\u201c80% of doctors in the U.S. are employed by corporate entities, up from 62% in 2019,\u201d said Representative Hoyle. \u201cHealthcare should not be a line item in a spreadsheet. The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act will ensure proper protections are in place, so our healthcare systems serve the best interests of our patients, not corporations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctors, not dictated solely by the pursuit of maximizing profits. States have passed laws to protect the independence of physicians, and it\u2019s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physicians,\u201d said Representative Subramanyam.\n\n\u201cWith big bipartisan majorities, Oregon passed the strongest ban on the corporate practice of medicine in the country,\u201d Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman said, the author and chief sponsor of Oregon Senate Bill 951 (2025). \u201cOregon has shown that it\u2019s possible to stand up to corporate profiteering in healthcare and win. Now it\u2019s time to take that fight nationwide.\u201d\n\nOver 80 percent of doctors in the United States are employed by corporate entities\u2014including private equity firms and insurers\u2014up from 62 percent in 2019. Despite prohibitions on the corporate practice of medicine in over thirty states, private equity firms, insurers, and other corporate entities have exploited legal loopholes that allow them to circumvent these restrictions to the detriment of clinicians and patients.\n\nManagement services organizations (MSOs) have become vehicles for exercising corporate control over physicians. MSOs contract with physician practices to handle ostensibly purely administrative tasks, but these actors often challenge the autonomy of acquired physicians once in control. For example, corporate entities often assume control over clinical operations, management and staffing decisions, and billing and coding practices\u2014all of which can exert pressure on physicians to change care delivery.\n\nThe Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act ensures health care decisions are made by physicians\u2014not private equity firms, insurance companies, or other corporate actors. The legislation:\n\nBans the corporate practice of medicine by making it illegal for private equity funds, insurance companies, and other for-profit corporations to own or control medical practices;\n\nCloses the \u201cfriendly physician\u201d loophole that has allowed investor-backed corporations to evade state-level bans on the corporate practice of medicine and control medical practices through MSOs;\n\nProhibits an MSO from controlling a medical practice through a \u201cfriendly\u201d or \u201ccaptive\u201d physician, or by taking over business, administrative, and clinical functions such as hiring and firing, work schedules, compensation, disbursement of revenue or setting of revenue targets, billing practices, contracting, and other services;\n\nEnsures that physicians retain ultimate control of medical practices by requiring that physician owners are meaningfully engaged in providing medical care in the state in which their practice is located; and\n\nProtects physician independence by prohibiting corporate interference with clinical decisions and banning restrictive contract terms, such as non-compete agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and non-disparagement agreements.\n\nThe bill is modeled on a landmark law in Oregon that physicians have already used to successfully challenge corporate takeovers in the state. Most recently, Eugene Emergency Physicians beat back efforts by Peace Health to replace local physicians with a private equity-backed staffing company.\n\nThis legislation is also supported by Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fl.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Az.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), and has been endorsed by the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Coalition for Patient Centered Care, Bull Moose Project, Center for Health and Democracy, OrthoForum, Alliance of Independent Dentists, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, and Association for Independent Medicine.\n\n\"The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) believes that local physician ownership of their practice is the best arrangement for the physicians, the medical staff, the hospital and, most importantly, for the patient,\u201d said Vicki Norton, MD, FAAEM, President of the AAEM. \u201cThat\u2019s why the AAEM strongly supports the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026. The bill would prohibit the corporate practice of medicine and allow physicians to work unencumbered, focusing on patients. There is no greater policy imperative for AAEM than protecting patient safety and quality of care in emergency departments through efforts such as this bill.\u201d\n\n\"The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act will strengthen long-standing bans on the corporate practice of medicine, ensuring clinical decisions are made by licensed professionals sworn to care for patients, not corporations beholden to shareholders,\" said Emma Freer, Senior Fellow for Health Care at the American Economic Liberties Project. \"It's an essential step toward breaking up Big Medicine, which drives costs up, quality down, and independent practitioners out of business.\"\n\n\"States established prohibitions against the corporate practice of medicine a century ago for a simple reason: when corporations start making medical decisions instead of doctors, everyone loses. Care gets worse and more expensive for patients, working conditions get worse for doctors and their staff, and communities lose the unique benefits of high-quality, independent care,\" said Joe Van Wye, Policy Director at Coalition for Patient-Centered Care. \"We commend the sponsors of the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act for introducing today\u2019s legislation, which will enshrine our nation\u2019s strongest and most effective protections against the corporate practice of medicine into federal law for the benefit of all Americans, and hope it is enacted quickly.\"\n\n\u201cPatients are best served when clinical decisions and practice operations remain under the control of licensed healthcare professionals, not private equity firms or management companies whose primary obligation may be to investors, says Dr. Jill Tanzi, President of the Alliance of Independent Dentists. \"The threats posed by corporate consolidation are not unique to medicine; dentists and their patients deserve these same protections. This bill\u2019s protections against corporate control and interference are critical safeguards for both clinicians and patients, and we commend its sponsors for working to protect independent medicine.\"\n\n\u201cPrivate equity firms and other corporate investors should not get to decide how doctors practice medicine. When investors dictate staffing levels or how much time doctors can spend with patients, they are directing patient care. Doctors need the authority to make those decisions based on what their patients need. We support the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act and urge Congress to put enforceable limits on corporate control of medical practices,\u201d said Michael Fenne, Senior Policy Coordinator at the Private Equity Stakeholder Project.\n\n\"Our health care system is perfectly designed to concentrate wealth and power into corporate entities and increasingly badly designed to actually care for patients. The Oncology Practices of ONCare Alliance are dedicated to helping oncologists remain independent of private equity and other corporate structures that pull needed resources away from patient care into their profit margins,\" said Barbara McAneny, Co-Chair of the OnCARE Alliance. \"We strongly oppose the corporate practice of medicine and commend the sponsors of the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act for introducing this important bill that will help doctors design our practices to make the best treatment plans with our patients.\"\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill here.\n\nA one-pager of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/dam-breaking-congressman-pat-ryans-no-funds-iran-war-act-gains-support-house", "\u201cTHE DAM IS BREAKING\u201d: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN\u2019S \u201cNO FUNDS FOR IRAN WAR ACT\u201d GAINS SUPPORT AS HOUSE AGAIN VOTES TO END WAR IN IRAN", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "For more than six months, the Trump Administration has waged war in Iran without Congressional approval, costing Americans more than $100 billion, killing 18 brave U.S. servicemembers, and wounding hundreds more\n\nRyan has voted to end the war six times, with a third consecutive vote passing the House last night with bipartisan support\n\nRyan\u2019s No Funds for Iran War Act \u2013 which prohibits the use of additional taxpayer funds for the war in Iran \u2013 has also gained steady support and now has more than 60 cosponsors\n\nRyan has been the leading voice of opposition to Trump\u2019s war in Iran; he sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress, and served two combat tours in Iraq earning him two Bronze Stars\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Following last night\u2019s vote to pass a third War Powers Resolution to end President Trump\u2019s war in Iran, Congressman Pat Ryan announced growing support for his No Funds for Iran War Act, legislation to prohibit the use of additional taxpayer dollars on Trump\u2019s war without Congressional approval. The bill now has more than 60 cosponsors.\n\nRyan \u2013 an Iraq War combat veteran and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress \u2013 has voted to end Trump\u2019s war in Iran six separate times, with each vote gaining bipartisan support. The resolution last night passed the House of Representatives for a third consecutive time by a vote of 220-204. Trump\u2019s war has now killed 18 brave U.S. troops, injured more than 800, and raised prices across the board on the American people.\n\nMore than six months into the war with Iran, Ryan is encouraging his colleagues not to give up the fight, and urging Members across the aisle to listen to their constituents and join his efforts to stop the war.\n\n\u201cEvery single American \u2013 from the military families with loved ones deployed overseas, to the farmer buying fertilizer to feed our communities, to the mom filling up her gas tank \u2013 is feeling the impact of this reckless war with Iran. The American people want this war to end \u2013 and it's past time for Trump, Hegseth, and all their allies in Congress to listen,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cEvery time we force my Republican colleagues to face the facts, more and more of them vote with us. We\u2019ve now voted three times, in a bipartisan way, to end the war. But Trump continues to ignore the will of the people. My bill to prohibit the use of more taxpayer dollars now has more than 60 cosponsors and would cut off his recklessness at the source. The dam is breaking \u2013 we have to keep up the pressure. I\u2019m going to keep fighting everyday, with every fiber of my being, to end this war and bring our troops home.\u201d\n\nAccording to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Trump\u2019s war in Iran has caused more than 40 percent of inflation from the second quarter of 2026 and will continue to drive inflation higher into 2027, meaning the cost of basic goods will continue to rise. CBO also stated the U.S. military will not be able to replace munitions for at least five years.\n\nA Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe using military force against Iran was a mistake, making Trump\u2019s war as unpopular among Americans as the Iraq War during the peak of violence in 2006 and the Vietnam War in the early 1970s.\n\nThe Pentagon\u2019s internal overall cost estimate has exceeded $100 billion. That number doesn\u2019t even account for the cost to the American people. Gas prices have soared, as people across NY\u201018 have spent an additional $172 million on gas since the beginning of the war, costing the average family in our district an additional $646 in gas costs over the past six months. Grocery prices have also skyrocketed as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.\n\nRyan has repeatedly cosponsored and voted in favor of War Powers Resolutions to end the war in Iran six separate times \u2013 with bipartisan support for the effort steadily growing:\n\nMarch 5, 2026 \u2013 vote fails 212 - 219, with two Republicans voting YEA\n\nApril 16, 2026 \u2013 vote fails 213 - 214, with four Republicans abstaining\n\nMay 14, 2026 \u2013 vote fails after 212 - 212 tie with three Republicans voting YEA\n\nJune 3, 2026 \u2013 vote PASSES 215 - 208, with four Republicans voting YEA\n\nJuly 23, 2026 \u2013 vote PASSES 214 - 208, with seven Republicans abstaining\n\nSeptember 15, 2026 \u2013 vote PASSES 220 - 204, with seven Republicans voting YEA and eight abstaining\n\nIn May, amid reports that the Pentagon would seek $200B in supplemental funding for the war, Ryan introduced the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress. Ryan introduced the legislation with the support of his fellow Democratic veterans in Congress, and it has continued to grow in support in the enduring months of the war.\n\nIn April, Ryan confronted Hegseth himself during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, pressing him on his failure to protect troops at Port Shuaiba. Following new reporting on the strike on Port Shuaiba, Ryan opened an investigation in August into how the Department of Defense failed to provide adequate medical care to service members injured and demanded answers about the Department's lack of preparation for a strike against Port Shuaiba.\n\nIn July, Ryan spoke on the House floor against handing Hegseth\u2019s Pentagon a $1.5 trillion blank check through the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He criticized colleagues for again refusing to consider his No Funds for Iran War Act, especially following the successful passage of a War Powers Resolution.\n\n\u201cIt's personal to me. Having served twenty-seven months in combat in Iraq. Watching us double down on a losing strategy, year after year, while my friends and fellow soldiers \u2013 many of whose names are on this memorial bracelet I wear \u2013 fought and died. It's personal to the now eighteen families who lost their loved ones in this reckless war in Iran \u2014 sons, daughters, husbands, wives, somebody's whole world. It\u2019s personal to the hundreds more wounded, many carrying injuries that will last their entire lives from this war,\u201d Ryan said on the House floor.\n\nRyan\u2019s full floor remarks can be viewed here.\n\nMost recently, when the Trump administration tried to downplay the number of casualties in the war, Ryan again joined his Democratic veteran colleagues in demandingthe Administration accurately and transparently account for U.S. servicemembers killed and wounded in the Iran war.\n\nCongressman Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran, served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amid recent threats to veterans\u2019 benefits, national security concerns, and rising threats worldwide, Congressman Ryan led his fellow veterans in Congress to create the Democratic Veterans Caucus. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has led extensive legislation to deliver relief for veterans, servicemembers, and military families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/16/house-passes-riley-bill-to-crack-down-on-tranq-the-deadly-sedative-making-fentanyl-even-more-lethal/", "HOUSE PASSES RILEY BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON \u201cTRANQ,\u201d THE DEADLY SEDATIVE MAKING FENTANYL EVEN MORE LETHAL", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Bipartisan legislation gives law enforcement new tools against xylazine traffickers while protecting veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The House of Representatives has unanimously passed the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, legislation cosponsored by Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) to crack down on xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer that drug traffickers are increasingly mixing into fentanyl.\n\nAlso known as \u201ctranq,\u201d xylazine is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that has increasingly been used as a cost-cutting agent in fentanyl. It slows breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to life-threatening levels, and because it isn\u2019t an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) can\u2019t reverse its sedative effects. Overdose deaths involving xylazine rose nearly 20 fold between 2015 and 2020.\n\nThe Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance so law enforcement can go after traffickers, while preserving access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who rely on the drug to treat large animals.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve sat with too many parents in Upstate New York who lost a child to an overdose, and I will never forget their faces,\u201d said Riley. \u201cI\u2019m doing everything in my power to end the scourge of fentanyl in our communities and crack down on substances like xylazine that make this crisis even more deadly. Our bipartisan bill will make sure law enforcement has the tools they need to stop xylazine traffickers and keep this dangerous drug off our streets.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have seen firsthand the devastating toll that fentanyl and other dangerous substances have taken on families in Columbia County,\u201d said Columbia County Sheriff Jacqueline Salvatore. \u201cThe addition of xylazine to the illicit drug supply compounds that problem, particularly when it is mixed with fentanyl and other opioids. Giving local law enforcement additional tools to target those who knowingly traffic illicit xylazine will help us address these dangerous drug combinations and the people responsible for putting them into our communities. I appreciate Congressman Riley\u2019s work on this issue and the bipartisan support in the House for legislation that strengthens law enforcement\u2019s ability to keep dangerous drugs off our streets while protecting the legitimate veterinary use of xylazine.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will:\n\nSchedule xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nEnsure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of \u201cultimate user\u201d \u2014 someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;\n\nEnable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and\n\nRequire a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.\n\nRiley has made combating the fentanyl crisis a top priority of his since taking office. He has introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for a range of bills to stop fentanyl at the border, in the mail system, and in correctional facilities, while expanding support for addiction recovery:\n\nVoted for S. 331, the HALT Fentanyl Act (Senate version), to make all fentanyl-related substances Schedule I and expand research access for addiction treatment.\n\nCo-sponsored H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act (House version), to increase penalties and shut down trafficking loopholes.\n\nIntroduced the Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act (H.R. 3078), a bipartisan bill with Rep. Zach Nunn to fund advanced detection technologies at borders and in prisons.\n\nCo-sponsored the Marc Fischer Memorial Act (H.R. 1046), to modernize mail screening in federal prisons.\n\nCo-sponsored the CATCH Fentanyl Act (H.R. 1569), to support the creation of high-tech pilot programs at land ports of entry.\n\nCo-sponsored the Fight Fentanyl Act (H.R. 2964), to give local, state, and federal law enforcement tools and equipment to get fentanyl and illicit substances off the streets.\n\nCo-sponsored the Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act (H.R. 5573), to establish new grant programs to stop fentanyl dealers, protect law enforcement officers, and educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-d-ny-knott-r-nc-and-over-dozen-national-religious-organizations-urge", "Suozzi (D-NY), Knott (R-NC), and over a Dozen National Religious Organizations Urge Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Right to Worship Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) today held a press conference with Right to Worship Act co-lead Congressman Brad Knott (R-NC) and supporters from national endorsing organizations to urge the House and Senate to advance the buffer zone legislation this Congress.\n\nThe Right to Worship Act would establish a 100-foot, protest-free buffer zone around houses of worship during religious services, making it unlawful to knowingly disrupt or impede people from attending. The bill prohibits conduct that knowingly \u201chinders,\u201d \u201cdeters,\u201d \u201cthreatens,\u201d or \u201cintimidates\u201d worshippers trying to enter religious services and would impose civil fines for violations. It authorizes individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state attorneys general to sue violators. Peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment is excluded from the bill\u2019s prohibited activities.\n\n\u201cExercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cI will always stand up for people\u2019s right to protest peacefully, but attendees of religious services should not be harassed, threatened, intimidated, or targeted for practicing their faith. I am proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral Right to Worship Act that both protects free speech and the freedom to worship.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe breadth of support for the Right to Worship Act is very gratifying. So many groups recognize the horrifying reality that the threat to the freedom to worship is not unique to any one faith or congregation. Every religious community feels it, which is why this bill will protect everybody,\u201d Suozzi continued. \u201cI\u2019m proud to stand with such a broad coalition of faith leaders united behind this essential legislation to safeguard the right to worship for every religious community on Long Island, in Queens, and across America.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhether you\u2019re in conservative America, liberal America, red America, or blue America, our Constitution considers your individual right to worship as you see fit. In every corner of this country, that right is being threatened. If people in the United States cannot worship, we do not have a First Amendment. And the right to worship is under attack,\u201d said Congressman Brad Knott (R-NC). \u201cI commend Representative Suozzi for his monumental effort in assembling this team behind us and across the country that was so valuable in crafting this legislation that protects the rights of people who want to speak and protest peacefully. And it protects the rights of those who want to worship.\u201d\n\nCongressman Suozzi\u2019s Right to Worship Act follows his earlier introduction of the SACRED Act in April 2026. Suozzi worked with colleagues in both parties and chambers to build bipartisan, bicameral support for his buffer zone legislation, introducing the Right to Worship Act in the House with Congressman Brad Knott (R-NC) last month alongside a companion measure in the Senate by Senators Cruz (R-TX) and Slotkin (D-MI). Suozzi also expanded the coalition of organizations supporting the legislation, securing the endorsement of more than 30 national groups across faiths for the Right to Worship Act.\n\nCongressman Suozzi and Congressman Knott were joined by representatives from Anti-Defamation League, National Association of Evangelicals, Jewish Federations of North America, American Muslim and Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council, Hindu American Foundation, UNITED SIKHS, American Jewish Committee, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Orthodox Union, Coalition of Hindus of North America, Hadassah, Agudath Israel of America, StandWithUs, and Combat Antisemitism Movement.\n\n\u201cNo one should have to push through a hostile crowd or shout over a bullhorn in an attempt to pray. ADL has championed safe worship zone legislation from the beginning, working hand in hand with lawmakers and other key stakeholders to build support and consensus around a critical bipartisan solution. The Right to Worship Act is the product of that work. We are grateful to Senators Cruz and Slotkin and Representatives Knott and Suozzi for their commitment to ensuring everyone, regardless of their faith, can worship freely and safely,\u201d said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of ADL.\n\n\u201cGuaranteeing the right for all citizens to worship and freely practice their faith without fear or intimidation is one of the greatest achievements of our nation. Representatives Brad Knott and Tom Suozzi, and Senators Ted Cruz and Elissa Slotkin are to be commended for their proactive leadership to protect this precious blessing for current and future generations,\u201d said Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Evangelicals.\n\n\u201cAccording to American Jewish Committee\u2019s (AJC) State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report, 28% of American Jews say that at least one Jewish institution they are affiliated with has been a target of antisemitic incidents in the last five years, and 55% of American Jews altered their behavior in the past year out of fear of antisemitism. At a time of rising threats against Jewish institutions, we applaud Representatives Knott and Suozzi for introducing the bipartisan Right to Worship Act to ensure safe access to houses of worship,\u201d said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.\n\n\u201cEvery community deserves to gather safely in their house of worship. Too often, we've seen Jewish Americans and other faith communities targeted or intimidated simply for practicing their faith. The Right to Worship Act gives law enforcement and communities the tools they need to prevent these disruptions before they escalate, while still respecting every American's First Amendment rights. Safety and religious freedom aren't in tension; this bill shows how we can protect both,\u201d said Hon. Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America.\n\n\u201cAs an American Muslim, I believe religious freedom is the birthright of every American. No one\u2014Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, or of any other faith\u2014should ever be intimidated or afraid simply for entering a house of worship. The Right to Worship Act affirms that protecting people while they pray is not a partisan issue; it is an American responsibility,\u201d said Anila Ali, President and CEO of American Muslim and Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC).\n\n\"The Hindu American community commends Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY) for his bipartisan leadership in spearheading the Right to Worship Act, which is a critical step in safeguarding our places of worship. In recent years, we have seen a disturbing rise in the harassment of devotees and disruption of services at Hindu mandirs across America, which has deeply shaken the sense of safety for our families and devotees. By making it unlawful to intentionally disrupt or harass individuals within 100 feet of a religious establishment and establishing civil penalties, this legislation ensures that our mandirs remain the sacred spaces of peace and community they are meant to be. No American should have to exercise their First Amendment right to pray under the shadow of intimidation or fear,\u201d said Suhag Shukla, Esq., Executive Director at the Hindu American Foundation.\n\n\u201cProtecting religious freedom and protecting freedom of expression are not mutually exclusive. Both are essential to a free, diverse, and democratic society. The right to worship freely and the right to express oneself freely go together,\u201d said Gurvinder Singh Gill, International Aid Director of UNITED SIKHS.\n\n\u201cBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha welcomes the bipartisan Right to Worship Act, which will help protect houses of worship, including Hindu mandirs, from disruption and intimidation. Four of our mandirs have been vandalized in recent years, and a family should never have to think twice before walking through the door of a house of worship. We are grateful to Representatives Knott and Suozzi for their leadership on this; protecting worship is a fundamentally American issue,\u201d said Mukesh Swaroop, Director of Government Relations for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.\n\n\u201cTom Suozzi has been an outstanding leader in fighting antisemitism, supporting Israel and standing with American Jewry. His work with Congressman Knott to protect our right to worship is exactly the kind of bipartisan leadership we need. There is no greater friend to the Jewish community than Tom Suozzi,\u201d said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Advocacy of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union).\n\n\"Few rights are as cherished in America as our freedom to practice the religion of our choosing. But for the American Hindu community that foundational right has felt challenged as more than a dozen temples across the country have faced physical desecration. Since 2022, Hindu temples have seen multiple acts of vandalism, threats and in one case, gunfire, while devotees were inside the temple. These repeated incidents of harassment send a chilling message to the broader Hindu community\u2014s--shattering the sense of solace that should embody a place or worship. Coming amid rising Hinduphobia in the country, this has led to serious concerns among American Hindus about basic security. Thank you, Congressman Tom Souzzi and Congressman Brad Knott, for introducing the Right to Worship Act. This a much-needed step to help ensure that devotees of every faith can visit their places of worship and pray without fear of being targeted or intimidated for simply exercising their First Amendment rights. We appreciate Rep. Suozzi for supporting our community in past years when our temples in New York came under attack, and for responding to our concerns,\u201d said Hitesh Trivedi, COO and NJ Chapter Director of Coalition of Hindus of North America.\n\n\"Hadassah has heard from women across the country who have said they are afraid to worship at their synagogues and when they do they spend much of the time anxiously watching the doors for signs of danger. Many of them have been verbally accosted on their way to and from services. We are grateful to Senators Cruz and Slotkin and Representatives Knott and Suozzi for their leadership in introducing the bipartisan Right to Worship Act to address this critical issue. The legislation would establish a 100-foot \u2018protection zone\u2019 outside houses of worship and prohibit conduct that impedes entry or disrupts services. We urge Congress to advance this legislation as quickly as possible. Americans should never feel unsafe when practicing their faith,\u201d said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah.\n\n\u201cReligious liberty cannot exist only on paper. It must exist in practice. Because the freedom to worship means very little without the freedom to worship without fear,\u201d said Rabbi Yossie Charner, Director of Congressional Affairs at Agudath Israel of America.\n\n\u201cStandWithUs spends much of its time defending the First Amendment, which protects both the right to speak and the right to worship. It does not ask Americans to choose between them, and neither does this bill. The Right to Worship Act draws a clear and narrow line: say what you want, but you may not drown out a religious service or frighten a family away from the door. We are grateful to Congressman Suozzi, Congressman Knott, and Senators Cruz and Slotkin for this bipartisan bill that protects both parts of our first freedom, and we urge Congress to pass it this year,\u201d said Hadas Alterman, Director of Legislative Strategy at StandWithUs.\n\n\u201cAmerica was founded by individuals who came seeking religious freedom. The right to worship, free from harassment and discrimination, was paramount. More recently, however, in America, harassers have been emboldened, while the faithful have been abandoned. This is particularly true for Jews in America who, in the aftermath of October 7th, have had to endure violent threats and intimidating harassment just to enter synagogues to practice their faith and gather as a community. The Right to Worship Act protects two First Amendment rights \u2013 to speech and to the free exercise of religion. By balancing both of these rights, the bill ensures that Jews, and members of all faiths, are able to worship and study in peace. We commend Representatives Suozzi and Knott and Senators Cruz and Slotkin for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to Congress swiftly advancing this common-sense measure into law,\u201d said Alyza Lewin, President of US Affairs at Combat Antisemitism Movement.\n\nThe Right to Worship Act has been endorsed by more than 30 national groups, including:\n\nADL (Anti-Defamation League)\n\nAgudath Israel of America\n\naish\n\nAmerican Jewish Committee (AJC)\n\nAmerican Muslim & Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC)\n\nBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha\n\nCatholic League for Religious and Civil Rights\n\nCoalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA)\n\nCombat Antisemitism Movement (CAM)\n\nConference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations\n\nEnd Jew Hatred\n\nFirst Liberty Institute\n\nHadassah\n\nHindu American Foundation (HAF)\n\nHolocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County\n\nIslamic Society of North America (ISNA)\n\nIsrael-American Coalition for Action\n\nJewish Federations of North America\n\nKol Yisrael\n\nNational Association of Evangelicals (NAE)\n\nNational Jewish Advocacy Center\n\nNew York Board of Rabbis\n\nNORPAC\n\nNorth American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church\n\nOrthodox Union\n\nRabbinical Assembly\n\nStandWithUs\n\nThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\n\nU.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)\n\nUJA-Federation of New York\n\nUnion for Reform Judaism\n\nUNITED SIKHS\n\nUnited Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4647", "Tonko, Heinrich & Budzinski Introduce Good Energy Jobs Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act, legislation that would codify labor and community benefit requirements, mandating that financial assistance delivered by the Department of Energy (DOE) supports high-quality jobs, broad community benefits, domestic manufacturing, and investment in small and disadvantaged communities\n\nDuring the Biden administration, the Department of Energy delivered significant financial assistance contingent on strong labor standards, including support for disadvantaged communities and more. The result was a boom in private sector energy investments, resulting in massive growth in high-quality construction and energy technology manufacturing jobs throughout the county. The Good Energy Jobs Act would build upon this progress.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve always believed that investing in people and communities is the surest way to strengthen our economy,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cOur Good Energy Jobs Act takes that principle to heart, building on the successes of our Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with strong labor standards that create good-paying, union jobs and drive community development. Our legislation envisions a future where the Department of Energy isn\u2019t just an ATM for project developers, but a partner in building a more prosperous economy for everyone. I\u2019m thankful to my colleagues for standing with me to introduce this legislation, and urge Congress to join us in advancing this commonsense bill.\u201d\n\n\"If we want to build the next generation of American energy infrastructure, we need to empower the union men and women who are going to build it,\u201d Congresswoman Budzinski said. \u201cThis legislation ensures that workers are paid family-sustaining wages and have a fair shot at organizing, while also ensuring that projects drive local economic development on the front-end through clear, binding commitments. I\u2019m honored to lead this bill with Congressman Tonko and Ranking Member Heinrich and proud to have the support of so many labor unions who see the impact this bill will have on America's workforce and the communities their members call home.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy dad was an IBEW lineman, and he spent his career helping keep the lights on for our community. His union job gave him the ability to provide for our family, buy a home, and give my siblings and me opportunities that neither of my parents had growing up. That's what a good energy job can do: it doesn\u2019t just power our homes and our economy \u2014 it can power the American dream,\u201d said Heinrich. \u201cThat\u2019s why, when we invest taxpayer dollars in America\u2019s energy future, those investments should create good-paying jobs, strengthen American manufacturing, and deliver real benefits to the communities where projects are built.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by several of the nation\u2019s leading labor and environmental organizations, including: BlueGreen Alliance, Communications Workers of America; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Iron Workers International; Laborers' International Union of North America; League of Conservation Voters; National Wildlife Federation; ReImagine Appalachia; Sierra Club; and United Steelworkers.\n\nQuotes from supporting organizations can be found HERE.\n\nA fact sheet of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nA section by section summary can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-and-davidson-reintroduce-bill-help-legal-cannabis-businesses", "Vel\u00e1zquez and Davidson Reintroduce Bill to Help Legal Cannabis Businesses Obtain Insurance", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014Today, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) reintroduced the Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana, or CLAIM Act, legislation that would shield insurers from federal criminal prosecution and protect brokers, agents, and insurers from civil liability when they serve businesses in the state-legal cannabis industry.\n\n\u201cBecause of the conflict between federal and state law, insurers are still hesitant to write policies for cannabis businesses,\u201d said Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez. \u201cThat means thousands of legal small businesses are operating without a safety net. One fire or one storm could wipe out everything an owner has built, with no way to recover. The CLAIM Act fixes this by giving these entrepreneurs access to the same basic insurance protections every other legal business takes for granted.\u201d\n\n\u201cBusinesses operating legally under state law should be free to purchase insurance, and insurers should be free to serve them,\u201d said Rep. Davidson. \u201cThe federal government should not use regulation to interfere with lawful commerce or override decisions made by the states. The CLAIM Act removes that federal interference and protects the freedom of insurers and their customers to do business.\"\n\nThe CLAIM Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of insurance industry organizations, including the American Land Title Association, American Council of Life Insurers, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, Reinsurance Association of America, and Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association.\n\nThe legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers facing women and minority entrepreneurs seeking to enter the cannabis industry and identify ways to expand access to this growing market.\n\nThe text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/15/house-democrats-litigation-task-force-leads-150-current-and-former-house-democrats-republicans-in-urging-supreme-court-to-block-trump-dhs-voter-purge-database/", "House Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force Leads 150+ Current and Former House Democrats & Republicans in Urging Supreme Court to Block Trump DHS Voter Purge Database", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 For the second time in two weeks, current and former Members of the House of Representatives are challenging the Trump administration\u2019s ongoing attempt to unconstitutionally exercise control over election administration and create chaos in the upcoming midterm elections. Today\u2019s action follows the Litigation Task Force\u2019s successful advocacy before the Supreme Court and the denial of Donald Trump\u2019s attempts to restrict mail-in ballots.\n\n154 current and former Members from the House of Representatives, Democratic and Republican, filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court urging the justices to halt the Trump administration\u2019s efforts to build and make available a massive illegal database containing the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans. The expanded system, which links information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration, unlawfully puts Americans\u2019 most sensitive personal information at risk while relying on questionable data that federal agents have raised concerns may be inaccurate. Those errors could result in eligible U.S. citizens being improperly flagged and removed from voter rolls, potentially denying an untold number of Americans their constitutional right to vote.\n\nThe coalition filed its amicus brief in League of Women Voters v. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the administration\u2019s efforts to create and use this database violate the law on two main grounds. First, the database violates the Privacy Act, enacted by Congress in the 1970s in part to prevent the creation of a \u201ccentralized Federal information system\u201d that would consolidate Americans\u2019 sensitive information stored across federal agencies. And second, Congress has repeatedly declined to authorize the creation of state-by-state citizenship lists, most recently by failing to advance the SAVE Act and SAVE America Act, and so the Trump Administration is unconstitutionally violating the separation of powers by attempting to achieve through lawless executive action what it failed to achieve through legislation.\n\nClick HERE to read the brief in its entirety.\n\nThe bipartisan group is led by Assistant House Minority Leader Joe Neguse, who leads the House Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force; Task Force Co-Chairs Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; as well as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, and Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson.\n\nThe Republican lawmakers that joined this court filing include former Representatives Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (2005-2017), Barbara Comstock (2015-2019), Mickey Edwards (1977-1993), James C. Greenwood (1993-2005), Steve Gunderson (1981-1997), John LeBoutillier (1981-1983), Susan Molinari (1990-1997), Claudine Schneider (1981-1991), Peter Smith (1989-1991), and David Trott (2015-2019).\n\nKeep scrolling to see what the leading lawmakers had to say about the matter:\n\n\u201cHouse Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force will continue to vindicate our constitution and fight back against Donald Trump efforts to disenfranchise American citizens,\u201d said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. \u201cThe president\u2019s plan to create federal lists that dictate who can and cannot vote in elections is not only violative of laws enacted by Congress but also relies on questionable data Homeland Security agents themselves have said will result in an untold number of lawful citizens losing their right to vote. It is an attempt to sow chaos ahead of the 2026 midterms and must be struck down by the Supreme Court \u2014 immediately.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s asking the courts to let his Administration create the very federal database Congress repeatedly declined to authorize: a comprehensive Orwellian system that collects and shares Americans\u2019 most sensitive personal information while creating the risk of wrongly purging eligible voters from the rolls. I\u2019m proud to stand strong with my colleagues urging the Supreme Court to protect individual Americans\u2019 privacy and voting rights\u2014and the integrity of our free and fair elections\u2014from this outrageous and illegal power grab,\u201d said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration is trying to create a massive database of Americans\u2019 sensitive personal information that could disenfranchise voters across the country. This system relies on incomplete data that directly targets the right to privacy and the right to vote. We are urging the Supreme Court to stop this immediately and protect Americans\u2019 right to vote,\u201d said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.\n\n\u201cNo matter how hard he tries, Donald Trump will never succeed in taking over our elections,\u201d said Leader Jeffries. \u201cI am grateful to Reps. Neguse, Garcia, Raskin, Morelle and Bennie Thompson and the Litigation Task Force for leading House Democrats in this latest effort to stand up to Donald Trump\u2019s ongoing unlawful and unconstitutional effort to sow chaos ahead of the midterms, deny eligible Americans the right to vote and exert undue federal control over our elections.\u201d\n\n\u201cDemocrats and Republicans agree \u2013 this Administration cannot ignore Congress. Once again, Trump is mounting a wildly illegal attack on our elections. Presidents do not control our elections. The American people do,\u201d said Ranking Member Joe Morelle.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason our Constitution gives states and Congress the power to manage our elections: to stop despots like Donald Trump,\u201d added Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. \u201cThe Supreme Court must stop Trump\u2019s illegal actions to create error-ridden citizen databases to disenfranchise voters and rig our elections.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Litigation Task Force launched in the first month that followed President Donald Trump\u2019s chaotic return to office. We immediately set out to push back against an administration showing no respect for the Constitution or rule of law\u2014and haven\u2019t stopped since.\n\nIn the fight to protect American election security: last Tuesday, the Task Force urged the Supreme Court to block Trump\u2019s Executive Order seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. As noted above, less than a week later, the Court agreed and barred the USPS from putting the challenged mail-ballot requirements into effect for the 2026 midterm election.\n\nFor more information on the Litigation Task Force\u2019s efforts to protect Americans against the unlawful actions of the Trump administration, visit litigationandresponse.house.gov.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-suozzi-led-bipartisan-bill-protect-fraud-victims-tax-penalties", "House Passes Suozzi-Led Bipartisan Bill to Protect Fraud Victims from Tax Penalties", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014The House today passed H.R. 9500, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, a bipartisan bill co-led by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) to ensure victims of fraud are not forced to pay taxes on the money scammers stole from them.\n\nThis bill would restore the theft loss deduction for victims of scams and fraud, which was removed in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allowing them to deduct qualifying losses from their taxes. It would also waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty charged to victims under age 60 who are forced to take money from their 401(k) or IRA as part of the fraud scheme. Importantly, the bill provides retroactive relief for victims who fell prey to scams up to five years ago while the deduction was restricted.\n\n\u201cAmericans are being scammed at unbelievable rates, and our seniors are especially vulnerable. Right now, victims of fraud and theft are hit twice: first by the scammer, and then by the IRS when they\u2019re taxed on the money stolen from them,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cThe Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act would right this wrong by ensuring victims are not taxed on the money they lost to scams, and provide essential retroactive relief for those who have already been saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in tax penalties on money they no longer have. I\u2019m proud to have led this bipartisan, commonsense bill to restore the theft loss deduction and provide fraud victims the relief they deserve.\u201d\n\nFraud is increasingly costly for Americans. Consumers reported more than $15 billion in fraud losses to the Federal Trade Commission in 2025, a 25% increase from the year prior. The impact is particularly devastating for older Americans. AARP reports that four in ten older Americas have lost money to fraud, amounting to $7.7 billion in losses reported by people aged 60 and older in 2025\u201460% more than the previous year. These numbers are likely underreported, with the FTC estimating that Americans could be losing almost $200 billion to criminals each year.\n\nThe Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act recognizes this reality and would restore the theft loss deduction, waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty, and provide retroactive relief to ensure no victims of scams are unfairly penalized or taxed on the money stolen from them by scammers.\n\nWatch Congressman Suozzi\u2019s floor remarks on the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-presents-five-recovered-service-medals-and-decorations-awarded-late", "Rep. Gillen Presents Five Recovered Service Medals and Decorations Awarded to Late Garden City Veteran to His Family", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GARDEN CITY, NY \u2014 Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) presented Nicholas Maggio and his family with five medals and decorations earned by Nicholas\u2019 grandfather, Private Angelo A. Maggio from Garden City, for his service in the U.S. Army in Germany following World War II. The medals and decorations recognize Private Maggio\u2019s honorable service, military proficiency and exemplary conduct during his time in the Army.\n\n\"Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. Their legacy deserves to be remembered,\" said Rep. Gillen. \"It is my privilege to reunite Nicholas Maggio and his family with his late grandfather's prestigious medals and decorations, which he earned for his exceptional military service after World War II during the occupation of Germany. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has worn the uniform and served our nation. I\u2019m honored to present these medals and work every day on behalf of our veterans and their families.\"\n\n\u201cReceiving my grandfather\u2019s medals is a meaningful way to honor his life, service, and memory,\u201d said grandson of Angelo Maggio, Nicholas Maggio. \u201cOur family will display them alongside his flag and pass them down to future generations. Two of his grandchildren, my sister Angelina and I, were named after him, and we are proud to carry on his name. I will always remember how he slept in a chair so I could be comfortable when I was afraid, and how he chased our school bus to wave goodbye. These memories reflect the loving, dependable, and devoted person he was. His wisdom, honesty, and strength continue to influence our family. We are deeply grateful to Laura Gillen\u2019s office for helping us recover his medals, which we will treasure for generations to come.\u201d\n\nBorn in Pietrapertosa, Italy, Angelo Maggio immigrated to the United States and served in the military from 1954 to 1956, followed by six years in the Army Reserve. In 1970, he settled in Elmhurst, Queens, where he worked and raised his family. Angelo later moved to Garden City in 1998.\n\nWhen Nicholas reached out for assistance, Rep. Gillen\u2019s office worked closely with him to navigate the National Archives and Records Administration and recover the medals and decorations.\n\nThe five commendations awarded to Angelo Maggio included:\n\nGood Conduct Medal: Awarded for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity during a qualifying period of active military service.\n\nArmy of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp: Recognizes qualifying occupation duty in Germany following World War II.\n\nNational Defense Service Medal: Awarded for honorable active service during a designated period of national emergency or armed conflict.\n\nExpert Badge with Carbine Bar: Recognizes qualification at the Army\u2019s highest marksmanship level with a carbine rifle.\n\nSharpshooter Badge with Pistol Bar: Recognizes qualification at the Army\u2019s intermediate marksmanship level with a pistol.\n\nRep. Gillen\u2019s office is committed to helping residents of New York\u2019s Fourth congressional district navigate federal agencies and access the benefits and services they are owed. Contact Rep. Gillen\u2019s office for assistance with veterans' benefits, replacing or obtaining lost military service medals, Social Security, immigration matters, IRS issues or other issues with federal agencies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/14/joint-leadership-statement-on-motion-to-table-h-res-1486/", "JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON MOTION TO TABLE H.RES.1486", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:\n\nDonald Trump\u2019s out-of-control behavior continues to put the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people at risk. At the same time, House Republicans have zero interest in holding this corrupt administration accountable.\n\nWhen Republicans gained full control of government this year, they promised to lower the cost of living on day one. Costs haven\u2019t gone down, they\u2019ve gone up. Life in America is more expensive and Republicans have not done a damn thing to address the affordability crisis. In fact, Donald Trump believes it\u2019s a hoax.\n\nHouse Democrats remain laser-focused on lowering the high cost of groceries, gas and goods and making healthcare affordable for every single American in this great country. At the same time, House Democrats will restore the constitutional role of Congress as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch.\n\nImpeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust. The effort traditionally requires a comprehensive investigative process, the collection and review of thousands of documents, an exacting scrutiny of the facts, the examination of dozens of key witnesses, Congressional hearings, sustained public organizing and the marshaling of the forces of democracy to build a broad national consensus. None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trump\u2019s extreme agenda. Accordingly, we will again vote \u201cpresent\u201d on the motion to table the impeachment resolution as we continue our fight to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, while committing to holding the crooks accountable using every tool available to us beginning on day one.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/14/leader-jeffries-the-affordability-crisis-in-the-united-states-of-america-is-not-a-hoax/", "LEADER JEFFRIES: \u201cTHE AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS NOT A HOAX\u201d", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press conference, where he emphasized that as President Trump and Republicans continue to fail to make life better for the American people, House Democrats are committed to rooting out corruption and fighting for an affordable America.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: The affordability crisis in the United States of America is not a hoax. It\u2019s very real. Life is far too expensive in the United States of America. Millions of people are working hard and playing by the rules, but they can\u2019t thrive and can barely survive. That\u2019s why House Democrats are continuing to work hard and fight for an affordable America so we can lower the high cost of living and ensure that everyday Americans can live a good life, an affordable life and a comfortable life.\n\nThe Epstein scandal\u2014that\u2019s not a hoax. And the Epstein survivors deserve accountability and transparency, and that\u2019s why House Democrats are continuing to push back aggressively against the Department of Justice\u2019s ongoing cover-up of the Epstein files. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence and the challenges that are therein presented\u2014that\u2019s not a hoax. It\u2019s very real, despite what Donald Trump has to say about that issue as well, and it requires decisive congressional action immediately in a manner consistent with what some of the leading AI voices in the country are now saying needs to happen as it relates to slowing things down to protect the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people.\n\nThere are 50 days until the American people will have an ability to move things in this country in a different direction. We have a president right now uninterested in solving the challenges confronting the American people. Instead, he continues to publicly and brazenly make the unhinged observation that these challenges, including the affordability crisis and the safety concerns related to artificial intelligence, are hoaxes. They are not. They are very real issues. Republicans should stop burying their heads in the sand. Democrats will never make that mistake.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397534", "Amid NYFW, Nadler & Gillibrand Reintroduce FABRIC Act To Support Garment Workers And Revitalize The US Fashion Industry", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", "nadler", "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced the reintroduction of their Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act.\n\nIn New York State, there are approximately 130,000 people employed by the fashion industry, including thousands working in apparel manufacturing. Garment workers are a cornerstone of the American economy, and for far too long, they have faced unsafe working conditions, wage theft, and piecework pay, which often prioritizes fast fashion over the safety of workers. Nadler and Gillibrand's FABRIC Act would protect over 75,000 American garment workers and help revitalize the garment manufacturing industry in the United States by improving working conditions and reforming the piece-rate pay scale.\n\n\u201cAmerica's garment workers have been undervalued and subjected to unfair labor practices for far too long, due to weak regulations across the fashion industry and the rise of fast fashion. With more than 100,000 New Yorkers contributing their labor to a billion-dollar garment industry, it is time to protect these workers and others across our nation and make historic investments in domestic manufacturing by passing the FABRIC Act,\u201d said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with Senator Gillibrand to protect workers\u2019 rights, bring jobs back from overseas, and revitalize the American fashion industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cGarment workers are the backbone of a multibillion-dollar industry, yet for far too long, their labor has been undervalued and exploited,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cWe cannot champion American innovation while turning a blind eye to abusive labor practices in our own backyard. It\u2019s time to take bold action at the federal level to change the fabric of the American garment industry. The United States was once home to a booming apparel manufacturing industry, and it\u2019s time to reexamine how this industry has evolved over the past 50 years and change how we treat our workers. With the FABRIC Act, we can curb wage theft, protect our workers, and revitalize domestic manufacturing so that 'Made in America' also means ethically made.\u201d\n\nThe FABRIC Act proposes to address these issues by:\n\nRestructuring pay rates for garment workers and providing minimum wage as a floor with productivity incentives on top.\n\nEstablishing new liability measures that compel major retailers to become allies in combating workplace violations.\n\nIntroducing recordkeeping and transparency measures, including requiring garment manufacturers and contractors operating in the U.S. to register with the Department of Labor.\n\nIncentivizing reshoring by creating a domestic garment manufacturing grant program aimed at revitalizing the industry.\n\nIn addition to Nadler and Gillibrand, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Don Beyer (D-VA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), as well as Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). The bill is also endorsed by AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE, Workers United, and RWDSU.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/14/icymi-riley-convenes-roundtable-on-utility-costs/", "ICYMI: RILEY CONVENES ROUNDTABLE ON UTILITY COSTS", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "BINGHAMTON, NY \u2014 Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) brought together local residents, business owners, and policy experts for a roundtable on utility costs last Thursday. Riley discussed his work on utility affordability and his experience intervening in state utility rate cases to push back on unjustified increases, including the results of his investigation into Upstate utilities\u2019 pricing practices.\n\nDuring the conversation, Riley also heard directly from constituents who shared stories of how they\u2019ve been impacted by high utility bills and probed policy experts on challenges and opportunities to bring down costs.\n\n\u201cUpstate New Yorkers deserve better than being treated like a cash cow for utility executives sitting in a boardroom halfway around the world. We\u2019re tired of seeing the utility monopolies jack up our rates again and again, then ship our money to foreign parent corporations that don\u2019t know \u2013 and don\u2019t care \u2013 about what\u2019s best for our communities,\u201d said Riley. \u201cToday, we heard from experts who understand this issue better than anyone and from Upstate New Yorkers who are living it every single day. I\u2019m grateful to everyone who came out to participate in this important conversation and I\u2019m excited to put their insights into action as I keep fighting to bring down utility costs and fix this broken system.\u201d\n\nIn 2025, Riley launched an investigation into Upstate utilities\u2019 pricing practices, demanding answers from providers and inviting residents to share their stories. Over the course of the investigation, he collected more than 5,000 survey responses from NYSEG customers, the vast majority of whom reported significant bill increases, billing frustrations, and a lack of accessible customer service. Specifically:\n\n91% of respondents reported bill increases;\n\n51% reported skipping groceries, medication, and other essentials to pay the bill;\n\nAnd 2 in 3 who reported a problem to their utility say it was never resolved.\n\nYou can find the full results of Riley\u2019s investigation HERE.\n\nRoundtable participants shared similar stories. Charlie Aiellio, a restaurant owner in Whitney Point, talked about how rising utility bills have forced him to increase menu prices and made it harder to give his employees raises.\n\n\u201cNow I\u2019m at $6,000 a month. I remember it being around $2,500 a month. If you were a business and you raised your prices double, you would go out of business,\u201d Aiello said about his restaurant\u2019s utility bills. \u201cHow much squeezing can you do to businesses and to people? There\u2019s going to be a breaking point.\u201d\n\nScot Lueck, the Treasurer of the Gilbertsville Fire Department, noted that high NYSEG bills have strained the department\u2019s budget \u2013 requiring them to cut spending on turnout gear, air tanks, and other lifesaving equipment.\n\n\u201cWe used to pay as a seven-year average about $1,100 a year for electricity from NYSEG. The last two years that has jumped to almost $2,700 a year,\u201d Lueck said. \u201cWe\u2019re about to start replacing our SCBA harnesses\u2026 they\u2019re about $12,000 a piece. And the guys will get disappointed if they\u2019re using old gear and the guy from the other department has the updated 4,500 PSI tank on their back.\u201d\n\nDenise Blackwell, a social worker from Binghamton, discussed how she\u2019s tried everything to limit her energy usage but is still facing sky-rocketing utility bills.\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t have a \u2018smart\u2019 home, but I did upgrade with the hopes of this helping out with the electric bill. I got a smart stove, smart refrigerator \u2013 these are all energy savers \u2013 and my bill went up $729.31,\u201d said Blackwell.\n\nThis event builds on Riley\u2019s work to stand up to the utility monopolies on behalf of Upstate New Yorkers:\n\nFebruary 13, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R. 1355) to help families reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills\n\nSeptember 18, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) to ban foreign corporations and governments from owning American utility companies\n\nDecember 10, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act (H.R. 6590) to prohibit utility company executives from receiving bonuses when they raise rates faster than inflation.\n\nApril 17, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8350) to allow Upstate New Yorkers to to allow taxpayers to deduct taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on their gas and electric utility bills.\n\nApril 29, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the Lowering Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8568) to crack down on utility companies overcharging customers.\n\nJuly 13, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655) to stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New York families and small businesses.\n\nSeptember 4, 2026 \u2014 Smart Meter Data Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 10284) to ban utility companies from selling Upstate New Yorkers\u2019 private data and crack down on the misuse of personal information collected through smart meters.\n\n2025\u20132026 \u2014 Served as an intervener in the Central Hudson and NYSEG rate cases, where he participated in proceedings and cross-examined utility companies on behalf of ratepayers.\n\nYou can download photos from the roundtable HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/13/leader-jeffries-on-abc-donald-trump-has-broken-every-promise-that-hes-presented/", "LEADER JEFFRIES ON ABC: \u201cDONALD TRUMP HAS BROKEN EVERY PROMISE THAT HE\u2019S PRESENTED\u201d", "2026-09-13", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC\u2019s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, where he made clear that while Republicans have abandoned the American people, House Democrats will continue to fight hard for an affordable America.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: We\u2019re joined now by the House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Leader, thank you for coming in this morning. We want to talk about the convention in a second, but let\u2019s start with AI and these remarkable warnings we\u2019re getting this week. I know you met with President Obama and talked about this issue earlier this week. What will Democrats\u2014what do Democrats think needs to be done right now?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we certainly need to begin to act urgently to address the challenges that exist and unfortunately Republicans have abandoned their responsibility. So, under Speaker Mike Johnson, he killed a bipartisan task force this Congress that was prepared to do the serious work necessary to try to erect the guardrails to protect the health, the safety, the well-being of the American people. So what we did as Democrats was to begin last December a Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy so we could evaluate the steps that needed to be done and then present an aggressive framework, which we\u2019re in the process of doing so that Congress can act on behalf of the American people.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: But do we even have time for that? You\u2019ve got some of your colleagues, like Representative Ro Khanna and other Democrats, saying Congress should come back in right now, take urgent action right now. Don\u2019t go back for the midterm elections until they\u2019ve done something.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I agree with my colleagues that we actually need to act urgently, and unfortunately, House Republicans have effectively canceled the last two weeks of the legislative session scheduled for this month, which is something that they\u2019ve repeatedly done. We should take decisive action now so that we can slow down, as the CEOs have recently acknowledged, slow down the pace of development in order to protect the American people and ensure that AI is proceeding safely.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: What is decisive action? Senator Bernie Sanders, as I said, has called for a ban on artificial superintelligence. Your colleague, Ted Lieu of California, says there needs to be a kill switch inside the companies. Are you for those?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we\u2019ll have that conversation this week upon our return. We\u2019re going to meet as a Caucus on Tuesday morning, and a high priority will be action on artificial intelligence.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Okay, let\u2019s turn to the midterm convention\u2014the President\u2019s $5,000 promise. If Democrats take control next year, is that dead on arrival?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, it wasn\u2019t a serious proposal that was presented by Donald Trump. He\u2019s broken every promise that he\u2019s presented. Donald Trump promised to actually lower costs on day one. Costs haven\u2019t gone down. They\u2019ve gone up. Donald Trump promised not to start endless wars in the Middle East, but to stop them and then turned around and did the exact opposite in Iran. Donald Trump even promised to love and cherish Medicaid and then enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. As Democrats, we\u2019re going to focus on aggressively driving down the high cost of living and fighting for an affordable America because the cost of living in this country is way too high. Republicans have made the situation worse. Democrats are going to act aggressively.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Democrats aren\u2019t much more popular than Republicans right now. And the President and his allies at the convention this week tried to argue that you\u2019re the party of communism. Let\u2019s take a look.\n\nRECORDING OF DONALD TRUMP: Remember during the last State of the Union, I said, our country will never be a socialist country. I was right. It\u2019s going to be a communist country, if they win. You know what they did? They dropped socialism. They went right for the big one. And all I\u2019m asking in this election is that you stand with me together. We will defeat communism in America once and for all.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Worried that attack might cut?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Not at all. One thing that Donald Trump did say at the midterm convention that was interesting is to pretend as if he\u2019s on the ballot. Mr. President, we don\u2019t have to pretend. You are actually on the ballot. Your failed economy is on the ballot. The cost of living crisis is on the ballot. The fact that you\u2019ve gotten us involved in a reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East that has skyrocketed gas prices\u2014that\u2019s on the ballot. Ripping healthcare away from millions of Americans is on the ballot. The Trump Tariffs, which have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year, are on the ballot. Donald Trump is absolutely on the ballot in November, and the American people are going to send a message loudly and clearly on Election Day that even Donald Trump cannot ignore.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: The internet activist Hasan Piker was also front and center at this convention in Dallas this week, particularly his comment that America deserved 9/11. How should Democrats handle him?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I\u2019ve been very clear in terms of my denunciation of him and the aggressive, in some cases antisemitic remarks that he\u2019s issued, as have other Democratic candidates all across the country. Now what\u2019s interesting is, in terms of who\u2019s going to be on the ballot, George, in November, we\u2019ve got extraordinary candidates. We\u2019ve got combat veterans like Cait Conley and Rebecca Bennett, we\u2019ve got doctors, we\u2019ve got nurses, we have engineers, we have farmers, we have union leaders, we\u2019ve got firefighters, we\u2019ve got police officers, we have a hostage negotiator, we have a Tejano music superstar in the Rio Grande Valley and even a smokejumper in Montana. These are extraordinary candidates. Their names will appear on the ballot. They\u2019ve got incredible patriotic life experiences and their commitment to public service is going to speak for itself.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You\u2019ve taken some heat from progressives in the party, including from many who align with the Democratic Socialists. Are you confident that you\u2019ll actually be Speaker if the Democrats win?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we\u2019re focused right now on taking back control of the House of Representatives. That is the only mission that\u2019s important, so we can lower the high cost of living, lower the cost of gas, lower the cost of groceries, lower the cost of housing, certainly fight to make healthcare affordable for every single American and combat the unprecedented corruption that\u2019s been unleashed on the American people and beginning on day one, hold the crooks accountable. We\u2019ve made clear, George, that if someone has been screwing over the American people, shortchanging the American people or stealing from the American people, they\u2019re going to be held accountable under a Democratic majority.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You said hold the crooks accountable. Does that mean that the House is going to be pursuing impeachment proceedings on day one?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: No, we haven\u2019t ruled anything in and we haven\u2019t ruled anything out in terms of impeachment. As it relates to accountability, what we\u2019re going to do, led by Jamie Raskin and House Committee Democrats on the Judiciary Committee as well as House Democrats on the Oversight Committee, led by Robert Garcia\u2014both of them are doing a tremendous job\u2014we\u2019ve got to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution and then let the chips fall where they may, in the best interest of the American people so that the House, once again, can function like a separate and co-equal branch of government and a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: On that theme, a lot of Democrats had raised questions about the activities\u2014the private business activities of Jared Kushner. Was it a mistake for you to meet with him?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: No, listen, I\u2019m of the view that if we\u2019re going to be committed to actually solving problems on behalf of the American people, including, by the way, passing the housing affordability bill in this Congress that became law as a result of bipartisan work led by Maxine Waters in the House and Elizabeth Warren in the Senate, there are going to be times that you have to speak with people on the other side of the aisle, even individuals who you strongly disagree with on the overwhelming majority of issues.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And if the number one issue is the cost of living right now, what do Democrats do on day one about that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, there\u2019s a variety of different things that we\u2019re going to have to do. We have to end the Trump Tariffs, because we know the Trump Tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. We\u2019ve got to stop this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed gas prices to the highest levels, for instance, on Labor Day ever seen in the United States of America. We\u2019ve certainly got to fix our broken healthcare system and do the type of things like restoring the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year, in some cases up to a thousand dollars per month in ways that are unaffordable for people who can no longer be able to go see a doctor when they need one. These are some of the things that I think we can begin to do, but it\u2019s going to have to be a bold, aggressive legislative effort that we sustain, not just for the first 100 days, but for the first year and the entirety of the Congress.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: It\u2019s almost certainly going to have to take some cooperation from President Trump. He went on Fox News this week and said he thinks he can make deals with you. Do you see areas where cooperation is possible?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think, look\u2014we\u2019ve said from the very beginning of this Congress, if the other side of the aisle is willing to find the common ground necessary to decisively address the fact that everyday Americans are drowning in this Republican economy, working hard, playing by the rules, can\u2019t thrive and can barely survive, then we\u2019re committed to actually trying to find that common ground, as we just recently did with the housing affordability bill that is now law.\n\nGEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Leader Jeffries, thanks for your time this morning.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thanks, George.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-14T10:19:32Z", "2026-09-14T10:21:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/washington-dc-us-rep-grace-meng-d-ny-released-following-statement-trump", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) released the following statement on the Trump Administration\u2019s latest attempt to include a citizenship question on the 2030 Census form:   \u201cThe Constitution requires congressional representation to be based o", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) released the following statement on the Trump Administration\u2019s latest attempt to include a citizenship question on the 2030 Census form:\n\n\u201cThe Constitution requires congressional representation to be based on the \u2018whole number of persons in each State\u2019\u2014not only citizens or green-card holders. Every person living in our country must be counted, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.\n\nThe Trump administration\u2019s proposal would erase millions of people from the census data used to distribute political representation. It would exclude not only undocumented immigrants, but also refugees, asylum seekers, visa holders, and other people who are lawfully present in the United States but do not have permanent-resident status. This is un-American, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on immigrant communities.\n\nAn inaccurate count risks a decade of consequences. Census data help determine representation in Congress, electoral districts, and the allocation of federal resources for health care, education, infrastructure, and other essential services.\n\nWhen Donald Trump tried to include a citizenship question on the 2020 Decennial Census form during his first term, I fought back and I won. Earlier this year, I co-led a letter with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and other Congressional leaders opposing changes to the Census test, which includes the citizenship question.\n\nI\u2019ve never stopped fighting to prevent this and I\u2019m prepared to continue as the Top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. My message is clear: immigrants are part of our communities, and they will not be rendered invisible. The 2030 Census must remain an accurate count of the people\u2014not a political weapon.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-trumps-latest-attempt-including-citizenship-question", "MENG STATEMENT ON TRUMP\u2019S LATEST ATTEMPT AT INCLUDING A CITIZENSHIP QUESTION IN THE 2030 US CENSUS", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) released the following statement on the Trump Administration\u2019s latest attempt to include a citizenship question on the 2030 Census form:\n\n\u201cThe Constitution requires congressional representation to be based on the \u2018whole number of persons in each State\u2019\u2014not only citizens or green-card holders. Every person living in our country must be counted, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.\n\nThe Trump administration\u2019s proposal would erase millions of people from the census data used to distribute political representation. It would exclude not only undocumented immigrants, but also refugees, asylum seekers, visa holders, and other people who are lawfully present in the United States but do not have permanent-resident status. This is un-American, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on immigrant communities.\n\nAn inaccurate count risks a decade of consequences. Census data help determine representation in Congress, electoral districts, and the allocation of federal resources for health care, education, infrastructure, and other essential services.\n\nWhen Donald Trump tried to include a citizenship question on the 2020 Decennial Census form during his first term, I fought back and I won. Earlier this year, I co-led a letter with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and other Congressional leaders opposing changes to the Census test, which includes the citizenship question.\n\nI\u2019ve never stopped fighting to prevent this and I\u2019m prepared to continue as the Top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. My message is clear: immigrants are part of our communities, and they will not be rendered invisible. The 2030 Census must remain an accurate count of the people\u2014not a political weapon.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-pressley-and-colleagues-demand-investigation-into-black-people-found-hanging-invokes-legacy-of-lynching-in-america/", "CLARKE, PRESSLEY, AND COLLEAGUES DEMAND INVESTIGATION INTO BLACK PEOPLE FOUND HANGING, INVOKES LEGACY OF LYNCHING IN AMERICA", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 10, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nLetter Comes Amidst Alarming Spike in Possible Modern-Day Lynchings\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and colleagues, led by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), wrote to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), demanding a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive federal investigation into the numerous incidents of Black people found hanging across the country. The letter follows a series of deaths that raise suspicion of foul play given the role of lynching in American history.\n\nThe growing number of Black people found hanging in public is a national crisis. A recent report documented more than 70 modern-day lynchings in the United States between 2000 and 2025. In 2026 alone, there have already been at least 10 reported hangings of Black people. They were as young as 18 years old and lived in different parts of the country, including Mississippi, Michigan, and New York. Many families have publicly questioned the conclusions of local and state investigations.\n\n\u201cInaction by the federal government is tantamount to complicity. This is part of the legacy of racial terror in the United States, and this neglect has long-term consequences,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cNot only are innocent lives lost, but lynching inflicts deep traumatic and psychological wounds on family members, neighbors, and the entire Black community.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress enacted the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in 2022 to ensure the DOJ and FBI are empowered to fully investigate suspicious deaths and hold individuals accountable,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cIt is incumbent upon you to do just that.\u201d\n\nThis letter demands a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive federal investigation into every hanging death of a Black individual across the United States. At a minimum, each investigation, with permission of the decedents\u2019 families, should include an independent autopsy, an audit of local and state law enforcement investigations, review of physical and testimonial evidence, and a final report submitted to Congress explaining the agency\u2019s findings. The letter also calls for robust data collection that tracks the hanging deaths of Black people transparently and systematically.\n\nJoining Congresswoman Clarke and Pressley in sending the letter are Representatives Alma Adams, Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Sanford Bishop, Everton Blair, Brendan Boyle, Shontel Brown, Janelle Bynum, Andr\u00e9 Carson, Troy Carter, Jasmine Crockett, Mark DeSaulnier, Sarah Elfreth, Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda, Sylvia Garc\u00eda, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Adelita Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan Jackson, Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Summer Lee, Jennifer McClellan, LaMonica McIver, Gregory Meeks, Analilia Mej\u00eda, Christian Menefee, Kweisi Mfume, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frank Pallone Jr., Mark Pocan, Stacey Plaskett, Delia Ram\u00edrez, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Shri Thanedar, Bennie Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Lauren Underwood, Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/10/leader-jeffries-in-denver-people-are-drowning-in-the-trump-economy/", "LEADER JEFFRIES IN DENVER: \u201cPEOPLE ARE DROWNING IN THE TRUMP ECONOMY\u201d", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke to reporters following a roundtable in Denver with Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), local elected officials and members of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance about how House Democrats are united in the fight to make life better for everyday Americans and reverse the toxic policies of Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans. Below are excerpts of his remarks during the gaggle and the roundtable.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES ON THE ROUNDTABLE: We had a wonderful, thoughtful, powerful conversation with the Denver Ministerial Alliance as well as elected officials and community leaders. We discussed a host of issues, including a lot of the challenges that relate to the extremism that\u2019s been unleashed on the people of Colorado and this nation by the Trump administration, including the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, the attacks on healthcare, the out-of-control ICE activity and the assault on voting rights. I look forward to continuing to stay in close touch with the leadership here in Denver, in the greater Denver area and beyond. I\u2019m so thankful, of course, for Congressman Joe Neguse for extending this invitation to me and for the great work that he continues to do as Assistant Leader in the United States House of Representatives.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES ON THE AFFORDABILITY CRISIS: We\u2019re committed to addressing the affordability crisis that we know is impacting the people here in Denver and throughout Colorado. Life is far too expensive. There are too many people in this state and across the country who are working hard, they\u2019re playing by the rules, but they can\u2019t thrive and they can barely survive. The affordability crisis is not a hoax. It is very real. People are drowning in the Trump economy, and we\u2019re committed to lowering the high cost of living in the United States of America. At the same period of time, we\u2019ve seen record levels of corruption be unleashed on the American people. And when you have people in high office, including the President and all of his minions who are part of the Trump cartel, who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family, their friends and their donors, then it means they\u2019re not focused on making life more affordable for the people of Colorado or throughout this great country, and we need to address it.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES ON ACCOUNTABILITY AGENDA: What we\u2019ve committed to doing is to make sure that beginning on day one, if folks have been stealing from the American people, shortchanging the American people or screwing over the American people, we\u2019re going to hold the crooks accountable. And the effort as it relates to oversight, investigations and accountability, as I\u2019ve indicated, that\u2019s going to be led by Congressman Jamie Raskin and House Judiciary Committee Democrats, including Congressman Joe Neguse as well as Congressman Robert Garcia and House Oversight Committee Democrats. Here\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do: we\u2019re going to follow the facts, we\u2019re going to apply the law, we\u2019re going to be guided by the Constitution and we\u2019re going to let the chips fall where they may in terms of conducting the oversight that is part of being a separate and co-equal branch of government.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES ON REINING IN ICE: We\u2019ve made clear that Donald Trump\u2019s violent mass deportation machine doesn\u2019t get a dime, and we\u2019ve done that in the minority\u2026because we think taxpayer dollars should be spent to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill American citizens or, finally, target law-abiding immigrant families, including African immigrants.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES ON RACISM IN POLICYMAKING: Some of what we talked about with some of the African American leaders related to the policy violence that\u2019s going to have a disproportionate impact on the African American community, including the assault on healthcare, the attacks on Medicaid, the dramatic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, continuing challenges as it relates to the lingering impact of mass incarceration and, of course, just the naked, blatant attack on Black political opportunity as a result of the Supreme Court\u2019s egregious decision in gutting the Voting Rights Act, as well as the attack led by Pete Hegseth, of all people, on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and the adverse impact that has had on Black women in particular. So these were all very incredibly well-articulated, thoughtful, passionate observations and points that were made that I think Congressman Neguse and myself are going to take to heart and take back with us to Washington as we shape public policy into the future.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2482", "Kennedy Sends Oversight Letter to EPA & Army Corps of Engineers Seeking Answers and Transparency in Ongoing NECRA Project", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Timothy M. Kennedy", "K000402", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Kennedy Presses Federal Agencies for Clarity on Contamination, Testing Timeline, Resident Protections, Relocation Assistance, and Financial Impacts on Affected Families\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Commanding General Lieutenant General William H. Graham, Jr. to solicit answers on the ongoing Niagara and Erie County Radiological Assessment (NECRA) and the federal government\u2019s role in responding to elevated levels of radioactive material discovered on properties in Niagara and Erie Counties.\n\n\u201cAs the elected federal representative of the families directly impacted by this situation, I am deeply concerned that the pace, transparency, and scope of the joint federal and state response have not adequately matched the urgent concerns facing affected residents,\u201d wrote Congressman Kennedy. \u201cThese families deserve clear answers, timely action, and confidence that all levels of their government are doing everything possible to protect them.\u201d\n\nKennedy\u2019s letter comes as affected residents continue to face uncertainty about the safety of their homes, their health, and their financial futures. Kennedy called on EPA and USACE to provide written answers on the scope and pace of the investigation, sampling and laboratory analysis, risk assessments, health and safety protections, temporary relocation assistance, property values, and the origins of the radioactive contamination.\n\nThe full text of Kennedy\u2019s letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-leader-deriggi-whitton-and-mayor-villafane-announce-expansion-sea-cliff", "Suozzi, Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, and Mayor Villafane Announce Expansion of Sea Cliff  Sewer System", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Glen Cove, NY\u2014Congressman Suozzi (D-NY) today joined Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane, and local residents in Sea Cliff to announce the expansion of the Sea Cliff sewer system. The $6.5 million expansion will utilize more than $1.1 million in funds Congressman Suozzi secured in the FY2026 Community Project Funding grants. Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton secured an additional $4 million in bond authorization over the next two years to support the expansion of the sanitary sewer system in Sea Cliff, and local resources will cover the balance.\n\n\u201cThis is a major accomplishment by Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton to help sewer critical areas in Sea Cliff and protect our precious Hempstead Harbor,\u201d Congressman Suozzi said. \u201cThe continued success of Sea Cliff\u2019s sewer expansion initiative is an outstanding illustration of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work collaboratively to solve problems for the communities we serve. I am excited to see how the $1 million in federal funding that I secured from the federal government has become a catalyst for millions more in County-level support spearheaded by Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton in partnership with Village leaders. This is transformational.\u201d\n\nThe funds will be applied toward sewering a total of 2,860 linear feet on these streets:\n\n\u2022 Prospect Avenue between Carpenter Avenue & Albin Street (900 linear feet, 20 service connections)\n\n\u2022 Winding Way between 7th Avenue and Prospect Avenue (860 linear feet, 12 service connections)\n\n\u2022 The Drive between Park Way and Carpenter Avenue (370 linear feet, five service connections)\n\n\u2022 Park Way between 7th Avenue and Prospect Avenue (730 feet, eight service connections)\n\nThe forthcoming project will build upon previous work, completed during the summer of 2021, which sewered portions of Prospect, Maple, 12th, Sea Cliff, Summit, Central, 8th, and 7th Avenues, as well as all of Fairview Place. The expansion will also play a key role in the continued effort to clean up the Long Island Sound. By converting septic systems to sewer systems, this project will reduce nitrogen pollution into the Sound, helping impove the water quality of one of our nation\u2019s great treasures.\n\nCongressman Suozzi has long been a champion for protecting Long Island's environment, advocating for clean water, open space preservation, and investments that improve the health of the Long Island Sound, including delivering a 1000% increase in funding to improve the Long Island Sound since he came to Congress in 2017. His leadership has earned recognition from the New York League of Conservation Voters, which this year named him a Clean Water Champion for his decades-long commitment to safeguarding Long Island's water quality and securing federal support for critical environmental projects.\n\n\u201cSince Sea Cliff Village officials received their first funding for sewer expansion in 2014, Sea Cliff Avenue was our first area to focus on. Completing that was, in and of itself, a major accomplishment because it opened the doors for businesses to flourish and grow without having to consider the limitations of septic systems,\u201d Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. \u201cThe fact remains that, of the 10 percent of Nassau County that is not sewered, about 90 percent falls within District 11, and that is why it was so important to pursue a vision that expands the initial project to connect additional streets to the gravity line that was completed five years ago. With critical support from Congressman Suozzi and this new County infrastructure funding, we are a major step closer to making those plans a reality.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is exactly the kind of intergovernmental partnership that produces lasting results for our residents and our environment,\u201d Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane said. \u201cLegislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton\u2019s success in securing $4 million in Nassau County capital funding, combined with Congressman Tom Suozzi\u2019s $1 million commitment, brings us significantly closer to extending public sewers to areas of Sea Cliff that have relied on aging cesspools for generations. Protecting Hempstead Harbor is one of our highest priorities, and expanding sewer service is one of the most meaningful steps we can take toward that goal. On behalf of the Village, I thank Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton and Congressman Suozzi for investing in Sea Cliff\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-presents-354000-grant-award-kings-county-district", "Congressman Dan Goldman Presents $354,000 Grant Award to Kings County District Attorney\u2019s Office", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Daniel S. Goldman", "G000599", "goldman.house.gov", "goldman", "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "New York, NY - U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) presented the Kings County District Attorney\u2019s Office with a $354,000 Community Project funding award. The award will be used to bolster the Outreach and Assistance Response (SOAR) program. The program is designed to conduct immediate outreach to violent crime victims and their families.\n\nRep. Goldman requested and secured funding for the project, which was included in a package of bills to fund the federal government. Goldman secured $13,756,000 for 15 community projects in NY-10 in the FY 2026 appropriations process.\n\nRep. Goldman presented the award to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.\n\n\u201cViolent crime often leaves lasting trauma for victims and their families, who benefit greatly from immediate assistance,\u201d said Congressman Dan Goldman. \u201cI am proud to have secured $354,000 to fund the Kings County District Attorney\u2019s Office\u2019s program that does just that \u2013 from financial help to mental health assistance.. Thank you to District Attorney Gonzalez for his leadership on this issue to provide Brooklyn families with the respect and care they deserve.\"\n\nBrooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, \u201cWhile Brooklyn is experiencing a public safety renaissance with historic lows in homicides and shootings, there are still too many families dealing with the trauma of a shooting, an assault or the loss of a loved one. And even when there has not yet been an arrest or a criminal case, victims and families may need immediate support. The new SOAR program will offer just that and fill gaps that traditional compensation programs cannot always cover, allowing our counselors to assist and stand with every victim of serious violence and their families. I am grateful for Congressman Dan Goldman who secured the grant that will allow us to launch this important initiative.\u201d\n\nKings County District Attorney\u2019s SOAR (Support Outreach and Assistance Response) conducts outreach and provides support to victims of violent assaults and homicides regardless of whether anyone has been arrested for the crime. Typically the victim\u2019s services staff in a DA\u2019s office only comes into contact with a victim once an arrest has been made and a case generated. The SOAR team responds to violent crimes even when there is no case in the DA\u2019s office. The response team provides assistance with victim compensation, counseling, and relevant case related information. The SOAR team also engages in community outreach to inform the public of KCDA\u2019s services and commitment to public safety.\n\nImmediately following a violent incident or homicide, usually within the first 24 to 48 hours, SOAR counselors work with the NYC Police Department to obtain contact information of survivors or surviving family members. In cases where other agencies or organizations, such as the offices of elected officials or community-based organizations, have already had contact with the victim or family, SOAR counselors work with those agencies to ensure a warm handoff from those organizations to our experts in trauma, crime victim\u2019s rights, and criminal justice.\n\nThe funds will assist with building the SOAR team by covering the salary for a program coordinator and four new staff members dedicated to the program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-leads-more-200-members-bipartisan-resolution-marking-25th-anniversary", "Goldman Leads More Than 200 Members in Bipartisan Resolution Marking 25th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Daniel S. Goldman", "G000599", "goldman.house.gov", "goldman", "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honoring the 2,977 innocent lives lost, and reaffirming the nation\u2019s commitment to never forget.\n\nThe resolution is co-led by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and is cosponsored by more than 200 Members of the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAs we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, our commitment to honoring the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by so many brave Americans endures. I am honored to co-lead this resolution, which not only commemorates the sacrifice of the 2,977 lives lost that tragic day, but reaffirms our obligation to those who continue to suffer from illnesses caused by the attacks. May we never forget it,\u201d said Congressman Goldman.\n\n\u201cTwenty-five years later, the impact of September 11th is still deeply personal for New Yorkers and for families across our country,\u201d said Congressman Garbarino. \u201cWe remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken from us, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the thousands we have lost in the years since to 9/11-related illnesses, as well as those who continue to suffer today. I am proud that more than 200 of my colleagues have joined together to honor their sacrifice and reaffirm a promise that must endure for generations: we will never forget.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn a clear September morning with an unusually blue sky, our nation was attacked. And our community was forever changed. In Congress, I have worked to make sure the Hudson Valley, and our nation, never forgets. Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives we lost, the heroes we honor, and the duty that remains: care for the living, teach the next generation, and never forget,\u201d said Congressman Lawler.\n\n\u201c25 years ago, New Yorkers and Americans across our nation experienced the deepest tragedy. 2,977 lives were lost, thousands were injured, and many more were sickened. We will never forget the lives we lost, and we must continue to serve those who have been afflicted from the toxic air at Ground Zero and in their homes, schools, and offices. We thank the first responders and everyday citizens who committed incredible acts of heroism, and we promise to honor their legacy by never forgetting their sacrifice,\u201d said Congressman Nadler.\n\nThe resolution honors the victims killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as the extraordinary courage of the first responders, members of the Armed Forces, passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, medical professionals, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and countless others who responded to the attacks and their aftermath.\n\nIt also recognizes the lasting consequences of September 11th for responders and survivors who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses and acknowledges the organizations that have spent the past 25 years supporting survivors and victims\u2019 families.\n\nThe resolution further recognizes the service and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces who defended the United States in the years following the attacks and emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations the history and lessons of September 11th.\n\nFull bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-introduces-bipartisan-bill-crack-down-health-care-fraud", "Suozzi Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Health Care Fraud", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) today introduced the bipartisan Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY) to strengthen the federal government\u2019s efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse across government healthcare programs. The legislation would increase funding for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program (HCFAC), a joint agency program involving the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Justice, and FBI. HCFAC coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to identify and prosecute health care fraud across programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health care programs.\n\n\u201cTaxpayers bear the cost of every dollar lost to fraud, ultimately making healthcare more expensive. If we want to lower healthcare costs, we need to start by going after waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it\u2019s happening. HCFAC is a tremendously successful program helping us do just that,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cFighting fraud is not a partisan issue; it\u2019s common sense. The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act is about protecting taxpayers, rooting out fraud, and helping keep health care costs down. I\u2019m proud to introduce this important bill to protect taxpayers and the healthcare programs that so many patients depend on.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery dollar stolen through health care fraud is a dollar taken from taxpayers and the patients who depend on these programs,\u201d said Congresswoman Tenney. \u201cFraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, and the federal government must have the tools and resources to find them, stop them, and hold them accountable. The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act strengthens the investigators and watchdogs on the front lines of this fight and improves oversight across federal health care programs. Protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical programs from fraud will safeguard taxpayer dollars and help ensure these resources are there for the Americans who truly need them.\u201d\n\nEvery dollar lost to fraud costs not only the government, but trickles down to consumers through higher premiums and costs on other health care expenses. HCFAC is a highly effective federal program, returning $3 to taxpayers for every dollar spent. By increasing the funding for this successful and worthwhile program, this legislation fights fraud responsibly, by equipping federal agencies with additional resources to prevent fraudulent payments, hold bad actors accountable, lower costs for patients, and recover taxpayer dollars.\n\nSince 2010, the scope of HCFAC\u2019s work has expanded significantly. Medicare and Medicaid spending has far outpaced inflation, enrollment has skyrocketed, and fraudsters have become savvier. The funding for HCFAC has not kept up. As a result, the network of agencies involved have had to police a broader and more complex system without adequate resources. To address this, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act would rebase HCFAC\u2019s funding, raising it to $490,000,000 for FY2027, $520,000,000 for FY2028, $57,000,000 for FY2029, and ensuring it continues to increase commensurate with inflation in FY2030 and beyond.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/53-members-of-congress-demand-hhs-and-cms-halt-medicaid-data-sharing-with-ice/", "53 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DEMAND HHS AND CMS HALT MEDICAID DATA SHARING WITH ICE", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 9, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), and Emily Randall (WA-06) led 49 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz calling for an immediate end to the sharing of Medicaid enrollee data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).\n\nDespite a federal preliminary injunction limiting data transfers, CMS continues to share private data belonging to millions of enrollees\u2014including U.S. citizens and lawful residents\u2014beyond court-approved limits. Reports also reveal ICE improperly mishandled the data across internal channels and shared it with third-party analytics contractors like Palantir Technologies.\n\n\u201cThe role of HHS should be to protect the health of all those living in this country and provide essential human services, not to be a watchdog for DHS or act as immigration enforcement,\u201d the Members stated in the letter.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-leads-bipartisan-effort-block-trumps-executive-order", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO BLOCK TRUMP\u2019S EXECUTIVE ORDER LIMITING MAIL IN VOTING", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, mobilized current and former Members of Congress in a court filing challenging the legality of President Donald Trump\u2019s Executive Order seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.\n\n\u201cPresidents do not control our elections; the American people do. Today, in a bipartisan agreement, Members defended the constitutional authority of Congress and deliberately chose to protect our elections from executive overreach. Our elections are safe and secure, and we intend to keep them that way. We will not allow USPS to put Americans\u2019 ballots at risk,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle.\n\nThe bipartisan group of 261 lawmakers filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the matter of United States Postal Service, et al., v. State of California, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service. The court case challenges a Final Rule issued by the USPS related to Trump\u2019s order that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a \u201ccitizenship verification list\u201d and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.\n\nOne-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections\u2014a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when the president voted in Florida\u2019s Republican primary.\n\nIn the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14399, \u201cEnsuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,\u201d violates the separation of powers and usurps congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.\n\nClick HERE to view the full brief.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-over-250-current-former-members-congress-urge-supreme", "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN, OVER 250 CURRENT & FORMER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE SUPREME COURT TO BLOCK TRUMP\u2019S EXECUTIVE ORDER LIMITING MAIL VOTING", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The group includes both Democratic and Republican lawmakers from the House and Senate\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Pat Ryan joined current and former Members of Congress in challenging the legality of President Donald Trump\u2019s Executive Order seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nThe group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers, filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the matter of United States Postal Service, et al., v. State of California, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service. The court case challenges a Final Rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump\u2019s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a \u201ccitizenship verification list\u201d and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s second term has been defined by crushing cost increases, a war in Iran \u2013 which has cost us billions in taxpayer dollars and the lives of 18 brave Patriots \u2013 and slashing critical programs our community relies on like SNAP and Medicaid,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cThat\u2019s not a winning message, and Trump knows it. Instead of lowering costs and ending the war, Trump \u2013 who consistently votes by mail!\u2013 is trying to silence the American people ahead of the midterm elections. It\u2019s a pathetic, illegal move \u2013 and it won\u2019t work. The Supreme Court must block this disastrous, un-American, unconstitutional order. Your voice is your vote, and we won\u2019t let anyone take it away.\u201d\n\nOne-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections\u2014a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when the president voted in Florida\u2019s Republican primary.\n\nIn the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14399, \u201cEnsuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,\u201d violates the separation of powers and usurps congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.\n\n\u201cAs current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States\u2014including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are \u201csubstantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all.\u201d\n\nThe group concluded by asserting States\u2019 power to administer elections and Congress\u2019s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an \u201coverride\u201d authority. The president\u2019s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded: \u201cThe integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role. The Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress\u2019s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress imbued the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to view the full brief.\n\nThe effort was led by House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle; Assistant House Minority Leader Joe Neguse, who leads the House Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force; and Task Force Co-Chairs Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. In the Senate, the brief was championed by Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin; and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters.\n\n\u201cPresidents do not control our elections\u2014the American people do. Today, in a bipartisan agreement, Members defended the constitutional authority of Congress and deliberately chose to protect our elections from executive overreach. Our elections are safe and secure, and we intend to keep them that way. We will not allow USPS to put Americans\u2019 ballots at risk,\u201d said Ranking Member Joe Morelle.\n\n\u201cThe law is clear: states and Congress have authority over our elections \u2014 not the President and certainly not the Postal Service. Protecting the right to vote-by-mail is critical to ensure every eligible voter can make their voices heard in the November midterm elections and in future elections,\u201d said Senator Alex Padilla. \u201cDespite the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to eliminate vote by mail and suppress voter participation, voting by mail remains one of the most safe and secure ways to vote, especially for service members, rural voters, and Americans living abroad. I urge the courts to uphold our Constitution and reject Trump\u2019s attacks on our fundamental right to vote.\"\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is trying to unconstitutionally rig the midterm elections because he knows that's the only way he can hold on to power. This scheme could potentially stop millions of American citizens from receiving their ballots and having their vote counted. We are fighting this in court and defending the Constitution,\u201d said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s attacks on mail-in voting are in direct contravention of the U.S. Constitution. His executive order and the USPS actions to implement it would disenfranchise millions of Americans, silencing an untold number of citizens that rely on mail ballots to make their voices heard. But the right to vote is sacrosanct, and we\u2019ll do whatever it takes to protect it,\u201d said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. \u201cI\u2019m proud to see the outpouring of support from current and former Members of Congress\u2014across the political spectrum\u2014to assert the rule of law in this matter and to stand up for the right of every eligible voter to fairly cast their ballot.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Constitution is clear that the states and Congress make the rules for federal elections, not the President. Yet, in utter defiance of the Constitution, President Trump is attempting to use the Postal Service to decide who can and cannot receive a ballot just days before mail-in voting begins in some of the states. This is a naked power grab by a historically unpopular President\u2014who himself regularly votes by mail\u2014to inject confusion and chaos into our elections in a last-ditch effort to keep his party in power. It will not work. I\u2019m proud to stand with a strong bipartisan, bicameral group of current and former colleagues in urging the court to continue rejecting this lawless election interference,\u201d said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is once again asking the highest court in the land to silence voters and destroy the precious integrity of the American electoral process,\u201d said Leader Schumer. \u201cMail-in voting is proven safe and secure, and Trump\u2019s continued efforts to obstruct America\u2019s free and fair elections are blatant, unconstitutional attempts at interfering with the November midterms. Trump\u2019s message to the American people is clear: he isn\u2019t worried about voter fraud, he\u2019s afraid of voter accountability. I urge the court to uphold the Constitution and reject Trump\u2019s baseless attempt at poisoning our democracy.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397532", "Nadler Leads More Than 200 Members Marking The 25th Anniversary Of September 11th Terrorist Attacks", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", "nadler", "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressmen Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), and Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honoring the 2,977 innocent lives lost, and reaffirming the nation\u2019s commitment to never forget. The resolution is cosponsored by more than 200 Members of the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201c25 years ago, New Yorkers and Americans across our nation experienced the deepest tragedy. 2,977 lives were lost, thousands were injured, and many more were sickened. We will never forget the lives we lost, and we must continue to serve those who have been afflicted by the toxic air at Ground Zero and in their homes, schools, and offices. We thank the first responders and everyday citizens who committed incredible acts of heroism, and we promise to honor their legacy by never forgetting their sacrifice,\u201d said Congressman Nadler.\n\n\u201cTwenty-five years later, the impact of September 11th is still deeply personal for New Yorkers and for families across our country,\u201d said Congressman Garbarino. \u201cWe remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken from us, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the thousands we have lost in the years since to 9/11-related illnesses, as well as those who continue to suffer today. I am proud that more than 200 of my colleagues have joined together to honor their sacrifice and reaffirm a promise that must endure for generations: we will never forget.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, our commitment to honoring the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by so many brave Americans endures. I am honored to co-lead this resolution, which not only commemorates the sacrifice of the 2,977 lives lost that tragic day, but reaffirms our obligation to those who continue to suffer from illnesses caused by the attacks. May we never forget it,\u201d said Congressman Goldman.\n\n\u201cOn a clear September morning with an unusually blue sky, our nation was attacked. And our community was forever changed. In Congress, I have worked to make sure the Hudson Valley, and our nation, never forgets. Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives we lost, the heroes we honor, and the duty that remains: care for the living, teach the next generation, and never forget,\u201d said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe resolution honors the victims killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as the extraordinary courage of the first responders, members of the Armed Forces, passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, medical professionals, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and countless others who responded to the attacks and their aftermath.\n\nIt also recognizes the lasting consequences of September 11th for responders and survivors who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses and acknowledges the organizations that have spent the past 25 years supporting survivors and victims\u2019 families.\n\nThe resolution further recognizes the service and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces who defended the United States in the years following the attacks and emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations the history and lessons of September 11th.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-highlights-broad-local-support-bipartisan-bicameral-buffer-zone-bill", "Suozzi Highlights Broad Local Support for Bipartisan, Bicameral Buffer Zone Bill", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cExercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cI will always stand up for people\u2019s right to protest peacefully, but attendees of religious services should not be harassed, threatened, intimidated, or targeted for practicing their faith. I am proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral Right to Worship Act that both protects free speech and the freedom to worship.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe breadth of support for the Right to Worship Act is very gratifying. So many groups recognize the horrifying reality that the threat to the freedom to not unique to any one faith or congregation. Every religious community feels it, which is why this bill will protect everybody,\u201d Suozzi continued. \u201cI\u2019m proud to stand with such a broad coalition of faith leaders united behind this essential legislation to safeguard the right to worship for every religious community on Long Island, in Queens, and across America.\u201d\n\nCongressman Suozzi\u2019s Right to Worship Act follows his earlier introduction of the SACRED Act in April 2026. Suozzi worked with colleagues in both parties and chambers to build bipartisan, bicamerical support for his buffer zone legislation, introducing the Right to Worship Act in the House with Congressman Brad Knott (R-NC) last month alongside a companion measure in the Senate by Senators Cruz (R-TX) and Slotkin (D-MI). Suozzi also expanded the coalition of organizations supporting the legislation, securing the endorsement of more than 20 national groups across faiths for the Right to Worship Act.\n\nSuozzi was introduced today by Alan Mindel, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center.\n\n\u201cWe at HMTC at our core believe in the religious freedom of all citizens and recall the words of Goerge Washington that \u201cThe Government of the United States\u2026 gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,\u201d said Alan Mindel. \u201cThis bill grants necessary protections to houses of worship so as to protect the constitutional rights of freedom of religion granted to all Americans. In the current climate where people have been obstructed from entering their house of worship, this new law will allow each American, regardless of faith, to freely enter their church, synagogues, or mosque for their constitutionally protected right to pray, without obstruction or harassment. We applaud Congressman Suozzi and all the sponsors of this important piece of legislation.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Mr. Mindel, Suozzi was joined by ADL (Anti-Defamation League) New York/New Jersey Deputy Regional Director Brandi Katz Rubin, American Jewish Committee Long Island Director Eric Post, UNITED SIKHS community advocate Inderjeet Singh, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha representative Girish Patel, and Bishop Lionel Harvey. Additional organizational and congregational leaders, including rabbis and synagogue presidents, attended as well to show their support for the legislation.\n\nThe Right to Worship Act would establish a 100-foot, protest-free buffer zone around houses of worship during religious services, making it unlawful to knowingly disrupt or impede people from attending. The bill prohibits conduct that knowingly \u201chinders,\u201d \u201cdeters,\u201d \u201cthreatens,\u201d or \u201cintimidates\u201d worshippers trying to enter religious services and would impose civil fines for violations. It authorizes individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state attorneys general to sue violators. Peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment is excluded from the bill\u2019s prohibited activities.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of groups representing a variety of faith communities, including:\n\nAnti-Defamation League (ADL)\n\nAgudath Israel of America\n\nAmerican Muslim & Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC)\n\nAmerican Jewish Committee (AJC)\n\nBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha\n\nCatholic League\n\nCoalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA)\n\nCombat Antisemitism Movement (CAM)\n\nHadassah\n\nHindu American Foundation\n\nIslamic Society of North America (ISNA)\n\nJewish Federations of North America (JFNA)\n\nNorth American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church\n\nNational Association of Evangelicals (NAE)\n\nStandWithUs\n\nUJA-Federation of New York\n\nUnion for Reform Judaism\n\nUnion of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union)\n\nU.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)\n\nUNITED SIKHS\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-announces-250000-new-federal-funding-accessibility-upgrades", "Rep. Gillen Announces $250,000 in New Federal Funding for Accessibility Upgrades at Bellerose LIRR Station", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Bellerose Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is currently the only remaining station in Nassau County with no elevator, escalator or ramp to the platform\n\nWatch the Full Press Conference Remarks HERE.\n\nBELLEROSE, NY \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced $250,000 in new federal Community Project Funding (CPF) she secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process to help upgrade the Bellerose LIRR station to be fully accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including upcoming station renovations such as a new elevator, ramps and stairs. Rep. Gillen was joined by Bellerose Village Mayor Kenneth Moore and disability inclusion advocates Nadia Holubnyczyj-Ortiz and Sheila Moriarty at the Bellerose LIRR station to announce the federal investment.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have secured this $250,000 in federal funding to help make the Bellerose Long Island Rail Road station fully ADA-accessible, including with a new elevator, ramps and stairs,\u201d said Rep. Gillen. \u201cThis investment will create an inclusive and accessible station for Long Islanders with disabilities, seniors, parents with young children and anyone who relies on the LIRR. I will continue fighting to bring more of our tax dollars home to Long Island and deliver the improvements our communities deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly thankful to Congresswoman Laura Gillen for bringing $250,000 in federal funding back home to upgrade the Bellerose LIRR station,\u201d said Bellerose Mayor Kenneth Moore. \u201cHer ongoing partnership ensures our Village gets the federal support it deserves. Today marks a major step forward in making our station safe, inclusive, and accessible to every resident.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a disabled resident of New York's Fourth Congressional District, I know that accessibility is not an abstract policy discussion,\u201d said disability inclusion advocate Nadia Holubnyczyj-Ortiz. \u201cIt determines whether individuals with disabilities can get to work, access healthcare, participate in our communities, and live with the same independence and dignity as everyone else. That is why Congresswoman Laura Gillen's work to secure federal funding for accessibility improvements at the Bellerose LIRR station matters so deeply. The true measure of inclusion is not what we say. It is what we build\u2014and whether the people we elect are willing to make it happen. I am grateful to Congresswoman Laura Gillen for doing exactly that.\u201d\n\nDuring the press conference, Rep. Gillen discussed the upgrades and how they will improve quality of life for Nassau County residents, particularly for people with disabilities, seniors and parents with young children who rely on the LIRR.\n\nThe Bellerose LIRR station dates back more than 100 years and is vital to residents and commuters traveling on the Hempstead Branch. Rep. Gillen worked with the Village of Bellerose, the MTA Long Island Rail Road and other leaders to secure this investment to make the Bellerose station fully ADA-accessible.\n\nThe funding for the Bellerose LIRR station is part of more than $13 million in Community Project Funding that Rep. Gillen secured for Nassau County to invest in community infrastructure, enhance public safety, support our local law enforcement and first responders and improve the quality of life for residents across Nassau County.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/08/leader-jeffries-statement-on-retirement-announcement-oflonnie-g-bunch-iii/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF LONNIE G. BUNCH III", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement:\n\nThe career of Lonnie G. Bunch III has been defined by his work to tell the unvarnished truth of the story of America. The first African American to serve as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Bunch has dedicated his entire life to strengthening our museums and helping recommit America to its founding promise of liberty and justice for all. He has been at the forefront of the ongoing battle against efforts by Donald Trump and his far-right sycophants to cowardly and unpatriotically whitewash our history, ban books and turn back the clock on progress.\n\nThe founding director of the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Lonnie has been instrumental in protecting Black history, which is American history. Lonnie Bunch has fought to ensure that the Smithsonian Institution remains the preeminent museum, educational and cultural system in the world as the Trump administration seeks to censor facts and bend history to his will. He previously served in prominent leadership roles at critical institutions like the National Museum of American History, the Chicago Historical Society and the California African American Museum.\n\nUnder Donald Trump\u2019s reign, far too many dedicated public servants have been shamefully and relentlessly attacked and undermined for doing their jobs with integrity. Inspired by Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch\u2019s lifetime of commitment to preserving our nation\u2019s history, House Democrats will continue to fight back against any effort to sanitize or rewrite the full story of our great country. Our cultural institutions and the nation are forever indebted to Secretary Bunch for his unequalled contributions, and we wish him and his family the best in this next chapter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397531", "Nadler: Government Officials Betrayed The Public In The Aftermath Of 9/11", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", "nadler", "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) joined Mayor Mamdani to announce the release of more than 170,000 pages of City records documenting the government\u2019s response to the attacks on September 11, 2001 and the aftermath related to the environmental hazards at and around Ground Zero. His remarks can be viewed HERE and read below:\n\n\"Thank you for having me here today.\n\n\"We are here today to remember the innocent lives that were devastated in the days,\n\nweeks, and months following the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.\n\n\"We are here to honor the heroes who ran toward the towers as the planes struck,\n\nwho combed through the rubble to save survivors, and who worked tirelessly to\n\nclean up the wreckage.\n\n\"We are here to honor the men, women, and children who did not know the danger\n\nthey were facing as they slept in their homes, went to school, and returned to work.\n\n\"When our communities were at their most vulnerable, people turned to trusted\n\nsources\u2014including their government\u2014to guide them through this crisis.\n\n\"Government officials betrayed that trust by suspecting, and later knowing, the\n\nenvironmental hazards from the catastrophe and failing to tell the public.\n\n\"The air was unsafe. It was filled with toxic substances that sickened the people\n\nwho breathed it in. And 25 years later, our neighbors and heroes are still falling\n\nseriously ill because of these toxins.\n\n\"My colleagues and I who represented Ground Zero and the surrounding\n\ncommunities immediately warned local and federal officials about the health risks\n\nposed by the toxins in the air.\n\n\"I was screaming at the top of my lungs to protect our communities, my constituents. But officials like EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman and Mayor Guiliani, denied claims like mine, saying the air was \u201cperfectly safe.\" Blasphemous.\n\n\"The failure of government officials to share this information with the public and\n\nadequately respond to the danger has had devastating\u2014and, in too many cases,\n\nfatal\u2014consequences.\n\n\"Now, we and the public know that City Hall, led by former Mayor Giuliani,\n\npredicted that thousands of responders and community members would face\n\ndevastating long-term health consequences from these toxins. Despite this, he\n\nstayed silent on the hazards.\n\n\"Eventually, the air became safe to breathe again. But officials continued to\n\nwithhold the truth about the environmental hazards from the people who had been\n\nexposed.\n\n\"Their decision to deny the toxicity of the air that people had breathed in was a slap\n\nin the face of the heroes and community members who were exposed at Ground\n\nZero and in schools, offices, and homes throughout the surrounding area.\n\n\"By hiding the truth, our fight in Congress to secure funding to address the health\n\nneeds of 9/11 victims was an uphill battle. As a result, too many people faced\n\nunnecessary delays in accessing the healthcare they needed\u2014sometimes with fatal\n\nconsequences.\n\n\"For years and across multiple City Hall administrations, I have led leaders in\n\nCongress to demand the release of these files. I am glad that this is finally\n\nhappening.\n\n\"The damage to the health of 9/11 victims, and the suffering they have endured and\n\nwill continue to endure, cannot be erased. But I am grateful to the Mamdani administration, specifically to Steve Banks, and to Speaker Menin, Councilmember Brewer, Ben Chevat of 9/11 Health Watch, and Kimberly Flynn of 9/11 Environmental Action, for making today possible. Thank you for your commitment to release these files so that victims and their loved ones can finally have the transparency they deserve.\n\n\"Officials in the future will know that actions have consequences\u2014the truth will always come to light.\n\n\"I am proud to be here today as we take this monumental step towards justice.\n\n\"My heart is with those who are sick today. My heart is with those who have lost\n\nloved ones. My heart is with our community who still reels from the pain.\"", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-silence-dod-25-year-delay-pfas-clean-orange-county-congressman-pat", "FOLLOWING SILENCE FROM DOD ON 25-YEAR DELAY TO PFAS CLEAN-UP IN ORANGE COUNTY, CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN AND HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY RALLY AGAINST \u201cMASSIVE BETRAYAL\u201d", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Patrick Ryan", "R000579", "patryan.house.gov", "patryan", "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Last month, when DoD announced delays to critical PFAS cleanup efforts at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Ryan immediately raised the alarm and called on Secretary Hegseth to restore the initial timeline\n\nFriday, after receiving no response from DoD and instead facing even further delays, Ryan rallied with community members and advocates against the \u201cmassive betrayal\u201d to the Hudson Valley\n\nToxic chemical contamination at Stewart has poisoned the drinking water for Newburgh, one of the largest cities in NY-18; this phase of DoD\u2019s remediation effort was meant to be completed this month, but is being delayed by 25 years to 2051\n\nNEWBURGH, NY \u2013 Last week, Congressman Pat Ryan \u2013 a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Iraq War combat veteran, and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress \u2013 rallied with local community members and advocates in Newburgh against the decades-long delay of PFAS remediation efforts in Orange County, following news this week that the timeline has been pushed back for a third time.\n\nDoD\u2019s remedial investigation and feasibility study, a key step toward determining a permanent cleanup plan, was expected to be completed in September 2026, but has now been delayed 25 years, to 2051.\n\nPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic \u201cforever chemicals\u201d impacting the health and safety of servicemembers at and around more than 500 U.S. military installations. The PFAS contamination at Stewart Air National Guard Base has tainted the drinking water in Newburgh, one of the Hudson Valley\u2019s largest cities.\n\nWhen delays were reported last month, Ryan immediately raised the alarm and wrote to Secretary Hegseth demanding that DoD restore all existing PFAS remediation efforts and timelines, provide a detailed written briefing within 30 days, and commit publicly and in writing that no further delays will be imposed without written justification citing specific, documented technical or legal necessity.\n\nAfter receiving no response from DoD and instead facing even further delays, Ryan\u2019s rally brought together community members, local advocates, and leaders to call for accountability, demand answers from DoD, and push for PFAS remediation.\n\n\u201cEvery American \u2013 especially our kids \u2013 deserves to have clean drinking water. For years, we\u2019ve been fighting hard to ensure clean, safe drinking water is available in every Hudson Valley community, including those around Stewart Air National Guard Base. This critical step was supposed to be completed today. Instead, inexplicably, Hegseth\u2019s DoD has chosen to deprioritize the project and pushed back the timeline 25 years. It\u2019s a massive betrayal, and we\u2019re fighting back, \u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan. \u201cWe\u2019re still facing a public health crisis in the Hudson Valley, and the federal government should be speeding up the clean-up, not slowing it down by decades. Our community is coming together with one voice and a clear message for Hegseth\u2019s DoD: we deserve better, and we won\u2019t stop fighting until every one of our neighbors has access to clean water. We are not giving up this fight.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that the Department of Defense is delaying this cleanup for an unprecedented 20-plus years while the people of Newburgh and New Windsor have live with the consequences,\u201d said Riverkeeper Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Planning Dan Shapley. \u201cRiverkeeper has spent the last decade fighting to protect this community while the full remediation process inches forward. What we can't afford now is to lose the momentum we've finally built. This year's interim projects are proof that meaningful progress is possible right now, not just on some far-off cleanup horizon. Our message to every decisionmaker up the chain is simple: Don\u2019t stand in the way of progress.\u201d\n\n\u201cNewburgh has been waiting years for the Stewart Air National Guard Base PFAS cleanup to conclude the Remedial Investigation phase,\u201d said David H Toman, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. \u201cWe cannot allow this cleanup process to be delayed unnecessarily, and we stand with Congressman Ryan and the Newburgh community in calling on the Department of Defense to complete the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study without further delay and keep the cleanup moving forward. Clean drinking water and the health of our community should not, and can not, wait decades for action; the time for action is now.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Department of Defense\u2019s decision to further delay the PFAS cleanup at Stewart Air National Guard Base by more than 2 decades is a direct betrayal of public health and destroys any trust this community had in the military's remediation process. Forcing families to wait decades while toxic \"forever chemicals\" run off the base is an unforgiveable environmental injustice and we deserve better. This delay condemns yet another generation to a poisoned environment and passes a heavy, exhausting burden for clean water down to my daughters\u2014and quite possibly their future children\u2014leaving them an inheritance of toxic exposure. Our community demands a timely restoration of our land and watershed,\u201d said Jennifer Rawlison, Community Co-Chair of the SANG Restoration Advisory Board and Newburgh Clean Water Project Steering Committee Member.\n\n\u201cThe science is clear: there is no known safe level of exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals,\u201d said Rob Hayes, Senior Director of Clean Water with Environmental Advocates NY. \u201cNewburgh residents have already waited far too long for the Department of Defense to remediate PFAS contamination in and around Stewart Air National Guard Base and Washington Lake. Delaying the start of cleanup efforts for more than 20 years is unconscionable when contamination of the surrounding environment is still ongoing, putting clean water and the health of the community at risk. We stand with our local partners and officials to demand that the Department of Defense abandon any attempts to delay PFAS cleanup and instead remediate this pollution as swiftly as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis Administration promised to \u201cmake America healthy again\u201d, but delaying cleanup of PFAS forever chemicals will only do the opposite,\u201d said Mike Schade of Toxic-Free Future, a national environmental health research and advocacy organization, and a member of the Stewart Air National Guard Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). \u201cWe need faster, not slower cleanup of these toxic chemicals, to put Americans\u2019 health first. Pushing this process out for decades is a slap in the face to the residents of Newburgh and New Windsor, who were exposed to PFAS chemicals for far too long. We need urgent action to protect the Hudson Valley from these toxic forever chemicals.\u201d\n\n\u201cNewburgh doesn't drink its own water anymore. Firefighting foam from the air base contaminated our reservoir, so we now buy our water from New York City,\u201d said Council Member Ronald Zorrilla. \u201cNew York State has been paying that bill for pollution we didn't create. If that ever stops, our residents face an 80- to 90-percent rate increase. But buying us water is not a cleanup. The Defense Department doesn't get to rent its way out of this until 2051.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/05/leader-jeffries-in-las-vegas-house-democrats-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-organized-labor/", "LEADER JEFFRIES IN LAS VEGAS: \u201cHOUSE DEMOCRATS STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH ORGANIZED LABOR\u201d", "2026-09-05", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04) and local labor leaders for a press avail, where he emphasized that House Democrats remain committed to standing up for the men and women of organized labor in the face of Donald Trump\u2019s extreme attacks and destructive policies that are making life more expensive for everyday Americans.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: These are very challenging times right now in the United States of America, as the people of Las Vegas are experiencing. We\u2019re in the midst of a Trump slump and unprecedented extremism that has been unleashed on the American people from the very beginning of this toxic administration. Donald Trump promised that costs would go down on day one. Costs haven\u2019t gone down. Costs have gone up in the United States of America. Life is way too expensive. There are far too many people in this city, in this state and all across America who are working hard, they\u2019re playing by the rules, but they can\u2019t thrive and they can barely survive. That should not be the case here in the United States of America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. But everyday Americans, working class Americans and middle class Americans are being left behind.\n\nAs House Democrats, we believe that in this country, in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, as is the case with all of the workers supported by these great unions here today and the unions all across America, that when you work hard, and when you play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life and a good life. And we know what that good life should look like: a good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, a good education for your children and then when it\u2019s all said and done, a good retirement. That\u2019s the good life.\n\nAnd as we kick off this Labor Day weekend, let me be clear, no one has done more to bring that American Dream to life than the men and women of organized labor. So House Democrats will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. And we will prioritize pro-union legislation and ensure that when we take control of the majority, we advance bills like the PRO Act so we can protect the right to organize for the American worker all across the United States of America. We\u2019re going to work hard and fight for an affordable America. We\u2019re going to fight to lower the high cost of groceries and gas and housing. House Democrats, we also believe that in this great country of ours, access to high-quality and affordable healthcare can\u2019t simply be a privilege available only to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. Access to high-quality and affordable healthcare needs to be a right available to every single American. And that\u2019s what these unions do such a tremendous job fighting to achieve.\n\nWe also believe that immigration enforcement in this country\u2014and we have a broken immigration system\u2014should be fair, just and humane. That\u2019s not what\u2019s taking place right now, which is why we continue to aggressively push back against ICE and its attack on the American people, its attack on law-abiding immigrant families, its attack on workers all across the United States of America. And our commitment as House Democrats is that we\u2019re going to do everything we can to get ICE under control here in the United States of America.\n\nAnd lastly, among the many priorities that we know we need to push back on, is the fact that not only have Republicans failed to do anything to lower the high cost of living here in the United States of America, their toxic policies have actually made life more expensive, which is why we\u2019re going to fight hard to end the Trump tariffs that have been costing everyday Americans thousands of dollars per year and at the same time, do everything in our power to stop Donald Trump\u2019s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran.\n\nAnd so, I\u2019m so thankful to be joined here by my good friend, classmate and brother, Steven Horsford, and by all of you, appreciative of the work that you do on behalf of the hardworking men and women here in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, and committed to being in this fight with you, shoulder to shoulder, over the next 60 days and beyond, and confident that as long as we continue to show up and stand up and speak up for what we know is right, we\u2019re going to win the day and win the week and win the month and win the year, win the hearts and minds of the American people and on November 3, re-elect Steven Horsford and win back control of the United States House of Representatives.\n\nThe Leader\u2019s full remarks can be watched here.", 1, "2026-09-06T09:10:48Z", "2026-09-06T09:12:29Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2480", "Kennedy, Ranking Member Thompson, Homeland Security Dems Demand DHS Cooperate with Homicide Investigation into Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Timothy M. Kennedy", "K000402", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "After Thorough Review, AG James Determined her Office Lacked Authority to Prosecute, Referred Case to Erie County DA\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. \u2013 Standing feet from where Mr. Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined today by House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Border Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Lou Correa (CA-46), and Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) to demand that the Department of Homeland Security fully comply with the Erie County District Attorney\u2019s investigation into the death of Mr. Shah Alam. Shah Alam was a Rohingya refugee with legal status who was found dead in Buffalo in February after being released from DHS custody. In April, the Erie County Medical Examiner determined Shah Alam\u2019s death to be a homicide and an investigation remains ongoing. In a letter sent this week to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Kennedy and Thompson demanded the Department turn over any and all information requested by Erie County law enforcement, arguing that DHS has a legal and moral obligation to cooperate with a local homicide investigation within the District Attorney\u2019s jurisdiction.\n\nIn their letter, they noted that there has been a clear pattern by the Department to obfuscate facts and block meaningful oversight. Despite multiple letters as well as several instances of questioning by members of Congress on the Homeland Security Committee and other committees, all inquiries have been met with silence.\n\n\u201cIt has been more than six months since Nurul Amin Shah Alam died after DHS left him, blind and disabled, outside of a closed coffee shop in the middle of winter without the proper footwear or clothing needed for the Buffalo climate and no way to call for help,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cThe Erie County Medical Examiner has ruled his death a homicide, yet DHS still won\u2019t hand over a single meaningful record. Not to my office, not to Attorney General James, and not to the Erie County District Attorney. Simply put, they are obstructing the pursuit of justice by local law enforcement. Mr. Shah Alam\u2019s family deserves to see justice served by our legal system. I won\u2019t stop demanding it until DHS complies.\u201d\n\n\u201cA man died after being released from DHS custody, and his family deserves to know what exactly happened. DHS does not get to run out the clock and hope folks stop asking questions,\u201d said Ranking Member Thompson. \u201cIf DHS has nothing to hide, then they need to turn over the records and cooperate fully with the Erie County law enforcement. It is that simple.\u201d\n\n\u201cDHS dropped off a blind, disabled man outside a closed coffee shop in the dead of winter in New York with no coat and no call to his family. Six months later, there is an ongoing homicide investigation into his death, and DHS won\u2019t cooperate. His family deserves answers. DHS owes Erie County the truth,\u201d said Congressman Correa.\n\n\u201cNurul Amin Shah Alam\u2019s death was a tragic injustice that the Department of Homeland Security wants to sweep under the rug,\u201d said Congresswoman Pou (NJ-09). \u201cAs Members of Congress, we have taken an oath to act in the best interest of the American people, however, consistent efforts from the Department of Homeland Security undermine this crucial work. I am proud to join Congressman Kennedy here in Buffalo to make clear that we will never forget what happened to Mr. Shah Alam and we will never stop fighting for justice for his family and this community.\u201d\n\nOn February 19, 2026, DHS agents released Shah Alam, who was disabled, largely blind, and spoke little to no English, outside a closed Tim Hortons in Buffalo\u2019s Black Rock neighborhood without proper footwear or appropriate clothing for Buffalo\u2019s winter weather, and without notifying his family or attorney. He was reported missing and was found dead on February 24, miles from where he was released. DHS initially claimed he had been dropped off at a \u201cwarm, safe location\u201d and showed no signs of distress, which has since been proven to be false by video evidence. Kennedy, Thompson, and their colleagues have since sent multiple oversight letters to DHS. Kennedy directly questioned Secretary Mullin on the topic as well, and was met with hostility. To date, no substantive response has been received. Attorney General James opened her own inquiry into the death, but has since reported that CBP has declined to share information and records, and she has determined that proper jurisdiction lies with the Erie County District Attorney.\n\nKennedy introduced the DHS Release Transparency Act in response to Shah Alam\u2019s death, which would require ICE and CBP to notify a detainee\u2019s designated point of contact before releasing them from custody.\n\nFull text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-john-w-mannion-secures-1031000-onondaga-community-college", "Representative John W. Mannion Secures $1,031,000 for Onondaga Community College to Expand Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor Workforce Training", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "John W. Mannion", "M001231", "mannion.house.gov", "mannion", "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SYRACUSE, NY - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced that $1,031,000 in federal Community Project Funding he secured for Onondaga Community College\u2019s Innovating Manufacturing Programs for Advanced Career Training (IMPACT) project has been formally awarded through the National Institute of Standards and Technology.\n\nRepresentative John W. Mannion said, \u201cThe growth of advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry is creating new demand for skilled workers. I\u2019ll continue working with strong partners like Onondaga Community College to make sure local residents have the tools and training they need to succeed in these high-demand and good-paying jobs. With over a million dollars in new equipment, OCC students and apprentices will be training on the same modern equipment they\u2019ll use in their careers, giving manufacturers the workforce pipeline they need to grow and succeed.\u201d\n\nDr. Warren Hilton, Onondaga Community College President, said, \u201cOnondaga Community College is proud to be Central New York\u2019s Partner in Education for Success and to play a critical role in preparing the skilled workforce our region needs. We are grateful to Representative Mannion for his leadership and investment in our students and our community. His support will help OCC expand opportunities for students to gain the skills they need for rewarding careers while helping employers meet the growing demand for a highly skilled workforce.\u201d\n\nOCC will use the funding to purchase and install advanced equipment and software focused on electrical technology, mechanical technology, semiconductor systems, welding, and thermodynamics.\n\nThe workforce training will be incorporated into OCC\u2019s degree, certificate, and apprenticeship programs, expanding hands-on instruction in precision manufacturing, material analysis, and quality control. More than 250 students and apprentices annually will benefit from this investment, strengthening the local pipeline of skilled workers for the manufacturing, semiconductor, construction, automotive, and industrial machinery sectors.\n\nThe OCC funding is part of 15 Community Project Funding priorities advanced by Representative Mannion during his first year in office in partnership with local leaders across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. All 15 projects have passed Congress and been signed into law, delivering a total of more than $15 million in federal funding to address locally identified needs - including public safety improvements, lead service line replacement, water and wastewater modernization, workforce training, airport infrastructure upgrades, and research critical to America\u2019s economic and national security.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/04/riley-introduces-bill-to-ban-the-sale-of-data-obtained-by-smart-meters/", "RILEY INTRODUCES BILL TO BAN THE SALE OF DATA OBTAINED BY SMART METERS", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014Today, Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) and Representative Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Smart Meter Data Privacy Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to ban utility companies from selling Upstate New Yorkers\u2019 private data and crack down on the misuse of personal information collected through smart meters.\n\nUpstate New York\u2019s utility monopolies rolled out smart meters under the guise of streamlining billing, and hit customers who declined to install one with extra fees. Customers who keep their analog meters pay NYSEG a monthly opt-out fee of $13.47 per month, while Central Hudson charges a one time fee of $49 for electric meters and $89 for gas meters.\n\nBut the meters do far more than track energy use: they capture detailed, real-time information on household energy patterns, daily routines and habits \u2014 data that industry analysts call a \u201choly grail\u201d for marketers and data aggregators. The sale of smart-meter data is projected to grow into a billion-dollar industry.\n\nThe Smart Meter Data Privacy Protection Act mandates that utilities can only use customers\u2019 energy-usage data for core functions like billing, grid reliability, outages, and regulatory compliance. The legislation also prevents utility companies from selling or sharing customer data without consent.\n\n\u201cNobody asked for smart meters. The utilities rolled them out anyway, and if you didn\u2019t want one, they charged you extra just to opt out,\u201d said Riley. \u201cNow they\u2019re raking in millions selling all the data the smart meters collect \u2014 when you turn the lights on, when you cook dinner, when you take a shower, even when you shut the TV off at night. Upstate New Yorkers are already paying the foreign-owned utility monopolies too damn much. They shouldn\u2019t get to cash in on our private information, too.\u201d\n\nThe bill also requires utilities to give customers monthly reports explaining what data was collected, how it was used, and who it was shared with. Under Riley\u2019s legislation, if a utility improperly profits from a customer\u2019s data, it must pay that customer back through bills credits equal to the revenue it earned from the misuse.\n\n\u201cWe must be certain to protect Americans\u2019 personal privacy. Smart meters can reveal families\u2019 daily routines in granular detail, but no one should have to surrender their personal data just to keep the lights on,\u201d said Kennedy. \u201cI am proud to join Rep. Josh Riley in this effort to protect Americans\u2019 right to privacy and make clear that their personal data should not be a commodity.\u201d\n\nThis bill builds on Riley\u2019s work to stand up to the utility monopolies on behalf of Upstate New Yorkers:\n\nFebruary 13, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R. 1355) to help families reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills\n\nSeptember 18, 2025 \u2014 Introduced the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) to ban foreign corporations and governments from owning American utility companies\n\nApril 17, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8350) to allow Upstate New Yorkers to to allow taxpayers to deduct taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on their gas and electric utility bills.\n\nApril 29, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the Lowering Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8568) to crack down on utility companies overcharging customers.\n\nJuly 13, 2026 \u2014 Introduced the FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655) to stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New York families and small businesses.\n\n2025\u20132026 \u2014 Served as an intervener in the Central Hudson and NYSEG rate cases, where he participated in proceedings and cross-examined utility companies on behalf of ratepayers.\n\nYou can read the text of the Smart Meter Data Privacy Protection Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-gillen-nehls-gottheimer-and-fong-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-make", "Reps. Gillen, Nehls, Gottheimer and Fong Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Motor Vehicle Collision Fraud a Federal Crime, Lower Car Insurance Premiums", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Laura Gillen", "G000602", "gillen.house.gov", "gillen", "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Auto insurance fraud, like staged vehicle accidents, costs consumers an estimated $300 a year in increased premiums.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) alongside U.S Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) and Vince Fong (R-CA-20) introduced the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 to make motor vehicle collision fraud a federal crime, improve safety for drivers and lower car insurance rates nationwide. The legislation targets insurance fraud schemes in which bad actors deliberately cause, stage or fabricate motor vehicle accidents to file false claims and defraud insurance companies for large cash payouts.\n\n\u201cLong Islanders pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country and \u2018crash for cash\u2019 schemes on our roads are driving rates even higher,\u201d said Rep. Gillen. \u201cWhen fraudsters stage car wrecks to scam their way to huge payouts, they\u2019re putting lives at risk and forcing responsible drivers to bear the costs. I\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to hold these criminals accountable, make our roads safer and lower sky-high car insurance costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cBad actors across the country are deliberately causing, staging and fabricating car wrecks and filing phony insurance claims, and it\u2019s the hardworking American families who end up paying the price with high insurance rates,\" said Rep. Nehls. \"It\u2019s time we put an end to this, make it a federal crime, and hold these fraudsters accountable. I\u2019m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 with Congresswoman Gillen to crack down on these scams, and put the fines collected into the Highway Trust Fund, which provides the resources to improve our roads, and make our roads safer.\u201d\n\n\"Insurance fraudsters send premiums skyrocketing and drive up the cost of living for Jersey families. The fraud rings behind them don't stop at state lines,\" said Rep. Gottheimer. \"That's why I'm proud to work with Reps. Gillen, Nehls, and Fong on this bipartisan bill to make staging or fabricating a crash a federal crime, with fines going straight back into fixing our roads and bridges. We're cracking down on the hucksters and fighting to bring down costs for Jersey families.\"\n\n\"Californians already pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation on top of having one of the highest costs of living,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \"Insurance fraud is making it worse. Staged car accidents are a deliberate, organized scam that puts innocent people at risk and drives up premiums for every driver on the road. In the Central Valley, where families depend on their vehicles to get to work, take their kids to school, and run their businesses, these are real costs hitting real people. The Stop Auto Fraud Act makes these schemes a federal crime and gives law enforcement the tools to dismantle the criminal networks behind them.\"\n\nNew Yorkers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, totaling just over $4,000 annually on average, nearly $1,500 above the national average. Insurance fraud, including staged crashes, further drives up costs for consumers. According to the Insurance Information Institute, staged accidents and related insurance fraud can cost families as much as $300 per year on average.\n\nInsurance carriers reported 38,270 incidents of suspected motor vehicle insurance fraud to the New York State Department of Financial Services in 2023, a 58% increase from 2020. Recently, Florida, Louisiana and New York have enacted laws targeting bad actors who stage elaborate accidents to win payouts from insurance companies or jury awards.\n\nThe Stop Auto Fraud Act would make it a federal crime to knowingly stage or fabricate a motor vehicle crash and submit a fraudulent claim. The bill would impose penalties, including possible jail time, for violations. Any collected fines would be paid into the Highway Trust Fund for local and interstate roads, bridges and public mass transit systems.\n\n\u201cStaged vehicle accidents are not harmless property crimes. These are violent offenses that put innocent drivers and pedestrians at risk of injury or worse\u2014all so that fraudsters and their facilitators can cash in. As NICB data and frontline investigations demonstrate, staged accident fraud is on the rise, costly\u2014up to $300 a year in increased premiums\u2014and increasingly organized. And it demands an organized, effective response. NICB applauds Representative Gillen\u2019s Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, a bipartisan measure making clear that staged accidents are serious crimes deserving serious consequences,\u201d said Kyle McCollum, Vice President, National Insurance Crime Bureau.\n\n\u201cAuto claims fraud, including intentional crashes, staged accidents, fabricated medical bills, and AI-altered photo evidence, drives up costs throughout the system and ultimately raises auto insurance premiums for everyone,\u201d said Sam Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Political Engagement, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). \u201cStates that have enacted targeted anti-fraud and staged accident reforms have strengthened enforcement, disrupted organized fraud rings, and helped stabilize auto insurance markets, with some states even experiencing premium reductions. We applaud Representatives Gillen, Nehls, Gottheimer, and Fong for introducing the Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, which would establish federal criminal penalties for deliberate staged and phantom auto accidents. By giving law enforcement additional tools to combat organized crime fraud, this legislation addresses a significant driver of rising auto insurance claim costs and helps protect consumers from unnecessary premium increases.\u201d\n\n\u201cStaged crashes and claims connected to them are a particularly malicious form of insurance fraud,\u201d said Jimi Grande, Senior Vice President of Federal & Political Affairs, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. \u201cNot only do these fraudsters endanger innocent drivers and communities all across the country, they also cause extensive financial harm. NAMIC applauds Representatives Gillen and Nehls, along with their co-sponsors, for their work to combat scammers and protect all honest road users.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) proudly supports the Stop Auto Fraud Act and appreciates the leadership from Congresswoman Gillen and Congressman Nehls,\u201d said Jake Jacoby, President & CEO, Truck Renting and Leasing Association. \u201cStaged accidents continue to cause havoc with insurance premiums. This legislation will help deter bad actors from attempting to put trucking companies out of business by fabricating accidents, then running crooked legal and medical companies who attempt to profit from this blatant criminal activity.\u201d\n\n\"The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) thanks Congresswomen Gillen for taking a strong stand against those who put others at risk using staged accidents for their own financial gain,\u201d said Kendra Hems, President, Trucking Association of New York (TANY). \u201cThese are serious crimes and should be treated as such. The Stop Auto Fraud Act does just that and is an important step to reign in fraud and abuse of the insurance system. For the trucking industry, fraudulent and staged claims contribute directly to unsustainable increases in commercial auto insurance costs, putting additional pressure on carriers that are working hard to operate safely and keep our economy moving. We appreciate Congresswoman Gillen\u2019s leadership and look forward to continuing to work with her on the issue.\"\n\n\u201cStaged crashes and fraudulent insurance claims impose real costs on responsible motorcoach operators and ultimately make it harder to provide safe, affordable transportation,\u201d said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. \u201cThe American Bus Association supports the Stop Auto Fraud Act because it gives law enforcement another tool to hold bad actors accountable and protect legitimate transportation businesses from organized fraud. We thank Representatives Gillen and Nehls for working together on this bipartisan effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn highways across the country, brazen criminals are intentionally colliding with other motorists in an attempt to score a big payday, and commercial trucks are a top target. Their selfish actions put the lives of innocent Americans at risk and contribute to soaring insurance premiums that raise costs for all consumers,\u201d said Alex Rosen, SVP of Legislative Affairs, American Trucking Associations. \u201cWe need stronger penalties to deter those who perpetrate these schemes, which is why ATA strongly supports the Stop Auto Fraud Act. The trucking industry commends Reps. Laura Gillen and Troy Nehls for their leadership to make our roads safer and alleviate the financial burden imposed on families and businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 represents an important step toward protecting motorists, reducing insurance fraud, and improving roadway safety. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) strongly supports legislation that would make the submission of a fraudulent insurance claim arising from a staged motor vehicle accident a criminal offense. Staged crashes are not victimless crimes. These deliberate schemes place innocent drivers, passengers, first responders, and other road users at risk of serious injury or death. We commend Representatives Gillen and Nehls for recognizing the growing threat posed by staged vehicle accidents and for advancing a practical, bipartisan solution,\u201d said Jim Mullen, President, Truckload Carriers Association.\n\n\u201cThe National Tank Truck Carriers is proud to support the Stop Auto Fraud Act. Tank truck carriers operate in a uniquely high-risk environment, transporting valuable and often hazardous cargoes that make reliable insurance coverage essential to protecting their employees, equipment, customers, and the motoring public. Fraudulent insurance claims undermine the integrity of that system and drive up costs on carriers already managing significant operational risks. NTTC is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Gill and Nehls in combating insurance fraud and protecting responsible motor carriers,\u201d said Ryan Streblow, President & CEO, National Tank Truck Carriers.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, American Trucking Associations, American Bus Association, Truck Renting and Leasing Association, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), National Tank Truck Carriers Association, Truckload Carriers Association, Trucking Association of New York, Texas Trucking Association and Southwest Movers Association.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/03/leader-jeffries-statement-on-h-r-4795/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON H.R. 4795", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/03/leader-jeffries-statement-on-the-passing-of-gloria-steinem/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF GLORIA STEINEM", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/03/leader-jeffries-theres-a-direct-link-between-the-unbelievable-levels-of-corruption-and-the-continued-rise-in-the-cost-of-living/", "LEADER JEFFRIES: \u201cTHERE\u2019S A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE UNBELIEVABLE LEVELS OF CORRUPTION AND THE CONTINUED RISE IN THE COST OF LIVING\u201d", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while Donald Trump and Republicans continue to prioritize the interests of their wealthy donors, Democrats are committed to rooting out Republican corruption and lowering the cost of living for everyday Americans.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but under Donald Trump and Republican control of government, costs in the United States of America haven\u2019t gone down. They\u2019ve gone up. Life has gotten far too expensive in this country, and Republicans don\u2019t give a damn about it. The Republican priorities, as evidenced by the One Big Ugly Bill, in the entire Congress has been focused on ripping healthcare away from the American people, enacting the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, literally stealing food from the mouths of seniors, hungry children and veterans, giving ICE billions of taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill American citizens, all to reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks.\n\nLife hasn\u2019t gotten better under the Republican-controlled Congress. Life has gotten worse, and we need a dramatic change in direction. House Democrats will continue to focus on fighting for an affordable America, lowering the high cost of groceries, gas and housing. We\u2019re committed to making healthcare affordable for every single American and, at the same time, to combating corruption and holding the crooks accountable beginning on day one, because there\u2019s a direct link between the unbelievable levels of corruption being visited on the American people and the continued rise in the cost of living.\n\nIf you have people in high office in this town who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members and their donors, that means they\u2019re not focused on making life better for everyday Americans. And it\u2019s one of the many reasons why the economy under Donald Trump and Republicans is a disaster. It continues to move in the wrong direction. The decisions that have been made, like this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, have been a failure, and it\u2019s time for dramatic change.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-john-w-mannion-ny-22-robert-c-bobby-scott-va-03-and-brian", "Representatives John W. Mannion (NY-22), Robert C. \u2018Bobby\u2019 Scott (VA-03), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Key Offices and Programs at the Department of Education From Being Transferred to Other Federal Agencies", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "John W. Mannion", "M001231", "mannion.house.gov", "mannion", "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives John W. Mannion (NY-22), a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee, and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect key offices and programs at the U.S. Department of Education from being transferred through interagency agreements to other federal agencies that lack the staff, experience, and expertise needed to administer them.\n\nThe legislation is the House companion to S.5046, a bipartisan bill led by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that advanced out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July.\n\nRepresentative John W. Mannion said, \u201cCongress created the Department of Education, and its troubling we must take this step to preserve the constitutional order and stop the executive branch from illegally dismantling the department. I\u2019ll continue to put students\u2019 services and rights first, and I strongly oppose all efforts to move these critical education programs \u2013 including those serving students with disabilities - to agencies that lack the staff and expertise.\u201d\n\nEducation and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott said \u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s plan to illegally dismantle the Department of Education is disastrous for students, educators, people with disabilities, and the communities that support them. I will not stand on the sidelines and let this Administration dismantle this agency brick by brick. This legislation is important to keep the bipartisan momentum from the Senate going and defend the programs that so many Americans rely on.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Brian Fitzpatrick said, \u201cThe families I represent should never have to wonder whether a federal reorganization will cost their child a service, a protection, or an opportunity. When concerns were raised about moving OSERS out of the Department of Education, I took those concerns directly to the Administration and demanded answers about how it would protect IDEA, preserve critical resources, and prevent disruption for students. This legislation builds on that effort. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I will continue working side by side with families, educators, and advocates to ensure their voices drive the decisions that shape special education.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan bill safeguards programs serving students with disabilities, K-12 schools, colleges, and Native students. It prohibits the Secretary of Education from transferring programs overseen by four Department of Education offices:\n\nThe Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services\n\nThe Office of Elementary and Secondary Education\n\nThe Office of Postsecondary Education\n\nThe Office of Indian Education\n\nPhyllis Wolfram, Executive Director of The Council of Administrators of Special Education, said, \u201cThe Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) thanks Representatives John Mannion and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing bipartisan legislation prohibiting the transfer of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OSERS) and three other offices out of the Department of Education. IDEA is an education law, not a health care law, and should remain under the administration of education experts.\"\n\nChad Rummel, CEO of the Council for Exception Children, said, \"CEC commends Representative Mannion and Ranking Member Scott for their leadership on this important legislation, which aims to protect key functions of the Department of Education, including the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Transferring special education to the Department of Health and Human Services is misguided\u2014it segregates special education from other education programs and jeopardizes the rights of students with disabilities.\"\n\nStephanie Smith Lee, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director of The National Down Syndrome Congress, said, \u201cThe National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) strongly supports the bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Mannion, Representative Fitzpatrick, and Ranking Member Scott, that would block the administration from transferring the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), and the Office of Indian Education (OIE) to other Departments through interagency agreements or other means. It is critically important to students, schools, and states that these offices remain together at the U.S. Department of Education.\u201d\n\nJoseph P. Joyce, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, said, \u201cStudents with Autism and other disabilities deserve a coordinated federal system that protects their rights and supports them from education through employment. We thank Representatives Scott and Mannion for introducing this legislation to prevent the transfer of critical IDEA functions out of the Department of Education. Congress must preserve the expertise and infrastructure that students with disabilities and their families rely on to access the education and supports they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Mannion has consistently opposed efforts to abolish the Department of Education, introducing the Protecting Students with Disabilities Act that would prohibit federal funds from being used to eliminate or restructure Department of Education offices that administer programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the Office of Special Education Programs. Mannion has also repeatedly used his position on the House Committee on Education and Workforce to defend IDEA and the rights of students with disabilities.\n\nRepresentative Mannion taught science in public schools for nearly 30 years, including in a 15:1 special education classroom. Before serving in Congress, he was the founding chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Disabilities.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4642", "Tonko Demands NSF Withdraw Proposal Politicizing Science", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) led 35 House colleagues in a letter to the National Science Foundation (NSF) calling for the agency to rescind its planned revisions for the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, now titled Guidance on Financial Assistance (GFA).\n\nThe proposed revisions significantly change the policy framework that governs how researchers and institutes apply for NSF funding, how proposals are reviewed, and what federal funds can be used for. These changes follow an onslaught of attacks by the Trump administration against science and scientists.\n\n\u201cAt its core this proposal threatens America\u2019s scientific leadership by undermining scientific integrity and allowing political ideology rather than evidence to drive research,\u201d the letter reads. \u201cSince Trump came into office, his administration has taken a sledgehammer to federal funding of science. These cuts are a violation of clear direction from Congress, which, on a bipartisan basis, unambiguously rejected the Administration\u2019s destructive budget request for NSF.\u201d\n\nThe letter continues, \u201cThe consequences are already clear with three in four U.S. based researchers overall having considered leaving the country for countries where science is still valued. We are at risk of losing both an entire generation of researchers and the discoveries they would have made.\u201d\n\nThe letter concludes, \u201cGenuine scientific progress demands sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and the freedom to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without censorship, coercion, or fear. America became a scientific powerhouse by trusting and funding our scientists. We will only remain a global leader if we continue to do so. We urge you to withdraw this revision and focus on supporting policies that meaningfully uphold the independence, integrity, and funding of American science \u2014 not just in rhetoric, but in practice.\u201d\n\nTonko has long pushed to keep politics out of public science. He authored and champions the bipartisan Scientific Integrity Act, legislation that sets clear, enforceable standards for federal agencies and federally-funded research to keep public science independent from meddling by political and special interests.\n\nThe full letter can be read HERE and below.\n\nSeptember 3, 2026\n\nMr. Brian Stone\n\nChief of Staff, Performing the Duties of the Director\n\nNational Science Foundation\n\n401 Dulany Street\n\nAlexandria, VA 22314\n\nDear Mr. Stone:\n\nWe write in opposition to the proposed changes to NSF\u2019s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, now titled Guidance on Financial Assistance (GFA). At its core this proposal threatens America\u2019s scientific leadership by undermining scientific integrity and allowing political ideology rather than evidence to drive research.\n\nThis revision would prematurely align NSF policy with the Office of Management and Budget\u2019s (OMB) proposed revisions to federal financial assistance regulation 2 CFR 200. These efforts, along with aligning with Trump Executive Orders, threaten to decimate our federal scientific enterprise and inflict real harm on our nation\u2019s scientific experts. We urge NSF to rescind these proposed revisions.\n\nAn unprecedented attack on American science\n\nSince Trump came into office, his administration has taken a sledgehammer to federal funding of science. In 2025, NSF had over 1,300 grants cut, totaling over $700 million. In June, reporting showed that NSF has cut basic science programs across its directorates by an average of 20 to 30%, according to an internal memo from the agency received by the publication. These cuts are a violation of clear direction from Congress, which, on a bipartisan basis, unambiguously rejected the Administration\u2019s destructive budget request for NSF.\n\nCancellation of NSF grants does more than stifle scientific progress, it destabilizes the entire research pipeline. Uncertainty in program funding leaves laboratories with fewer resources to support the next generation of scientists, while making it increasingly difficult for early-career researchers to build a future in American science. The consequences are already clear with three in four U.S. based researchers overall having considered leaving the country for countries where science is still valued. We are at risk of losing both an entire generation of researchers and the discoveries they would have made.\n\nScientific merit and integrity must come before political priorities\n\nGuide 8 of the GFA eliminates guardrails that protect merit-based review. The summary of the draft states that \u201cno significant changes are made\u201d and that grant reviews will continue to be led by NSF Program Directors. However, authorities derived from 2 CFR 200 ultimately govern the GFA where applicable. OMB\u2019s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200 takes a dangerous step in the science-based merit review process by empowering senior political appointees to make ultimate grantmaking decisions based on politics and requiring discretionary awards to advance the President\u2019s policy priorities. The scientific merit of innovative, fundamental, high-risk, and emerging technology research should be determined through rigorous peer review by scientific experts without political interference. Authorizing senior political staff to oversee the merit review process will systematically destroy American science as we know it and is a mistake our research communities will take generations to recover from.\n\nGuide 13 states that \u201cNSF expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to the tenets of Gold Standard Science in proposals\u201d but gives no operational framework for how it will be implemented or whether a proposal or award meets the standard. Executive Order 14303 \u201cRestoring Gold Standard Science\u201d weakens scientific integrity policies, removes safeguards, and leaves our scientific enterprise more vulnerable to the ever-changing political whims of the White House. Scientific Integrity means protecting the independence of science from external manipulation. This administration has been relentless in its attacks on science with more than 562 unique instances documented since January 20, 2025. When scientific integrity is undermined and expert voices are pushed aside for political priorities, the repercussions for our environment, technological advancement, public health and safety, will be disastrous.\n\nGuide 25 on Suspensions, Terminations and Research Misconduct creates another dangerous avenue for political interference. Guide 25, to align with OMB\u2019s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200, enables NSF to suspend or terminate an award when it believes it is necessary to \u201cprotect the interests of the government.\u201d NSF has already terminated awards under the vague auspices of no longer effectuating agency priorities. Guide 25 language for these authorities are concerningly broad, and in effect, codifies the requirement for NSF to comply with the political whims of the White House without regard for merit. Researchers should not have to ask whether their work is politically acceptable before they pursue it. NSF has not had a Congressionally confirmed leader since Director Panchanathan resigned last year, meaning that these proposed rule changes, including the expanded termination authority, will be exercised by unknown political actors with no accountability to Congress or the taxpayer. Ambiguous authority to terminate awards invites political interference and creates uncertainty that our research institutions cannot afford.\n\nBarriers to communication and collaboration will slow scientific progress\n\nAttending conferences is an essential part of the scientific process and an invaluable opportunity for early-career scientists to connect with other researchers, build collaborations, and receive feedback on their work. Guide 12, in alignment with OMB\u2019s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200, adds restrictions and layers of bureaucracy for researchers to get approval to attend conferences. This proposed change limits researchers\u2019 opportunities to build upon their research by finding new collaborators and unlocking new perspectives for interdisciplinary problems. Real scientific progress only happens when researchers can openly share ideas, challenge one another, and collaborate. NSF should be breaking down barriers to discovery rather than building new ones.\n\nGuide 12 also restricts federal funds from being utilized for publication of research. Publication of science is not just how scientists are able to communicate their findings with each other but how American taxpayers can access the research that they have funded. Restricting opportunities for researchers to present and disseminate their research will diminish the impact of American research and erode the United States\u2019 position as a global leader in science.\n\nThe actions in this proposed revision will weaken America\u2019s scientific credibility and further erode trust with our international allies. Genuine scientific progress demands sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and the freedom to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without censorship, coercion, or fear.\n\nAmerica became a scientific powerhouse by trusting and funding our scientists. We will only remain a global leader if we continue to do so. We urge you to withdraw this revision and focus on supporting policies that meaningfully uphold the independence, integrity, and funding of American science \u2014 not just in rhetoric, but in practice.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPaul D. Tonko", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2478", "House Homeland Security Democrats Visit Buffalo to Discuss Domestic Extremism Prevention, Meet With 5/14 Families", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Timothy M. Kennedy", "K000402", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Delegation Met with Law Enforcement, Local Officials, and Families of 5/14 Victims and Survivors to Examine Emergency Response and Warn Against Trump Administration Cuts to FEMA Preparedness Grants\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. - Today, at the invitation of Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee\u2019s Emergency Management Subcommittee, a delegation of House Homeland Security Committee Democrats visited Buffalo for a roundtable discussion on emergency management, domestic extremism prevention, and the federal grant programs that support state and local efforts to stop violence before it occurs. Earlier this week, it was revealed that New York State is still awaiting $87 million in FEMA funding for the state\u2019s counterterrorism and homeland security efforts. Kennedy ws joined by Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Border Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Lou Correa (CA-46), and Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) for the closed-door roundtable at the Frank E. Merriweather Library. The delegation was joined virtually by New York Attorney General Letitia James.\n\nJoined by Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields, City of Buffalo Emergency Manager Tom Luby, and Dr. Amanda Nickerson, Director of the University at Buffalo\u2019s Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention, the members heard directly from 5/14 family members and leaders from the 5/14 Foundation, whose perspective centered the roundtable on the racially-motivated mass shooting at Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue on May 14, 2022. The shooting, which killed ten people and seriously injured three others, reshaped the community\u2019s understanding of emergency response and long-term recovery. The discussion focused on the emergency response in the shooting\u2019s immediate aftermath, the role that sustained DHS investment can play in preventing domestic extremism through grant programs, and the impact of the Trump Administration\u2019s continued delays and cuts to programs, including the State Homeland Security Grant Program.\n\nFollowing the roundtable, members of the delegation visited the Tops Supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and the memorial that has been installed on the property honoring those who were lost in the shooting.\n\n\u201cWhat happened at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue was an act of racist domestic terrorism, and this community has carried that weight every day since,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cStanding at that memorial and speaking with family members, advocates, and public safety officials is a reminder of why this work is so important. Our federal government has a responsibility to invest in preventing violence before it happens and to ensure state and local governments can rely on this FEMA funding year after year. Instead, we have seen cuts to the very grant programs that help communities like Buffalo prepare, respond, and heal. I\u2019ll keep fighting to protect that funding and to make sure that Washington never forgets what happened here and in far too many other communities across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am glad Committee Democrats met with local leaders on the impact of the 2022 domestic terrorism mass shooting in Buffalo. It is clear that this tragedy has left an indelible mark on the Buffalo community. White supremacist extremism has no place in America and, sadly, continues to be a scourge we must work together to eradicate. That means investing in the people and programs that help communities identify threats early, strengthen partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations, and intervene before violence occurs. I thank Congressman Kennedy for hosting us in his district today,\u201d said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson.\n\n\u201cPublic safety funding is not a political weapon, and Buffalo knows better than most what is at stake,\u201d said New York Attorney General Letitia James. \u201cThe federal government is directly undercutting our work to keep our communities safe by withholding critical homeland security funding that our state needs. The best way to honor those whose lives were stolen on 5/14 is by ensuring a horrific attack like this can never happen again. I am grateful to Congressman Kennedy for convening this conversation and fighting in Washington to ensure what happened at Tops is never repeated.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must make sure our first responders and law enforcement have what they need to stop violence before it happens. The Trump Administration needs to stop withholding critical funding for our states now and not after the next tragedy,\u201d said Congressman Lou Correa.\n\n\u201cTime and time again, the American people are seeing the Trump Administration weaponize FEMA funding for their own partisan reasons and political revenge,\u201d said Congresswoman Pou (NJ-09). \u201cThe bottom line is that our communities need federal aid, and they should not be punished for whether they live in a red district or a blue one. Withholding over $80 million in assistance is unconscionable, especially when this funding is supposed to be used to combat terrorism and extremism, and provide emergency support.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe May 14 mass shooting was a devastating tragedy that continues to profoundly impact members of our community. Beyond the awful effects felt here in Buffalo, this terror attack awakened the nation to the dire threat posed by domestic extremism. But in continuing to withhold $87 million in federal counterterrorism funding to New York State, this administration is demonstrating it has forgotten the painful lessons of May 14 - and that it refuses to prioritize the safety of Americans who live in states that do not politically support this president. I deeply appreciate the visit and support from Representatives Tim Kennedy, Bennie Thompson, Lou Correa, and Nellie Pou, as well as Attorney General Letitia James, and I join their call to restore federal funding to protect New Yorkers from terror attacks. This is not a partisan issue; no Americans should ever suffer what our community did on May 14,\u201d said Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart.\n\n\u201cMay 14 was a wound to the soul of our community, and we continue to carry the pain of that terrible day. We must never forget the lives we lost or the lessons that tragedy taught us. As people of faith and as a community, we have a responsibility to protect one another and to stand against hate in all its forms. I commend the work of our elected officials who have continued to stand with Buffalo, to fight for our community, and to make sure the lessons of May 14 are not forgotten. We must continue to come together, look out for one another, and do all we can to ensure that no community ever has to experience this kind of pain again,\u201d said Pastor Mark Blue, Chairman of 5/14 Foundation and President, Buffalo NAACP.\n\nKennedy and the delegation vowed to continue pressing the Trump Administration to restore full funding to FEMA\u2019s preparedness and prevention grant programs, and to keep working with Buffalo\u2019s law enforcement, emergency management, and community leaders to ensure the lessons of May 14, 2022 translate into stronger protections nationwide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-opposition-buses-act-what-i-am-requesting-us-preserve-our", "Ocasio-Cortez on Opposition to the BUSES Act: \u201cWhat I am requesting is for us to preserve our freedom to protect our children. If you want to do this to your kids, that's your business. But I will not allow this to be done to mine.\u201d", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WATCH HERE\n\nWashington, D.C. - Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) strongly opposed a bill at an Energy and Commerce Full Committee Markup that would prevent policies or enforcement of engine idling restrictions under 15 minutes for buses, and eradicate a program that lets residents report idling they see in their own neighborhoods, directly targeting New York City.\n\nNew York City has one of the highest rates of childhood asthma and faces some of the worst air quality in the country. This bill would establish a federal standard that would reverse commonsense policies put in place by cities and states across the country to protect access to clean air.\n\nFind Representative Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s remarks as delivered below:\n\n\u201cI find it fascinating sometimes when there's a lot of discourse here, about one size fits all policies and about how folks in urban areas shouldn't dictate how people in more rural areas live, which makes complete sense. But I don't understand- what I don't understand is why the opposite doesn't apply here.\n\nThe Congressman is not from New York City, so I represent \u201cAsthma Alley,\u201d the South Bronx, kids whose lungs have been choked with smog for decades. And my own nephews, my own family can't get through a day of school without a nebulizer.\n\nA 15-minute idling restriction is extraordinarily high in concentrated city streets. And what might be okay in a different area is very much not okay when it comes to kindergartners trying to get on their way to school.\n\nHigh CO2 outputs have statistically shown to reduce cognitive performance by 15 to 50%. And in fact, when we look at kids\u2019 standardized test performance, we're looking at a 10 to 15% difference with kids who are trying to learn in areas with polluted air. These idling provisions make a massive difference.\n\nAnd one of the most important things that I do in my work is to fight for kids in the South Bronx. 1 in 5 kids in the South Bronx in these neighborhoods have asthma.\n\nAnd I want to be very clear that the provisions in this bill target New York City and my community specifically and uniquely. No other municipality in the United States has a reporting program like New York City's. And this provision is targeting our municipality\u2019s ability to protect our children.\n\nThese commonsense provisions, all of these things that are talking about how people will be penalized for helping a kid in a wheelchair, is a fairy tale.\n\nThat does not happen. There are already commonsense exemptions in the law for safety, for conditions. We're not letting people freeze in the dead of winter, and we're not reporting people who are trying to safely load someone with a disability.\n\nBut what we are trying to do is prevent kids from developing further disabilities like asthma, further disabilities and diseases, because this is one of the most underserved areas in the United States.\n\nAnd I will not sit here and allow them to be trampled on and ignored and talked about in this way.\n\nMunicipalities and communities have and should have the ability to regulate according to the realities of their local backyard. New York City is doing that. It has the right to do that, just like any other community in the United States.\n\nAnd so, my amendment that I am proposing today is that this act shall not take effect until the administrator of the EPA certifies that its implementation will not increase children's exposure to air pollution. Because I will not sit here and allow my kids to get choked with smog, because people do not understand the realities of what this does to their brains.\n\nAnd with that, I yield back.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Ocasio-Cortez continued:\n\n\u201cOnce again, you know, the Congressman is not from New York City and is characterizing a program that he is not familiar with. We are attempting to communicate that you are mistaken in your characterization of the program.\n\nThere are exceptions to load children, for safety inspections for these types of operations to load kids onto school buses. So these scenarios that you are describing are incorrect, not factual, do not exist and are not supported by any evidence.\n\nWhat I find strange about this conversation is that when presented with that, there is a continuation to perpetuate something that is not true.\n\nRead the statute. There are exceptions for kids. All of these things that you're alleging happen do not comport with city policy.\n\nAnd so a public mischaracterization of this law that does not comport with reality is being used to justify passage of a law that is going to make kids sick.\n\nFor what reason? I simply do not understand why we are not telling the truth about this, and why we are trying to advance and target a provision for a district from which the Congressman respectfully does not represent, and it will hurt children.\n\nThe thing about this is that when you represent an area like the South Bronx, you have to fight and scrap for every tiny thing so that every child can get a 1% chance, a 5% chance at improving at any small outcome that they have.\n\nThis idling provision makes a difference. We're talking about the difference of 10 to 15% points on a standardized test score. That's the difference between a kid getting a 60 on a state test and a kid getting an 85. The number of pollution and smog that they are being choked with that surrounds that school.\n\nSo what I am requesting is for us to preserve our freedom to protect our children. If you want to do this to your kids, that's your business. But I will not allow this to be done to mine.\n\nAnd with that, I yield back. \u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397528", "Nadler Statement Ahead Of Vote On H.R. 4795, The \u201cProtect Economic And Academic Freedom Act Of 2026\u201d", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", "nadler", "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement ahead of House consideration of H.R. 4795:\n\n\u201cWhen the House votes on H.R. 4795, I will vote no.\n\n\u201cH.R. 4795, the so-called Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, prohibits universities from engaging in \u201cnon-expressive commercial boycotts,\u201d and requires institutions of higher education to certify they are not boycotting Israel in order to access certain federal funds.\n\n\u201cI strongly oppose the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and I ardently oppose BDS as a strategy to secure change in the Middle East. I also recognize that those who advocate for BDS can veer into antisemitism if they should use antisemitic tropes or stereotypes, hold Jews collectively responsible for Israel\u2019s actions, target or exclude Jews because they are Jewish, use opposition to Israel or Zionism as a proxy for hostility toward Jews, or advance an eliminationist vision that denies Jews in Israel equal rights, physical safety, or the ability to remain in the country as equals.\n\n\u201cBut no matter how strongly I oppose the BDS movement, I also believe that those who engage in BDS have a First Amendment right to do so. The First Amendment right to free speech does not apply only to agreeable speech. No matter how much I may disagree with BDS, and find it strategically stupid and morally repugnant, I will always fight to protect Americans\u2019 right to speech with which I disagree. It is the only way to ensure speech I do agree with is equally protected.\n\n\u201cIn my view, H.R. 4795 is a direct and gross violation of the First Amendment. The proponents of this bill hide behind an inadequately defined term of \u201cnon-expressive commercial boycotts,\u201d but, as the ACLU wrote in a letter to Congress, \u201cMany of those engaged in boycotts of Israel do so not for commercial reasons, but because they wish to express their political opposition to the policies of the Israeli government \u2013 matters of overwhelming public concern and debate in the present moment. HR 4795\u2019s labeling such boycotts as \u201cnon-expressive\u201d does nothing to change this reality.\u201d Moreover, as the Supreme Court has noted in Chiles v. Salazar, \u201cthe First Amendment is no word game. And the rights it protects cannot be renamed away or their protections nullified by \u2018mere labels.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cAdditionally, the language in H.R. 4795 treats the entire West Bank as part of Israel, erasing the Green Line and undermining efforts to promote a two-state solution. The United States and Congress must recognize the difference between the State of Israel and the territory it occupies beyond the Green Line. Imposing penalties on institutions of higher education for opposing activities that advance annexation, blur that crucially important distinction, and undermine prospects for a two-state solution would establish a deeply troubling precedent.\n\n\u201cH.R. 4795 is the latest assault by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans on American colleges and universities. Supporting this bill does nothing to support students on campus, prevent hate, or improve the reality in the Middle East. Instead, it feeds the political arson being committed by the Trump Administration against institutions of higher education and endeavors to limit Americans\u2019 First Amendment freedoms in service of Republicans\u2019 partisan political agenda.\n\n\u201cI urge my colleagues not to take the bait and to join me in voting no on H.R. 4795.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/01/joint-democratic-leadership-statement-on-rule-vote/", "JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON RULE VOTE", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/01/leader-jeffries-statement-on-pierre-damas-bel/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON\u00a0PIERRE DAMAS BEL", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/01/leader-jeffries-statement-on-republican-voter-suppression-legislation/", "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN VOTER SUPPRESSION LEGISLATION", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "UPDATE: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians\n\nOn Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians, effective July 27, 2026.\n\nIndividuals who have lost TPS may be impacted in different ways, including loss of protection from deportation and loss of work authorization. However, there may be alternative legal pathways to remain and work in the United States. To learn more about what the end of TPS means for you and your family:\n\nAll TPS holders regardless of designation should visit the USCIS website for the latest updates on their TPS status.\n\nVisit the NYC Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigration Affairs website to learn more about what the expiration of TPS status means for impacted New Yorkers. Resource documents are available in English, Arabic, French and Haitian Creole.\n\nContact the Mayor\u2019s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), whose Legal Support Centers offer free, confidential immigration legal help. Free, safe and confidential immigration legal services are available regardless of your immigration status and in your language by calling the MOIA legal support hotline at 800-354-0365 or visiting nyc.gov/knowyourrights.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://riley.house.gov/2026/09/01/house-passes-riley-bill-to-crack-down-on-china-protect-american-workers/", "HOUSE PASSES RILEY BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON CHINA, PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Josh Riley", "R000622", "riley.house.gov", "riley", "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The United States House of Representatives has passed the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act (H.R.1869), bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) to crack down on China\u2019s trade crimes and protect American workers.\n\nCompanies based in the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) routinely violate U.S. trade laws \u2013 including through fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment \u2013 to prop up China\u2019s non-market economy at the expense of American businesses and workers. Despite the scale of this criminal activity, which has cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs, the Department of Justice has chronically under-resourced its prosecution of trade crimes, allowing bad actors to operate with little fear of consequences.\n\nThe Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act closes that gap by establishing a dedicated DOJ task force to investigate and prosecute international trade crimes, and protect American workers from unfair practices.\n\n\u201cGrowing up in Endicott, I watched my family and neighbors struggle because of bad trade deals that shipped our jobs overseas to countries like China. Meanwhile, these same countries have been allowed to get away with breaking our trade laws through dumping, fraud, duty evasion, and more \u2013 further undermining American industry and hurting American workers. It\u2019s time to hold them accountable,\u201d Riley said.\n\nThe Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act:\n\nEstablishes a new task force within the DOJ\u2019s Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes.\n\nEnhances nationwide responses to trade-related offenses by providing training and technical assistance to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, expanding investigations and prosecutions, and allowing for parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.\n\nRequires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress assessing the DOJ\u2019s efforts, statistics on trade-related crimes, and fund utilization.\n\nAuthorizes $20,000,000 for FY 2025 to support these efforts with appropriate guardrails.\n\nThe legislation is backed by the American Iron and Steel Institute, Coalition for a Prosperous America, American Medical Manufacturers Association, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Forging Industry Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, North American Die Casting Association, American Shrimp Processors Association, American Mold Builders Association, Campaign for Uyghurs, and America First Policy Institute.\n\nYou can read the full bill text HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-and-pressley-co-chairs-of-the-haiti-caucus-condemn-deportation-and-dehumanization-of-haitian-nationals/", "CLARKE AND PRESSLEY, CO-CHAIRS OF THE HAITI CAUCUS, CONDEMN DEPORTATION AND DEHUMANIZATION OF HAITIAN NATIONALS", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nAugust 31, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chairs of the House Haiti Caucus, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday, thousands of Haitians are in chains because Donald Trump decided their lives are a crime. They broke no laws, yet that did not stop the Trump Administration from forcing them into the grips of Haiti\u2019s violent gangs and instability. The Trump Administration has declared Haiti unsafe to travel to, and in recent days alone, gang massacres have left dozens dead, more have been kidnapped, and some of the Haitians this administration deported have already been killed.\n\n\u201cThe American people are sickened by the suffering and blatant targeting this administration has inflicted upon thousands of Haitian nationals, who contribute to our communities and whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was unjustly taken away. Instead of listening to the American people, the Trump Administration has doubled down on its cruelty. There is no excuse for treating our neighbors with such contempt.\n\n\u201cThe deportations of Haitian TPS holders may have only started weeks ago, but the vicious dehumanization of their communities began long before. Cruelty to Haitians is a policy choice. Congress has the power to stop it. We call upon the Senate to immediately take the long overdue step of passing our legislation to restore TPS for Haiti. The lives of Haitians and Americans alike are at stake.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 24684, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"state\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "Democrat", "p2": "NY"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&party=Democrat&state=NY", "results": 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