Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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16,512 rows where party = "Democrat" and state = "MA" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/28/neal-statement-on-trumps-china-capitulation/ | Neal Statement on Trump’s China Capitulation | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced its intention to lower tariffs on China: “By every measure, President Trump’s trade war with the world has failed. Coupled with his war of choice with Iran that has sent fuel prices to historically high levels, Trump has brought nothing but higher costs for families, less opportunity for workers, chaos for small business owners, and fractured partnerships abroad. Desperate for a way out of his abysmal economic record, Trump is again selling out American workers and businesses by cowering to China when they’ve done nothing to address their manipulative trade and market behavior. “This capitulation comes as he unjustifiably doubles down on his trade war with our most important trading partners. Treating the world’s greatest trade cheat with kid gloves while socking our allies with more job-killing, price-hiking tariffs isn’t a strategy. It’s more weakness that families can’t afford. Enough of the red-carpet rollouts and backroom deals, it’s beyond time to return to sensible trade policy that actually delivers for the American people.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/28/pressley-wu-announce-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-to-protect-20-million-federal-grant-for-roxburys-street-improvements/ | Pressley, Wu Announce Lawsuit Against Trump Administration to Protect $20 Million Federal Grant for Roxbury’s Street Improvements | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | City Argues that the USDOT Illegally Withdrew Funds for Safety, Transit, Accessibility, and Traffic Flow Improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street in Roxbury BOSTON, MA – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston is filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful withdrawal of a $20 million federal grant for critical street infrastructure improvements along three major corridors in Roxbury. In 2022, Rep. Pressley helped deliver these investments which would fund safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to essential roadways in Roxbury. The grant, awarded to the City in 2022 under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, would fund the Roxbury Resilient Corridors project, including state of good repair, safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street. “These funds are an essential investment in Roxbury and the unlawful cancellation of this grant is more evidence of Sean Duffy and Donald Trump’s contempt for the people we serve,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07).“Our shared constituents should be able to get where they need to go and public transit is a public good. The law is on our side here and this lawsuit is a critical step in defense of this project that our office fought hard to secure funding for. There was no good reason to rescind these funds – DOT should reverse course so we can move this project forward, improve the daily lives of commuters, and enhance the climate resilience of at-risk communities—just as Congress intended.” “We’re fighting for every dollar of investment to improve quality of life for Roxbury residents, commuters, and businesses,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston earned this competitive grant to meet community needs and address long-needed infrastructure upgrades. The City of Boston will continue to fight back aga… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-gas-prices-remain-high-due-to-illegal-war-in-iran-senator-markey-slams-trump-for-rollback-of-fuel-economy-standards-that-save-money-lower-emissions | As Gas Prices Remain High Due to Illegal War in Iran, Senator Markey Slams Trump for Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards That Save Money, Lower Emissions | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington (September 28, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, under which automakers will only have to achieve an average fleetwide fuel economy standard of 34.5 miles per gallon by 2031. This is more than thirty percent lower than the previous standards, which required manufacturers to achieve an average fleetwide fuel economy of 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031—a standard that would have continued to save drivers money, given drivers more fuel-efficient choices at the dealership, and cut our national dependence on globally priced oil. “Strong fuel economy standards mean that Americans spend less at the gas pump, our country imports less foreign oil, drivers can choose better options at the dealership, and we are better protected from pollution, price spikes, and climate change,” said Senator Markey. “Trump’s economic and foreign policy crises are already leaving families underwater from rising gas prices—and by attacking fuel economy standards, he’s also setting fire to the lifeboat.” Senator Markey has been a fuel economy champion since standards were enabled by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which included fuel economy language co-authored by then-Rep. Markey. That law included Markey’s language that said the standard must be at least 35 mpg by 2020, and that the “maximum feasible standard” must be set every year. In June, Senator Markey introduced the Gas Money Saved Act, legislation that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to examine whether it can strengthen CAFE standards during periods of skyrocketing gas prices. The legislation would also reinstate the penalties for automakers that fail to produce fuel-efficient vehicles as options for American drivers, which were removed as part of the giveaways to corporations and the super-rich in the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill in 2025. In Feb… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3852 | Trahan, Pappas Lead Bipartisan Calls for RFK Jr. to Distribute Energy Assistance Funding Amid Rising Heating Costs | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), led dozens of colleagues in a letter to U.S Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding that funding from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) be distributed to states no later than November 1, 2026, as required by the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for FY 2027, in preparation for the coming colder season. “With a history of repeated funding delays by HHS to states, we are especially concerned for households facing high energy prices this winter who rely on LIHEAP. We appreciate the agency’s responsiveness to Congressional requests for expeditious LIHEAP fund releases over Fiscal Year 2026, but with households facing skyrocketing high energy costs, it is of the utmost importance that the agency ensures funds are released on time and without congressional intervention through Fiscal Year 2027,” the lawmakers wrote. Since February, crude oil prices have significantly increased, topping significantly more than $100 per barrel at its peaks in April 2026 and recently on September 15, 2026. These price spikes impact home heating oil prices especially, as it is refined from crude oil. While states do what they can to protect households with utility shutoff moratoriums throughout the coldest months out of the year, these moratoriums do not protect households who rely on home heating oil and face large upfront costs early in the season to fill their home heating oil tank,” the lawmakers continued.” The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income Americans pay for heating or cooling bills as well as receive emergency services during an energy crisis. During the winter season, home heating can average $2,300. Since the start of the Iran war, energy bills have risen for families across America. In the Commonwealth, home heating oil prices jumped nearly 75% from a year ago. Over the past year, Massachusetts has re… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-and-reps-jayapal-larsen-announce-legislation-to-expand-workforce-opportunities-for-communities-impacted-by-substance-use | Sen. Markey and Reps. Jayapal, Larsen Announce Legislation to Expand Workforce Opportunities for Communities Impacted by Substance Use | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) - In recognition of National Recovery Month, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today announced the reintroduction of the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, legislation that would strengthen and expand grants for community partnerships that promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and support communities affected by widespread substance use. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) lead the legislation in the House of Representatives. “For National Recovery Month, we celebrate those working to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction, and everyone who helped them along the way. Especially as families struggle to get ahead, it’s more important than ever that we help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation will strengthen community partnerships that connect people with good jobs, peer support, and mentorship, supporting lasting recovery and helping communities heal.” “Addiction and substance use are deeply tied to economic instability and the shortage of behavioral health professionals,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “Our bill takes these issues head on by investing in local organizations that help those affected by substance use gain employment and empower more people to pursue the behavioral health field. By promoting economic stability and increasing the number of healthcare specialists, we can get to the root of the substance abuse crisis and help communities across the country.” “The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation would break down barriers to employment for people in recovery and fund local organizations to address the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage. I will keep working to get this bill over the finish line and to regain momentum in the fight against the opioid crisis.”… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-merkley-lead-colleagues-to-demand-trump-administration-abandon-reckless-saudi-nuclear-deal | Senators Markey and Merkley Lead Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Abandon Reckless Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Trump deal caves to Saudi demands, fails “Gold Standard” test Letter Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding that the Trump administration abandon its reckless nuclear deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which fails the Gold Standard nonproliferation test by surrendering two key conditions: the strictest inspection standards under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Additional Protocol and denying Saudi Arabia the means to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials through uranium enrichment and/or plutonium reprocessing. The letter was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). As a U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio was among the most consistent voices warning about the dangers of giving Saudi Arabia, whose leaders have repeatedly threatened to pursue nuclear weapons, access to sensitive nuclear technology without proper safeguards. In the letter, the senators wrote, “With this deal, the Trump Administration is departing from precedent, adopting looser restrictions, and caving to Saudi demands by agreeing to a process that is all but certain to allow Riyadh to acquire the means to enrich uranium and possibly develop nuclear weapons. If the Administration is serious about preventing that outcome, it should require Riyadh to meet the Gold Standard. And likewise, if Saudi Arabia genuinely has no intention of pursuing a nuclear weapon, it should have little objection to accepting the same commitments that the UAE and other states have made: implementing an Additional Protocol and banning enrichment and reprocessing.” The senators continued, “Although not included in the agreement, media reports have suggested that the Saudi government would not have access to a U.S.-supplied and operated enrichment plant on Saudi soil. While there is no ev… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-markey-merkley-and-reps-jayapal-tlaib-pressley-reintroduce-legislation-to-halt-government-use-of-facial-recognition-and-other-biometric-technology | Sens. Markey, Merkley and Reps. Jayapal, Tlaib, Pressley Reintroduce Legislation to Halt Government Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technology | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), announced the reintroduction of the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, legislation to prohibit the government from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies. The legislation responds to the federal government’s growing use of biometric recognition technology, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mobile facial recognition app, which has been used to target immigrants and intimidate communities across the country. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults’ faces are already stored in facial recognition databases, and that Black, Brown, and Asian individuals are up to 100 times more likely to be misidentified by a facial recognition algorithm than white men. “Facial recognition and other biometric technologies in the hands of government agencies have become tools of authoritarianism. Agencies such as ICE and CBP are using this technology to track, target, intimidate and surveil communities across the country,”said Senator Markey. “Black and Brown communities — already subject to the most aggressive policing and immigration enforcement — are disproportionately affected and more likely to be wrongly flagged, detained, or targeted by a faulty facial recognition match. We must stop the Trump administration’s growing web of surveillance technology, and that starts with a moratorium on dangerous, discriminatory biometric recognition.” “Every American who values their right to privacy, stands against discrimination, and believes people are innocent until proven guilty should be concerned about facial recognition technology fueling a national surveillance state,” said Senator Merkley. “Enacting a federal moratorium on this technology is critical t… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-announces-honorees-11th-annual-peter-j-gomes-service-award | Moulton Announces Honorees for the 11th Annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Honorees from Gloucester, Saugus, Lynn, Amesbury, and Salem will be honored at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. SALEM, MA - Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) has selected five honorees for the 11th annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award. Created in 2016 by Congressman Moulton, the award recognizes the volunteer work and community contributions of constituents across Massachusetts’ 6th District. The five honorees will be honored at a public awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 PM in Salem. These five members of our community demonstrate the integrity, compassion, and commitment to community that were characterized by the Congressman’s late mentor, Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes. The late Reverend Professor Gomes was a Christian minister who served for nearly forty years in The Memorial Church of Harvard University. As a preacher, teacher, and leader, he influenced many with his wit and wisdom and, above all, with his commitment to service. Reverend Professor Gomes was Congressman Moulton’s mentor and friend, ultimately inspiring him to serve in the Marines and later to run for Congress. The award honors volunteers who demonstrate a similar level of commitment to service and community. This year’s honorees are: Prataap Patrose - Gloucester, MA Prataap is the Co-founder and President of the 100 Trees Project, a nonprofit advancing environmental equity in Gloucester, Rockport and across Cape Ann. Since 2020, he has spearheaded volunteer-driven tree planting initiatives targeting urban heat islands in public housing, parks, and thoroughfares. Partnering with local municipalities and community groups, Prataap works to transform underserved public spaces into cooler, healthier, and more resilient environments. Lorraine Sanborn - Saugus, MA Lorraine has dedicated herself to teaching English to immigrants and helping them build community. Since 2014, she has volunteered with Catholic Charities Boston's language programs in Salem and Lynn, delivering weekly lessons to nonnative speaker… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3850 | Trahan, Lofgren Introduce the bipartisan American Leadership in Fusion Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus, joined Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology, as original co-sponsor of the American Leadership in Fusion Act. The legislation would provide $10 billion in direct investments to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy. “At a time when families across the country are struggling with rising energy costs, fusion energy offers the promise of delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power. However, turning that promise into reality requires sustained investment and commitment,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This legislation will help accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy and strengthen America’s position as a global leader in this critical technology. By investing in the scientists, researchers, and companies developing the next generation of energy technology here in the United States, we can advance our clean energy goals, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our energy independence. America has always been at its best when we lead the world in innovation, and fusion is our opportunity to lead once again.” Specifically, the American Leadership in Fusion Act’s invests: $3.8 billion to build major new test facilities to address fusion materials and fuel cycle challenges. $3 billion in forward funding for a new milestone-based demonstration program for fusion. $2 billion for the current milestone-based development program for fusion. $800 million for fusion materials and fuel cycle research and development. $300 million to build and operate small and mid-sized test facilities to address research priorities identified in the 2026 DOE Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap. $100 million for R&D, demonstration, and commercial application activities to establish reliable supply chains for critical fusion energy technologies. In addition to Trahan and Lofgren, the bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Don… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-ai-agents-carry-out-attacks-senator-markey-introduces-legislation-establishing-independent-body-to-investigate-cyber-hacks-assisted-by-artificial-intelligence | As AI Agents Carry Out Attacks, Senator Markey Introduces Legislation Establishing Independent Body to Investigate Cyber Hacks Assisted by Artificial Intelligence | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 24, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations Act, legislation that would establish an independent board to investigate major cybersecurity incidents impacting critical infrastructure, including those enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). This bill establishes the Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations with subpoena authority, akin to the National Transportation Safety Board, to demand answers from companies and government agencies involved in major cybersecurity incidents and to deliver clear assessments of cyber threats and measures to prevent such threats. “Despite the unprecedented depth and scale of recent AI-enabled cyber attacks, the public is learning critical details piecemeal,” said Senator Markey. “Building stronger defenses requires a full accounting of what goes wrong, and we cannot depend on companies with little incentive to disclose their failures to give us one. We need the Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations to get to the bottom of major incidents and give companies and the government the critical information necessary to build resilience and better secure our economy and our country.” With the advancement and increasing accessibility of AI, bad actors can increase the volume and sophistication of attacks targeting our economic and national security. AI agents are now carrying out attacks without human initiation or oversight — in one incident this July, OpenAI’s AI agents circumvented a testing environment leading to a cyberattack on Hugging Face. Although OpenAI granted independent researchers access to assess the incident, the limited scope of access, data, and time provided to researchers prevented them from completing a full evaluation—including an assessment of OpenAI’s own safeguards. The Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations Act responds to these trends by granting the Board subpoena power, str… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-ocasio-cortez-reintroduce-civilian-climate-corps-for-jobs-and-justice-to-rebuild-america | Markey, Ocasio-Cortez Reintroduce Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice to Rebuild America | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager (PDF) Washington (September 24, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) today 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. “As 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,” said Senator Markey. “I 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—especially young people—from every walk of life to earn a good wage while serving their communities and working toward a climate-resilient future.” “The 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,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez. The Civilian Climate Corps fo… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/24/pressley-murray-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-coverage-of-birth-control-and-sound-alarm-on-trumps-relentless-attacks-on-contraception-family-planning/ | Pressley, Murray, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Expand Coverage of Birth Control and Sound Alarm on Trump’s Relentless Attacks on Contraception & Family Planning | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), reintroduced the bicameral Affordability is Access Act. The 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’s 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—this would significantly eliminate barriers that some patients face in accessing contraceptives prescribed by their provider. This reintroduction comes as the Trump administration continues their senseless attacks on reproductive care, family planning, and contraception. “While Trump and his Republican co-conspirators attack our bodily autonomy and make life less affordable, we’re fighting hard to protect reproductive freedom, lower costs, and ensure contraceptives are affordable nationwide,” said Rep. Pressley. “Our 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.” “I 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,” said Rep Ocasio-Cortez. “As this administration continues to attack bodily autonomy, we will continue to fight to ensure that people everywhere have access to reproductive care.” “When it comes to b… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400462 | McGovern, Ramirez lead 17 Members of Congress in asking Secretary Rubio to support international investigation of massacre of Honduran peasant farmworkers | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, along with Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) and 15 other House Members sent a letter urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to advocate with the government of Honduras for justice for the victims of a May 2026 massacre of peasant farmworkers and for a just resolution of land disputes. “Peace, stability, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and sustainable economic development in Honduras are firmly in the strategic interests of the United States,” wrote Representatives McGovern, Ramirez, and the other Members of Congress. “Violence, corruption, and impunity undermine regional stability, facilitate the expansion of criminal activity, and contribute to the conditions that drive migration.” The letter notes that the massacre in Rigores in the Lower Aguán region of Honduras comes in the context of the new Law for the Strengthening and Protection of the Agroindustrial Sector, Energy, Tourism, Livestock, and Small Agricultural Producers in Honduras that appears to favor agricultural conglomerates at the expense of small-scale farmers, jeopardizing their access to arable land and sustainable work. In the letter, the Members of Congress affirm they “believe that the United States government must support meaningful action to prevent further violence and promote accountability,” and ask that the State Department make the following requests of the Honduran government: Establish, in coordination with the UN, an international investigative commission, with the participation of local and national stakeholders, to identify all those responsible for the Rigores massacre at every level; Provide the Public Prosecutor’s Office with the resources and political will necessary to dismantle criminal organizations operating in the Lower Aguán region and ensure that all forms of collaboration, protection, or collusion involving state agents are identified, investigated, a… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/23/ahead-of-xi-visit-pressley-renews-calls-for-tariff-exemption-on-essential-baby-products/ | Ahead of Xi Visit, Pressley Renews Calls for Tariff Exemption on Essential Baby Products | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Pressley Has Repeatedly Pressed Trump Admin. to Support an Exemption, Highlighting Harmful Impact on Families with Babies and Young Children Treasury and Trump Have Said Exemption Was “Under Consideration,” and Bessent Affirmed That Last Week After Questioning from Pressley BOSTON – Today, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, renewed her calls for the Trump Administration to support an exemption to tariffs on baby products and other items that parents need to care for their kids, such as car seats. Congresswoman Pressley has repeatedly pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to support an exemption, highlighting the harmful impact of Trump’s tariffs on families with young children. Last week, during questioning from Congresswoman Pressley, Secretary Bessent told the Congresswoman to “watch this space after President Xi’s visit.” “Donald Trump’s reckless and chaotic tariff policy is continuing to wreak havoc on our economy, and families with young children are no exception. With the cost of essential baby products like car seats, strollers, and highchairs skyrocketing due to Trump’s tariffs, it’s time for the Trump Administration to stop hurting America’s families and create an exemption for these essential goods,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement. “We don’t need any more lip service from this Administration—we need action.” In a May 2025 House Financial Services Committee hearing, after sharp questioning from Congresswoman Pressley, Secretary Bessent conceded that such an exemption was “under consideration,” which was later reaffirmed by President Trump. In February 2026, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Secretary Bessent commit to his prior support for exempting baby products from Trump’s tariffs. In April 2025, Congresswoman Pressley joined 45 colleagues in sending a Congressional letter to the Trump Administration imploring them to end tariffs on essential baby goods. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/22/neal-statement-on-trumps-latest-health-care-sabotage/ | Neal Statement on Trump’s Latest Health Care Sabotage | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced plans to strip hundreds of thousands of enrollees from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace: “Republicans have already created the worst health care crisis ever, but every decision by the Trump Administration is designed to keep making it worse. As if making coverage harder to access through skyrocketing premiums and more red tape wasn’t painful enough, they’re doubling down to take it away entirely. “People don’t stop getting sick when Republicans rip coverage from them. More people will avoid care for as long as possible, show up in emergency rooms, and go into medical debt. That’s an outcome that only strains the system further and raises costs for everyone. It’s clear that the president is perfectly comfortable with that, so long as those at the top can keep cashing in.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://lynch.house.gov/2026/9/rep-stephen-f-lynch-to-host-service-academy-day-on-october-4 | Rep. Stephen F. Lynch to Host Service Academy Day on October 4 | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Stephen F. Lynch | L000562 | lynch.house.gov | lynch | https://lynch.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Boston, MA - On Sunday, October 4th, 2026, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) will host an information session at East Middle School in Braintree, MA for all high school students interested in applying to one of the United States Service Academies. All students and their families are welcome to attend. WHEN: Sunday, October 4th, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: East Middle School, 305 River Steet, Braintree, MA 02184 | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400458 | McGovern & Malliotakis Applaud Passage of Bipartisan Medically Tailored Meals Bill from Ways & Means Committee | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | For seniors living with chronic illnesses, access to nutritious food tailored to their medical needs can help them manage their conditions and improve their health. Similar programs have already shown promise in Massachusetts and across the country by providing meals designed by registered dietitians for patients with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease. The legislation creates a 6-year Medicare pilot program at 40 hospitals to deliver medically tailored meals, in partnership with trusted community-based providers, for Medicare beneficiaries who live at home and have a diet-impacted disease like diabetes or heart failure after they leave the hospital. The meals are medically tailored, meaning they are designed by nutritionists to accommodate the specific health needs of a patient. The legislation is budget neutral with no additional cost to taxpayers. "For years, I’ve traveled across Massachusetts and the country learning from experts about how we can help improve nutrition and health outcomes. Incredible providers like Community Servings in Boston, God’s Love We Deliver in New York City, and many others from coast to coast have taught me about the life-saving benefits of Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs),” said Rep. McGovern. “You can’t be healthy if you’re hungry—and that’s why I'm proud to author this legislation with Rep. Malliotakis to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital visits, and save billions of dollars in healthcare spending. It’s a big step forward in our fight for a country where no one goes to bed hungry and everyone has access to the affordable, quality healthcare they deserve.” “I’m pleased to see our bipartisan Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act pass the Ways and Means Committee to help seniors who have difficulty shopping or cooking on their own receive healthy meals,” said Rep. Malliotakis. "For seniors living with serious chronic illnesses, access to nutritious meals tailored to their medical needs can help them better manage their… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400457 | McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, Walkinshaw Urge Trump Administration: Do Not Deport People Back to Persecution and Torture in China | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Lawmakers Make Letter Public So Attorneys Can Use It to Support At-Risk Uyghur, Hong Konger, Tibetan and Chinese Asylum Seekers Held in ICE Detention WASHINGTON—Yesterday, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the Trump Administration to protect people who have fled repression in China and could face persecution or torture if they are sent back. McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, and Walkinshaw all serve on the CECC—a congressional commission that monitors and documents human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In the letter, the lawmakers called on the U.S. government to stop the practice of detaining at-risk individuals, release those currently in detention, prohibit them from being deported to the PRC, and give fair and timely consideration of their applications for asylum. “Many people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge,” the Members wrote. “They should be given every opportunity to apply for asylum if they have not yet done so and given fair and timely consideration of such application for asylum or other protection. Under no circumstances should at-risk individuals be deported to the PRC.” The Members also made the letter public so immigration attorneys and advocates can use it in cases involving Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans and others who fear persecution if returned to China. “There are likely many more detainees at ICE facilities, perhaps lacking representation, who fear deportation to a country run by a government that seeks to do them harm,” the Members continued. “There are perhaps others who have already been sent back to the PRC who are now experiencing persecution, torture … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-home-heating-season-approaches-senator-markey-joins-colleagues-to-urge-trump-admin-to-swiftly-release-liheap-funding | As Home-Heating Season Approaches, Senator Markey Joins Colleagues to Urge Trump Admin to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Funding | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter Text (PDF) Washington (September 18, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) this week joined Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Appropriators worked on a bipartisan basis to make roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year. The senators call on HHS to swiftly distribute LIHEAP aid before winter home-heating bills arrive in order to help states and eligible households manage their energy costs. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The program is targeted to assist vulnerable households facing high energy burdens—the share of a household’s income that goes toward their energy bills. Low-income homes generally spend the biggest percentage of their income on utility bills. However, factors such as income, weather, housing stock, fuel type, and energy-efficiency can all impact a household’s energy burden. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the 31 U.S. Senators wrote. In addition to Senators Markey, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Chris Coons (D-Del), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.M.), Chuck Schumer (… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-leader-schumer-rep-cohen-reintroduce-legislation-to-give-airline-passengers-right-to-cash-refunds-for-significant-flight-delays-cancellations | Sen. Markey, Leader Schumer, Rep. Cohen Reintroduce Legislation to Give Airline Passengers Right to Cash Refunds for Significant Flight Delays, Cancellations | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 18, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), this week reintroduced the Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act, legislation that would require major airlines to give passengers a cash refund if the airline cancels or significantly delays their flight, and creates a new right for consumers to receive a cash refund if the passenger cancels their flight up to 48 hours ahead of the flight’s scheduled departure. Senator Markey fought hard to ensure the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 included several provisions requiring airlines to provide refunds to consumers when delays or cancellations are the fault of the airline. The law also required that vouchers offered in lieu of a refund be valid for at least five years. The Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act reaffirms and builds on these important provisions. “For too long, passengers have been told to cover the cost of the airlines’ mistakes, while also paying exorbitant fees for carry-on bags or seat selection. No more,” said Senator Markey. “In 2023, the Biden administration took one step forward and adopted my rule to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, but the Trump administration took three steps back and pandered to the airline CEO billionaires. It’s time to make the refunds permanent and stop airlines from soaring away with travelers’ hard-earned cash.” “When travelers pay for a ticket, they deserve the basic guarantee that if the airline fails to deliver the flight they paid for, they can get their hard-earned cash back,” said Leader Schumer. “The Trump administration has repeatedly put airlines’ profits over the pocket books of American passengers, leaving families holding the bag by rolling back commonsense consumer protections. If an airline cancels your flight or significantly delays your trip, you should get your money back—end of story.” “Th… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-rep-cohen-reintroduces-legislation-to-stop-bloated-airline-fees-and-expand-passenger-protections | Sen. Markey, Rep. Cohen Reintroduces Legislation to Stop Bloated Airline Fees and Expand Passenger Protections | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 18, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, this week reintroduced the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act, legislation that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to set a rule preventing airlines from setting bloated fees that far exceed the costs incurred by the airlines. Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) leads the legislation in the House of Representatives. “It’s outrageous that travelers have to pay a small fortune in fees for a carry-on bag or to sit with their children, when the true cost to the airlines is far less than what they charge in hidden fees,” said Senator Markey. “As airlines take their ridiculous fees to new heights, I’m proud to reintroduce the FAIR Fees Act, an important step to slash excessive airline fees, enact cost-saving protections, and put consumers first instead of airline CEO billionaires.” “Air travelers frequently tell me about unreasonable fees for schedule changes or baggage fees that appear out of line with the likely true cost to the airlines for providing these services. It’s well past time we have an objective assessment of these fees with the expectation that they will either be justified as reasonable or reduced or eliminated,” said Congressman Cohen. “The process of buying a plane ticket has become bloated with hidden fees at every turn,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at National Consumers League. “Many of these charges are inflated beyond any tangible cost associated with providing the service and exist solely to pad carriers’ earnings. The FAIR Fees Act would significantly rein in this practice and protect consumers from incessant nickel and diming.” “We all know air travelers are subject to severe sticker shock when junk fees are added to base fares,” said William J. McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel at American Economic Liberties Project. “But there are also pro… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/18/neal-larson-davis-demand-bisignano-answer-for-social-security-staffing-crisis/ | Neal, Larson, Davis Demand Bisignano Answer for Social Security Staffing Crisis | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA), alongside Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (D-IL), wrote today to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, to demand he answer for the staffing crisis taking hold at SSA after delivering seemingly contradictory testimony before the Ways and Means Committee earlier this year. During his testimony, Commissioner Bisignano asserted that SSA has “the right amount of staff in the right places,” that they’ve “reduced workload in field offices by the equivalent of 600 work years,” and that “we committed to never close a field office.” However, reports by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council 220, representing approximately 25,000 SSA employees, contradict him. The union told Congress that severely understaffed field offices are operating as “ghost offices” and record-low morale have created the worst staffing crisis in SSA’s history. The union noted that the Administration has forced out roughly one in seven SSA employees nationwide. “During the hearing, you testified that you are delivering ‘the best all-around performance ever at the Social Security Administration,’” the Democratic lawmakers wrote. “Unfortunately, the experience on the ground as reported by our constituents and as highlighted by AFGE Council 220 in its statement contradicts this testimony.” The lawmakers requested Commissioner Bisignano answer by October 2, 2026, for the crisis afoot amidst an effort to “trample on the rights of unionized employees.” The questions probe the changes in SSA’s workplace policy, criteria used to reassign employees and its effect on customer service, and canceling of previously agreed upon employee accommodations. The Democrats demanded to know what notice is given to SSA employees regarding changes to their employment, and what steps are taken to ensure reasonable accommodation and Fa… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/09/17/whip-clark-democrats-will-put-people-first-in-the-peoples-house/ | Whip Clark: Democrats Will Put “People First in the People’s House” | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33) for a press availability on House Democrats’ fight for an affordable America and Republicans’ refusal to lower costs for working families. Below are excerpts of her remarks: On Republicans Making Life More Expensive: “We have 47 days ’til we have a referendum on 47’s economic failure. “There were two fundamental promises made by the Republican Party and Donald Trump: ‘We’ll bring down costs on day one’ and ‘no new wars.’ Both of those promises have been broken. And what are we seeing across this country? Families who are struggling. “The metaphors I hear all the time have to do with drowning. ‘I can’t keep my head above water. We’re drowning in our bills. We are treading water and not making it.’ Americans can’t work any harder. They need a government that is working for them. That is the promise of the Democratic Caucus. “We see your family, and we are going to fight for you. We’re going to fight to lower those costs. Of groceries, of housing, of childcare and elder care. We’re going to make sure that when you need a doctor, you can afford to go to one, and it can be close by to where you live. “As the Leader said, there is a cost-of-living price paid for corruption. And we are going to hold them accountable. What we have seen is a bargain that always puts the American people last. “They stripped away healthcare to the tune of $1 trillion. And then they said, ‘Corporations and the very wealthiest people in this country, they will benefit.’ And what have we seen? Healthcare costs skyrocket. In one third of all our counties, there are no OB/GYNs or a safe place to have a baby. And the cost of having a baby continues to go out of reach. The cost of having a baby in this country! “And corporate tax revenues have fallen by 25% — that’s $96 billion — while the American people are working at multiple jobs just trying to get by. That is a bargain that w… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/17/news-with-unemployment-rising-under-trump-pressley-renews-call-for-federal-job-guarantee/ | NEWS: With Unemployment Rising Under Trump, Pressley Renews Call for Federal Job Guarantee | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Historic Resolution Follows in Footsteps of Civil Rights Leaders Coretta Scott King, Economist Sadie Alexander, and Others Job Guarantee Would Provide Critical Safety Net, Good-Paying Union Jobs, and Close Income Gap Resolution Text (PDF) | Resolution Summary (PDF) WASHINGTON – Today, with unemployment surging under Donald Trump, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, reintroduced her historic resolution calling for a federal job guarantee. The resolution, which builds on the legacy and work of Black women in the civil rights movement, would help the United States achieve the promise of full employment, establish a more resilient and inclusive economy, and begin to close racial and gender income gaps. Congresswoman Pressley has consistently called for the Federal Reserve to enforce its dual mandate for maximum employment and address the crisis of Black unemployment, particularly Black women’s unemployment. “With Black folks being pushed out of the workforce and unemployment rates at their highest since the COVID-19 pandemic, we need a Federal Job Guarantee now more than ever,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “A federal job guarantee is a central and unfulfilled demand of the civil rights movement and I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of civil rights icons like Coretta Scott King and Sadie Alexander to keep pushing for this historic resolution, which would support working families of every background, help America reach full employment, and help achieve long-term economic security for all.” A federal job guarantee would provide every person with an enforceable legal right to a quality job. Extending beyond a project-based approach, the resolution calls for the creation of federal jobs that meet long-neglected community, physical and human infrastructure needs, such as delivering quality care for children and seniors, building and sustaining 21st century transit systems, strengthening neighborhoods, and protecting the environment. Funded by the federal… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3849 | Trahan Secures $180 Million Authorization for MA-03 Sewage System Upgrades | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) voted to advance the bipartisan 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), reauthorizing federal investments in water infrastructure projects across the country and in Massachusetts. The legislation authorized $180 million in federal funding for communities in the Third District, including $90 million split equally among Fitchburg, Lawrence, and Methuen, plus $90 million for Lowell and Haverhill. Compared to 2024 funding levels, this legislation would increase Lowell’s authorization from $30 million to $40 million and Haverhill’s from $30 million to $50 million. The additional funding could help address Haverhill’s combined sewer system challenges in the wake of this summer’s main sewer failure. “For too long, Washington has passed the buck on costly water upgrades to communities like ours that can't afford them. The result is decades of delay while sewage spills into our rivers every heavy storm. Families deserve better,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This authorization puts real support within reach for our gateway cities. I look forward to partnering with our local, state, and federal leaders to turn this authorization into real dollars for our communities.” Reauthorized by Congress every two years, the Water Resources Development Act provides an opportunity to ensure federal investments in local water infrastructure and development projects reflect the needs of communities. Lowell alone has invested over $150 million in CSO projects that have reduced the annual volume of overflows from the Lowell system and drastically reduced street flooding. Many older cities, including communities across Massachusetts, were built with combined sewer systems. During heavy rain or snowmelt, these systems can become overwhelmed, causing untreated wastewater and stormwater to flow directly into rivers and other waterways. These combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a major source of water pollution in cities with aging water infrastructure. Following July’s main sewer line failur… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-and-senator-budd-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-chinas-wrongful-detention-of-american-academics-including-massachusetts-constituent-dr-youlin-chen | Senator Markey and Senator Budd Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning China’s Wrongful Detention of American Academics, Including Massachusetts Constituent Dr. Youlin Chen | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Resolution Text (PDF) Washington (September 17, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), along with Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), today introduced a bipartisan resolution that condemns the People’s Republic of China’s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of American academics and urges the United States government to prioritize the safe return of all United States citizens wrongfully detained in China, including Massachusetts resident and academic Dr. Youlin Chen, and American scholar Min Zin. Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08) and Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China (MI-02), led a companion resolution in the House of Representatives. The resolution expresses that the Senate: Condemns the People’s Republic of China’s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of United States citizens. Urges the United States government to make the safe return of United States citizens detained in China a top priority, including the return of Dr. Chen and Min Zin. Urges the Secretary of State to use all available tools to press for the release of all United States nationals being unlawfully or wrongfully detained in the People’s Republic of China. “The wrongful detainment of innocent civilians is never justifiable and should always be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We owe it to the American people to stand up and speak out when our citizens are wrongfully detained in foreign prisons. It is my hope that this bipartisan resolution from the United States Congress will bring increased attention to the unjust detention of Dr. Youlin Chen and Min Zin and force the Chinese government to do the right thing and release them immediately. I am praying for Dr. Chen, Mr. Zin, and their families today,” said Senator Markey. “The Chinese Communist Party’s pattern of unjustly detaining innocent Americans on baseless allegations cannot carry on unchecked. It is long past time for the CCP to return A… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-introduces-joint-resolution-of-disapproval-on-us-weapons-sales-to-saudi-arabia | Senator Markey Introduces Joint Resolution of Disapproval on U.S. Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Resolution Text (PDF) Washington (September 17, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, along with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), this week introduced a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) for the Trump administration’s proposed sale of conventional weapons to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The weapons include thousands of joint direct attack munitions (JDAMs) and five thousand 2,000-pound bombs. Separately, the Trump administration recently submitted an agreement on U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation to Congress—as is required by law—but has classified two important side letters, which is unprecedented. Because the side letters affect the obligations and operation of the underlying agreement, Congress and the public cannot fully assess what the United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to without seeing them. On September 16, Senators Markey and Merkley led a bipartisan group of senators to press the Trump administration to declassify and publicly release the two side letters accompanying the proposed U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement, referred to as a “123 agreement.” “The United States must not send thousands of conventional weapons to Saudi Arabia or allow it to develop a nuclear program. I am deeply concerned by the Kingdom’s human rights abuses, the security of the region as the war in Iran rages on, and the proxy war that is escalating between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Yemen. Further escalation in the Saudi-Iran proxy war will worsen an already dire humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen and risks setting off a nuclear arms race between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” said Senator Markey. As a founder of the national Nuclear Freeze movement, Senator Markey has long been the Congressional leader on ending the proliferation of nuclear weapons. On July 31, Senators Markey and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) along with Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08), co-chairs of the Nuclear We… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/16/pressley-bill-to-support-renters-passes-out-of-committee-by-a-vote-of-47-2/ | Pressley Bill to Support Renters Passes Out of Committee by a Vote of 47-2 | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Pressley Bill to Support Renters Passes Out of Committee by a Vote of 47-2 House Financial Services Committee September 16, 2026 Thank you. My bill, the Eviction Helpline Act, creates a seven-year pilot program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to create and promote a national hotline for people facing eviction. I want to thank Chairman Hill for including this legislation in today’s markup, and Ranking Member Waters for her continued support and partnership over the years on this priority. In my district, the Massachusetts Seventh, and throughout the nation, evictions can be destabilizing life events. Evictions impact everyone: children, women, people of color, veterans, and the elderly. Pregnant women facing low birth weights due to housing instability, children in school at increased risk of illness due to unhealthy living conditions, parents missing work to negotiate with their landlord in the court hallway, and even our elders who are part of the growing gray wave simply because they cannot find an affordable place to live. Housing is a human right. It is health. It is dignity. It is stability and community. Every single person needs access to a quality home that they can actually afford. No matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, you likely know someone that struggled with paying rent because a corporation hiked up the cost unfairly. A 2024 Federal Reserve report found that corporate investors increased rates 60% higher than the average rate. That’s why this eviction hotline is so important—so that these families know they are not fighting alone and can know their rights as tenants and get help even before an eviction is filed. I serve as Vice-Chair of the Renters Caucus, which I like to think of as the Pathway to Homeownership Caucus. Renting is an essential part of the housing journey for millions of adults throughout the country and my bill, the Eviction Helpline Act, can help tenants achieve their dream of homeownership. This national hotline serves as a one-st… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3847 | Trahan, Beyer Lead Bipartisan Push for House Leaders to Act Immediately on Artificial Intelligence | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA-07), a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, led a bipartisan group of 10 congressional leaders on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pressing House leadership to take immediate, urgent action to address risks posed by this rapidly advancing technology. The push came in the wake of the OpenAI agent cyberattacks on Hugging Face and subsequent warnings from leaders and researchers at prominent AI companies about the societal and existential risks posed by unrestrained advances in the technology. In addition to Trahan and Beyer, the letter was signed by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA-33), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16). “We call for your joint leadership on an urgent Congressional response to recent incidents involving advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models that have profound implications for economic and national security. Congress has a singular opportunity to respond swiftly and effectively to these warning shots before true catastrophes occur,” the lawmakers wrote. “Congress must urgently advance legislation to mitigate the risk of more serious incidents, especially those that could threaten critical infrastructure, our financial system, and other institutions that every American depends on.” “The House of Representatives could and should immediately take up legislation that would strengthen AI oversight, security, and transparency. There currently exist dozens of bipartisan bills that committees of jurisdiction have reported. Members of both parties have also worked in recent months to fast-track bipartisan legislation that is ready to be considered by committees of jurisdiction. We believe these bills should be carefully and urgently advanced through the legislative process,” the lawmakers continued. A cop… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3848 | Trahan Votes to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Price Hikes | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, voted to pass the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that gives state utility regulators clear standards to make sure large-load customers, including new data centers or information storage facilities, pay for the infrastructure they need. It requires companies to cover the full cost of any additional grid upgrades over time and provide financial guarantees, protecting ratepayers if a data center scales back its operations or shuts down entirely. Trahan also helped pass the legislation when it was considered in the Energy and Commerce Committee in July. “Families are being squeezed by rising costs across the board. The last thing they need is a data center driving up their utility bills and making it even harder to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Ratepayer Protection Act says that if you build a data center, you pay for the data center, including the infrastructure and utility costs that too often get passed onto residents. Communities across the country have made it clear they aren’t going to tolerate these facilities driving up their utility costs and impacting their quality of life. Congress should build on this progress by codifying Governor Healey’s effort to ensure communities have a real say in if and when these facilities.” Large scale data centers or information storage facilities that use 100 megawatts or more require extensive cooling systems that are necessary to keep servers from overheating. These cooling systems can account for as much as 40% of a data center's total electricity use. These data centers can use even more electricity during summer months or during heat waves where electric grids are already under strain and electricity is under more demand. Recent studies examining the impact of growing data center demand found that wholesale electricity prices increased by 6% to 29% on average nationwide, with increases of up to 57% in the regions most affected, compared wi… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-merkley-bipartisan-group-of-senators-trump-administration-must-release-all-documents-from-us-saudi-nuclear-deal | Markey, Merkley, Bipartisan Group of Senators: Trump Administration Must Release All Documents from U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter Text (PDF) Washington (September 16, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today led a bipartisan group of Senators to press the Trump administration to declassify and publicly release the two side letters accompanying the proposed U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement, referred to as a “123 agreement.” The Trump administration recently submitted the 123 agreement to Congress—as is required by law—but while the agreement references the side letters, the letters themselves are classified at the lowest possible level, which is unprecedented. Because the side letters affect the obligations and operation of the underlying agreement, Congress and the public cannot fully assess what the United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to without seeing them. “Congress has a statutory responsibility under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to review the proposed nuclear deal, which seeks to facilitate nuclear cooperation with significant implications for U.S. national security interests. Access to the full text is required for the Senate and the public to have a clear understanding of the commitments being made on the nation’s behalf and those being made by Saudi Arabia to the United States,” wrote the bipartisan group of Senators in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The side letters affect the obligations and operations of the underlying agreement and cannot be viewed in isolation from it; the President’s own transmission letter to Congress states that the agreement “…was concluded with two accompanying side letters.” Their public release would also allow civil society, independent experts, and other affected stakeholders to scrutinize the deal.” They emphasized, “Transparency and open debate are cornerstones of our democracy. Congress and the American public must have a meaningful opportunity to review and debate the key components … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-markey-and-cruz-applaud-house-passage-of-legislation-to-keep-am-radio-in-new-vehicles | Sens. Markey and Cruz Applaud House Passage of Legislation to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington (September 16, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Commerce Committee, today celebrated the House of Representatives’ passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge. House passage comes after Senators Markey and Cruz secured 60 cosponsors in the Senate earlier this year. “This vote sends a clear message to car manufacturers that AM Radio is a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is an essential communication tool for tens of millions of Americans. It is now time for the Senate to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and for this legislation to become law so AM radio remains a trusted and essential resource for commuters and communities across the country.” In April 2025, Senators Markey and Cruz celebrated securing a filibuster-proof 60 Senate cosponsors for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in February 2025. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/16/neal-on-the-house-floor-the-american-people-cant-afford-congress-to-hand-trump-more-tariff-power/ | Neal on the House Floor: The American People Can’t Afford Congress to Hand Trump More Tariff Power | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WATCH HERE (As prepared for delivery) M/ Speaker, I rise today not only because I’m concerned about what this bill would do to the people but also because of what a stain it will be on this institution. My Republican colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee don’t even see the surrender of our constitutional authority as enough of a threat to participate in this debate. This is not the time to bury one’s head in the sand and hope for the best. You cannot look at this president and conclude that he won’t abuse any new tariff authority. We had to fight all the way to the Supreme Court to constrain his IEEPA tariffs. We know very clearly what happens when this President is handed unchecked power, and the American people know it too. He weaponized tariffs. He threatened allies. He started petty trade wars. All while forcing the people to “hang in there” as prices have skyrocketed. And stunningly, Republicans have looked at that record and decided, yet again, to forfeit the prerogative of Congress and hand Trump even more power. This bill is a tariff tyrant’s fantasy come true. This bill hands this Administration the ability to put up to 100 percent tariffs on any good, using whatever rationale he wants, on any country this Administration wishes to target. And from what we’ve seen recently, it’s clear this president has all the incentive to let Russia off the hook and punish our allies to extort whatever concessions he fancies at a given time. He conveniently exempted Russia last year from his “Liberation Day” tariffs. And now look what he is doing to Canada – 50% tariffs on our closest ally because their Prime Minister stood up to the illegal tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down. Look how he threatened Brazil and Greenland. This president is hellbent on using his presidency to amass more power to enrich himself on the backs of you and me. Using data from the Yale Budget Lab, this bill could raise the cost to the average American household by over $8,000 a year. So, I ask my colleagues: can fam… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/16/neal-opening-statement-at-full-committee-markup/ | Neal Opening Statement at Full Committee Markup | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | (As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Families have had it with the harm of Republican leadership and the broken promises of a President who only looks out for himself. Since January of last year, House Republicans in this Committee and this Congress have surrendered their responsibility as an equal branch of government, twisting themselves into an arm of the White House and allowing President Trump to walk all over them, seize their power, and force them to advance dangerous policies that are hurting their constituents. We just watched the price of record-high diesel climb even higher. Major retailers are being forced to ration oil sales because of how Trump is squeezing them. Inflation, fueled by Trump’s war and tariffs, continues to wipe out wage gains and send consumer sentiment to the pits. And yet, as we sit here for the last meeting of Committee business for at least seven weeks, Republicans still haven’t put anything in front of us to put a stop to the economic fallout. The cost of their inaction grows by the day. Stunningly, Republicans have looked at this reality, yet again decided to forfeit the prerogative of the Committee, and move forward with legislation to supercharge the president’s tariff authority. Raising tariffs up to 100%! And more than $8,000 in higher costs to the average household according to analysis from the Yale Budget Lab. To my colleagues, can families in your district afford that? It’s not that the opportunities to bring relief haven’t been there. Republicans have been given chance after chance to work with Democrats to turn off the tariffs, end Trump’s war, and lower health care costs. They’ve turned away every time. Now, the people are living with the consequences: record high prices at the gas pump, in the doctor’s office, at the grocery store, and everywhere else they turn. Meanwhile, the President is nearly $5 billion richer and let Russian oligarchs bankroll his son’s wedding. Americans aren’t asking for much, and it’s outrageous Republicans have let it g… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/16/neal-statement-on-sanctions-bill-vote/ | Neal Statement on Sanctions Bill Vote | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Neal Statement on Trump’s Latest Health Care Sabotage WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement... Neal, Larson, Davis Demand Bisignano Answer for Social Security Staffing Crisis WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA), alongside Social Security... Neal Opening Statement at Full Committee Markup (As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Families have had it with the harm of Republican... Neal on the House Floor: The American People Can’t Afford Congress to Hand Trump More Tariff Power WATCH HERE (As prepared for delivery) M/ Speaker, I rise today not only because I’m concerned about what this bill... Neal, Meeks, Beyer Statement on Russia Sanctions Legislation WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee... Neal Makes Sixth Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to Southbridge Southbridge, MA — Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Southbridge Town Manager Jack Jovan and town... Neal Statement on August 2026 Jobs Report SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following... Neal Statement on Trump Administration’s Racist Weaponization of the IRS SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following... Neal Statement at Full Committee Hearing on Critical Resources and Supply Chains (As submitted for the record) President Trump has spent his term running the economy into the ground. Despite... | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-auchincloss-houchin-introduce-bipartisan-16-and-up-social-media-act-to-keep-kids-under-16-off-addictive-social-media-platforms | Reps. Auchincloss, Houchin Introduce Bipartisan 16 & Up Social Media Act to Keep Kids Under 16 Off Addictive Social Media Platforms | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Jake Auchincloss | A000148 | auchincloss.house.gov | auchincloss | https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss) Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN), co-chairs of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Caucus, introduced the 16 & Up Social Media Act to establish a national age standard of 16 for social media platforms. Social media companies are the merchants and miners of digital dopamine, spending hundreds of billions of dollars annually to manipulate, monetize, and attention-frack America’s youth. Platforms built on infinite scroll, autoplay, push alerts, and personalized feeds are designed to keep users hooked. Children are the least equipped to resist these algorithms, as their prefrontal cortices — which are vital for controlling behavior — remain underdeveloped. The 16 & Up Social Media Act sets and enforces a minimum age of 16 for social media use, protecting children from these addictive platforms. The 16 & Up Social Media Act: Sets a national age standard of 16: Prohibits covered social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts. Focuses on design features: Applies strictly to platforms that use engagement-driven design features (like infinite scroll and personalized feeds) to target users. It does not regulate content. Ensures privacy and accountability: Mandates the deletion of children's data upon account termination and requires platforms to implement a clear, five-day appeals process for any account closures. “Social media corporations addict children for profit,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “The exploitation must stop. Our kids deserve their childhoods back.” “Every parent knows the feeling of watching a child disappear into a screen,” said Rep. Houchin. “These platforms were engineered by the smartest people in the world to hold attention, and they are winning that fight against our kids. Studies show that sixteen is the right line. This bill draws it clearly, applies it to every platform that uses these addictive features, and puts real enforce… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://keating.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/keating-report-reveals-trump-admins-corrupt-policies-bosnia-and | KEATING REPORT REVEALS TRUMP ADMIN’S CORRUPT POLICIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | William R. Keating | K000375 | keating.house.gov | keating | https://keating.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Bill Keating (MA-09) released an oversight report entitled “Pay for Play in the Balkans: How the Trump Administration’s Bosnia Policy Enriches the President’s Personal Allies and Shortchanges the American People.” This report, the result of almost a yearlong investigation, demonstrates how the Trump administration’s decisions to delist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and facilitate the concession for the Southern Interconnection Gas Pipeline have made millions for Trump’s friends while undermining U.S. interests in the Balkans. “President Trump has fostered an environment of corruption in the White House that is spilling over into his dealings around the world. In Bosnia, I believe the Trump administration’s decisions regarding Milorad Dodik and the Southern Interconnection Gas Pipeline have furthered this corruption and enabled the president’s cronies to profit millions. Meanwhile, the administration has disregarded the Dayton Peace Accords and upended 30 years of U.S. policy in Bosnia,” said Ranking Member Keating. “This report represents one part of House Democrats’ efforts to conduct meaningful oversight of the Trump administration’s corrupt policies and fight back against this administration’s dangerous and damaging foreign policy, something Republicans, who control both chambers, have neglected over the past 18 months.” The full report, which outlines 1) the delisting of Dodik, 2) the concession for the Southern Interconnection Gas Pipeline, and 3) the impact of these decisions on the issue of state property, can be found here. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), as well as Europe Subcommittee Democrats Dina Titus (NV-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Julie Johnson (TX-32), and Sarah McBride (DE-AL) also joined the report. | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-moultons-war-powers-resolution-reclaim-congressional-authority | House Passes Moulton’s War Powers Resolution to Reclaim Congressional Authority to Declare War | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives tonight passed Congressman Seth Moulton's (MA-06) War Powers Resolution, voting 220-204 to reclaim Congress’s authority to end Donald Trump’s war with Iran. The resolution was cosponsored by 14 House Democrats, including 13 Democratic veterans, reflecting deep concern within the ranks of those who have served about a war that Congress never authorized. The resolution's passage comes six months after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared a "capital V military victory" in Iran, a claim undercut by continued American casualties, an Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, rising gas prices, and a nuclear program that remains intact. Eighteen U.S. servicemembers have been killed and American military installations have come under direct attack since the conflict began, at a cost exceeding $38 billion according to an estimate today by the Congressional Budget Office. "By the Trump Administration's own metrics, Iran is winning and America is losing,” said Congressman Moulton. “Tonight, Congress did its job under the Constitution and said enough is enough. People at home are hurting because of skyrocketing costs, and our troops’ lives are in danger in a war that never should have happened. We will keep the pressure up until Trump folds." The other 14 House Democrats cosponsoring the resolution are: Reps. Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jason Crow (CO-6), Jared Golden (ME-2), Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Mike Thompson (CA-4), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Eugene Vindman (VA-7). ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/15/pressley-unveils-first-of-its-kind-bill-to-establish-financial-relief-for-epstein-survivors-survivors-of-sexual-violence/ | Pressley Unveils First-Of-Its-Kind Bill to Establish Financial Relief for Epstein Survivors & Survivors of Sexual Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Legislation Addresses Financial Burden for Survivors Whose Rights Were Violated by Federal Gov’t, Including Lost Income, Medical Costs, Housing Stability, Trauma As a Survivor of Sexual Abuse, Pressley Has Led Calls for Accountability, Highlighted Economic & Emotional Harm Borne by Epstein Survivors Bill Text | Bill Summary | Press Conference | Photos WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act, first-of-its-kind legislation that would create a restitution fund in the judicial branch for survivors of sexual violence whose rights were violated by the federal government, including all survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Congresswoman Pressley announced this historic proposal alongside survivors and survivors’ rights advocates at a press conference on Capitol Hill. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and recently discussed the long-lasting economic and emotional harms that Epstein survivors continue to carry while rarely seeing meaningful accountability. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act would create a historic investment to support survivors of sexual violence and hold the federal government accountable when it fails to protect survivors’ rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. The estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim. This legislation would address the burden survivors carry, including significant long-term economic and non-economic impacts of sexual violence, from lost income and medical costs to housing instability and enduring trauma. “The financial, physical, and emotional trauma that survivors of sexual violence carry is a lifetime sentence,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By no choice of their own, survivors can incur debilitating costs due to medical needs, lost income, housing instability, and mental health support. Far too often, the… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/15/watch-pressley-blasts-treasury-secretary-over-trumps-affordability-crisis-skyrocketing-costs-for-families/ | WATCH: Pressley Blasts Treasury Secretary Over Trump’s Affordability Crisis, Skyrocketing Costs for Families | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Pressley Blasts Treasury Secretary Over Trump’s Affordability Crisis, Skyrocketing Costs for Families House Financial Services Committee September 15, 2026 REP. PRESSLEY: Mr. Secretary, I want to continue where we left off the last time you testified before this committee. As you know, hundreds of thousands of Black workers have been pushed out of the workforce, and unemployment rates over the last year haven’t been this high since the COVID-19 pandemic. To put it simply, more people are out of work now than they were before Trump took office in 2025. Secretary Bessent, in February, you testified under oath that you would analyze Black unemployment data and report back on its impacts to the financial stability of the U.S. economy. Have you begun working on this report yet? SEC. BESSENT: I will check with my staff. I have not seen it. REP. PRESSLEY: Can you make a commitment to honor what you said on the record under oath? SEC. BESSENT: Of course. REP. PRESSLEY: Okay. And when can I expect that report? SEC. BESSENT: I will check with my staff, and they will communicate to you a date certain. REP. PRESSLEY: Secretary Bessent, let me be frank here. Something that is having this sort of impact. At one point, there were 300,000 Black women who have been pushed out of the workforce, most of them from the federal government, devastating many black families, in that 80% of those families, Black women, are the primary breadwinner. So this is something of great consequence. I have to also say, again being frank, that you’re on thin ice with me because you sat here in the midst of the tariffs conversation, and I asked for you to be a partner in pushing for an exemption of baby products, and you told me that I had a partner in you in that advocacy, and nothing came of that. So twice you’ve come before this committee made a commitment under oath, and you’ve not followed up. SEC. BESSENT: I would say watch this space after President Xi’s visit. REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, I don’t know what that means, but … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-delivers-opening-remarks-select-committee-china-hearing-human-rights | Moulton Delivers Opening Remarks at Select Committee on China Hearing on Human Rights in China Ahead of Xi’s Visit to Washington | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) delivered opening remarks at the House Select Committee on China hearing examining human rights in the People’s Republic of China ahead of President Trump’s upcoming summit with Xi Jinping in Washington. The hearing focused on U.S. policy responses to the Chinese government's oppression of Uyghur and Tibetan populations, crackdown on Hong Kong, and broader civil rights restrictions. Congressman Moulton’s opening remarks as delivered are below: “Serving on the Select Committee on China – the full name of the committee is the Select Committee on Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. “The verb there is competition. And the competition between the United States and China is not just for economic dominance or military dominance; it's for leadership, and it comes down to not just which country is stronger, but which country has the values that the rest of the world wants to follow. “That's really what's at stake: who will lead the world, not just from power, but values. “China under Xi Jinping has spent the past decade and a half systematically eroding the rights of everyone living in China. For most of that time, the United States has pushed back in a strongly bipartisan manner. “We engaged on the genocide of Uyghurs in one of the most effective pieces of legislating the U.S. Congress has ever done on a human rights issue with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. “And then under this presidency, we stopped trying. This administration has canceled dozens of grant programs supporting civil society, pro-democracy programming, and independent journalism that were actively undermining the CCP's efforts to suppress independent thought in China. “This administration is uniquely good at shooting themselves in the foot. But the decision to gut the U.S. Agency for Global Media was, even for them, a historically tragic decision. “This is an institution that, for a very small amount of money, dramatically shaped the world's informa… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-epas-repeal-of-power-plant-greenhouse-gas-emission-standards-and-proposal-to-abdicate-responsibility-for-addressing-the-danger-of-climate-change-from-the-power-sector | Senator Markey Statement on EPA’s Repeal of Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Proposal to Abdicate Responsibility for Addressing the Danger of Climate Change from the Power Sector | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington (September 14, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its repeal of the 2024 greenhouse gas emission standards for existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants and announced that it no longer plans to regulate greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, a major driver of climate change. “By rejecting the EPA’s responsibility to regulate climate change caused by greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, Trump and Zeldin are defying the laws of this country, the laws of physics, and the law of common sense. Their Polluters First Agenda passes the very real costs of a more dangerous environment and a more extreme climate onto working families. This is a slap in the face to anyone who has lost their home to wildfires or was washed out by an extreme storm. It is a slap in the face to parents who want their kids to breathe clean air, not suffer from asthma or heat stroke. And it is a slap in the face to anyone who put trust into the Environmental Protection Agency to uphold its mission to protect human health and the environment, not protect corporate polluter profits. We don’t need dirty power when we have the solutions and can get cheap, clean megawatts on the grid, and we don’t need dirty politicians overruling the scientific necessity of action.” This move follows the Trump EPA’s elimination of the Endangerment Finding, the determination that affirms the scientific risks of climate change and requires federal action to protect Americans from harm. The Trump EPA has also eliminated greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks and slashed protections against mercury, soot, and other dangerous emissions from the power sector. In addition to specific rollbacks of statutorily-required protections, the EPA has also stopped accounting for the public health benefits of regu… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/11/neal-meeks-beyer-statement-on-russia-sanctions-legislation/ | Neal, Meeks, Beyer Statement on Russia Sanctions Legislation | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Senior House Democrat of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) released the following statement after Republican leadership scheduled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act for a vote in the House next week: “House Democrats are rock solid in our support for Ukraine, but the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would do more harm than good. This bill would dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia, both of which are unacceptable. These flaws would raise Americans’ prices while undermining support for Ukraine in the long term. “We continue to seek bicameral, bipartisan negotiations to craft a bill that can win strong support in both chambers and deliver on our promise to Ukraine. In the meantime, the President has ample authority to expand sanctions on those fueling Russia’s war machine, including those targeted by this bill, and we renew our call on him to do so without further delay.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/10/breaking-pressley-leads-nearly-60-lawmakers-demanding-investigation-into-black-people-found-hanging-invokes-legacy-of-lynching-in-america/ | BREAKING: Pressley Leads Nearly 60 Lawmakers Demanding Investigation into Black People Found Hanging, Invokes Legacy of Lynching in America | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Letter Comes Amidst Alarming Spike in Possible Modern-Day Lynchings “Inaction 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.” Text of Letter (PDF) BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) led 59 colleagues in writing to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 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 Congresswoman’s letter follows a series of deaths which raise suspicion of foul play given the role of lynching in American history. The 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. “Inaction 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,” the lawmakers continued. “Not only are innocent lives lost, but lynching inflicts deep traumatic and psychological wounds on family members, neighbors, and the entire Black community.” “Congress 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,” the lawmakers continued. “It is incumbent upon you to do just that.” This 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’ famili… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3845 | Trahan Tours New Dracut Housing Project Made Possible by Significant Federal Investments | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) toured The Avenue at Greenmont, a new housing development in Dracut featuring 56 newly built apartment homes designed for adults aged 62 and older and non-elderly individuals with disabilities. All units are fully affordable to households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project was made possible in part through nearly $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, awarded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) through its Community-Based Housing program. “These 56 homes show what's possible when private partners and every level of government row in the same direction,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Federal resources like ARPA dollars and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits helped make The Avenue at Greenmont a reality, but we can't stop here. We must continue advancing commonsense legislation like the recently passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act so more families can afford a home of their own.” The project also received $3 million from the Town of Dracut's Community Preservation Act, $1.4 million from EOHLC's Housing Stabilization Fund, $825,000 in federal HOME funds, $630,000 through the state's MassWorks program, more than $5.5 million in Massachusetts Housing Tax Credits, and nearly $11.4 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The United States continues to face a severe affordable housing and homelessness crisis. According to experts, the U.S. has an estimated shortage of 3.7 million to 5.5 million homes for rent and purchase. The lack of housing, along with other factors, is driving up costs and making housing the single largest expense for Americans across the country. According to a recent poll, half of Massachusetts residents say housing is unaffordable for their household, making it the single biggest financial pressure point. In 2021, Trahan supported passage of the American Rescue Plan Act to respond directly to the challenges created and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. … | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-ahead-of-25th-anniversary-of-9/11-terror-attacks | Senator Markey Statement Ahead of 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Terror Attacks | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senator’s FASTER Act would ensure airline security fees bolster aviation safety Markey is author of mandate in law passed after 9/11 that requires screening of all cargo on passenger plans before being loaded onboard Washington (September 10, 2026) - Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement honoring the victims and calling for passage of his Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act to bolster funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and its workforce, ensuring that the agency has the necessary funds and resources to secure America’s air travelers and pay its dedicated Transportation Security Officers (TSO), and invest in twenty-first century security technology. In 2013, Congress began diverting one-third of the revenue collected from an airline passenger security fee—known as the September 11 Security Fee, as it was established after the September 11 terrorist attacks—to pay for unrelated government spending; each year, this diverted funding totals over $1 billion. The FASTER Act would eliminate this diversion, ensure passenger security fees go solely toward aviation security, and prevent Congress from raiding the funds in the future. The legislation would also give TSA access to September 11 Security Fee revenue during a lapse in appropriations. “Everyone in this country felt unspeakable loss that tragic day 25 years ago, with a direct and profound impact on victims’ families in Massachusetts. The planes took off from Logan Airport in Boston with hundreds of passengers and crewmembers, and our communities were forever changed. We honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people we lost on 9/11, remember the strength and resilience of the American people after the attacks, and recommit to ensuring that the scale and horror of such a tragedy never occurs again,” said Senator Markey. “The TSA must be able t… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400455 | McGovern, Warren, Pressley Tout Historic New Law to Combat High Cost of Housing in America | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WORCESTER – Yesterday, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) visited the Worcester YMCA to discuss the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and how the new law will make it easier to build new housing, lower housing costs, and—for the first time ever—counter private equity from buying single-family homes. The lawmakers also discussed the development of Grandfamily Villages, an effort by Senior Connection to provide affordable housing for seniors and their families in Worcester. They heard from families and community leaders about what more can be done to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts. “The ROAD to Housing Act is a big deal for communities across the country,” said Congressman McGovern. “Everywhere I go, I hear from families struggling to find housing they can afford. I’m grateful to Senator Warren for her leadership in getting this important legislation passed. This is going to make a real difference for people across the Commonwealth and throughout the country. I’m also proud to be working alongside amazing partners like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on our Grandfamily Housing Act to make sure grandparents raising grandchildren have the support they need. These grandparents stepped up for their families, and we need to step up for them, too. That’s what the Grandfamily Village is all about, and I’ll keep fighting to get projects like this across the finish line.” “America is in a housing crisis, and it’s hitting families hard here in Massachusetts. I’m proud to have worked with Congresswoman Pressley and Congressman McGovern to pass the biggest housing bill in decades into law,” said Senator Warren. “This new law will help lower housing costs and for the first time ever stop private equity from buying up single family homes. Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Pressley, the new law also includes an Innovatio… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/09/in-worcester-pressley-warren-mcgovern-tout-historic-law-to-tackle-housing-crisis-build-safe-affordable-housing/ | In Worcester, Pressley, Warren, McGovern Tout Historic Law to Tackle Housing Crisis, Build Safe, Affordable Housing | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Pressley-Led Bills Will Address Bias in Home Appraisals, Expand Affordable Housing, Strengthen Oversight of Corporate Landlords, and Help Families Reach Financial Stability Pressley-McGovern Grandfamily Housing Act Would Help Grandparents Raising Children Access Safe, Affordable, Age-Appropriate Housing Photos (Dropbox) WORCESTER – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), alongside Massachusetts families and community leaders,visited the Worcester YMCA to discuss the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and how the new law will make it easier to build new housing, lower housing costs, and—for the first time ever—counter private equity from buying single-family homes. The lawmakers also discussed the development of Grandfamily Villages, an effort by Senior Connection to provide affordable housing for seniors and their families in Worcester. They heard from families and community leaders about what more can be done to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts. “I’m proud to work with Senator Warren and Ranking Member Waters to deliver this historic housing package to support safe, stable, and accessible housing for families in Massachusetts and throughout the country,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “The ROAD to Housing Act and my four bills within it will bring essential relief to Americans struggling amid Trump’s housing and affordability crises—and I’ll keep pushing to pass our Grandfamily Housing Act without delay. Every individual, family, and grandfamily deserves a place of refuge, rest, and peace. It’s time that we treat housing like human right that it is.” “America is in a housing crisis, and it’s hitting families hard here in Massachusetts. I’m proud to have worked with Congresswoman Pressley and Congressman McGovern to pass the biggest housing bill in decades into law,” said Senator Warren. “This new law will help lower housing costs and for the first time ever s… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/09/rep-pressley-urges-extension-of-el-salvador-tps-to-save-lives/ | Rep. Pressley Urges Extension of El Salvador TPS to Save Lives | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | “The termination of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador would devastate communities, hurt our local and state economies, and spread fear to the nearly 170,00 Salvadoran TPS holders who call this country home. “I’m proud to represent such a rich, vibrant Salvadoran diaspora community in the Massachusetts 7th. Salvadoran TPS holders are our neighbors. They have been here for decades. Their contributions are felt daily across our district, and they deserve to remain here with their families. “Unless the Trump Administration reverses course, our neighbors will be at risk of being uprooted from their community despite having done nothing wrong. Their children, many of whom are U.S. citizens, could be displaced to a country they’ve never set foot in. As ICE continues to terrorize our neighborhoods, the termination of TPS would only destabilize our communities and leave entire families at risk of harm, trauma, and separation. We cannot allow that to happen. “To the Salvadoran TPS holders that call the Massachusetts 7th home: your humanity, dignity, and lives matter. You deserve to work, to contribute, to take care of your families, and to thrive in the country you call home. Please know that my office is here to help and that this Congresswoman has your back. The Trump Administration must extend TPS for El Salvador without delay, and we must ensure a pathway to permanent residency and protect our Salvadoran neighbors in perpetuity.” | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3844 | Trahan, Warren Statement Following Burlington ICE Facility Site Visit | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statement following a congressional oversight visit to Burlington ICE facility yesterday, where dozens of individuals have been detained: “Today we exercised our constitutional duty to conduct unannounced Congressional oversight of an ICE facility. Immigration attorneys and community advocates have shared deeply concerning testimonies with our offices of individuals being detained by ICE for multiple days without access to adequate food, medical care, or sleeping conditions. During the hour-long inspection of the Burlington facility, we witnessed over a dozen individuals held for processing, questioned ICE on our constituents’ concerns, and pressed for humane treatment of those in custody. We’ll continue showing up and fighting for transparency, decency, and accountability.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-temporary-protected-status-designation-for-el-salvador | Senator Markey Statement on Temporary Protected Status Designation for El Salvador | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Massachusetts is home to more than 7,000 Salvadoran TPS holders Washington (September 9, 2026) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after the Trump administration temporarily kept in place Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for El Salvador despite planning to end protections today. El Salvador continues to face severe environmental and humanitarian challenges, including an ongoing drought and recurring extreme weather and flooding, as well as other political conditions that make terminating protections cruel and potentially life threatening. The vast majority of Salvadoran TPS holders have children born in the United States. “The Trump administration may have given El Salvador TPS holders a temporary reprieve but given its repeated attacks on TPS holders from other countries — who have legally lived, worked, and built their lives here for decades — agonizing uncertainty remains for Salvadorans. Congress must pass the SECURE Act to provide a permanent pathway to citizenship for TPS holders. We bear a fierce responsibility to protect children, keep families safely together, and defeat Trump’s relentless assault on our neighbors and loved ones.” Senator Markey is a co-sponsor of the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act, which would provide qualified TPS and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to legal permanent residency. ### | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/08/news-pressley-thanks-outgoing-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunch-slams-trumps-fascist-assault-on-museums/ | NEWS: Pressley Thanks Outgoing Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Slams Trump’s Fascist Assault on Museums | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Pressley Has Fought to Protect Black History Against Trump’s Crusade to Whitewash Museums; Demanded Investigation Into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian Pressley Has Drawn Parallels Between Trump’s Attempt Remove Museum Exhibits to Nazi Germany Destroying Jewish Art WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement thanking outgoing Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III and slamming the Trump Administration’s ongoing fascist assault on American museums. Secretary Bunch announced that he would step down from his role at the end of this year. Congresswoman Pressley has led efforts in Congress to protect Black history against Trump’s crusade to whitewash American museums and has demanded an investigation into Trump’s attack on the Smithsonian. In a July committee hearing, the Congresswoman highlighted Trump’s attempts to erase, whitewash, and rewrite American history, through his attacks on Smithsonian museums and cultural institutions. “Secretary Lonnie Bunch III spent his career making sure America tells the full truth about itself. I am deeply grateful for his extraordinary leadership, his stewardship of American history, and his unwavering defense of our stories during an unprecedented, anti-Black, and fascist assault from the highest levels of power. “I was honored to meet with Secretary Bunch last year to discuss his work and how we can push back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Smithsonian’s independence and its mission to tell the full, complicated, and beautiful story of America. It is a shame that he is stepping down at a moment when Black America and Black history are under attack by an occupant of the Oval Office hell bent on erasing, whitewashing, and rewriting our shared history to push a false narrative about our country. “While Secretary Bunch’s resignation is a loss for the Smithsonian and our country, his work must continue. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors, and I will not stop fighting to protect our museums, defend the tru… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3843 | Trahan Joins Over 250 Current & Former Members of Congress Urging Supreme Court to Block Trump’s Executive Order Limiting Mail Voting | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined a bipartisan effort to challenge President Donald Trump’s efforts to limit mail-in voting. The court filing questions the legality of Donald Trump’s Executive Order seeking to exert federal control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “As current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States—including 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,” the lawmakers wrote. Te 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’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. The 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 “substantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.” “The 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 im… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-joins-padilla-schumer-all-senate-democrats-to-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting | Markey Joins Padilla, Schumer, All Senate Democrats to Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington (September 8, 2026) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), along with Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, and Co-Chairs of the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia (CA-42), Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), in leading a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The amicus brief was also joined by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus. The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. Nearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections — a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida’s Republican primary. In the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump’s Executive Order 4399 and USPS’… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/08/neal-makes-sixth-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-southbridge/ | Neal Makes Sixth Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to Southbridge | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Southbridge, MA — Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Southbridge Town Manager Jack Jovan and town officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District. In Southbridge, $18.2 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including: $11.5 million in ARPA funding, consisting of $5 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $6.5 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Funding $6.7 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act “I am delighted to join with Town Manager Jack Jovan, members of the Town Council, and local residents to highlight the Town’s superb work in putting these once-in-a-generation investments to good use. Based on what we saw here today, I am pleased to see another community in the First District that benefited from these landmark laws and put these funds to work for its residents,” said Congressman Neal. “Whether it’s investing in the Town’s infrastructure, supporting food assistance and workforce development programs, or providing a lifeline for small businesses, the Town seized the opportunity to both address immediate needs and make investments for the future. It’s important that we take the time to show the public how these federal dollars were put to use and allow the public to judge for themselves the impact of these investments. That’s what this tour is all about.” As a result of the ARPA, the Town of Southbridge was able to pursue more than 60 different initiatives that invested in the Town’s infrastructure, public schools, and local services, and provided critical support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Among these initiatives are: $150,000 for the United Way of South Central Massachusetts Southbridge Resident Community Assistance … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400453 | McGovern Introduces Big Tech Accountability Act to Protect Americans’ Privacy and Hold Tech Giants Accountable | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA) introduced the Big Tech Accountability Act to protect Americans’ online privacy and personal autonomy and hold powerful technology corporations accountable for the harms caused by their platforms. “Big Tech companies have an enormous amount of power over what we see, what we share, and what happens to our personal information—and for too long, the rules governing that power simply haven’t kept pace,” said Congressman McGovern. “These platforms should not get a free pass to exploit people’s private data or design systems that knowingly push dangerous content because outrage and division are good for business. This bill is an effort to put some reasonable guardrails in place, give people more control over their own information, and make sure enormously powerful corporations can be held accountable for the choices they make.” A handful of Big Tech corporations have enormous influence over how Americans communicate, consume information, and participate in public life. At the same time, their business models rely heavily on collecting and monetizing personal data and using algorithms designed to keep users engaged—often by promoting increasingly inflammatory or sensational content. The Big Tech Accountability Act provides a framework for addressing both concerns: protecting Americans from the commercial exploitation of their personal information while establishing greater accountability when technology companies actively target and amplify fraudulent disinformation, threats, or criminal violence. The bill is backed by Free Speech For People, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to limit the influence of money in politics and protect our democracy. “By protecting the biggest social media companies from accountability, current federal law allows them to profit with impunity from amplifying threats of violence and disinformation and exploiting personal information,” said Ben Clements, Chairman and Senior Legal Advisor of Free Speech For Pe… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3838 | Trahan, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support 988 Call Centers | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the bipartisan 988 Call Center Improvement Act. The legislation would authorize $441 million in federal funding for technology and support staff for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, including licensed mental health professionals and training in evidence-based interventions. “Every call to 988 is an act of courage made in a moment of crisis,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Making sure the people answering those calls have what they need to help is the least we can do. This bill is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole thing. That’s wh I am working alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support 988 services across the board, so no call goes unanswered and no center is left without what it needs.” “When someone calls 988 during a mental health crisis, they should be able to quickly reach trained professionals who can connect them with the care they need,” said Congressman Bacon. “The 988 Call Center Improvement Act will strengthen local call centers by improving technology, supporting trained staff and expanding follow-up services so more people receive timely, effective help. I’m pleased to join Rep. Trahan on this bipartisan legislation to strengthen our mental health crisis response system.” Specifically, the 988 Call Center Improvement Act would: Invest in technology necessary to expand capacity and increase local response rates; Provide follow-up and follow-through services so that individuals are effectively engaged with local behavioral health crisis options; Support staff, including licensed mental health professionals and peer support workers; Train staff and volunteers in providing evidence-based interventions, including for high-risk populations. The 988 Call Center Improvement Act was included as part of the 988 Implementation Act, acomprehensive legislative package of bipartisan bills led by Trahan, Congresswo… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/04/neal-statement-on-august-2026-jobs-report/ | Neal Statement on August 2026 Jobs Report | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the August 2026 jobs report: “Republicans looked at your out-of-control prices, including the most expensive August at the gas pump and for diesel on record, and decided to give up and go home. They have offered nothing for workers as paychecks still can’t keep up with the President’s inflation, and families are forced to run up their credit cards and drain their savings at record rates to stay afloat. In fact, the White House’s message is to be grateful that things aren’t even worse. The people deserve leaders who don’t ask less of them but more of themselves. “Trump and House Republicans made this economy too difficult to get by in, never mind get ahead. But for them, crushing you is worth it so long as those at the top can keep cashing in.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/03/video-pressley-mourns-pierre-damas-bel-haitian-tps-holder-and-student-athlete-who-died-of-suicide/ | VIDEO: Pressley Mourns Pierre Damas Bel, Haitian TPS Holder and Student Athlete Who Died of Suicide | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Pressley Mourns Pierre Damas Bel, Haitian TPS Holder and Student Athlete Who Died of Suicide U.S. House of Representatives September 3, 2026 Mr. Speaker, I rise for the family and loved ones of Pierre Damas Bel, a beloved son and brother, 20-year-old college student and Haitian immigrant with Temporary Protected Status. He found joy on the soccer field and dreamed of studying medicine until the Trump administration forced an ankle monitor, really a shackle, on him and threatened his deportation. Trump’s termination of Haiti TPS robbed this young man of his humanity, stripped him of his dignity, and inflicted mental trauma that became too much for him to bear. He simply could not go on. Trump’s cruel attacks on our Haitian neighbors certainly will take a toll on our economy and our national security, but also a psychological and emotional toll. Mr. Speaker, no parent should lose their child, no sibling, their older brother. Yet Trump is traumatizing communities in every corner of our country. Pierre should be alive today, falling in love, playing soccer, on path to becoming a doctor. We honor his memory by doing everything we can to save lives and extend TPS for Haiti. The House has already passed our legislation to do just that, and the Senate must follow suit without delay. Pierre’s father’s last words to him were, “Pierre, come home.” Because of the cruelty, anti-blackness, and anti-immigrant policies of this administration, which I consider to be un-American, sadly, Pierre never will make it home. Rest in eternal peace. — | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3834 | Trahan Announces Over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Local Community Colleges | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $2,023,573 in new federal funding for three community colleges across the Third District. The money comes from three U.S. Department of Education programs that help first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students get to college, stay enrolled, and graduate. “For so many students, community college is where a bigger future begins. It's the first person in a family to earn a degree, the parent going back to school, the worker learning a new trade. This funding helps more of them finish what they started,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I'll always fight for federal investments in our schools and community colleges, because every degree earned here changes a family's story for good.” The institutions receiving federal funding include: Mount Wachusett Community College: $1,158,572 Northern Essex Community College: $453,065 Middlesex Community College: $411,936 Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) was awarded a total of $1,158,572 from three different federal programs. Specifically, the school received $468,572 through the Student Support Services Program to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward successful completion of their postsecondary education. It also received $410,000 from the Talent Search Program, which provides grants to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. MWCC was also awarded $280,000 through the Educational Opportunity Centers Program to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education. “TRIO Student Support Services has been an important part of Mount Wachusett Community College for nearly five decades, providing students with the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to reach their goals,” said Mount Wachusett Community College President James Vander Hooven. “This continued federal investment allows us… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-blumenthal-representatives-schakowsky-mullin-press-consumer-product-safety-commission-to-halt-sweeping-and-invasive-data-collection-on-emergency-department-patients | Senators Markey, Blumenthal, Representatives Schakowsky, Mullin Press Consumer Product Safety Commission to Halt Sweeping and Invasive Data Collection on Emergency Department Patients | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter Text (PDF) Boston (September 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, along with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Kevin Mullin (CA-15), today wrote to Peter Feldman, Acting Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), calling on the Commission to immediately suspend efforts to pressure some of the nation’s largest hospital systems to hand over the detailed, personally identifiable medical records of every patient who visits their emergency departments. Recent reporting has revealed that the Commission is directing hospitals to transmit sensitive records—including patient names, birthdates, addresses, and diagnoses—to its private contractor as part of changes to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). For decades, hospitals across the country have voluntarily participated in NEISS to report injuries involving consumer products, such as kitchen appliances and toys, to help identify products with a pattern of injuring consumers. But now, the Commission is amassing an unprecedented trove of identifiable health data of emergency department patients, regardless of whether an injury involved a consumer product. This sweeping data collection initiative is particularly alarming considering the Trump administration’s broader pattern of amassing Americans’ sensitive data and repurposing it to advance political priorities. In the letter, the lawmakers raised concerns regarding the necessity and legality of this initiative, the adequacy of its privacy protections, and the purposes to which this trove of sensitive data may ultimately be put. Cosigners of the letter include Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives De… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/09/03/npr-tributes-to-gloria-steinem-are-flooding-in-from-hollywood-to-capitol-hill/ | NPR: Tributes to Gloria Steinem are flooding in, from Hollywood to Capitol Hill | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | Journalist and activist Gloria Steinem dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights, from reproductive freedom to workplace equality. Now, after her death at age 92, notable figures from politics to pop culture are offering their remembrances — and personal thanks — to the feminist icon. They’re also vowing to continue her work. “She pushed open doors not just for herself, but for literally millions of women behind her,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — the first female presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party — wrote in a lengthy Facebook tribute. Clinton was one of many women in national politics sharing their praise and gratitude for Steinem. Others include former first lady Jill Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority whip Katherine Clark, who said she hung a pair of photos of Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes on her office wall the day she moved in. “She wasn’t going to be an astronaut, but my goodness, she made it possible for Sally Ride to be an astronaut,” Clinton wrote. “She wasn’t going to play college sports, but she stood behind the women in Congress who passed Title IX and opened up opportunities in sports and academics for girls. And she wasn’t on the Supreme Court when Roe v. Wade was decided, but her voice and her activism was behind that advancement for women’s rights.” Steinem emerged in the 1960s as a leading face of second-wave feminism. That role was firmly cemented the following decade, when she co-founded both the National Women’s Political Caucus and Ms. magazine. Steinem helped normalize conversations about workplace sexism, bursting onto the scene in 1963 with an exposé about her undercover stint as a waitress at Hugh Hefner’s New York Playboy Club, and abortion, after sharing her experience getting one abroad in the 1950s. She is credited with helping increase the number of women in elected office and bringing feminism into the mainstream at a time when the law kept women from obtaining credit cards and bank accounts in their own nam… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3836 | Trahan Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve 988 Services | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, introduced the bipartisan 988 Implementation Act, a comprehensive bipartisan legislative package that will provide states with federal funding and resources to build a crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The legislative package is also co-led by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). “Calling 988 takes courage, and answering takes patience and care. Our job is to support both,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “We all know someone who has struggled with mental health or substance use and wished there was more help within reach. This bill delivers it, with a faster response, a real place to turn, and trained professionals ready to pick up the phone.” “When someone reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, we have a responsibility to make sure help is there,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “988 has become a lifesaving resource for millions of Americans, but answering the call cannot be where our responsibility ends. We built a national front door to crisis care with 988. Now we need to strengthen what comes next by expanding mobile crisis response, increasing access to immediate community-based care, and connecting people to the treatment and support they need.” “Everyday, millions of Americans face mental challenges and are unsure where to go for help,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The 988 hotline streamlines resources for those in need, as part of a network of over 200 local crisis centers, yet only thirteen-percent of adults are aware of this critical resource. I am proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the 988 Implementation Act to build upon the critical progress we have made, and further ensure that our communities are properly equipped with crisis-response services.” As America’s mental health crisis worsens, 988 has spent the past four years demonstrating the lifesaving power of connec… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/03/neal-statement-on-trump-administrations-racist-weaponization-of-the-irs/ | Neal Statement on Trump Administration’s Racist Weaponization of the IRS | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration issued proposed regulations that strip the tax-exempt status of schools who don’t conform to their extreme agenda: “Trump’s desperate strong-arming of anyone who refuses to conform to his racist agenda reeks of weakness in the worst way, with those with the least paying the price. He is once again weaponizing the government to punch down and attack minority students, their families, and the schools expanding opportunities to build more financially stable futures. “This isn’t about ‘fairness,’ it’s about the President targeting anyone who stands in the way of his campaign to roll back the clock on civil rights progress that generations of Americans have fought and bled for. To punish private institutions for seeking to diversify their campuses is an affront to true, meaningful equal opportunity. For Republicans, there’s never a problem giving those at the top every advantage money can buy. But when it comes to communities that have been denied opportunities for generations, they are being told to work harder and accept less. Democrats will not stand for this unlawful, gross abuse of power and will fight until these racist attacks are put to a stop once and for all.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/02/pressley-in-hearing-trump-accounts-fail-at-closing-wealth-gap-and-addressing-affordability-crisis/ | Pressley in Hearing: Trump Accounts Fail at Closing Wealth Gap and Addressing Affordability Crisis | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Rep. Pressley Questions Experts on Baby Bonds and Trump Accounts House Financial Services Committee September 2, 2026 REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I represent the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, beautiful, diverse district, also deeply unequal. In fact, in a three-mile radius from Cambridge, home to Harvard and MIT, to Roxbury’s Nubian Square, the Blackest part of my district, life expectancy drops by 23 years, and median household income by $50,000. A new report by the Boston Federal Reserve finds that Black families have $7,800 in net wealth, and on average, compared to white families who have an average $549,000 in median net wealth. Over a third of the people in my state cannot cover a $400 emergency, and over a third of the people in Boston, my district, have zero retirement savings. My constituents sent me to Congress, and I ran to confront these disparities head-on and to close the racial wealth gap. That’s why I was happy to partner with our witness today, Dr. Hamilton, and Senator Booker, to introduce the American Opportunity Accounts Act to create a federal baby bonds program. Now, Trump took this idea, entitled it after himself—he likes to name everything after himself—Trump accounts, and unfortunately watered it down so that the benefits are no longer targeted to the communities who need it most. What was once a bold proposal to ensure that every child, regardless of geography, race, and family income, could prosper is ostensibly now just a tax haven for Trump and his cronies, but we can fix this. Dr. Hamilton, currently, parents of newborns and young kids have to apply to set up a Trump Account, but our bill for Baby Bonds would allow for automatic enrollment. Which approach is better for actually helping working families and investing in all of our children? DR. DARRICK HAMILTON: Without a doubt, having access more universal should be the point. REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, Dr. Hamilton, what about the fact that Trump Accounts gives a one-time payment of $1,000 to ri… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/02/watch-pressley-honors-celtics-great-jaylen-brown-on-house-floor/ | WATCH: Pressley Honors Celtics Great Jaylen Brown on House Floor | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Pressley Honors Celtics Legend Jaylen Brown on House Floor U.S. House of Representatives September 2, 2026 Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the contributions of NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the City of Boston, on and off the court. Born in Marietta, Georgia and drafted number 3 overall by the Celtics from the University of California Berkeley, Jaylen embraced our community and the City of Boston from the day he arrived in 2016. Fiercely competitive on the basketball court, never missing the playoffs in his ten seasons with the Celtics, he has been equally driven to uplift those around him through mentorship and his non-profit, Boston Xchange, which seeks to build wealth in communities of color, as well as his 7uice Foundation, connecting young people in and around Boston with opportunities. In 2022, just before the Celtics turned their season around and made it all the way to the NBA finals, Jaylen stated simply, “The energy is about to shift.” Well, Mr. Speaker, thanks to the example, impact, and influence of this brilliant and proud Black man, the energy has shifted in Boston. Jaylen delivered Banner 18—the most in NBA history. His legacy as an advocate, truth-teller, community builder, justice-seeker, and champion will endure. Job well done, Jaylen. We thank you. Your faith, consistency, and hard work has certainly paid off. I yield. | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/02/neal-statement-at-full-committee-hearing-on-critical-resources-and-supply-chains/ | Neal Statement at Full Committee Hearing on Critical Resources and Supply Chains | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | (As submitted for the record) President Trump has spent his term running the economy into the ground. Despite bold promises to deliver for the people on lower prices and abundant jobs and opportunity, he has brought the opposite. He abandoned his promises to chase a relentless campaign of war, chaos, and self-enrichment. All the American people have been left with are out-of-control prices and jobs that are either too hard to find or can’t keep up with the growing costs of the President’s failures. We’re six months into the President’s war of choice in Iran. While he struggles to find a way out of what he once promised was only going to be a four-to-five-week excursion, families are watching him botch every negotiation along the way as their costs soar. Gas is up 38 percent in just 6 months! Back home, he’s throwing American cattle ranchers under the bus with the tariff chaos he created, which has beef prices on track to rise nearly 10% this year. And while he plays nice with China, the greatest trade cheat in the world, he’s reignited feuds with our closest allies, stooping so low that he’s more focused on renaming lakes than answering for the 75,000 manufacturing jobs he’s lost since retaking office. The President’s trade agenda is a humiliating failure, and American workers, businesses, and families are paying the price. Yet astonishingly, some in Congress are willing to look at that reality and decide now is the time embolden Trump with new tariff powers. He’s proven that he will abuse whatever trade authority he has. He’s only concerned with pursuing vengeance against our trading partners and improving his bottom line. The topic of today’s hearing is critical minerals. What you won’t hear from Republicans is any question about the President’s efforts to leverage these markets to benefit his own pocket. Or about how his family or that of the Commerce secretary stood to benefit from billion-dollar mining deals struck by Trump himself. Everywhere you look, the stench of Trump’s corruption is there, making… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/01/pressley-slams-gop-attacks-on-birthright-citizenship-harm-of-great-replacement-theory/ | Pressley Slams GOP Attacks on Birthright Citizenship, Harm of ‘Great Replacement Theory’ | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Transcript: Pressley Slams GOP Attacks on Birthright Citizenship, Harm of ‘Great Replacement Theory’ House Oversight Committee Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses September 1, 2026 REP. PRESSLEY: Today’s hearing is yet another assault on our democracy and our constitution. Now, Trump tried to dismantle the 14th Amendment through executive order, but even the conservatives on the Supreme Court said that it was wrong, that he was wrong. And now Republicans in Congress are trying to do exactly that. They aren’t just attacking birthright citizenship. They’re attacking Black Americans, my ancestors, who built this country but were denied the fruits of their labor, and Black folks would still be denied citizenship, but for the 14th Amendment. They are attacking women. As Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, it’s abundantly clear to me the Republicans want to continue surveying women’s bodies and end the freedom of movement for pregnant people. They are attacking immigrants. Changing birthright citizenship is the next step from their Project 2025 playbook after the mass deportations of people who have been legally working, living, contributing to the United States for decades. The chair of this task force, Congressman Gill, recently introduced a bill that would label undocumented immigrants and others as quote, unquote “invaders.” That word is not merely inflammatory. That’s more than a dog whistle. Hell, that’s a bullhorn. It’s more than just a wink and a nod to what the bill’s true motivation is. Dr. Camarota—yes or no—are you familiar with the Great Replacement theory? DR. CAMAROTA: I certainly read an article. I read an article or two about it, so I don’t know exactly— REP. PRESSLEY: Well, let me elucidate, let me elucidate you and the public watching at home, because it’s foundational to what’s happening here. The Great Replacement theory is a conspiracy that falsely claims that white people are being deliberately replaced by immigrants and people of … | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/newsletter-moulton-minutes-august-edition | Newsletter: Moulton Minutes: August Edition | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Dear Friend, As August wraps up, I wanted to share a few things my team and I have been working on both in Washington and back home in Massachusetts. A lot of this work comes back to one thing: making Massachusetts more affordable. That means lowering costs, shortening time spent on commutes, and making it easier for people to build a life here. Holding ICE accountable Back home, I made my third unannounced oversight visit to the ICE facility in Burlington. Unfortunately, the basic problems still remain. I was kept waiting for more than 30 minutes before being allowed inside, while my team watched several vans leave the property. What I saw once I was allowed inside the facility reinforced what I’ve said since my first visit in 2019: this is no place for human habitation. Enforcing our immigration laws should never come at the cost of due process and basic human dignity. People in government custody need access to their families and lawyers, and I’ll keep pressing ICE until they finally improve the poor conditions at Burlington. Standing up for veterans Congresswoman Houlahan and I sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins demanding that the VA restore dedicated LGBTQIA+ veteran care infrastructure. An estimated one million LGBTQIA+ Americans have served or are serving in our military, many during periods when they faced discrimination simply for who they are. Stripping away these dedicated roles and support networks creates confusion, fosters fear of discrimination, and risks driving vulnerable veterans away from critical medical and mental health services. They kept their promise to our country. We need to keep ours to them. And that’s why we are taking action. That same commitment to our veterans brought me back to Home Base in Charlestown, where I toured their National Center of Excellence and saw firsthand the innovative mental health care they provide to veterans, service members, and military families. Home Base is doing extraordinary work filling gaps in care, from treating PTS… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/08/31/haiti-caucus-co-chairs-pressley-and-clarke-condemn-deportation-and-dehumanization-of-haitian-nationals/ | Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Pressley and Clarke Condemn Deportation and Dehumanization of Haitian Nationals | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Over 350,000 Haitian Nationals at Risk of Job Loss and Deportation “There is no excuse for treating our neighbors with such contempt…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.” WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Co-Chairs of the House Haiti Caucus, issued the following statement: “Today, 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’s 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. “The 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. “The 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.” Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country. Residents of the 7th Congressional District of Massachusetts can contact Congresswoman Pressley’s office for assistance. Please visit Pressley… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3833 | Trahan, Fitzpatrick, Pettersen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize Overdose Awareness Day | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force Co-Chairs Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation legislation to commemorate Overdose Awareness Day, a solemn day to honor those who have lost their lives to overdoses, destigmatize addiction and seeking treatment, and combat the addiction crisis. “Far too many families in the Commonwealth and across our country know the devastating pain of losing a loved one to an overdose. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure every person affected by addiction knows that they are not alone,” said Congresswoman Trahan, a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee. “Addiction doesn’t check party affiliation or nationality. It strikes in silence and no family should be forced to fight it alone. By formally recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to addiction and honor the families and communities impacted by this crisis. We must continue working to reduce stigma and expand access to lifesaving treatment and care.” “Much of what guides my work in Congress on addiction and recovery has been shaped by sitting across the table from families whose lives have been forever altered by this crisis, and by working alongside the first responders, treatment providers, advocates, and community leaders who devote themselves every day to saving lives and helping people rebuild theirs,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “There is no single policy that will solve this crisis, and no place for partisanship when lives are at stake. But together, we can continue to make meaningful progress by strengthening prevention, expanding education and awareness, improving access to treatment and sustained recovery, and confronting the deadly threat of illicit fentanyl. With this resolution, we remember those we have lost, stand with the families who carry their absence, and renew our resolve to prevent the next loss.” “Fa… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/28/save-the-alewife-brook-a-federal-partnership-for-a-cleaner-safer-alewife/ | Save the Alewife Brook: A Federal Partnership for a Cleaner, Safer Alewife. | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | Today was a milestone for Alewife Brook. Congresswoman Katherine Clark met at the Brook with Save the Alewife Brook and our state and local delegation to see the sewage, sediment, and flooding crisis for herself. We talked with her about engaging the Army Corps of Engineers for a project to dredge, dechannelize, and restore Alewife Brook. “Protecting our environment means protecting our neighbors. I’m grateful for the incredible advocates at Save the Alewife Brook for their continued work to eliminate sewage pollution, safeguard our local ecosystem, and build the cleaner future our kids deserve. I’m looking forward to partnering with them and with leaders at every level of government to keep moving the ball forward.” Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA‑5) Joining the Congresswoman at the Brook were State Senator Pat Jehlen and State Representatives Christine Barber, Dave Rogers, Sean Garballey, and Steve Owens. From the Town of Arlington, we were joined by Town Manager Jim Feeney and Select Board members Diane Mahon and Steve DeCourcey. Save the Alewife Brook was represented by steering committee members Kristin Anderson, Gene Benson, Ann McDonald, George Laite, and Mike Lonetto. Why this visit matters A portion of the Alewife Brook is confined to a 27-foot-wide concrete channel that receives untreated sewage from six active Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) outfalls. In 2021, MWRA, Cambridge, and Somerville dumped 51 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Brook. The Brook has accumulated 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet of contaminated sediment and, according to the 2024 Inter-Fluve Sediment Study, will lose its remaining capacity as sediment continues to fill in. The public health toll is already severe. During CSO discharges, E. coli levels in Alewife Brook reach roughly 950 times the EPA safe standard. A Boston University School of Public Health study found that even living near CSOs can increase the risk of illness serious enough to require an ER visit. Roughly 5,000 residents of Arlington, Cambridge, and Belmon… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3831 | ICYMI: Public Knowledge Calls the FRONTIER Act “the best proposal (so far)” for Reining In Frontier AI | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Lori Trahan | T000482 | trahan.house.gov | trahan | https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | In a new analysis, the consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge backed Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Congressman Jay Obernolte’s (R-CA-23) Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act, calling it the strongest proposal yet to manage the risks of the most powerful AI systems. “The frontier needs real rules, not voluntary guardrails. That requires binding legal regimes for evaluating and managing the risks from frontier models: as they are being developed, before they are deployed, and after they are in widespread use,” wrote Nicholas Garcia, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge. “The best proposal (so far) to move past frameworks, lists of principles, or nibbling at the edges of this challenge is the ‘Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act’ from Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan.” “For years, Public Knowledge has been one of the most serious and principled voices fighting to protect the public from the risks posed by cutting edge technologies. When they engaged in the discussion draft process, we took their criticisms seriously and worked with them to address their concerns,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That kind of rigorous, good-faith feedback is a big reason the FRONTIER Act is the strongest frontier AI safety legislation ever introduced. Public Knowledge’s support is critical as we work to broaden the coalition backing this bipartisan bill and push for its consideration. We’re in a race against the clock right now, and Congress needs to act before the next major incident.” The FRONTIER Act would establish a tiered, risk-based national framework for overseeing the most advanced AI models. It requires the largest developers to publish their safety frameworks, submit to independent third-party audits and verification, and report critical safety incidents to a new Under Secretary of Commerce for AI Security. The bill is an updated version of the Commerce-focused portio… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-visits-home-base-national-center-excellence-highlight-veterans-mental | Moulton Visits Home Base National Center of Excellence to Highlight Veterans’ Mental Healthcare Innovation | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | CHARLESTOWN, MA—Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) visited the Home Base National Center of Excellence to tour its state-of-the-art facilities, meet with leadership, and discuss how federal policy directly impacts mental healthcare for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Guided by retired Brig. Gen. Jack Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base, Congressman Moulton toured Home Base’s outpatient clinic, clinical research labs, and specialized care facilities. The visit focused on addressing the growing pressure on non-profit healthcare providers amid federal funding cuts imposed by the Trump Administration, ongoing staffing shortages at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the urgent need to expand high-impact, innovative treatments for trauma. "Home Base is filling critical gaps in veteran care by eliminating barriers that too often prevent service members from getting help," said Congressman Seth Moulton. "Whether it's pioneering breakthrough psychedelic research for treatment-resistant PTSD, supporting military families, or delivering care regardless of discharge status, their work sets a national standard. As we face staffing challenges and service reductions across the VA, supporting non-profit leaders like Home Base is essential to keeping our promise to those who served." Home Base is a partnership between Mass General Brigham, the Red Sox Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project’s Warrior Care Network that provides clinical care, intensive treatment programs, and family support services at zero out-of-pocket cost to patients. ### | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-meta-settlement-markey-calls-on-congress-to-pass-his-coppa-20-legislation-and-the-youth-ai-privacy-act-to-hold-big-tech-accountable-for-childrens-privacy | Following Meta Settlement, Markey Calls on Congress to Pass His COPPA 2.0 Legislation and the Youth AI Privacy Act to Hold Big Tech Accountable for Children’s Privacy | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Meta settlement comes in part due to violations of Markey’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Boston (August 27, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called on Congress to pass his Children and Teens’ Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) legislation which would update data privacy regulations for the 21st century to ensure children and teenagers are protected online, as well as his Youth AI Privacy Act, which would require AI companies to build privacy safeguards for minors into their AI chatbots in the wake of the Meta settlement with State Attorneys General to pay $18 billion, including up to $516 million to Massachusetts. Meta is now required to implement various child-safety measures on its platforms. “Big Tech’s day of reckoning is here. This settlement sends a message every boardroom in Silicon Valley should hear: our children are not collateral damage to bolster Big Tech’s bottom line. I am proud that my original law, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, helped hold Meta accountable, but we cannot stop here. In this emerging age of artificial intelligence, Big Tech is finding more ways to exploit our children’s data and manipulate their emotions for profit, making them and an entire generation sicker. Congress must pass my Youth AI Privacy Act to protect kids using AI chatbots and pass COPPA 2.0 to update my original law. We cannot rely on courts alone to secure strong protections for our kids’ privacy and safety — Congress must act.” In August, Senator Markey celebrated the passage of his Youth AI Privacy Act unanimously through the Senate Commerce Committee. Senator Markey’s COPPA 2.0 passed through the Senate unanimously in March 2026. Senator Markey is the original House author of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed in 1998. Also in March, Senator Markey released a statement after Meta and Google were found liable in a social media addiction lawsuit. ### | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-blunt-rochester-warren-coons-call-on-senate-leaders-to-schedule-vote-extending-haiti-tps-protections | Markey, Blunt Rochester, Warren, Coons Call on Senate Leaders to Schedule Vote Extending Haiti TPS Protections | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter Text (PDF) Washington (August 27, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today wrote to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to schedule a vote on H.R. 1689, a bill to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows nationals from designated countries facing life-threatening conditions to temporarily live and work legally in the United States. The Senators and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) have been fighting to preserve TPS protections for more than 300,000 Haitian nationals. The House legislation passed the House of Representatives in April but was blocked by Republicans in the Senate when Senators Markey and Blunt Rochester forced a vote on the bill last month. In Haiti, political instability, widespread violence, and a serious humanitarian emergency have cut off access to hospitals, schools, and basic services. Violent armed groups now exert control over much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, restricting movement and forcing more than five million people into food insecurity. Concurrently, disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods have devastated communities already struggling to survive. Together, these forces have shattered peace and stability for millions. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “TPS holders are our friends, our neighbors, and our colleagues. In cities and towns across Massachusetts and Delaware, Haitian TPS holders have lived, worked, and been valuable members of our communities for years. They deserve the stability of preserving their status, the dignity to live without fear, and the security of not being returned to danger. We strongly urge you to lead on this issue by bringing H.R. 1689 to the floor without delay when the Senate reconvenes.” Senator Markey has worked consistently to protect TPS for Haiti and support the Haitian community in Massachusetts amid the Trump administration’s attacks on TPS and Haitians… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-statement-on-new-reporting-that-rfk-jr-lied-to-senator-markey-in-senate-confirmation-hearing | Markey Statement on New Reporting That RFK Jr. Lied to Senator Markey in Senate Confirmation Hearing | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senator Markey directly questioned RFK Jr. under oath about ties to measles outbreak in Samoa Boston (August 27, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, released the following statement after new reporting uncovered documents revealing that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Samoa in 2019 to promote disinformation about the measles vaccine. Shortly after his trip, Samoa experienced a deadly outbreak of measles that killed over 80 people and has been attributed to mass vaccine disinformation. Senator Markey questioned the then-nominee at his January 30, 2025, confirmation hearing. RFK Jr. lied to Senator Markey and Congress during his confirmation process, saying his trip to Samoa had “nothing to do with vaccines.” “New documents confirm what we already knew: RFK Jr. lied to Congress. He told us his Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines—now this letter shows that was false, just like it was false when he denied his role in the deadly outbreak that followed. This is a pattern, not a slip. RFK Jr. has lied to the Senate, lied to the American people, and jeopardized the health of children to advance his anti-vaccine agenda. He should never have been confirmed, and he cannot be trusted to run HHS for even one more day,” said Senator Markey. Senator Markey has been a fierce opponent of the Trump administration’s Make America Sick Agenda. In March, Senator Markey and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director under President Joe Biden, published an op-ed in Newsweek titled, “America Is Getting Sicker, Not Healthier, Under Trump and RFK Jr.” Senator Markey and Dr. Walensky detail the damage that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has done to Massachusetts’ and the country’s health infrastructure as he has sown seeds of distrust in medicine and science, particularly vaccines, and taken a sledgehammer to lif… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-walkinshaw-amo-kelly-lead-134-colleagues-in-demanding-release-of-more-than-3-billion-in-lifesaving-global-health-funding | Markey, Walkinshaw, Amo, Kelly, Lead 134 Colleagues in Demanding Release of More Than $3 Billion in Lifesaving Global Health Funding | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington (August 27, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) led 134 of their colleagues in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to immediately release $7.5 billion in international affairs funding, to include more than $3 billion in congressionally appropriated global health funding before it expires on September 30, 2026. In a bicameral letter to Rubio and Vought, the lawmakers warned that approximately $7.5 billion in international affairs funding remains unobligated and at risk of expiring, including more than $3 billion intended for lifesaving global health programs. The Global Health Programs account supports efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, malnutrition, and emerging health threats. According to the letter, OMB has notified Congress that approximately $1.35 billion is being withheld for costs associated with closing the U.S. Agency for International Development instead of being used for the critical global health programs Congress funded. The lawmakers warned that allowing the funding to expire could contribute to an estimated 121,000 deaths from tuberculosis, 47,600 deaths from malaria, and the loss of lifesaving nutrition products for 22.9 million children. “This hardship can be prevented if the Administration spends these funds as Congress directed,” the lawmakers wrote. “We call on you to immediately release the remaining lifesaving, bipartisan GHP funding before it expires on September 30, 2026.” The letter also raises concerns about proposed changes to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which has saved more than 26 million lives. The lawmakers warned that reducing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s role in the program could disr… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/26/whip-clark-on-gop-head-start-attacks-democrats-are-going-to-turn-this-ship-around/ | Whip Clark on GOP Head Start Attacks: “Democrats Are Going To Turn This Ship Around” | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | MALDEN, MA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll alongside local educators, parents, and care advocates at ABCD Head Start Malden to denounce the Trump administration’s continued effort to dismantle the Head Start program and make life harder for working families. Below is a transcript of her remarks: “We all know the phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ It takes a city like Malden. It takes a Commonwealth like Massachusetts to be able to raise our kids, have them rise to their full potential, and make sure that our working families can afford and find quality childcare just like we have in this Head Start program. “I am so proud to be here today with our incredible partners at every level of government. I want to thank Gary Christenson, and the whole mayoral staff, for the work that they do in supporting this program, Head Start, and early education across the city. [Thank you] to our State Representative delegation for all the work that you do to make sure that kids have a Head Start on their lives with full funding. And then we come to our incredible Governor and Lieutenant Governor. It is — I don’t know if you caught it in her remarks — just a handful of states have stepped up when this administration and Republicans in Congress have cut funding. We could not do this without your help. And we are so, so grateful to have a leader like Maura Healey really making sure that every single family has a fair shot at opportunity. “We’ve been in this fight for years. [Republicans] told us flat-out in Project 2025 that their objective is to dismantle the Head Start program and spend that money on tax cuts for billionaires. “And first, they tried to defund it totally. They wrote a budget that eliminated funding for Head Start in its entirety, and we beat that back. And they came back this year by trying to slowly dismantle this program. “As the Governor set out, it would increase class sizes. It would forbid the use of any language… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-bacon-whitesides-introduce-bipartisan-bill-investigate-insider-trading | Moulton, Bacon, Whitesides Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Investigate Insider Trading Within the Department of Defense, Urges Prediction Markets to Crack Down on Harmful Practice | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressmen Seth Moulton (MA–06), Don Bacon (NE–02), and George Whitesides (CA–27) introduced the bipartisan No Insider Trading on National Security Act of 2026, legislation that investigates insider trading within the Department of Defense during the war in Iran. The lawmakers introduced the bill following evidence of suspicious trades being made on prediction markets duringOperation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela andOperation Epic Fury in Iran. "While Trump's war of choice with Iran makes everyday life unaffordable for the American people, Trump and his associates are busy getting rich off of this war,” said Rep. Moulton. “The American people deserve to know how this administration uses public announcements as opportunities for market manipulation, insider trading, and self-enrichment. This legislation is the first step towards much-needed accountability from the most corrupt administration in history." “Profiting off of events like war and human suffering by using insider information is a blatantly corrupt and unacceptable practice that cannot be allowed to continue,” said Rep. Whitesides. “We must crack down on anyone who uses private information to pad their pockets at the expense of our soldiers. This legislation will help us root out bad actors within the administration and restore sanity and trust to our government.” On prediction markets like Polymarket, the average win rate for most categories on the site is about 18 percent. For military and defense actions,that number jumps to 52 percent. One user, under the account name "MAGA-my-man,"made close to $600,000 by betting on the timing of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Another group of tradersplaced roughly $500 million on an energy market in future oil trades. Minutes later, an announcement was made postponing strikes in Iran. In April, a U.S. Army special forces soldierwas charged with making more than $400,000 betting on the ouster of Nicolas Maduro on Polymarket. The No Insider Trading on National Security Act instructs the Dep… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-houlahan-demand-va-restore-lgbtqia-veteran-healthcare-infrastructure-0 | Moulton, Houlahan Demand VA Restore LGBTQIA+ Veteran Healthcare Infrastructure | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug A. Collins demanding the immediate reversal of recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) directives that remove dedicated LGBTQIA+ care infrastructure. The lawmakers expressed grave concern over recent administrative decisions to eliminate LGBTQIA+ Veteran Care Coordinators, dismantle specialized support networks, and restrict tailored healthcare resources, dismantling systems designed to provide inclusive medical and mental health services to those who served. “An estimated one million LGBTQ+ individuals have served or are currently serving in our nation’s military,” the lawmakers wrote. “Many of these veterans served in silence during eras of overt discrimination, including under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and historically faced significant barriers and stigma when seeking care after their service... Stripping away these dedicated roles and support networks creates confusion, fosters fear of discrimination, and risks driving vulnerable veterans away from critical medical and mental health services.” The lawmakers requested the VA take the following immediate actions: Re-establish dedicated LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator positions across all VA Health Care Systems with clear guidance to maintain specialized support services. Rescind directives that prohibit or restrict internal and external support groups, staff training, and specialized care programs for LGBTQ+ veterans. Provide a detailed response outlining the specific steps that will be taken to ensure there veterans have access to the LGBTQ+ veteran support networks. Read the full letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/08/26/pressley-joins-tlaib-39-colleagues-demanding-release-of-sama-safi-u-s-citizen-in-israeli-military-prison/ | Pressley Joins Tlaib, 39 Colleagues Demanding Release of Sama Safi, U.S. Citizen in Israeli Military Prison | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | “It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all Americans abroad, with no exceptions.” Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) in leading 39 Members of Congress, including six Senators, in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding the immediate and permanent release of U.S. citizen Sama Safi, a 20-year-old student with a severe chronic health condition, from Israeli military prison. On June 2, in the middle of the night, Sama was torn from her family’s home in the occupied West Bank as part of a series of raids targeting Birzeit University students. Congresswoman Pressley also met virtually with Sama’s parents to discuss efforts for her release, and demanded accountability from the Israeli government and for the Trump administration to secure Sama’s immediate release, continued access to medical care, and end all unjust and arbitrary detentions. “Every day that Sama remains wrongfully detained in these inhumane conditions, she is at greater risk of irreversible and life-threatening repercussions,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary Rubio. “It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all Americans abroad, with no exceptions. Her life is at risk on your watch. We urge you to act swiftly and use every tool at your disposal to secure the immediate release of Sama Safi so that she can receive the medical care she urgently needs and return to her family, her studies, and the life and freedom that every 20-year-old deserves.” “With every additional day that Sama is subjected to deprivation and abuse by Israel, our fear grows that her spark is being dimmed; that we are losing pieces of her health, her strength, and the vibrant, loving spirit that makes her who she is,” said Sama’s parents. “Every morning, we wake wishing this was only a nightmare, hoping to open our eyes to the sound of Sama playing music. Every waking moment, we cannot help but imagine what she must be facing alone. Yet we are holding on to hope t… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-urges-congress-to-reject-trump-saudi-nuclear-deal | Senator Markey Urges Congress to Reject Trump-Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Markey: “This dangerous deal is the starting gun for a Middle East nuclear arms race” Boston (August 26, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-chair of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today released the following statement after the Trump administration sent to Congress a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that would open the door to providing the Kingdom with the means to produce nuclear weapons materials but would not require the most stringent safeguards against the development of those weapons. Congress holds the power to block this dangerous deal. “As a U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio once understood that handing Saudi Arabia the technology to produce nuclear weapons was a terrible idea. But now, as Secretary of State, Rubio is doing exactly that, and he and Trump are pursuing the most reckless nuclear deal in U.S. history. This giveaway to Saudi Arabia is the starting gun for a Middle East nuclear arms race. Congress must reject it. “If the Trump administration wants to stop a Saudi bomb, it should require the nonproliferation Gold Standard, which would ban enrichment and reprocessing and require International Atomic Energy Agency additional protocol safeguards in Saudi Arabia. If Riyadh did not want a bomb, it would accept the Gold Standard. But the opposite is happening. “Why? Maybe we should ask Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman, who has said repeatedly that he wants a nuclear bomb. Or maybe we should ask Jared Kushner, who accepted a $2 billion investment from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund after leaving the White House at the end of the first Trump administration. This is not diplomacy; this is corruption at the expense of U.S. national security. Congress must stop this dangerous agreement before it triggers a new nuclear arms race in the Middle East.” As a founder of the national Nuclear Freeze movement, Senator Markey has long been the Congressional leader on ending the proliferation of nuclear weapons. On July 31, Senators Markey and Jeff Merkley (D-O… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/26/boston-globe-an-attack-on-families-and-kids-healey-slams-trumps-proposed-head-start-changes/ | Boston Globe: ‘An attack on families and kids’: Healey slams Trump’s proposed Head Start changes | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | Governor Maura Healey criticized the Trump administration’s proposal to scale back regulations for the federally funded Head Start child-care program, calling it “reckless and wrongheaded” on Wednesday. The rollback would result in more children being turned away from free child care, she said, as well as less well-trained teachers and a reduction in medical screenings, mental health services, and other support for low-income families. “This is an attack on families and kids,” she said during a press conference after touring the ABCD Head Start center in Malden Wednesday with other elected officials and early education advocates. “This seems to be all part of Donald Trump’s plan to destroy education in this country.” The proposed changes would do away with previous requirements on class size, health and developmental screenings, and home visits. Bilingual instruction would be eliminated outside of Indigenous communities, program hours could be shortened, and teaching standards for literacy, math, and social and emotional development would be dropped. Head Start facilities would have to comply with state rules, but there are few comparable state-level requirements, raising concerns that quality will suffer and fewer services will be offered to some of the country’s most vulnerable families. The federal Administration for Children and Families said the proposed rule changes would remove regulations that go beyond what the Head Start Act requires and give local providers more latitude. The program would continue to require hearing and vision screenings, family support for health, nutrition, and English proficiency, and other federally mandated provisions. “By removing hyper-specific directives on how to meet these requirements gives recipients more flexibility to design comprehensive services best suited to their community’s needs,” the agency said in a statement. Eliminating ”one-sized-fits-all federal mandates” could save as much as $2.2 billion a year and create 236,000 new slots, it said. “They are willi… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/26/boston-herald-gov-healey-whip-katherine-clark-call-on-trump-to-reverse-devastating-proposed-overhaul-of-head-start-program/ | Boston Herald: Gov. Healey, Whip Katherine Clark call on Trump to reverse ‘devastating’ proposed overhaul of Head Start program | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | In reaction to a proposal for a major overhaul to the federal Head Start program by the Trump administration, Gov. Maura Healey and three members of the Massachusetts federal delegation are calling on the president to reverse the newly proposed standards they say will “dismantle” the program in the Bay State. The proposed changes to the program, according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), would give individual states more flexibility regarding the curriculum, staff-to-student rations, and group sizes. It would also lower the cap on administrative expenses from 15% to 5% in an effort to reduce overhead costs and introduce new nutritional requirements along with baseline requirements for physical activity among students. “President Trump has repeatedly targeted Head Start, and now he is trying to dismantle it from the inside out. This proposal would strip away the standards that keep class sizes small, keep kids safe and make sure they get the services they need,” Healey said Wednesday during a press conference at ABCD Head Start in Malden. “That isn’t flexibility. It means lower-quality care and fewer supports for families. We’re urging people across Massachusetts to speak out and help us protect Head Start.” HHS says the proposed rule is projected to save U.S. taxpayers $2.2 billion while preserving or expanding up to 236,000 Head Start slots nationwide. Its the largest known reinvestment in the program since it was created 61 years ago, the Trump administration says. “Head Start began as a bold commitment to the health, dignity, and potential of every child. My uncle, Sarge Shriver, founded the program on a simple conviction: strong families, wholesome nutrition, and healthy childhood development can change the course of a child’s life,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today, we are returning Head Start to those roots. We are removing unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthening nutrition and physical health, trusting parents and local communities, and opening Head Start to hundreds … | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-auchincloss-newhouse-moolenaar-and-khanna-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-targeting-chinas-role-in-us-fentanyl-crisis | Reps. Auchincloss, Newhouse, Moolenaar, and Khanna Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Targeting China’s Role in U.S. Fentanyl Crisis | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Jake Auchincloss | A000148 | auchincloss.house.gov | auchincloss | https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss) Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), alongside House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA), reintroduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act to hold the Chinese Community Party responsible for its role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis. After its establishment in 2024, the House Select Committee on China’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group uncovered for the first time how the CCP directly subsidizes fentanyl precursors and analogues entering North America. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act strengthens sanctions on China-based and CCP-backed entities engaged in drug trafficking, by targeting the Chinese chemical manufacturers and online vendors that are profiting by poisoning the American people. As Co-Chairman of the Policy Working Group (PWG) last Congress, Auchincloss and his colleagues focused on combating the CCP’s role in the fentanyl epidemic with legislation to curtail the threat via sanctions, trade and customs enforcement, and regulatory and enforcement measures. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act will address fentanyl exports from China by: Targeting the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity; Codifying important new authorities to address this threat while working to target those responsible for the epidemic; Codifying and building on Executive Order 14059, which established critical new sanctions authorities against actors involved in fentanyl trafficking; Expanding existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate shipment/transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as PRC online marketplaces and other entities that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sale of illicit synthetic narco… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/24/whip-clark-on-ms-now-democrats-are-fighting-for-an-affordable-america/ | Whip Clark on MS NOW: “Democrats Are Fighting for an Affordable America” | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | MALDEN, MA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) appeared on MS NOW’s On the Line with Alicia Menendez to discuss House Democrats’ agenda: lowering costs, protecting healthcare, and holding the crooks accountable. Below are excerpts of the conversation. On Trump’s Reckless War in Iran: “It is Americans who are paying the costs for Trump’s reckless war. All it has done is endanger our troops, cost us money for defense, and driven up the cost of gas in an environment where American families are already struggling to provide the basics. “And that’s why Democrats are fighting for a more affordable America. That’s lowering the cost of living. That’s making sure everybody can afford healthcare where and when they need it. And that’s holding corruption and the people who are perpetrating it accountable.” On Democrats’ Fight for an Affordable America: “We keep the American people the main character. That’s our focus. What they’re going through, what they’re experiencing. “When 60% of families are telling us they can’t afford the basics for their kids, for their aging parents, for themselves, then that is where our focus has to be. “That’s why, as I said, we are looking at: How can we bring down the cost of gas by ending this reckless war? How can we bring down the cost of housing and groceries? How can we make sure that we are giving families a chance to find affordable childcare? And small businesses to flourish? “We’ve seen a Trump administration that is completely cut off from what the American people need. And Republicans in Congress that are just following the Trump administration’s every whim. “This has become a administration that is focused on one thing: making Donald Trump and his family, the very, very wealthiest Americans, and their largest donors, wealthier at the expense of everyone else.” On Democrats Taking Back the House in November: “When we win the majority in November, we are still going to have a hostile White House. A White House that has turned its back on the American people an… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/08/24/advocate-179-lawmakers-tell-scotus-not-to-let-taxpayer-money-accepting-religious-preschools-reject-lgbtq-families/ | Advocate: 179 lawmakers tell SCOTUS not to let taxpayer money-accepting religious preschools reject LGBTQ+ families | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Katherine M. Clark | C001101 | katherineclark.house.gov | clark | https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/ | scraper | The Congressional Equality Caucus said Monday that 179 members of Congress, including 13 senators, had signed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve Colorado’s power to prevent publicly funded preschools from denying admission to children because they or their parents are LGBTQ+. The brief in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy is led by U.S. Rep. Mark Takano of California, the caucus chair, with Democratic Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Its signers include Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Nancy Pelosi, and every Equality Caucus co-chair. “In 2020, Coloradans voted to ensure every child in the state would be able to benefit from a publicly-funded universal pre-school program, but the schools in this case want to take these funds and turn away LGBTQ+ kids and kids of LGBTQ+ parents—despite the program’s nondiscrimination policy. This is wrong,” Takano said in a statement. “Public dollars are for the good of the public, and this publicly funded program’s nondiscrimination policy reflects that.” How the preschool case reached the Supreme Court Colorado voters approved a funding source for universal preschool in 2020. The current program offers all 4-year-olds up to 15 hours of free preschool weekly in the year before kindergarten through public, private, and faith-based providers. Participating schools must provide equal enrollment opportunities regardless of characteristics including sexual orientation and gender identity. Two Catholic parishes sued alongside the Archdiocese of Denver and parents Daniel and Lisa Sheley. The schools say Catholic teaching requires them to consider the sexual orientation and gender identity of children and parents during admissions. They do not categorically exclude children with same-sex parents, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found, although Wellspring Catholic Academy previously denied admission to a fifth-grade applicant with same-sex parents. The Advocate reported when the case went to trial in 2024 that the … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/24/neal-makes-fifth-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-pittsfield/ | Neal Makes Fifth Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to Pittsfield | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Pittsfield, MA — On Monday, August 24, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti and city officials at Zion Lutheran Church to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District. In Pittsfield, $87.3 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including: $53.8 million in ARPA funding, consisting of $40.6 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $13.2 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Funding $33.5 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act “As the largest city in Berkshire County, Pittsfield plays a critical role in the economic vitality of the region. As a result, the impact of these investments will extend well beyond the city limits and deliver lasting benefits to residents throughout the Berkshires,” said Congressman Neal. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Marchetti, former Mayor Linda Tyer, the city council, and city officials, investments that addressed immediate needs and improved quality of life were made across the board. From investments in city infrastructure and services to assistance for local non-profits and businesses, the City capitalized on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make investments that will benefit the community for years to come.” As a result of the ARPA, the City of Pittsfield was able to invest $9.5 million in housing, which supported the development of 86 new housing units and the renovation of an additional 30 units. In addition, funding supported the development of 37 new permanent supportive apartments, with 28 located in a newly constructed building at 111 W. Housatonic Street, and nine located on the second floor of the Zion Lutheran Church. The City was also able to fund a 7,700-square-foot Housing Resource C… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/22/neal-statement-on-trump-blowing-canada-trade-talks/ | Neal Statement on Trump Blowing Canada Trade Talks | 2026-08-22 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after Trump blew up trade negotiations with Canada: “Trump has once again blown a trade negotiation in the eleventh hour. He moved the goalposts, piling on new demands, and ultimately, tanking negotiations with one of our closest allies and trading partners. The manufactured chaos and picking fights don’t project strength, it shows the world the American president doesn’t give a damn about his people. What a reckless, embarrassing, and astonishing way to run a country—exactly why it’s so dangerous to hand him even more tariff authority. “Americans are already getting crushed in Trump’s economy. Jobs are disappearing, gas prices are soaring, borrowing is unaffordable, and the national debt just blew past $40 trillion—all on Republican’s watch. Now, because Trump couldn’t find common ground with one of our closest friends, American workers, businesses, and families will pay another price. He’s driving the economy into the ground, and there’s no relief in sight.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/21/neal-demands-answers-for-trump-administrations-trampling-of-irs-employee-rights/ | Neal Demands Answers for Trump Administration’s Trampling of IRS Employee Rights | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal today sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) CEO Frank J. Bisignano, following up on his March 4, 2026, testimony to the Ways and Means Committee regarding the Administration’s attempt to unilaterally end the collective bargaining agreement between the IRS and the National Employees Treasury Union (NTEU). Bisignano testified that IRS employees “are losing nothing” without the collective bargaining agreement. “For nearly 90 years (since 1938), the NTEU, or its predecessor, has protected the rights of hundreds of thousands of federal employees to negotiate, take legal action, and advocate for themselves. I continue to stand by my statement that the Trump Administration cannot unilaterally take away the hard-fought rights of IRS employees to unionize.” Ranking Member Neal wrote. “You testified that ‘their benefits is under statute’ and that ‘their time off is under statute.’ However, I understand that the actions taken since termination of the agreement contradict this testimony.” Ranking Member Neal reminded CEO Bisignano that recent administrative actions contradict his testimony, including canceled telework, forced relocations, delayed Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, changes to performance evaluations, and unfair overtime allocations. Neal demanded the Administration provide written answers outlining the legal basis of their actions, and what, if any, reasonable accommodations they are making to impacted employees whose rights they’ve trampled on. Ranking Member Neal closed, “These actions raise serious concerns about your testimony and this Administration’s attempt to unlawfully terminate the collective bargaining agreement with NTEU by trampling on the rights of unionized employees.” READ THE FULL LETTER HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-conducts-unannounced-visit-burlington-ice-facility-shares-observations | Moulton Conducts Unannounced Visit to Burlington ICE Facility, Shares Observations | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Seth Moulton | M001196 | moulton.house.gov | moulton | https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Burlington, MA —Today, following an unannounced visit to the ICE field office in Burlington, Massachusetts, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) issued the following statement regarding his observations made during his oversight visit: "Today I conducted an unannounced visit to the Burlington ICE facility. This was my third visit to Burlington during the second Trump Administration, and my second unannounced visit. I returned today to see whether the problems I’ve seen have been addressed, and whether conditions for detainees have improved at all as ICE arrests have continued in high numbers. “I was delayed by over 30 minutes today before my tour inside the facility began. During that time period, my team and I noticed multiple vans leave the property. No explanation was given to me regarding this delay and why it was necessary. “During my tour I was reminded of something I’ve known since I first came here in 2019: This is no place for human habitation. “Enforcing our immigration laws still requires a semblance of due process, including the ability to speak to a lawyer and with family. We must do more to hold ICE accountable, and I will continue to push them to address the poor conditions inside the field office in Burlington. “I want to thank the activists that I spoke with following my visit. Your continued support for the individuals being detained inside this facility does not go unnoticed.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/20/neal-makes-fourth-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-east-longmeadow/ | Neal Makes Fourth Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to East Longmeadow | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | East Longmeadow, MA — On Thursday, August 20, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined East Longmeadow Town Manager Thomas Christensen, East Longmeadow Town Council Vice President James Leydon, East Longmeadow Fire Chief Christopher Beecher, and local officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District thanks to ARPA, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. In East Longmeadow, $12.3 million was invested in projects and initiatives thanks to the ARPA, including $4.8 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $7.5 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding. “It was a privilege to visit the East Longmeadow Fire Department and meet with Town officials to hear just what this funding meant to their community. Projects and initiatives that once seemed out of reach were suddenly attainable thanks to the legislation we enacted,” said Congressman Neal. “As we continue this tour, there is a phrase that we consistently hear from local officials: long-term investment. In East Longmeadow, it means fire engines, police cruisers, DPW vehicles, and school resources that will serve the Town for years to come.” As a result of the ARPA, the Town of East Longmeadow was able to invest in 30 initiatives that addressed the needs of the Town’s infrastructure, public safety, and education. Among these investments are: $836,289.58 for purchasing the new Town Hall at 382 N Main Street $142,264.76 for the replacement of the Fire Department’s Engine 2 $149,970.91 for three new police cruisers, including one unmarked and two marked cruisers $25,026.80 for firefighter bunker gear $438,613.09 in IT investments, including: The replacement of town and school networking equipment Replacement of the IT fuel management system, ensuring usage and cost are tracked accurately Replacement of school Chromebook devices $179,900 for a … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://pressley.house.gov/2026/08/19/news-pressley-ramirez-mcgovern-demand-answers-of-trump-admin-on-persecution-of-political-dissent-targeting-of-left-leaning-political-groups/ | NEWS: Pressley, Ramirez, McGovern Demand Answers of Trump Admin. on Persecution of Political Dissent, Targeting of Left-leaning Political Groups | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Ayanna Pressley | P000617 | pressley.house.gov | pressley | https://pressley.house.gov/news/ | scraper | “Defining political opposition as an existential threat does not make communities safer—it degrades civil liberties, expands state surveillance, enables violence by state actors, and mirrors the repressive tactics of authoritarian regimes worldwide.” Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmembers Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Jim McGovern (MA-02) led 23 colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent demanding an end to the Trump Administration’s policies to persecute political dissent. In the letter, members raised serious concerns regarding the deployment of the State and Treasury Departments policies against the so-called “far-left networks” as an attempt to target and silence any person, organization, or institution critical of the Administration’s policies and abuses of power on a global scale. The letter also asks for the release of all communications, advisories, and guidance between State, Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the White House regarding the implementation of the National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, an order that Trump signed last September targeting “domestic terrorism and organized political violence.” “The weaponization of the security apparatus of the state to suppress political dissent, criminalize international solidarity, and intimidate civil society is a direct assault on constitutional rights and democratic governance. Defining political opposition as an existential threat does not make communities safer—it degrades civil liberties, expands state surveillance, enables violence by state actors, and mirrors the repressive tactics of authoritarian regimes worldwide. We urge the Administration to immediately withdraw this policy, abandon plans to export the NSPM-7 framework to foreign governments, and cease deploying the State and Treasury Departments to target political speech and civil society,” wrote the lawmakers. In July, Secretary R… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/19/neal-makes-third-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-palmer/ | Neal Makes Third Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to Palmer | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Palmer, MA — Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Palmer Town Manager Brad Brothers, city councilors, and local officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District. In Palmer, $23.5 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including: $12.5 million in funding from the ARPA, consisting of $3.7 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $8.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding. $11 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act “Today marked another terrific stop on this tour, as we continue to show the people of western and central Massachusetts how their local officials have successfully implemented these funds to improve quality of life and local services,” said Congressman Neal. “In Palmer, the Town Manager and Town Councilors did a terrific job of identifying a variety of challenges confronting their community, and I am so pleased that they were able to take advantage of these generational investments.” As a result of the ARPA, the Town of Palmer was able to invest in thirty-four initiatives, some of which include: $1,363,100.00 for repairs to Duke Track at Palmer High School $254,800.00 for the Church Street Bridge $34,610.74 for the Town’s ambulance service $110,181.00 in investments to the Town Hall, including the security system, front steps and walkway, and interior renovations $47,310.00 for a handicap ramp for the Council on Aging $50,000.00 for the gymnasium floor replacement at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School $864,206.67 to address the Palmer Road sinkhole $70,445.00 for a Department of Public Works vehicle $125,073.22 for the Town’s fuel assistance program $280,000.00 for the energy management system at Pa… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400393 | McGovern, Khanna, and Meeks Lead Colleagues in Demanding the Trump Administration Explain Decision to Lift Sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong Officials | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | James P. McGovern | M000312 | mcgovern.house.gov | mcgovern | https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Raking Member of the Congressional-Commission on China, Ro Khanna, Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and six other House Members sent a letter to President Trump expressing serious concern about his decision to allow an Executive Order to lapse. The decision resulted in sanctions relief for Chinese and Hong Kong officials complicit in Beijing’s dismantling of Hong Kong’s autonomy. “The lapse of the national emergency has already resulted in significant changes to the sanctions status of dozens of Hong Kong and Beijing officials, and it raises serious questions about the durability of U.S. policy toward Hong Kong that we believe warrant a direct response from the Administration,” wrote the Members of Congress. “In effect, this amounts to a downgrade in sanctions exposure for 39 individuals, including the sitting Chief Executive and Chief Secretary of Hong Kong.” In his first term, President Trump issued Executive Order 13936 to employ emergency authorities to strip Hong Kong of its preferential trade and export-control treatment it had previously enjoyed as a distinct customs territory and authorize sanctions against individuals. In July 2026, President Trump declined to renew the Executive Order, thereby lifting sanctions on key individuals and sending a signal that the loss of Hong Kong’s autonomy is no longer a major concern for the U.S. government. “We are also concerned about the circumstances surrounding this decision. The PRC’s Ministry of Commerce has publicly stated that the non-renewal implements understandings reached during the U.S.-PRC economic and trade consultations in Madrid, and that the United States made commitments concerning Hong Kong and investment-related issues during those talks,” wrote the Members of Congress. “If accurate, this would mean that sanctions relief f… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-bennet-schumer-schrier-88-colleagues-demand-rescission-of-trumps-dangerous-childhood-vaccine-executive-order | Markey, Bennet, Schumer, Schrier, 88 Colleagues Demand Rescission of Trump’s Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Executive Order | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter Text (PDF) Washington (August 18, 2026) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, along with Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Representative Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), and 88 colleagues demanded President Donald Trump rescind his executive order that directs federal health agencies to overhaul longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations and encourages states to reconsider school immunization requirements. Trump’s anti-science executive order creates chaos and confusion just as millions of families across the country are preparing for the school year and are relying on science-based vaccine recommendations to protect their children and communities from preventable diseases. The lawmakers wrote, “At a moment when the United States is experiencing the highest surge in measles cases in thirty-five years and an increasing number of states forced to declare public health emergencies – your administration is placing more children in harm’s way rather than protecting them. This Executive Order overrides decades of scientific evidence and sows fear, chaos, and confusion. The result will not be safer or healthier children; it will be a continued decline in vaccination rates, recurring disease outbreaks, higher healthcare costs, and school disruptions that cause learning loss. Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety, and save millions of lives each year – especially the lives of children.” Since being confirmed, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unleashed a methodical campaign to substitute decades of science with an anti-vaccine ideology. Specifically, Trump’s latest directive pushes to break up combination vaccines into single-disease doses, ignoring the medical community’s long-standing, evidence-backed agreement that combination vaccines are safe, effective, and specifically timed… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-ranking-member-wyden-colleagues-demand-hhs-dhs-stop-sharing-medicaid-data-with-ice | Senator Markey, Ranking Member Wyden, Colleagues Demand HHS, DHS Stop Sharing Medicaid Data with ICE | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | MA | Edward J. Markey | M000133 | www.markey.senate.gov | markey | https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Letter to HHS, CMS (PDF) | Letter to DHS (PDF) Washington (August 18, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), wrote to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, demanding that HHS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately stop unlawfully transferring Medicaid data to DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and that DHS immediately stop unlawfully receiving Medicaid data transfers from HHS. In July 2025, CMS and ICE entered into an agreement to give immigration enforcement officials access to the personal data of millions of Medicaid enrollees, including immigration status and addresses. In December 2025, a federal court set guardrails on the types of information CMS could share with ICE. HHS has now acknowledged that it transferred protected Medicaid information—including data on U.S. citizens—to immigration enforcement authorities three times in violation the court order. These data transfers form part of a larger pattern of information-sharing to advance the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, at the expense of Americans’ privacy and the statutory protections Congress built into these programs. In the letters, the lawmakers wrote, “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the personal health information of the tens of millions of people who rely on Medicaid is protected and that the Trump administration complies with federal court orders. Medicaid enrollees have a right to expect that their private information will be safeguarded and not employed for mass deportation campaigns. Each person whose informatio… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/18/neal-makes-first-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-west-springfield/ | Neal Makes First Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to West Springfield | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | West Springfield, MA — On Tuesday, August 18, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, city councilors, and local officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District. In West Springfield, nearly $100 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including: $39.4 million in funding from the ARPA, consisting of $8.5 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $30.9 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding. $60 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act “When you consider what House Democrats were able to accomplish in just four years, it is truly quite remarkable. The three legislative achievements we are highlighting on this tour are certainly among the most consequential that I’ve been a part of during my career. With those dollars now having been put into action, I think it’s important that we take the time to take stock of these investments and inform the public as to what we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Congressman Neal. “I am pleased to join with Mayor Reichelt and members of the West Springfield City Council, all of whom have done a terrific job investing these federal dollars. Whether it be improvements to the Town’s infrastructure, issuing grants to local nonprofits and businesses, or enhancing public safety, West Springfield demonstrated what an effective partnership with the federal government should look like. I have no doubt that the residents will see the benefits of these investments for years to come.” As a result of the ARPA, the Town of West Springfield was able to invest in its infrastructure, parks and recreation, public safety, community organizations, small-business recovery, municipal facilities, techno… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/18/neal-makes-second-stop-on-landmark-laws-local-investments-tour-with-visit-to-agawam/ | Neal Makes Second Stop on “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” Tour with Visit to Agawam | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Agawam, MA — On Tuesday, August 18, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson, city councilors, and local officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District. In Agawam, $42.8 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including: $23.8 million in funding from the ARPA, consisting of $8.6 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $15.2 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding. $19 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act “Agawam is fortunate to have great leadership in Mayor Johnson and the City Council, who were able to identify three pressing challenges that otherwise may have gone unaddressed for several years. Enabling local governments to pursue critical investments that might otherwise remain out of reach is precisely what we intended, and I could not be more pleased to join with the Town in celebrating their achievements,” said Congressman Neal. “This tour is a reminder as to why our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of the purse with Congress: we understand the needs of our communities, and we have the responsibility to deliver the federal dollars needed to address them. The investments we are highlighting on this tour speak to that very notion, and I look forward to seeing the tangible results of our efforts.” As a result of the ARPA, the Town of Agawam was able to complete three major infrastructure projects, including: $3.8 million for the Meadow Street Drainage Improvements and Water Main Replacement Project. This project resolved chronic flooding issues and replaced approximately 7,100 linear feet of aging water main. The improvements have strengthened system resilience, enhanced water quality and pressure, and improv… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
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